In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Joshua, the account of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel is a significant event. After the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, had conquered much of Canaan, the land was to be distributed among the twelve tribes. However, at a certain point in the narrative, seven tribes had not yet received their inheritance. This situation is addressed in Joshua 18:1-10.

Context and Background

Following the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites gathered at Shiloh, where the Tent of Meeting was set up (Joshua 18:1). This location became the religious and administrative center for the Israelites during this period. Despite the victories and the establishment of a central place of worship, seven tribes had not yet taken possession of their allotted territories.

The Seven Tribes

The seven tribes without an inheritance at this point were Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. These tribes had not yet received their specific portions of land, unlike the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had already been allocated their territories.

Joshua's Exhortation

Joshua, recognizing the need to complete the division of the land, addressed the Israelites with a challenge. In Joshua 18:3 , he said, "How long will you put off entering and taking possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?" This exhortation highlights the importance of obedience and action in claiming God's promises.

The Survey and Division of the Land

To resolve the issue, Joshua instructed that three men from each of the seven tribes be appointed to survey the land and describe it according to its inheritance (Joshua 18:4-6). The men were to write a description of the land in seven parts and bring it back to Joshua. The land was then to be divided by casting lots before the LORD at Shiloh, ensuring that the division was guided by divine providence.

The Casting of Lots

The casting of lots was a common biblical method for making decisions, believed to reflect God's will. In Joshua 18:10 , it is recorded, "Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions." This process ensured that each tribe received its rightful inheritance as ordained by God.

Significance

The account of the seven tribes without an inheritance underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and initiative in claiming God's promises. The process of surveying and dividing the land also reflects the orderly and divinely guided nature of the Israelites' settlement in Canaan. Furthermore, the central role of Shiloh as a place of worship and decision-making emphasizes the spiritual foundation of the Israelite community.

This episode serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the necessity for His people to actively participate in the realization of those promises.