Examine Joshua 18 and the establishment of Shiloh. Learn how Joshua divided the remaining land and discover key lessons about faith and action.
The conquest of Canaan had been extensive and decisive. The major military campaigns were complete. The land was subdued before the Israelites. Yet the work of distributing the inheritance was not finished. The tribe of Judah had received its territory in the south. The tribes of Joseph had received their territory in the north. Seven tribes remained without their allotted inheritance.
The entire congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle of Meeting there. Shiloh was strategically located in the territory of Ephraim. It was nearly in the center of the whole land. The location was convenient for access to the different tribes. The establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh marked a new phase in Israel's history. The center of worship was now permanently established in the heart of the land.
Joshua addressed the seven tribes with a pointed question. He asked how long they would be slack to go and possess the land. The delay was unacceptable. Joshua challenged them to take action and claim their inheritance. The account of Joshua 18 reveals that God's promises require active participation and faith. The lesson reminds believers to press forward and claim the inheritance that God has provided. The chapter demonstrates that God's guidance continues through the establishment of worship and the orderly division of the land.
The Establishment of Shiloh
The Gathering at Shiloh
The entire community of Israel assembled at Shiloh. Joshua 18:1 records: "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them." The gathering at Shiloh was a significant moment. The people came together to establish the center of worship.
Shiloh was located in the territory of Ephraim. The city was about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem. It was situated in a rugged and romantic glen in the heart of the country. The location was recommended by convenience. The tabernacle remained at Shiloh for more than three hundred years. The establishment of Shiloh as the center of worship was a fulfillment of God's promise to choose a place for His name (Deuteronomy 12:11).
The Significance of Shiloh
The name Shiloh carries deep significance. Jacob had prophesied that Shiloh would come (Genesis 49:10). The prophecy pointed to the Messiah. The city of Shiloh was named in connection with this prophecy. The establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh was a typological foreshadowing of Christ. The Tabernacle represented the presence of God among His people. Shiloh became the resting place of the Ark, which typified the great Peace-maker.
The establishment of Shiloh also marked a transition in Israel's history. The Tabernacle had been mobile during the wilderness wanderings. The establishment at Shiloh indicated that Israel had entered a new phase. The people were settling in the land. The worship of God was now centralized in a permanent location. The transition to settled worship demonstrated God's faithfulness in giving His people rest.
The Subdued Land
The land was subdued before the Israelites. The Canaanites were so completely subdued that there was no longer any general resistance to the Israelitish arms. The military campaigns were complete. The people could focus on settling the land and establishing their inheritance.
The subduing of the land was a fulfillment of God's promise. God had promised to give Israel the land and to drive out the inhabitants. The subduing of the land demonstrated God's faithfulness. The people could now take possession of their inheritance with confidence. The subduing of the land was a testimony to God's power and faithfulness.
The Seven Remaining Tribes
The Delay in Taking Possession
Seven tribes of Israel had not yet received their inheritance. The tribes of Judah and Joseph had already received their territories. The remaining tribes had not claimed their portions. The delay was significant and unacceptable.
Joshua addressed the seven tribes with a pointed question. Joshua 18:3 records his words: "How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?" The question was a rebuke. The people had been slack and negligent. They had delayed taking possession of the land. The delay reflected an unaccountable backwardness.
The reasons for the delay are understandable but unacceptable. The people had been supported by miracle without exerting themselves. They had grown accustomed to a nomadic life. They preferred a life of inglorious ease. The difficulty of the remaining conquest discouraged them. Yet God had promised to give them the land. The delay was a failure of faith.
The Command to Survey the Land
Joshua gave a specific command to the seven tribes. They were to select three men from each tribe. These men were to go through the land and survey it. They were to describe the land in writing and divide it into seven parts. The survey was to be accurate and comprehensive.
The men were likely accompanied by a military guard for protection. The survey required skill in geography and mensuration. The surveyors were persons well acquainted with the land. The description was to be written in a book or scroll. The survey was the first act of surveying on record. The purpose of the survey was to ensure a fair and orderly division of the land.
The Division into Seven Parts
The land was to be divided into seven parts. Judah would remain in its territory on the south. The house of Joseph would remain in its territory on the north. The remaining land would be divided among the seven tribes. The division was to be based on the survey of the land.
