“The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.”
This verse is part of the account of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest under the leadership of Joshua. The land was divided by lot, with each tribe receiving a specific portion as an inheritance from God.
In this particular verse, we see that the sixth lot was allocated to the tribe of Naphtali. Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and it was named after Naphtali, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel) and Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant.
The allocation of land to each tribe was significant for several reasons:
- Fulfillment of God’s promise:The division of the land among the tribes of Israel was a fulfilment of God’s promise to their forefathers, particularly to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had promised to give the Israelites the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8).
- Inheritance:The land was divided among the tribes to serve as their inheritance. Each tribe would receive a portion of land, which would become their permanent possession, ensuring their provision and sustenance.
- Order and fairness:The division by lot ensured impartiality and prevented favouritism or disputes among the tribes. The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient times to seek God’s guidance and make decisions (Proverbs 16:33). By using lots, the Israelites acknowledged God’s sovereignty in determining the allocation of land.
- Tribe identity and unity:The allocation of specific territories to each tribe helped to maintain their tribal identity and unity. The land given to each tribe reflected their ancestral lineage and allowed them to establish their homes and communities.
Overall, Joshua 19:32 marks the moment when the lot fell on the tribe of Naphtali, designating their specific portion of the Promised Land. It highlights the fulfilment of God’s promise and the equitable distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. This division of land played a crucial role in the establishment and organisation of the Israelite nation in the Promised Land.
