Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of "allotment" primarily refers to the distribution or assignment of land, roles, or responsibilities among the people of Israel. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God’s covenant with His people often included specific instructions for the division of land and duties.
Allotment of LandThe most prominent example of allotment in the Bible is the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the land was divided by lot as an inheritance for each tribe. This process is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the land is apportioned according to the size and needs of each tribe.
Joshua 14:2 states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses."
The allotment was not merely a practical distribution but was seen as a divine act, with God Himself determining the boundaries and portions.
Numbers 26:55 emphasizes this divine involvement: "But the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of their ancestral tribes."
Levitical Cities and AllotmentThe Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties, did not receive a large contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout Israel. This allotment ensured that the Levites could perform their religious duties and be supported by the community.
Joshua 21:3 records, "So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance."
Allotment of Roles and ResponsibilitiesBeyond land, the concept of allotment extends to roles and responsibilities within the community and religious practices. In
1 Chronicles 24, the divisions of the priests are described, where lots were cast to determine the order of service in the temple. This ensured an organized and fair distribution of duties among the priestly families.
Spiritual SignificanceThe allotment of land and roles in the Old Testament carries a deeper spiritual significance. It reflects God’s sovereignty and His providential care for His people. Each tribe and individual had a specific place and purpose within the larger community, illustrating the biblical principle that God has a plan and purpose for each person.
In the New Testament, while the specific term "allotment" is less frequently used, the concept persists in the understanding of spiritual gifts and roles within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:11 states, "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills." This reflects the continuity of God’s sovereign distribution of roles and gifts among His people.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of allotment underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, order, and purpose. Whether in the distribution of land, the assignment of priestly duties, or the apportioning of spiritual gifts, allotment serves as a reminder of God’s meticulous care and intentional design for His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A share, part, or portion granted or distributed; that which is assigned by lot, or by the act of God; anything set apart for a special use or to a distinct party.
2. (n.) The allowance of a specific amount of scrip or of a particular thing to a particular person.
Greek
2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit... Cognate: 2816 (from 2818 , "a specific
allotment of inheritance, apportioned by
casting lots") -- properly, to assign inheritance (inherit) by .
...3313. meros -- a part, share, portion
... From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai (to get as a section orallotment);
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application...
3202. mempsimoiros -- complaining of one's fate
... 3202 (a substantival adjective, derived from 3201 , "blame, find fault," and ,
"an apportioned amount,allotment") -- properly, a complaint over the portion...
Strong's Hebrew
8642. terumiyyah -- what belongs to a contribution, a contribution... terumiyyah. 8643 . what belongs to a contribution, a contribution. Transliteration:
terumiyyah Phonetic Spelling: (ter-oo-mee-yaw') Short Definition:
allotment...8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses)
... Word Origin from rum Definition contribution, offering (for sacred uses) NASB Word
Usageallotment (15), contribution (20), contributions (10), heave offering...
2256a. chebel -- cord, territory, band
... Word Origin from chabal Definition cord, territory, band NASB Word Usageallotment
(1), coast (1), cord (2), cords (13), group (2), line (4), lines (2...
2506. cheleq -- portion, tract, territory
... From chalaq; properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also anallotment -- flattery,
inheritance, part, X partake, portion. see HEBREW chalaq. 2505b, 2506....
4521. menath -- portion
... portion. From manah; anallotment (by courtesy, law or providence) -- portion. see
HEBREW manah. 4520, 4521. menath. 4522 . Strong's Numbers.
2513. chelqah -- a portion (of ground)
... Feminine of cheleq; properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery; also anallotment --
field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground...
2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute
... Word Origin from chaqaq Definition something prescribed or owed, a statute NASB
Word Usageallotment (5), boundaries (1), boundary (2), conditions (1), custom...
Library
The Request of Salome. --The Ambition of the Disciples Rebuked....
... answered: "I can, indeed, impart to you the fellowship of my sufferings; but rank
in the kingdom of God depends not upon my will, but upon theallotment of the...
Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
... is to be given to whom, whether it be a possession, an honor, a dignity, a punishment,
or some action or other, it is called "sortilege ofallotment"; if one...
Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... Now, seeing that there is no apparent justice in theallotment of happiness here,
and the fear of God is often followed by sorrow, while the lawless as often...
To the Reader.
... would have his churches ordered, the right of disposall of the power therein (we
humbly suppose) may lie in a due and proportionedallotment and dispersion...
Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way...
... But not to work from out that which he hath, stands in theallotment of duties,
not in the want of virtues: forasmuch as neither is he without the good of mercy...
Dishonest Tenants
... end drew near. I. The parable begins with a tender description of the
preparation andallotment of the vineyard. The picture is...
Analysis and References
... For those who want a daily scheme of study theallotment for the day can be by certain
designated pages of reading with the corresponding paragraphs in the...
Matt. xiii. 10, 11
... to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given." [1792]
But this He said, not bringing in necessity, or anyallotment [1793] made...
The Tillage of the Poor
... Spade husbandry gets most out of the ground. The labourer'sallotment of half an
acre is generally more prolific than the average of the squire's estate....
Unwon but Claimed
... Thatallotment must have strengthened faith in their ultimate possession, and
encouraged effort to make the ideal a reality, and to appropriate as their own in...
Thesaurus
Allotment (24 Occurrences)...Allotment (24 Occurrences).
... 2 Samuel 14:30 Then he said to his servants, See, Joab's
allotment is near mine and he has barley there: go and set it on fire.
...Anem (1 Occurrence)
... JOSHUA, BOOK OF. " I. TITLE AND AUTHORSHIP II. CONTENTS 1. Invasion and Conquest
of Western Palestine 2.Allotment of the Country to the Tribes of Israel II....
Allotments (4 Occurrences)
Allot (8 Occurrences)
Judah (802 Occurrences)
... But there was a second distribution, when Simeon received anallotment, about 1,000
square miles, out of the portion of Judah (Joshua 19:9). That which...
Inheritance (263 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:4 Ezekiel 33:24); yerushshah, "something occupied," "a patrimony,"
"possession" (Judges 21:17); cheleq, "smoothness," "allotment" (Psalm 16:5...
Issachar (40 Occurrences)
... blessing and cursing (Deuteronomy 27:12). Theallotment of Issachar is described
in Joshua 19:17-23. It included the plain of Esdraelon...
Four (3139 Occurrences)
... Job 1:19); Jephthah's daughter was bewailed four days a year (Judges 11:40); "four
cities" are several times mentioned in Jos in theallotment of inheritances...
Ration (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, a certain portion or fixed amount dealt out; an allowance;
anallotment. 3. (vt) To supply with rations, as a regiment....
Manna (19 Occurrences)
... from man, an expression of surprise, "What is it?" but more probably it is derived
from manan, meaning "to allot," and hence denoting an "allotment" or a "gift...
Resources
Did the geographic positioning of the tribes fulfill Jacob's blessing? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.orgHow was God Himself the inheritance of the Levites? | GotQuestions.orgAllotment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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