"Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me."
Context:The book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua after Moses’ death. By the time we reach Joshua 18, the land had not been fully divided among the tribes of Israel. The chapter discusses how Joshua instructed representatives from each tribe to survey and describe the land that remained unassigned, so that it could be distributed fairly.
Inheritance and Possession:The concept of inheritance plays a significant role in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel. In the Old Testament, inheritance was not merely a matter of receiving property but also involved receiving a portion of the blessings and promises of God. God had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan as their inheritance, and it was important for the tribes to receive their allotted portions.
Responsibility and Initiative:In Joshua 18:4, Joshua takes the initiative to organize the surveying of the remaining land. He asks for three men from each tribe to be chosen as representatives. This shows Joshua’s leadership and organisational skills in ensuring that the land is fairly distributed and that each tribe receives their inheritance. It also demonstrates the importance of active participation and responsibility in carrying out God’s plans.
Diligence and Faithfulness:The task given to the chosen representatives was to "describe" the land according to the inheritance of each tribe. This involved carefully surveying and evaluating the land, noting its features, boundaries, and potential. The Israelites had to be diligent and faithful in fulfilling this task, as it would determine the allocation of their respective portions. This highlights the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us and using our resources wisely.
Unity and Cooperation:The selection of three men from each tribe for the surveying task emphasises the need for unity and cooperation among the tribes. The process of dividing the land required collaboration and mutual understanding to ensure a just distribution. This teaches us the value of unity within the community of believers and the importance of working together to fulfill God’s purposes.
Application:Joshua 18:4 reminds us of the importance of being actively involved in God’s plans and fulfilling our responsibilities. We are called to faithfully steward the resources, talents, and opportunities God has given us. It also emphasises the significance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.
As you study and meditate on Joshua 18:4, consider how you can apply the principles of diligence, faithfulness, responsibility, unity, and cooperation in your own life and in your interactions with others.
