Joshua 18
BSB1 Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them, 2 there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. 3 So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? 4 Appoint three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to survey the land and map it out, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me 5 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. 6 When you have mapped out the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God. 7 The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east." 8 As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD." 9 So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh. 10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions. 11 The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: 12 On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. 13 From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. 14 On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side. 15 On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. 16 Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel. 17 From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. 18 Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah and went down into the valley. 19 The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border. 20 On the east side the border was the Jordan. These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. 21 These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz, 22 Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, 23 Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, 24 Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba—twelve cities, along with their villages. 25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 26 Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah, 27 Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, 28 Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim —fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.
Study Notes — Joshua 18
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 18
- Themes from Joshua 18
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joshua 18
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Joshua 18 begins with the gathering of the Israelites at Shiloh, where Joshua rebukes the seven remaining tribes for not having taken possession of their inheritance. The chapter then describes how Joshua instructs the tribes to send out three men from each tribe to survey the land and divide it into seven portions, which would then be allocated by lot. The chapter concludes with the description of the borders of the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the importance of following God's plan for the division of the land. Key verses include Joshua 18:3, where Joshua asks the tribes how long they will wait to take possession of their land, and Joshua 18:10, which describes the casting of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe.
Context for the Chapter
Joshua 18 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which began in Joshua 1. The chapter follows the allocation of land to the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh in Joshua 13-17. The division of the land among the remaining seven tribes is a crucial step in the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. This chapter also sets the stage for the establishment of the tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood in Joshua 18:1 and 21:1-3.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of following God's plan and working together as His people. We must be obedient to God's instructions and trust in His sovereignty, just as the Israelites did in Joshua 18:10. By doing so, we can fulfill our unique roles and responsibilities in the body of Christ and trust that God will provide us with our spiritual inheritance.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Joshua 18 is about the division of the land among the remaining seven tribes of Israel. The chapter reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and that we must work together to fulfill our unique roles and responsibilities. We see this in Joshua 18:3, where Joshua encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance, and in Joshua 18:10, where the lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's people are not to wait for others, but to go forward themselves, and to take possession of their inheritance, just as the Israelites did in Joshua 18:3.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The casting of lots was not a matter of chance, but a demonstration of God's sovereignty, as seen in Joshua 18:10.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: The Gathering at Shiloh (18:1) — The Israelites gather at Shiloh, and Joshua rebukes the seven remaining tribes for not having taken possession of their inheritance.
- The Survey of the Land (18:4-9) — Joshua instructs the tribes to send out three men from each tribe to survey the land and divide it into seven portions.
- The Division of the Land (18:10-28) — The lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe, and the borders of the tribe of Benjamin are described.
- Conclusion: The Completion of the Conquest (18:28) — The division of the land among the remaining seven tribes is complete, marking a significant step in the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan.
- The Significance of the Division of the Land (18:1-28) — The division of the land serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of following His plan, as seen in the use of lots in Joshua 18:10.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, as seen in Joshua 18:10.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the need for the tribes to obey God's instructions and take possession of their inheritance, as seen in Joshua 18:3.
- The Role of Leadership
- Joshua's leadership is crucial in this chapter, as he encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance and provides guidance on how to do so, as seen in Joshua 18:3.
- The Unity of God's People
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among God's people, as the tribes work together to complete the conquest of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 18:1.
Lessons from Joshua 18
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the need for obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Joshua 18:3, where Joshua rebukes the tribes for their lack of action.
- The Role of Leadership — Joshua's leadership is crucial in this chapter, as he encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance and provides guidance on how to do so, as seen in Joshua 18:3.
- The Unity of God's People — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among God's people, as the tribes work together to complete the conquest of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 18:1.
- The Sovereignty of God — The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, as seen in Joshua 18:10.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Plan — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's plan and to have faith in His sovereignty, as seen in Joshua 18:10, where the lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe.
Themes from Joshua 18
- The Division of the Land — The chapter describes the division of the land among the remaining seven tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of following God's plan.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the need for obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Joshua 18:3, where Joshua rebukes the tribes for their lack of action.
- The Role of Leadership — Joshua's leadership is crucial in this chapter, as he encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance and provides guidance on how to do so, as seen in Joshua 18:3.
- The Unity of God's People — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among God's people, as the tribes work together to complete the conquest of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 18:1.
- The Sovereignty of God — The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, as seen in Joshua 18:10.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Joshua 18, and how does it relate to the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan?
- How does the use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrate God's sovereignty, as seen in Joshua 18:10?
- What role does leadership play in this chapter, and how does Joshua's leadership contribute to the completion of the conquest, as seen in Joshua 18:3?
- How does the division of the land among the remaining seven tribes serve as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 18:28?
