and divide the land into seven portions.This directive comes as the Israelites are in the process of settling the Promised Land. The division into seven portions is significant because it reflects the remaining tribes that have not yet received their inheritance. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, indicating a divinely ordained distribution. This division was to be carried out by surveyors, ensuring fairness and adherence to God's commands. The process underscores the importance of order and obedience in the community of God's people.
Judah shall remain in their territory in the south,
Judah's territory had already been established, as seen in earlier chapters. This tribe's location in the south is significant due to its future prominence in Israel's history. Judah would become the leading tribe, producing kings like David and ultimately Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" inRevelation 5:5. The southern location also provided a strategic position for defense and trade, contributing to Judah's strength and influence.
and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north.
The house of Joseph refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, who received a double portion of inheritance. Their location in the north is crucial as it places them in a fertile and strategically important area. This territory included significant sites such as Shechem and Shiloh, which held religious and historical importance. The division also foreshadows the later split of the united kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south), with the northern kingdom often being associated with the house of Joseph. This separation highlights the distinct roles and destinies of these tribes within God's plan for Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, responsible for leading the people into the Promised Land and overseeing the division of the land among the tribes.
2.
JudahOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, allotted territory in the southern part of the Promised Land. Known for its future significance as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come.
3.
House of JosephRefers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, who were given territory in the northern part of the Promised Land.
4.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites are in the process of possessing and dividing among the tribes.
5.
ShilohThe place where the Israelites gathered to set up the Tent of Meeting and where the land division was organized.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe division of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives.
Order and Structure in God's PlanThe organized division of the land reflects God's desire for order and structure. This can encourage believers to seek God's guidance in organizing their own lives and communities.
Unity and Diversity Among God's PeopleWhile each tribe received a distinct portion, they were all part of one nation under God. This illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ today.
Inheritance and ResponsibilityThe land was an inheritance, but it also came with the responsibility to steward it well. Believers are called to steward their God-given gifts and resources responsibly.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 18:5?
2.How does Joshua 18:5 demonstrate God's order in dividing the land?
3.What role does obedience play in the Israelites' inheritance in Joshua 18:5?
4.How does dividing the land relate to God's promises in Genesis 12:7?
5.How can we apply the principle of fairness from Joshua 18:5 today?
6.What does Joshua 18:5 teach about leadership and responsibility in God's plan?
7.How does Joshua 18:5 reflect God's plan for the Israelites' inheritance?
8.What is the significance of dividing the land into seven parts in Joshua 18:5?
9.How does Joshua 18:5 demonstrate God's promise to the tribes of Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 18?
11.Who were the 12 tribes of Israel?
12.Genesis 48 - How does the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh as tribes align with the tribal lists elsewhere in the Bible, and does it create any contradictions?
13.In 1 Chronicles 5:1, why is Reuben's birthright transferred to Joseph instead of Judah, given other texts stress Judah's prominence?
14.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?What Does Joshua 18:5 Mean
The Historical MomentIsrael has entered Canaan, major military campaigns are finished, and “the whole congregation of the Israelites assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there” (Joshua 18:1). Shiloh becomes the worship center, emphasizing that allotment of land is inseparable from worship. Earlier, eastern Jordan tribes had already received territory (Joshua 13:8-33), and western territories for Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh were assigned (Joshua 15–17). Seven tribes, however, are still “waiting” (Joshua 18:2-3), and Joshua now urges them to act instead of lingering.
Specific Instruction: Seven PortionsJoshua 18:4-6 lays out a practical plan:
• Three men from each of the seven tribes will walk the land, describe it in writing, and return.
• “Divide the land into seven portions” (v.5).
• Joshua will then cast lots “before the LORD our God” (v.6) at Shiloh.
The use of lots (cf.Proverbs 16:33) underscores that final boundaries come from God, not human preference. This mirrorsNumbers 34:13, where Moses told the nine-and-a-half tribes, “This is the land that you shall inherit by lot.” The process safeguards unity by removing room for accusation of favoritism.
