ADULT STS LESSON 162 DESCRIPTION AND DIVISION OF CANAAN
MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand” (Joshua 21:43,44).
TEXTS: Joshua chapters 13 to 21
The land of Canaan was virtually conquered and possessed by the children of Israel, following the successive military exploits under the leadership of Joshua. The chapters under consideration reveal how the land was distributed among the twelve tribes, as the Lord had commanded. It involved first conducting a survey of the whole land. The next stage was to allocate portions to the various tribes by casting lots (Joshua 18:10). The distribution was governed by the following modalities:
First, it was well spelt out that the Levites were not to be allocated any land so they could devote their energies to serving the Lord and their brethren (Joshua 13:14,33).
Second, the allocation granted by Moses to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh on the east of River Jordan was to be maintained (Numbers 32).
Third, the land to the west of Jordan was to be allotted first to the tribes of Judah and Joseph (comprising Ephraim and the other half of Manasseh), while the balance was to be shared among the remaining seven tribes Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Simeon and Dan.
Fourth, the land was to be allotted by lot. “By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe” (Joshua 14:2). In summary, the land was divided exactly as God had directed Moses years before. Joshua followed the divine instructions precisely. From this, we learn that it is sinful to obey the Lord partially. Disobedience in a minor issue in relation to God’s instructions invalidates whatever obedience we might have rendered in other areas (Galatians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 5:6).
ACCOUNT AND DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND. Joshua 13:1-33; 14:1-15; 15:1-63; 1:3-5; Isaiah 28:16
At the twilight of Joshua’s life, a substantial part of the land of Canaan remained unconquered, yet God’s plan was that these areas would be included as part of the territories to be divided among the children of Israel. “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1). God had told Joshua at the Inception of his leadership that the whole land belonged to them (Joshua 1:3-5). Therefore, He reminded him that the work was not finished. Then, He gave a general description of the unconquered portion with a command to divide all the land among the remaining nine and a half tribes. “Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh” (Joshua 13:7).
The allocation of the land to the tribes was in phases: First, the two and a half tribes, namely, Reuben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh got their portion at the eastern side of Jordan following their request to Moses. The other tribes received theirs thereafter under the leadership of Joshua. We learn from this that those who are yet to receive their desired blessings or inheritance should wait patiently and trust in the Lord (Isaiah 28:16). Caleb was a significant figure in the allocation of the land to the tribe of Judah. He came to Joshua and reminded him of the promise of about forty years before that he would inherit a choice portion of the land. “And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God” (Joshua 14:9).
Caleb’s claim and request show God’s faithfulness in rewarding those who serve Him faithfully, Even at an advanced age, he was still eager to fight the Lord’s battle. “And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak” (Joshua 15:14). Like him, believers should still contend for the expansion of the kingdom of God, their ages notwithstanding.
ALLOCATION OF THE LAND TO SEVEN TRIBES. Joshua 16:1-10; 17:1-18; 18:1-28; 19:1-51; Genesis 48:21,22
The Israelites were plagued with many problems as they settled down in Canaan because they did not conquer and drive out the inhabitants of the land completely (Joshua 16:10; 17:12). The continued presence of the heathen nations among them resulted in grave difficulties for them later (Judges 1:27,28), Similarly, if believers fail to deal with sin and compromise in their lives, it will hamper their progress to the heavenly Canaan. The battle involves the mortification and subjugation of the flesh, the world and its fashions, false doctrines and the devil (Colossians 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 4:1; Jude 3; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8,9). “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 (Joshua 18:1). With a good portion of the land conquered, it was time for Israel to move their religious centre from Gilgal to Shiloh. The choice of Shiloh was not a coincidence as it was significant to the will and plan of God for His people.
First, it was prophesied that there shall be the assembling together of the children of Israel to Shiloh (Genesis 49:10).
Second, Shiloh, which means ‘peaceful’, signified the deliverance and rest the Lord had promised to give the children of Israel from their enemies.
Third, this spot, chosen through divine directive was central to all the tribes making it accessible for worship and sacrifice; it should be noted also that Shiloh was near Jerusalem by about fifteen miles.
With the peace that had ensued following the weakening of the threats from the Canaanites, the children of Israel relapsed into complacency in battling and defeating the Canaanites. However, Joshua quickly challenged them against being carried away by temporary conquests until the task of full possession was accomplished (Joshua 18:3).
