“And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.”
Context:To fully understand the significance of Joshua 17:4, it is important to consider the context. The Israelites had entered the Promised Land, and the land was being distributed among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance. In Joshua 17, we find the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, requesting their allotted inheritance.
Recognition of the LORD’s command:The descendants of Joseph came before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the princes to remind them of the commandment given by the LORD to Moses. They recognised that the LORD had instructed Moses to provide them with an inheritance among their brethren. This shows their awareness of the divine directive and their desire to see it fulfilled.
Faithful obedience:The descendants of Joseph not only acknowledged the LORD’s command but also highlighted their adherence to it. They stated that, in accordance with the commandment of the LORD, Moses had given them an inheritance among the other tribes of Israel. This indicates their commitment to following God’s instructions and their trust in His promises.
Unity among the tribes:Another aspect worth noting is the unity among the tribes of Israel. The descendants of Joseph approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the princes to make their request. They recognised the need to involve the leadership and seek a resolution in a manner that would maintain unity among the tribes. This demonstrates the importance of working together and resolving disputes in a manner that aligns with God’s commandments.
God’s faithfulness and provision:The fulfilment of the LORD’s commandment through the distribution of land exemplifies God’s faithfulness to His promises. He had promised the Israelites a land of their own, and now He was fulfilling that promise by providing each tribe with its inheritance. The descendants of Joseph’s acknowledgement of the LORD’s command and His provision serves as a testament to God’s trustworthiness and His commitment to fulfilling His word.
Overall, Joshua 17:4 highlights the recognition of God’s command, faithful obedience, unity among the tribes, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It teaches us the importance of acknowledging and obeying God’s commands, seeking resolution in unity, and trusting in His provision and faithfulness.