Fixed Boundaries for Judah and JosephVerse 5 continues: “Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north.” Those two blocs—Judah (Joshua 15:1) and Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:5; 17:14-17)—already possess clearly defined borders. God’s prior grants stand firm.
• Judah’s southern location guards Israel against desert threats (cf.Numbers 34:3-5).
• Joseph’s northern position, including fertile valleys, fulfills Jacob’s blessing that Joseph would be “a fruitful vine” (Genesis 49:22).
This arrangement leaves central, coastal, and northern pockets for the remaining tribes. By mentioning Judah and Joseph explicitly, Joshua removes any fear of encroachment and gives the surveying teams clear starting points.
Spiritual Significance• God honors previous promises without reversal; His word is unchanging (Psalm 119:89).
• Orderly planning coupled with divine guidance models wise stewardship (1 Corinthians 14:40).
• The unity of the nation depends on every tribe receiving its God-appointed inheritance (Deuteronomy 1:38). No one is forgotten, illustratingEphesians 4:16—each part must do its work for the body to grow.
Christ-Centered ReflectionThe land allotments foreshadow the inheritance believers share in Christ. Just as the tribes waited for lots to fall, believers await “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). Judah’s settled south anticipates the Messiah’s lineage (Micah 5:2). Joseph’s fruitful north predicts Gentile inclusion, as Galilee of the Gentiles later becomes Christ’s ministry base (Isaiah 9:1-2;Matthew 4:13-16). God’s meticulous distribution in Joshua assures us that our eternal inheritance is likewise prepared with care (John 14:2-3).
summaryJoshua 18:5 explains that while seven tribes must still have territory surveyed and allotted by lot, Judah and Joseph’s descendants keep their already designated regions. The verse confirms God’s orderly, impartial, and promise-keeping character, ensuring unity among the tribes and pointing forward to the secure inheritance believers now have in Christ.
(5-10)
They shall divide it into seven parts.--The several tribes were not permitted
tochoose their own portions. In
Numbers 26:54-55, we read: "To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance. . . . notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot." These words imply that there must be unequal portions of territory for larger and smaller tribes, but that the particular position of each tribe must be settled by the lot, whereof "the whole disposing is of the Lord." We are not told how this rule was carried out in the case of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, who received their inheritance first. Possibly a sufficient extent of territory was surveyed at first to provide three large allotments. The three tribes might then cast lots, first between Judah and Joseph for the northern or southern portions, and then between Ephraim and Manasseh for the two sections of the northern territory. This would carry out the instructions of Numbers 26. But see above (
Joshua 15:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and divide
וְהִֽתְחַלְּק֥וּ(wə·hiṯ·ḥal·lə·qū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2505:To be smooth, to apportion, separate
[the land]
אֹתָ֖הּ(’ō·ṯāh)
Direct object marker | third person feminine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
into seven
לְשִׁבְעָ֣ה(lə·šiḇ·‘āh)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number
portions.
חֲלָקִ֑ים(ḥă·lā·qîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2506:Portion, tract, territory
Judah
יְהוּדָ֞ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites
shall remain
יַעֲמֹ֤ד(ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relations
in
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
their territory
גְּבוּלוֹ֙(gə·ḇū·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1366:A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed
in the south
מִנֶּ֔גֶב(min·ne·ḡeḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5045:South country, the Negeb, south
and the house
וּבֵ֥ית(ū·ḇêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house
of Joseph
יוֹסֵ֛ף(yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites
shall remain
יַעַמְד֥וּ(ya·‘am·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relations
in
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
their territory
גְּבוּלָ֖ם(gə·ḇū·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1366:A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed
in the north.
מִצָּפֽוֹן׃(miṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter
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OT History: Joshua 18:5 They shall divide it into seven portions (Josh. Jos)
