and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north. They shall divide it into seven portionsThis phrase refers to the division of the remaining land among the seven tribes of Israel that had not yet received their inheritance. The Hebrew root for "divide" is "חָלַק" (chalak), which means to apportion or distribute. This division was not merely a logistical task but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, indicating that this division was divinely ordained and complete in its purpose. Judah shall remain in its territory in the south and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, responsible for leading the people into the Promised Land and overseeing the division of the land among the tribes. 2. Judah One of the twelve tribes of Israel, allotted territory in the southern part of the Promised Land. Known for its future significance as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come. 3. House of Joseph Refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, who were given territory in the northern part of the Promised Land. 4. Promised Land The land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites are in the process of possessing and dividing among the tribes. 5. Shiloh The place where the Israelites gathered to set up the Tent of Meeting and where the land division was organized. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe division of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives. Order and Structure in God's Plan The organized division of the land reflects God's desire for order and structure. This can encourage believers to seek God's guidance in organizing their own lives and communities. Unity and Diversity Among God's People While each tribe received a distinct portion, they were all part of one nation under God. This illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ today. Inheritance and Responsibility The land was an inheritance, but it also came with the responsibility to steward it well. Believers are called to steward their God-given gifts and resources responsibly. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the division of the land among the tribes of Israel demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Reflect on a promise from God that you have seen fulfilled in your life.2. In what ways does the organized division of the land encourage us to seek order and structure in our spiritual and daily lives? 3. How can the unity and diversity among the tribes of Israel inspire us to appreciate and work within the diversity of the body of Christ today? 4. What responsibilities come with the inheritance that God has given you, whether spiritual gifts, talents, or resources? 5. How can the account of the land division in Joshua 18:5 encourage us to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, even when it requires patience and faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49Jacob's blessings to his sons, including Judah and Joseph, foreshadow the future territories and roles of their descendants. Numbers 34 Details the boundaries of the Promised Land and the instructions for dividing it among the tribes. 1 Chronicles 5 Chronicles the genealogies and territories of the tribes, including Judah and the house of Joseph.
People Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, ReubenPlaces 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, ZemaraimTopics Abide, Border, Borders, Coast, Coasts, Continuing, Divide, Divided, Division, Inside, Joseph, Judah, Limit, North, Portions, Seven, South, Stay, TerritoryDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 18:5 4842 north 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. Beth-El. Beth-Aven. Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements. Joshua Links Joshua 18:5 NIVJoshua 18:5 NLT Joshua 18:5 ESV Joshua 18:5 NASB Joshua 18:5 KJV Joshua 18:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |