Joshua 14:2 - by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.
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What does "Joshua 14:2" mean?
This verse is part of the larger narrative in the Book of Joshua about the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"By the lot of their inheritance": This refers to the method used to allocate the land. "Lot" here doesn't mean luck, but rather a specific method of divination, probably involving casting stones or drawing lots, to determine which portion of the land each tribe would receive. The use of lots was seen as a way to discern God's will in the distribution.
"as Yahweh commanded by Moses": This emphasizes that the distribution of the land was not arbitrary but was done according to God's instructions given to Moses, even though Moses had died before the conquest was complete. It reinforces the idea that the land was a divine gift and the distribution was divinely ordained.
"for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe": This specifies which groups of Israelites were being assigned land in this particular instance. Ten tribes were assigned land west of the Jordan river. However, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan (Numbers 32). The tribe of Levi did not receive a specific land allotment, as they were designated for priestly duties and were to live in cities scattered among the other tribes. This left nine tribes and a half-tribe to be allocated land in Canaan.
In summary, the verse means that the land was distributed among the nine tribes and a half-tribe west of the Jordan River according to God's specific instructions given to Moses. This distribution was carried out using the method of casting lots, which was seen as a way to discern God's will in the assignment of each tribe's inheritance.
The verse is important for several reasons:
It underscores the divine origin of the land. The land was not simply conquered; it was a gift from God.
It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites were expected to follow God's instructions in all matters, including the distribution of land.
It establishes a framework for the future of Israel. The distribution of land was intended to provide each tribe with a secure inheritance and a place to call home.
It foreshadows a future conflict. The division was not perfect, and boundary disputes and conflicts with remaining Canaanites would occur.
Joshua 14:2 - by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.
What does "Joshua 14:2" mean?
This verse is part of the larger narrative in the Book of Joshua about the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"By the lot of their inheritance": This refers to the method used to allocate the land. "Lot" here doesn't mean luck, but rather a specific method of divination, probably involving casting stones or drawing lots, to determine which portion of the land each tribe would receive. The use of lots was seen as a way to discern God's will in the distribution.
"as Yahweh commanded by Moses": This emphasizes that the distribution of the land was not arbitrary but was done according to God's instructions given to Moses, even though Moses had died before the conquest was complete. It reinforces the idea that the land was a divine gift and the distribution was divinely ordained.
"for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe": This specifies which groups of Israelites were being assigned land in this particular instance. Ten tribes were assigned land west of the Jordan river. However, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan (Numbers 32). The tribe of Levi did not receive a specific land allotment, as they were designated for priestly duties and were to live in cities scattered among the other tribes. This left nine tribes and a half-tribe to be allocated land in Canaan.
In summary, the verse means that the land was distributed among the nine tribes and a half-tribe west of the Jordan River according to God's specific instructions given to Moses. This distribution was carried out using the method of casting lots, which was seen as a way to discern God's will in the assignment of each tribe's inheritance.
The verse is important for several reasons:
It underscores the divine origin of the land. The land was not simply conquered; it was a gift from God.
It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites were expected to follow God's instructions in all matters, including the distribution of land.
It establishes a framework for the future of Israel. The distribution of land was intended to provide each tribe with a secure inheritance and a place to call home.
It foreshadows a future conflict. The division was not perfect, and boundary disputes and conflicts with remaining Canaanites would occur.