The division into seven parts required careful planning. The men surveyed the land by cities and villages. They divided the land according to the value of the cities and the territories. The division was to be equitable and fair. The purpose was to prevent disputes among the tribes. The division would be confirmed by casting lots before the Lord.
The Casting of Lots
The Process of Casting Lots
Joshua cast lots for the seven tribes at Shiloh before the Lord. The casting of lots was a sacred process. The lot was associated with divine sanction. The process acknowledged that God was sovereign over the distribution. The result of the lot was accepted as God's will.
The casting of lots is a biblical practice. Proverbs 16:33 declares: "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord." The practice was used to make decisions when human judgment was insufficient. The casting of lots was a way of seeking God's guidance. The process demonstrated faith in God's sovereignty.
The First Lot for Benjamin
The first lot came up for the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin received the first portion among the remaining tribes. The territory of Benjamin was located between Judah and Joseph. The location was significant and strategic. Benjamin was positioned between the southern and northern tribes.
The location of Benjamin fulfilled the prophecy of Moses. Deuteronomy 33:12 had declared that Benjamin would dwell between the shoulders of the Lord. The prophecy was fulfilled in the location of Benjamin's inheritance. The location was also significant for the future. Jerusalem was located in the territory of Benjamin. The tribe would later be associated with the kingship and the temple.
The Boundaries of Benjamin
The boundaries of Benjamin were carefully described. Joshua 18:11-20 details the borders of the tribe. The northern border extended from the Jordan River to the hill country and to the wilderness of Beth-aven. The border passed through Luz, which is Bethel, and descended to Ataroth-addar. The western border extended to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah.
The southern border extended to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah. The border passed through the Valley of Hinnom and down to En-rogel. The border then went north to En-shemesh and to Geliloth. The border ended at the Salt Sea at the mouth of the Jordan. The eastern border was the Jordan River. The boundaries were clear and unmistakable. The natural landmarks prevented disputes among the tribes.
The Cities of Benjamin
The cities of Benjamin were listed in detail. Joshua 18:21-28 records the cities according to their clans. The cities included Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz, Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, and Bethel. The list included Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba for a total of twelve cities.
The list also included Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Mizpah, Chephirah, Mozah, Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, Zelah, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim. The total number of cities was fourteen. The detailed list demonstrated the comprehensive nature of the inheritance. The cities were distributed among the families of Benjamin.
Lessons from Joshua 18
The Centrality of Worship
The establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh demonstrates the centrality of worship. The people gathered at Shiloh to set up the Tabernacle before dividing the land. The worship of God was the priority. The establishment of Shiloh as the center of worship preceded the distribution of the inheritance.
The lesson from Joshua 18 is that worship is central to the life of God's people. The Tabernacle represented the presence of God among His people. The worship of God was to be the foundation of their community. The establishment of Shiloh reminds believers to prioritize worship and to acknowledge God's presence in their lives.
The Danger of Slackness
Joshua's rebuke of the seven tribes highlights the danger of slackness. The people had delayed taking possession of the land. They were content to live without their inheritance. The delay reflected a lack of faith and initiative. Joshua challenged them to take action and claim what God had promised.
The lesson from Joshua 18 is that slackness is dangerous. Believers are called to press forward and claim their inheritance in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The example of the seven tribes is a warning to believers not to delay in claiming God's promises.
The Importance of Order
The division of the land was orderly and systematic. The survey of the land ensured that the division was fair and accurate. The boundaries were clearly defined. The cities were listed in detail. The process prevented disputes among the tribes.
The lesson from Joshua 18 is that order is important. God is a God of order, not confusion. The division of the land was conducted with care and precision. The lesson applies to the lives of believers. God's work should be conducted with order and integrity. The example of Joshua encourages believers to be diligent and thorough in their responsibilities.
The Sovereignty of God
The casting of lots demonstrated the sovereignty of God. The decision was not left to human judgment. The people acknowledged that God would determine the inheritance of each tribe. The lot was cast before the Lord, and the result was accepted as God's will.
The lesson from Joshua 18 is that God is sovereign. The distribution of the land was ultimately God's decision. The sovereignty of God is a comfort to believers. God determines the boundaries of our lives and provides for our needs. The sovereignty of God is also a call to trust. Believers are called to trust that God knows what is best and will provide for them.
