Scripture Text: Joshua 13:8-19:51
Memory Verse: “So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’” Joshua 14:9
Introduction:
Two and a half tribes, Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had already been assigned land east of the Jordan. Levi did not receive a tribal inheritance, since that was the priestly tribe, and the Lord had a special inheritance for them. Dropping Levi from the tribes leaves only eleven tribes. But Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are included in Joseph’s place, and that raises the number to twelve again. The reason Joseph’s sons are included is that they were adopted by Jacob as his own sons before his death.
The distribution of the land on the west side of Jordan to the nine tribes and the half-tribe was to be made by lot. The general location of the tribal portion was determined by lot, but the size of the territory was according to the population of the tribe. Before giving the territorial boundaries, Caleb requested the city of Hebron. Though he was then eighty-five years old, he knew that God would not have kept him alive, without giving him a reward for his faith.
The boundaries of Judah’s territory included cities that provided a rich heritage for Judah and a powerful stimulus to strengthen their faith. The tribe of Joseph is taken up next. To Joseph had been given the birthright which Reuben had forfeited. Joseph’s territory was divided between Ephraim and half of the tribe of Manasseh which settled west of the Jordan.
Judah and Joseph had received their inheritance by casting of lots, but there were still seven tribes west of the Jordan which had not been assigned their inheritance. Therefore, Joshua sent a group of men, three from each tribe, to survey the remaining seven tribes by lot.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- The dividing of the land among the twelve tribes was the fulfillment of God’s promise and inspired hope for a greater and lasting peace. What has God promised the faithful believer about His kingdom? (Joshua 13:6-7; Psalms 16:6; Matthew 5:3-10; Ephesians 5:5; John 14:1-4)
- What characteristics in Caleb’s life illustrate the kind of lives God expects in believers? (Joshua 14:1-15; Numbers 14:24; 1 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 6:12)
- Had the people chosen their inheritance, there no doubt would have been competition and conflict. What does the Bible say about envying another’s achievements or abilities? (Psalms 47:4; Psalms 16:5; 1 Corinthians 4:7; John 3:27)
- Why did Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh receive two inheritances? (Joshua 16:4; Genesis 48; James 4:2)
Applying the Word
Israel failed to possess the land fully and to completely drive out the Canaanites for at least two reasons. What were they? (Joshua 17:13; Judges 1:21, 27-29; 2:11-13) (Joshua 17:16-18; Judges 1:19; Psalms 20:6-8)