Here, we observe in Joshua, a glaring example of a leader’s ability to remain focused. He had received a divine mandate to divide the land among the twelve tribes (Joshua 1:2-6); he would not be carried away by partial success. Likewise, we are not to put down our swords until the battle for the souls of humanity is won. The success we have recorded in our outreaches should not cause us to lay down our sickles for the harvest of souls. To accomplish his mandate towards all the tribes, Joshua commanded the people saying, “Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me” (Joshua 18:4). We learn from Joshua, the need to be committed to finishing the unfinished task of evangelism. Moreover, those who are privileged to lead a congregation of the Lord should labour to lead them into their promised possessions through teaching the whole counsel of God. In order to ensure equal representation, three men were chosen from each of the seven tribes. “And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh” (Joshua 18:8). Great progress is recorded when the leader and the led cooperate in carrying out divine assignments. The church of God will triumph consistently if we learn to cooperate with our God- ordained leaders. As the surveyors traversed the land, they brought back to Joshua in a book the exact description of the land into seven portions. Obviously, they defined the boundaries of each tribe per their terms of reference. The way they carried out the assignment simplified Joshua’s work of casting lots and allocating the land.
A dedicated and obedient workforce makes the job of the overall leader easier. There were several reasons for establishing the well- set boundaries instead of turning the Promised Land into a single undivided portion. First, the boundaries gave each tribe an area, thus promoting unity and loyalty. Second, ownership would reduce conflicts that might arise if everyone were left to choose where to build and reside. “And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions” (Joshua 18:10). Casting lots was an ancient practice of seeking divine position on a matter. When a case could not be settled by mutual compromise among parties, lot was cast to decide it and the parties submit to the outcome, bringing an end to any strife.
Although the Scriptures did not state explicitly how the lots were cast, the Important thing is that God used it to guide His people in those days; and they respected the outcome as His verdict (Joshua 19:51). Consequently, each tribe inherited the portion allotted to them. However, in the New Testament dispensation, believers cannot revert to such means of guidance because we have the full Canon of the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Besides, the Holy Spirit is given to every born again Christian to guide and reveal the mind of God. A believer who wishes to know the mind of God or receive guidance on important issues like choosing a life partner, choice of career, profession, or business, should pray, read the word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit. We should also develop a regular devotional habit and discern His leading in our situations.
ALLOTMENT OF CITIES OF REFUGE AND PORTIONS FOR THE LEVITES. Joshua 20:1-9; 21:1- 42; Exodus 6:16-20; Colossians 1:12; Psalms 47:4; 16:5; Acts 20:32.
The Lord ordered the children of Israel to carry out the appointment of cities of refuge which He had commanded Moses (Deuteronomy 19:1-10). These cities were to serve as sanctuaries for people who committed murder “unawares and unwittingly”. The purpose was to allow proper investigation, fair hearing, justice thus, preventing jungle justice in the land. “And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah” (Joshua 20:7). The beauty of the cities of refuge was that they were central to all the tribes to enable quick access before the avenger of blood caught up with an accused person. What an order based on love and mercy from the Lord of all wisdom! The Levites were allotted no territorial inheritance of their own at the time the land was divided because the Lord was their inheritance. “Wherefore Levi hath neither part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him” (Deuteronomy 10:9).
The Levites were composed of three notable families: the Gershonites, Kohathites and Merarites. The priests who were chosen from Aaron’s family were also Levites; but not all Levites were priests. The Levites were divinely assigned to assist Aaron, the high priest, and his sons in the priestly duties in keeping charge of the sanctuary. It is instructive to note that the Levites were the last to receive their portion of the inheritance among the tribes. This was so because they were not to occupy any distinct territory, but certain selected cities the tribes. It was against this backdrop that the heads of among the tribes of Levi came to Joshua and Eleazar, the high priest, to claim their inheritance based on the command of the Lord. From their action, we learn that though an inheritance has been provided for believers, they must ask in faith to receive (Matthew 7:7-11).
The response of the children of Israel to the demands of the Levites was prompt as they obeyed the divine command. “And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs” (Joshua 21:3). God was faithful in fulfilling each promise He gave to His people, Israel. Though the fulfilment of some promises took some time, eventually, “it all came to pass”. God’s promises will always be fulfilled in accordance with His own timetable. As the Levites waited patiently until the other tribes were allotted their portions, we should also wait patiently by faith to receive our blessings. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).
Questions for review:
- How did Joshua implement God’s command to divide the land of Canaan?
- Explain the battles a believer must win and the consequences of neglecting to win them.
- State the lessons from Joshua’s commitment to making sure all the tribes got their inheritance.
- Why was the inheritance shared by lot?
- Why is it improper for New Testament saints to cast lots in seeking guidance from God?
- What is the purpose of the cities of refuge?
- What can we learn from the attitude of the Levites to their inheritance?
