Joshua 18:1-6

1 After they had conquered the land, the entire community of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of the Lord's presence.
2 There were still seven tribes of the people of Israel who had not yet been assigned their share of the land.
3 So Joshua said to the people of Israel, "How long are you going to wait before you go in and take the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
4 Let me have three men from each tribe. I will send them out over the whole country to map out the territory that they would like to have as their possession. Then they are to come back to me.
5 The land will be divided among them in seven parts; Judah will stay in its territory in the south, and Joseph in its territory in the north.
6 Write down a description of these seven divisions and bring it to me. Then I will draw lots to consult the Lord our God for you.

Joshua 18:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 18

This chapter informs us of the setting up of the tabernacle at Shiloh, Jos 18:1; of the notice Joshua took, that seven tribes had not received their inheritance, Jos 18:2; of the instructions he gave them to send three men out of each tribe, and describe the land not yet disposed of, and bring the account to him, which was accordingly done, Jos 18:3-9; and then he cast lots for them, and the first lot came up for Benjamin, Jos 18:10,11; the borders of whose lots are described, Jos 18:12-20; and the several cities in it enumerated, Jos 18:21-28.

Footnotes 1

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.