What does Joshua 14:2 mean?
"By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe." - Joshua 14:2
Joshua 14:2 (KJV) reads: "By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe."
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Joshua, which details the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. The previous chapters describe how the land was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and now it is the turn for the remaining tribes to receive their inheritance.
The context of this verse is essential to understanding its meaning. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years after leaving Egypt, and they were now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. But before they could take possession of the land, it had to be divided among the tribes. This task was not to be done haphazardly but according to God's specific instructions.
The phrase "by lot" indicates that the allocation of the land was determined by the casting of lots, a common practice in the ancient Near East. The casting of lots was seen as a way for God to reveal His will and make decisions, as Proverbs 16:33 tells us, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." In this case, the allocation of the land was not based on personal preferences or human decision, but was determined by the sovereign will of God. This demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance and submitting to His authority in all matters.
The mention of Moses in this verse serves as a reminder that the allocation of the land was in accordance with the instructions that God had given to Moses. This emphasizes the continuity and consistency of God's plan for Israel. The land distribution was not a random or arbitrary process, but it was carried out according to the divine commandment given through Moses, thus emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
The mention of the "nine tribes, and for the half tribe" indicates that the land was allocated to the remaining tribes of Israel, with the exception of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose inheritance had already been settled on the east side of the Jordan River. This demonstrates that every tribe had a specific portion of the land allotted to them, highlighting the fairness and equity of God's provision for His people.
One of the key themes of this verse is the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. The division and allocation of the land to the tribes of Israel was a fulfillment of the covenant that God had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to give their descendants the land of Canaan as an inheritance. This demonstrates that God is true to His word and fulfills His promises, even over long periods of time. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives.
Another theme is the sovereignty of God in the lives of His people. The allocation of the land was not determined by human power or authority, but by the divine will of God. This highlights the ultimate control and authority of God over the affairs of His people, emphasizing the need for them to submit to His will and seek His guidance in all things.
In conclusion, Joshua 14:2 serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, and of the need to obey His commands. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and submitting to His will in all aspects of life. This verse highlights the allocation of the land as a fulfillment of God's promises and His faithfulness to His people, providing important lessons and encouragement for believers today.
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Joshua 14:2 - "By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe."
"By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe." - Joshua 14:2
Joshua 14:13 - "And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance."
Joshua 3:14
Joshua 3:14
Joshua 3:14
Joshua 3:14
Joshua 2:14 - "And the men answered her, Our life for your's, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee."
Joshua 4:14 - "¶ On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life."
Joshua 21:14 - "And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,"
Joshua 12:14 - "The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;"
Joshua 9:14 - "And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD."
Joshua 14:1 - "And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them."
Joshua 14:14 - "Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel."
Joshua 9:2 - "That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord."
Joshua 14:5 - "As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land."
"And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance." - Joshua 14:13
Joshua 19:14 - "And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthah-el:"
Joshua 14:6 - "¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea."
Joshua 6:14 - "And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days."
Joshua 15:14 - "And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
Joshua 5:14 - "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
Joshua 17:14 - "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?"
Joshua 10:14 - "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel."
Joshua 2:9
Numbers 14:6 - "¶ And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:"
Deuteronomy 31:14 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation."
Joshua 5:2 - "¶ At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time."
Numbers 14:38 - "But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still."
"The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;" - Joshua 12:14