- What lessons can be applied to our own lives from the importance of obedience and unity in this chapter, as seen in Joshua 18:3 and 18:1?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: The Gathering at Shiloh (18:1-2)
| Joshua 18:1 | The Israelites gather at Shiloh, and Joshua rebukes the seven remaining tribes for not having taken possession of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:2 | The tribes are reminded of their responsibility to take possession of their land. |
2. The Survey of the Land (18:3-9)
| Joshua 18:3 | Joshua asks the tribes how long they will wait to take possession of their land, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's instructions. |
| Joshua 18:4 | Joshua instructs the tribes to send out three men from each tribe to survey the land and divide it into seven portions. |
| Joshua 18:5 | The men are to describe the land and divide it into seven portions, which will then be allocated by lot. |
| Joshua 18:6 | The men are to return to Joshua with their descriptions of the land, and the lots will be cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe. |
| Joshua 18:7 | The Levites are not given an inheritance, as they are set apart for the Lord. |
| Joshua 18:8 | The men return to Joshua and describe the land, and the lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe. |
| Joshua 18:9 | The men return to Shiloh and describe the land to Joshua, who then divides the land among the tribes. |
3. The Division of the Land (18:10-28)
| Joshua 18:10 | The lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe, demonstrating God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. |
| Joshua 18:11 | The first lot falls to the tribe of Benjamin, and their borders are described. |
| Joshua 18:12 | The borders of Benjamin are described in more detail, highlighting the importance of following God's plan. |
| Joshua 18:13 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:14 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the Jordan River and the cities that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:15 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:16 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:17 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:18 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:19 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the Jordan River and the cities that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:20 | The borders of Benjamin are described, including the cities and villages that are part of their inheritance. |
| Joshua 18:21 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, highlighting the importance of following God's plan. |
| Joshua 18:22 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Jericho and Bethel. |
| Joshua 18:23 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Avvim and Parah. |
| Joshua 18:24 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Ophrah and Chephar-ammoni. |
| Joshua 18:25 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Gibeon and Ramah. |
| Joshua 18:26 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Beeroth and Mizpeh. |
| Joshua 18:27 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Kephirah and Mozah. |
| Joshua 18:28 | The cities that are part of the inheritance of Benjamin are listed, including Rekem and Irpeel and Taralah. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Joshua 18?
The main theme of Joshua 18 is the division of the land among the remaining seven tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of following God's plan and the need for the tribes to work together to complete the conquest of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 18:1-28.
How does the use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrate God's sovereignty?
The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, as seen in Joshua 18:10, where the lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe.
What role does leadership play in this chapter?
Joshua's leadership is crucial in this chapter, as he encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance and provides guidance on how to do so, as seen in Joshua 18:3, where Joshua rebukes the tribes for their lack of action.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 18:1 → Psalms 78:55 | The gathering of the Israelites at Shiloh is reminiscent of the gathering of the Israelites in the wilderness, where God gave them the law and instructed them to follow His commands, as seen in Psalms 78:55. |
| 2 | Joshua 18:3 → Hebrews 3:7-11 | The rebuke of the tribes for their lack of action is similar to the warning given to the Israelites in the wilderness, where they were warned not to harden their hearts against God's commands, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11. |
| 3 | Joshua 18:10 → Proverbs 16:33 | The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe is an example of how God's sovereignty is demonstrated in the lives of His people, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, where it is written that the lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord. |
| 4 | Joshua 18:1 → Acts 13:19 | The division of the land among the tribes is an example of how God fulfills His promises to His people, as seen in Acts 13:19, where it is written that God gave them their land as an inheritance. |
| 5 | Joshua 18:3 → 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 | The rebuke of the tribes for their lack of action is similar to the warning given to the Corinthians, where they are warned not to be like the Israelites in the wilderness, who were disobedient and hardened their hearts against God's commands, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. |
| 6 | Joshua 18:10 → Matthew 25:1-13 | The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe is an example of how God's sovereignty is demonstrated in the lives of His people, as seen in Matthew 25:1-13, where the parable of the ten virgins is told, highlighting the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return. |
| 7 | Joshua 18:1 → Ephesians 2:11-22 | The gathering of the Israelites at Shiloh is reminiscent of the gathering of the church, where believers are united in Christ and become one body, as seen in Ephesians 2:11-22. |
| 8 | Joshua 18:3 → Hebrews 12:1-2 | The rebuke of the tribes for their lack of action is similar to the warning given to the Hebrews, where they are warned to lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and to run with endurance the race that is set before them, as seen in Hebrews 12:1-2. |
| 9 | Joshua 18:10 → Romans 11:33-36 | The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe is an example of how God's sovereignty is demonstrated in the lives of His people, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where it is written that God's ways are unsearchable and His judgments are inscrutable. |
| 10 | Joshua 18:1 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The division of the land among the tribes is an example of how God fulfills His promises to His people, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4, where it is written that God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and that He will dwell with His people forever. |
Sermons on Joshua 18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing fully assured in one's faith. He refers to the book of Joshua and connects it to the verses in Colossians 2:1-3. T |
|
Joshua Chapter 6 Possessing the Inheritance by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of not only conquering but also possessing the spiritual inheritance that God has promised to His people. He draws parallels between the Isra |
|
|
Possessing the Inheritance by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of not only conquering but also possessing the spiritual inheritance that God has promised to His people. He draws parallels between the Isra |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 18
In this chapter, we see the Israelites gathering at Shiloh, where Joshua rebukes the seven remaining tribes for not having taken possession of their inheritance. The chapter then describes the survey of the land and the division of the land among the tribes, highlighting the importance of following God's plan and the need for the tribes to work together to complete the conquest of Canaan. The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord.' This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Joshua 18:3 and 18:10. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Unity
The chapter highlights the need for the tribes to work together to complete the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating the importance of unity among God's people. This is seen in Joshua 18:1, where the Israelites gather at Shiloh.
The Role of Leadership
Joshua's leadership is crucial in this chapter, as he encourages the tribes to take possession of their inheritance and provides guidance on how to do so. This is evident in Joshua 18:3, where Joshua rebukes the tribes for their lack of action.
The Sovereignty of God
The use of lots to determine the inheritance of each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. This is seen in Joshua 18:10, where the lots are cast to determine the inheritance of each tribe.