Joshua 18:2
there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance.
But there were still
This phrase indicates a continuation of a previous narrative, suggesting a pause or delay in the process of distributing the land. The Hebrew word for "still" (עוֹד, 'od) implies persistence or remaining. Historically, this reflects a period of transition and incomplete fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey of faith and obedience required to fully realize God's plans.

seven tribes of Israel
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection. However, in this context, it highlights incompleteness, as these tribes had not yet received their inheritance. The tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons, represent the collective identity and unity of God's chosen people. This phrase underscores the importance of each tribe's role in the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel.

who had not yet received
The phrase "had not yet received" suggests a delay or waiting period. The Hebrew root קָבַל (qabal) means to receive or accept. This delay could be due to various factors, including lack of initiative or unresolved conflicts. Spiritually, it reflects the need for patience and trust in God's timing, as well as the active participation required to claim His promises.

their inheritance
Inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) in the biblical context refers to the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies not only physical territory but also spiritual legacy and divine blessing. The concept of inheritance is central to the identity and destiny of the Israelites, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant. This phrase invites reflection on the spiritual inheritance available to believers today through faith in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing the distribution of the land among the tribes.

2. Seven Tribes of Israel
These are the tribes that had not yet received their inheritance in the Promised Land. They represent the remaining tribes that needed to settle in their allotted territories.

3. Shiloh
The place where the Israelites gathered to set up the Tent of Meeting and where the land distribution process was organized.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites were in the process of possessing.

5. Inheritance
The portion of land that each tribe was to receive as their permanent possession, as promised by God.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The delay in receiving the inheritance does not negate God's promise. His timing and methods are perfect, and His promises are sure.

Active Participation in God's Promises
The tribes needed to take action to receive their inheritance. Similarly, believers are called to actively participate in God's promises through faith and obedience.

Unity and Cooperation
The distribution of the land required cooperation among the tribes. In the body of Christ, unity and cooperation are essential for fulfilling God's purposes.

Spiritual Inheritance
Just as the tribes awaited their physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ that requires faith and perseverance to fully realize.

Patience and Trust in God's Timing
The waiting period for the tribes teaches us to trust in God's timing and to remain patient as we await the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the fact that seven tribes had not yet received their inheritance, and how does this apply to our spiritual journey today?

2. How does the concept of inheritance in Joshua 18 relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we actively participate in receiving God's promises, as the tribes were required to do in claiming their land?

4. How does the unity and cooperation among the tribes in receiving their inheritance reflect the unity required in the church today?

5. What are some areas in your life where you need to exercise patience and trust in God's timing, similar to the waiting period experienced by the seven tribes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 34
This chapter outlines the boundaries of the Promised Land and the instructions for dividing it among the tribes, providing context for the events in Joshua 18.

Joshua 13-17
These chapters detail the allotments given to the other tribes, setting the stage for the remaining tribes to receive their inheritance in Joshua 18.

Deuteronomy 1:8
God’s promise to give the land to the Israelites, emphasizing the fulfillment of His covenant with the patriarchs.

Hebrews 4:8-10
Discusses the concept of rest, connecting the physical rest in the Promised Land with the spiritual rest found in Christ.
Joshua's RemonstranceR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Joshua 18:1-28
Religion in the New LandW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 18:1-28
Slack to PossessW. Seaton.Joshua 18:1-28
SlacknessW.F. Adeney Joshua 18:2, 3
People
Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, Reuben
Places
Adummim, Arabah, Ataroth-addar, Avvim, Beeroth, Beth-arabah, Beth-aven, Bethel, Beth-hoglah, Beth-horon, Emek-keziz, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Ephron, Geba, Geliloth, Gibeah, Gibeon, Haeleph, Irpeel, Jebus, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Luz, Mizpeh, Mozah, Nephtoah, Ophni, Ophrah, Parah, Ramah, Rekem, Salt Sea, Shiloh, Taralah, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zela, Zemaraim
Topics
Apportioned, Distributed, Divided, Heritage, Inheritance, Israelite, Received, Seven, Shared, Sons, Tribes, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 18:1

     5267   control
     7209   congregation
     7413   priesthood, OT
     7442   shrine
     7459   tabernacle, in OT
     7467   temple, Solomon's
     7474   Tent of Meeting

Library
The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon.
This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
(Jerusalem and Ephraim in Judæa.) ^D John XI. 47-54. ^d 47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council [called a meeting of the Sanhedrin], and said, What do we? [Thus they reproach one another for having done nothing in a present and urgent crisis. As two of their number (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathæa) were afterwards in communications with Christians, it was easy for the disciples to find out what occurred on this notable occasion.] for this man doeth many signs.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Joshua 18:2 NIV
Joshua 18:2 NLT
Joshua 18:2 ESV
Joshua 18:2 NASB
Joshua 18:2 KJV

Joshua 18:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 18:1
Top of Page
Top of Page