“By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.”
Background:The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ conquest and division of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. After Moses’ death, Joshua took over as the leader and led the Israelites across the Jordan River to possess the land that God had promised them.
Inheritance by Lot:In Joshua 14:2, it mentions that the inheritance of the land was determined by lot. The land was divided among the nine and a half tribes of Israel. The casting of lots was a common method used in the Old Testament to determine God’s will or to make decisions. The allocation of the land by lot ensured fairness and removed any partiality or favouritism.
The LORD’s Command:The verse states that the inheritance was distributed according to the command of the LORD through Moses. This refers back to Numbers 26:55-56 and Numbers 33:54, where God instructed Moses to divide the land as an inheritance among the Israelites. The division of the land was not a random or humanly determined process but was directed by God Himself.
Lessons for us:
- Obedience to God’s commands:The Israelites followed the LORD‘s command and divided the land according to His instructions. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s commands in our own lives. When we align ourselves with God’s will, we experience His blessings and guidance.
- Fairness and impartiality:The casting of lots ensured a fair distribution of the land. This reminds us of the importance of fairness, justice, and impartiality in our dealings with others. We should strive to treat people equitably and avoid favouritism or bias.
- Trusting in God’s guidance:The Israelites relied on the casting of lots to determine their inheritance. It demonstrates their trust in God’s guidance and sovereignty. Similarly, in our lives, we should trust in God’s wisdom and guidance, knowing that He directs our paths and leads us according to His perfect plan.
- God’s faithfulness to His promises:The division of the land among the tribes is a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The land they received was a fulfilment of the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We can trust that God is faithful to His promises in our lives as well.
In summary, Joshua 14:2 highlights the division of the land among the Israelite tribes through casting lots, as commanded by the LORD through Moses. This passage teaches us about obedience, fairness, trust, and God’s faithfulness to His promises.
