Commentary - Joshua 14:1-5

Bird's-eye view

After the initial conquest of the land, the narrative now shifts to the crucial business of settling down and taking possession. This is not a chaotic land grab, but an orderly and divinely superintended process of distribution. The land was won by the sword, yes, but it is apportioned by the Lord. This passage sets the stage for the division of the land west of the Jordan, emphasizing that this entire affair is conducted according to the explicit commands of God given earlier to Moses. It is a story of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and Israel's responsibility to receive that fulfillment in obedience. The central theme here is the realization of the promised inheritance, a tangible picture of the greater rest and inheritance we have in Christ.

We see the leadership structure God ordained: Eleazar the priest, representing the authority of God's law and worship, and Joshua the son of Nun, the civil and military leader. Together, with the heads of the households, they form a united front, ensuring the division is just, orderly, and, most importantly, obedient. The casting of lots is not a game of chance but a means of discerning the divine will, removing all grounds for dispute or accusation of favoritism. The passage also reiterates the special provisions for the tribes of Joseph and the Levites, reminding us that God's plan has nuances and specific callings for different parts of His people. The conclusion is stark and simple: Israel did as Yahweh commanded. This is the heart of covenant life.

Outline

Context In Joshua

Having concluded the accounts of the southern and northern campaigns in the preceding chapters (Joshua 10-12), the book now pivots from conquest to settlement. The land has been subdued, though not entirely cleansed of its inhabitants. The time has come to parcel out the territory to the tribes who will be responsible for finishing the job and living in the land as God's people. This chapter serves as the introduction to the detailed accounts of tribal allotments that will occupy much of the remainder of the book (chapters 14-19). It establishes the authority, method, and fidelity to God's prior commands that govern the entire process. It is the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham centuries before, that his descendants would possess this land.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Now these are the territories which the sons of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of Israel apportioned to them for an inheritance,

The verse begins by identifying the subject: the inheritance. This is not just real estate; it is a covenantal gift. The word inherited is key. It speaks of a possession received not primarily by merit or strength, but by virtue of a relationship, a sonship. Israel receives this land because they are God's chosen people. The land of Canaan is the theater of this inheritance. And who are the agents of this distribution? It is a triumvirate of leadership. Eleazar the priest is mentioned first, which is significant. The spiritual authority, the representative of God's holiness and law, takes precedence. Then comes Joshua the son of Nun, the civil and military commander who led the conquest. This pairing of priest and ruler is a pattern for godly governance. Finally, we have the heads of the households of the tribes. This is not a top-down dictatorship; the established patriarchal leaders of the people are involved, ensuring representation and order. They are not deciding the portions, but they are administering the process. God's rule is mediated through established, accountable authorities.

2 by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe.

Here we see the method: by the lot. In our modern, rationalistic age, this sounds like rolling the dice. But in the biblical worldview, the lot was a means of removing human bias and submitting the decision directly to God. Proverbs 16:33 tells us, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh." This was a sacred act, likely involving the Urim and Thummim under Eleazar's care, to determine the location of each tribe's inheritance. The size of the inheritance was determined by the size of the tribe (Numbers 26:54), but the location was God's choice. This prevented squabbling and jealousy. More importantly, it was done as Yahweh commanded by the hand of Moses. This whole enterprise is an act of obedience. Joshua is not improvising. He is faithfully executing the instructions God gave to Moses decades earlier (Numbers 34:13). The inheritance is for the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh, those who had not yet received their portion on the east side of the Jordan.

3 For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan; but he did not give an inheritance to the Levites among them.

This verse serves as a parenthetical explanation, clarifying why only nine and a half tribes are receiving land now. Moses had already settled the inheritance for Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh beyond the Jordan (Numbers 32). That was a done deal, settled under the authority of God's appointed prophet. The narrative then immediately addresses the other exception: the Levites. They received no tribal territory. Why? Because their inheritance was of a different kind. Yahweh Himself was their portion (Numbers 18:20). Their role was priestly, dedicated to the service of the tabernacle and the teaching of the law. They were not to be tied down with large agricultural holdings. This distinction is crucial. It shows that within the one people of God, there are differing vocations and provisions. Not everyone has the same earthly inheritance, because some have a different, more direct, spiritual inheritance.

4 For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property.

Here is another piece of administrative explanation. If Levi doesn't get a land portion, why are there still twelve portions? Because the tribe of Joseph was split into two, Manasseh and Ephraim, according to the blessing Jacob gave his grandsons (Genesis 48). This elevated them to the status of full tribes, and their father Joseph received a double portion through them, the right of the firstborn. This is a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of God's intricate weaving of His purposes through generations. The verse then clarifies the provision for the Levites. They were not homeless vagabonds. They were given cities to live in, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasture lands. This ensured two things: first, that the Levites were provided for, and second, that their teaching and priestly influence were distributed throughout the entire nation. They were to be a constant, holy presence in the midst of Israel.

5 Thus the sons of Israel did just as Yahweh had commanded Moses, and they divided the land.

This is the capstone verse, the summary statement of success. And what is the measure of that success? Not that everyone was happy with their lot, or that the land was particularly fertile, but that they did just as Yahweh had commanded Moses. This is the refrain of the faithful. It is the essence of covenant keeping. The wars were fought, the land was taken, and now the land is divided, all in accordance with the revealed will of God. The entire process, from the leadership structure to the use of the lot to the special provisions for the tribes, was an exercise in detailed, faithful obedience. They divided the land, completing the task set before them. This obedience in the small things, in the administrative details, is just as important as the courage required on the battlefield. It is this kind of faithfulness that truly takes possession of the promises of God.

Application

The distribution of the land of Canaan is a historical account, but it is dripping with application for the Christian life. First, we must recognize that our true inheritance is not a plot of land, but is Christ Himself and the new heavens and new earth He is preparing. Just as Israel's inheritance was a gift of grace, so is ours. We do not earn it; we receive it by faith in the greater Joshua, Jesus.

Second, notice the emphasis on order and authority. God is not the author of confusion. The church and the Christian life are to be characterized by decency and order. We have been given leaders, elders and deacons, and we are to submit to their authority as they faithfully administer the Word of God. The process was not a free-for-all, and our sanctification is not either. It is a disciplined walk under the authority of Scripture.

Third, the casting of the lot reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty. We may not always understand why our "lot" in life is what it is, the specific place and circumstances God has assigned to us. But we are to trust that His decision is from Him. Our task is not to question His providence, but to faithfully occupy the territory He has given us, rooting out the sin that remains and cultivating righteousness.

Finally, the climactic statement is one of obedience. "The sons of Israel did just as Yahweh had commanded." This is the goal. Not partial obedience, not creative reinterpretation of the commands, but simple, faithful obedience. This is how we take possession of the promises. The Christian life is a life of walking according to the commands of our King, trusting that as we obey, He is establishing us in our eternal inheritance.