Numbers 26:55 - Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot. According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
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What does "Numbers 26:55" mean?
This verse from Numbers 26:55 outlines the method by which the Promised Land (Canaan) would be allocated to the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Notwithstanding...": This word means "nevertheless" or "despite what has been said before." In this context, it acknowledges that the preceding verses discuss the census and the number of people in each tribe.
"...the land shall be divided by lot...": This is the key point. The land would not be divided simply based on population size. Instead, the division would be determined by lot. "Lot" refers to a method of divination similar to drawing straws or rolling dice. It was believed that the outcome of the lot was determined by God's will, thus ensuring a fair and divinely ordained distribution.
"...According to the names of the tribes of their fathers...": The land would be divided among the tribes (named after the sons of Jacob/Israel), not individually to each person. Each tribe would receive a portion of the land.
"...they shall inherit.": This means that each tribe would receive its assigned territory as a permanent possession for their descendants.
In summary, Numbers 26:55 dictates that the allocation of land in Canaan to the Israelite tribes would be done by lot, under the authority of God, ensuring that each tribe would receive its inheritance.
Here are some key implications:
Fairness and Divine Will: Using lots was seen as a way to ensure a fair division, avoiding favoritism or disputes, and trusting in God's guidance.
Tribal Identity: The tribal structure was maintained, reinforcing the importance of lineage and identity.
Inheritance: Land ownership was passed down through families within each tribe.
Proportionality (Implied): While the division was by lot, other verses in Numbers 26 and elsewhere in the Pentateuch suggest that larger tribes would receive larger areas and smaller tribes smaller areas (Numbers 26:54). So, the lot likely determined which specific area each tribe got, rather than giving each tribe an equal area.
In the context of the broader narrative, this verse sets the stage for the actual land distribution under Joshua after the Israelites enter Canaan. The principle of dividing by lot is later implemented in the book of Joshua.
Numbers 26:55 - Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot. According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
What does "Numbers 26:55" mean?
This verse from Numbers 26:55 outlines the method by which the Promised Land (Canaan) would be allocated to the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Notwithstanding...": This word means "nevertheless" or "despite what has been said before." In this context, it acknowledges that the preceding verses discuss the census and the number of people in each tribe.
"...the land shall be divided by lot...": This is the key point. The land would not be divided simply based on population size. Instead, the division would be determined by lot. "Lot" refers to a method of divination similar to drawing straws or rolling dice. It was believed that the outcome of the lot was determined by God's will, thus ensuring a fair and divinely ordained distribution.
"...According to the names of the tribes of their fathers...": The land would be divided among the tribes (named after the sons of Jacob/Israel), not individually to each person. Each tribe would receive a portion of the land.
"...they shall inherit.": This means that each tribe would receive its assigned territory as a permanent possession for their descendants.
In summary, Numbers 26:55 dictates that the allocation of land in Canaan to the Israelite tribes would be done by lot, under the authority of God, ensuring that each tribe would receive its inheritance.
Here are some key implications:
Fairness and Divine Will: Using lots was seen as a way to ensure a fair division, avoiding favoritism or disputes, and trusting in God's guidance.
Tribal Identity: The tribal structure was maintained, reinforcing the importance of lineage and identity.
Inheritance: Land ownership was passed down through families within each tribe.
Proportionality (Implied): While the division was by lot, other verses in Numbers 26 and elsewhere in the Pentateuch suggest that larger tribes would receive larger areas and smaller tribes smaller areas (Numbers 26:54). So, the lot likely determined which specific area each tribe got, rather than giving each tribe an equal area.
In the context of the broader narrative, this verse sets the stage for the actual land distribution under Joshua after the Israelites enter Canaan. The principle of dividing by lot is later implemented in the book of Joshua.