“These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.”
Context: The book of Joshua is a historical account of the Israelites entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua 19 records the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.
Inheritance and Division: In Joshua 19:51, we see that Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of Israel were responsible for dividing the land by lot. The land was distributed as an inheritance to each tribe. This distribution was done in Shiloh, which was the location of the tabernacle at that time.
Importance of the Tabernacle: The tabernacle was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The fact that the land division took place at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation emphasizes the significance of seeking God’s guidance and approval in the allocation of the land.
Divine Guidance: The use of casting lots was a common practice in ancient times to seek God’s guidance and determine His will. The Israelites trusted in the Lord’s sovereign control over the process of land distribution. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” This method ensured that the distribution of land was fair and impartial, removing any potential disputes or favoritism.
Completion of the Division: The verse concludes by stating that they made an end of dividing the country. This indicates that the distribution of the land among the tribes was successfully completed according to God’s plan. The allocation of the land marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants a land of their own.
Spiritual Lessons: Joshua 19:51 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of the significance of seeking God’s guidance in making important decisions. Just as the Israelites relied on casting lots at the tabernacle, we should seek God’s wisdom and direction through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking godly counsel.
- Second, the concept of inheritance highlights the blessings and responsibilities we have as children of God. As believers, we have received spiritual inheritance in Christ, including salvation, eternal life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are called to steward these blessings faithfully and use them for God’s purposes.
- Finally, the completion of the land division reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as God fulfilled His promise to give the land to the Israelites, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.
In summary, Joshua 19:51 highlights the process of land distribution among the tribes of Israel and emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and fulfilling His promises. It serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s wisdom, faithfully steward our blessings, and trust in His faithfulness in our lives.
