Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "allotment" primarily refers to the distribution or assignment of land, roles, or responsibilities among the people of Israel. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God’s covenant with His people often included specific instructions for the division of land and duties.Allotment of Land The most prominent example of allotment in the Bible is the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the land was divided by lot as an inheritance for each tribe. This process is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the land is apportioned according to the size and needs of each tribe. Joshua 14:2 states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses." The allotment was not merely a practical distribution but was seen as a divine act, with God Himself determining the boundaries and portions. Numbers 26:55 emphasizes this divine involvement: "But the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of their ancestral tribes." Levitical Cities and Allotment The Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties, did not receive a large contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout Israel. This allotment ensured that the Levites could perform their religious duties and be supported by the community. Joshua 21:3 records, "So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance." Allotment of Roles and Responsibilities Beyond land, the concept of allotment extends to roles and responsibilities within the community and religious practices. In 1 Chronicles 24, the divisions of the priests are described, where lots were cast to determine the order of service in the temple. This ensured an organized and fair distribution of duties among the priestly families. Spiritual Significance The allotment of land and roles in the Old Testament carries a deeper spiritual significance. It reflects God’s sovereignty and His providential care for His people. Each tribe and individual had a specific place and purpose within the larger community, illustrating the biblical principle that God has a plan and purpose for each person. In the New Testament, while the specific term "allotment" is less frequently used, the concept persists in the understanding of spiritual gifts and roles within the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:11 states, "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills." This reflects the continuity of God’s sovereign distribution of roles and gifts among His people. Conclusion The biblical concept of allotment underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, order, and purpose. Whether in the distribution of land, the assignment of priestly duties, or the apportioning of spiritual gifts, allotment serves as a reminder of God’s meticulous care and intentional design for His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A share, part, or portion granted or distributed; that which is assigned by lot, or by the act of God; anything set apart for a special use or to a distinct party.2. (n.) The allowance of a specific amount of scrip or of a particular thing to a particular person. Greek 2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit ... Cognate: 2816 (from 2818 , "a specific allotment of inheritance, apportioned by casting lots") -- properly, to assign inheritance (inherit) by . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2816.htm - 8k 3313. meros -- a part, share, portion 3202. mempsimoiros -- complaining of one's fate Strong's Hebrew 8642. terumiyyah -- what belongs to a contribution, a contribution... terumiyyah. 8643 . what belongs to a contribution, a contribution. Transliteration: terumiyyah Phonetic Spelling: (ter-oo-mee-yaw') Short Definition: allotment ... /hebrew/8642.htm - 6k 8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses) 2256a. chebel -- cord, territory, band 2506. cheleq -- portion, tract, territory 4521. menath -- portion 2513. chelqah -- a portion (of ground) 2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute Library The Request of Salome. --The Ambition of the Disciples Rebuked. ... Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful? Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ... To the Reader. Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way ... Dishonest Tenants Analysis and References Matt. xiii. 10, 11 The Tillage of the Poor Unwon but Claimed Thesaurus Allotment (24 Occurrences)...Allotment (24 Occurrences). ... 2 Samuel 14:30 Then he said to his servants, See, Joab's allotment is near mine and he has barley there: go and set it on fire. ... /a/allotment.htm - 14k Anem (1 Occurrence) Allotments (4 Occurrences) Allot (8 Occurrences) Judah (802 Occurrences) Inheritance (263 Occurrences) Issachar (40 Occurrences) Four (3139 Occurrences) Ration (2 Occurrences) Manna (19 Occurrences) Resources Did the geographic positioning of the tribes fulfill Jacob's blessing? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org How was God Himself the inheritance of the Levites? | GotQuestions.org Allotment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Allotment (24 Occurrences)Genesis 47:22 Numbers 18:8 Numbers 18:11 Numbers 18:19 Deuteronomy 12:12 Deuteronomy 14:27 Deuteronomy 14:29 Deuteronomy 18:1 Deuteronomy 32:9 Joshua 16:1 Joshua 17:1 Joshua 17:14 Joshua 17:17 Joshua 19:9 Ruth 2:3 Ruth 4:3 2 Samuel 14:30 2 Samuel 14:31 Psalms 125:3 Ezekiel 45:6 Ezekiel 45:7 Ezekiel 48:8 Ezekiel 48:12 Ezekiel 48:13 Subtopics Related Terms |