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to Abraham
The division of the land is connected to the promise to Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21 had specified the boundaries of the land that God would give to Abraham's descendants. The distribution of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of this promise. The establishment of Shiloh and the division of the land demonstrated that God keeps His promises.
The fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:29: "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The inheritance of the land points forward to the greater inheritance that believers have in Christ.
The Tabernacle at Shiloh
The Tabernacle at Shiloh is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. The book of Judges records that the Tabernacle remained at Shiloh for many years (Judges 18:31). The Lord appeared to Samuel at Shiloh (1 Samuel 3:21). The Ark was later captured by the Philistines at Shiloh (1 Samuel 4:1-11). The history of Shiloh reflects the faithfulness of God and the unfaithfulness of Israel.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:11: "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." The history of Shiloh is a warning to believers about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness.
The Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin holds a special place in Scripture. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. The tribe of Benjamin produced King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The city of Jerusalem was located in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28). The location of Benjamin between Judah and Joseph reflected the tribe's strategic importance.
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 11:1: "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." The Apostle Paul's identification with Benjamin connects the Old Testament tribe to the New Testament church.
The Typology of Shiloh
The name Shiloh is connected to the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 49:10. The prophecy declared that Shiloh would come and that to Him the gathering of the people would be. The prophecy is understood as a reference to the Messiah. The establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh is a typological foreshadowing of Christ.
The Apostle John writes in John 1:14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." The Tabernacle at Shiloh represented God's presence among His people. The presence of God in Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the typology. The lesson from Joshua 18 points forward to the greater presence of God in Christ.
Conclusion
The establishment of Shiloh and the division of the remaining land marked a significant moment in Israel's history. The Tabernacle was set up at Shiloh, and the people gathered to worship God. Joshua challenged the seven tribes to claim their inheritance and to stop delaying. The survey of the land and the casting of lots resulted in the orderly division of the territory. The tribe of Benjamin received the first portion among the remaining tribes.
The lesson from Joshua 18 is that God's promises require active participation and faith. The seven tribes had delayed taking possession of the land. Joshua rebuked them for their slackness. The same principle applies to believers. God's promises are sure, but they require faith and action. Believers are called to press forward and claim their inheritance in Christ.
The establishment of Shiloh as the center of worship reminds believers of the centrality of worship. The presence of God among His people is the foundation of their identity and purpose. The orderly division of the land demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The account of Joshua 18 calls believers to prioritize worship, to act in faith, and to trust in God's sovereign provision. The chapter demonstrates that God's guidance continues through the establishment of worship and the orderly distribution of His blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Shiloh chosen as the location for the Tabernacle?
Shiloh was chosen because of its central location in the land of Canaan. The city was located in the territory of Ephraim, about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem. The location was convenient for access to the different tribes. The decision to set up the Tabernacle at Shiloh was likely made or sanctioned by divine intimation (Deuteronomy 12:11). The Tabernacle remained at Shiloh for more than three hundred years.
2. Why did Joshua rebuke the seven tribes?
Joshua rebuked the seven tribes because they had delayed taking possession of the land. They were slack to go and possess the land that God had given them. The delay reflected a lack of faith and initiative. The people had grown accustomed to a nomadic life and preferred ease to the effort of conquest. Joshua challenged them to take action and claim their inheritance.
3. What was the purpose of the survey of the land?
The purpose of the survey was to ensure a fair and orderly division of the land. The surveyors were to go through the land and describe it in writing. They were to divide the land into seven parts according to the inheritance of the tribes. The survey was necessary because the distribution of the land had been delayed. The survey prevented disputes among the tribes and ensured that each tribe received its proper inheritance.
4. What was the significance of casting lots?
The casting of lots was a sacred process that acknowledged God's sovereignty. The lot was cast before the Lord, and the result was accepted as God's will. The casting of lots was a way of seeking divine guidance when human judgment was insufficient. The process demonstrated faith in God's sovereignty over the distribution of the land.
5. What was the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin?
The tribe of Benjamin received an inheritance located between Judah and Joseph. The territory included the cities of Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, Ramah, and the Jebusite city that would become Jerusalem. The boundaries were clearly defined by natural landmarks. The location was strategic and fulfilled the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:12.
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