Joshua 24

Joshua 24:1

Introduction

The tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh – the sons of Joseph – are allocated their inheritance in the land. They are not satisfied with this (Joshua 17:14; 16). They want more. Joshua accepts their request and grants them another piece of land. They have to conquer that themselves. They are assured that they will expel the inhabitants (Joshua 17:18). But they do not drive out all Canaanites (Joshua 16:10; Joshua 17:12).

God is also a Giver to us. If we ask Him more of the heavenly land than we already have, He gives it. The blessing of the heavenly land is the glory of the Lord Jesus. How would God ever hold something back from the Lord Jesus when we ask to see more of His glory? We may behold His glory (John 1:14). To see more of His glory we have to fight, because all kinds of things want to keep us from it.

The tribe of Joseph is divided into two because the tribe of Levi does not receive any inheritance (Joshua 14:3-4). The importance of the tribe of Joseph can be seen in the fact that he gets his share immediately after Judah and also in the size of his inheritance.

Joseph’s sons become the ruling tribes in the north of the kingdom, after the division of the kingdom into ten and two tribes has taken place. The dominant position is so clear, that the whole of the ten tribes realm is referred to by several prophets as ‘Ephraim’.

Joseph received the birthright, after Reuben had lost it: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; …)” (1 Chronicles 5:1; Genesis 49:4). The next sons of Leah, Simeon and Levi, did not get it either. They are men of violence and are therefore scattered among Israel (Genesis 49:5-7). The fourth son, Judah, does not get it either, but becomes the king tribe (Genesis 49:8-12). This is why Judah gets his inheritance so early.

The firstborn gets a double part. Jacob accepted the two sons of Joseph as his own sons: “The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac” (Genesis 48:16a). Therefore they can be counted among the tribes. For them together, one lot is cast. They complain about this together (Joshua 17:14). By the lot, they stay together, although each tribe gets a share.

The Lot for the Sons of Joseph

As always, the border is first determined and then told what is in the territory. The border is given to draw a sharp distinction between the land and the surroundings that are not part of the inheritance. The south border of Joseph is the north border of Benjamin and Dan. In width, their territory extends over the whole land, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.

Joshua 24:2

Introduction

The tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh – the sons of Joseph – are allocated their inheritance in the land. They are not satisfied with this (Joshua 17:14; 16). They want more. Joshua accepts their request and grants them another piece of land. They have to conquer that themselves. They are assured that they will expel the inhabitants (Joshua 17:18). But they do not drive out all Canaanites (Joshua 16:10; Joshua 17:12).

God is also a Giver to us. If we ask Him more of the heavenly land than we already have, He gives it. The blessing of the heavenly land is the glory of the Lord Jesus. How would God ever hold something back from the Lord Jesus when we ask to see more of His glory? We may behold His glory (John 1:14). To see more of His glory we have to fight, because all kinds of things want to keep us from it.

The tribe of Joseph is divided into two because the tribe of Levi does not receive any inheritance (Joshua 14:3-4). The importance of the tribe of Joseph can be seen in the fact that he gets his share immediately after Judah and also in the size of his inheritance.

Joseph’s sons become the ruling tribes in the north of the kingdom, after the division of the kingdom into ten and two tribes has taken place. The dominant position is so clear, that the whole of the ten tribes realm is referred to by several prophets as ‘Ephraim’.

Joseph received the birthright, after Reuben had lost it: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; …)” (1 Chronicles 5:1; Genesis 49:4). The next sons of Leah, Simeon and Levi, did not get it either. They are men of violence and are therefore scattered among Israel (Genesis 49:5-7). The fourth son, Judah, does not get it either, but becomes the king tribe (Genesis 49:8-12). This is why Judah gets his inheritance so early.

The firstborn gets a double part. Jacob accepted the two sons of Joseph as his own sons: “The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac” (Genesis 48:16a). Therefore they can be counted among the tribes. For them together, one lot is cast. They complain about this together (Joshua 17:14). By the lot, they stay together, although each tribe gets a share.

The Lot for the Sons of Joseph

As always, the border is first determined and then told what is in the territory. The border is given to draw a sharp distinction between the land and the surroundings that are not part of the inheritance. The south border of Joseph is the north border of Benjamin and Dan. In width, their territory extends over the whole land, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.

Joshua 24:3

Introduction

The tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh – the sons of Joseph – are allocated their inheritance in the land. They are not satisfied with this (Joshua 17:14; 16). They want more. Joshua accepts their request and grants them another piece of land. They have to conquer that themselves. They are assured that they will expel the inhabitants (Joshua 17:18). But they do not drive out all Canaanites (Joshua 16:10; Joshua 17:12).

God is also a Giver to us. If we ask Him more of the heavenly land than we already have, He gives it. The blessing of the heavenly land is the glory of the Lord Jesus. How would God ever hold something back from the Lord Jesus when we ask to see more of His glory? We may behold His glory (John 1:14). To see more of His glory we have to fight, because all kinds of things want to keep us from it.

The tribe of Joseph is divided into two because the tribe of Levi does not receive any inheritance (Joshua 14:3-4). The importance of the tribe of Joseph can be seen in the fact that he gets his share immediately after Judah and also in the size of his inheritance.

Joseph’s sons become the ruling tribes in the north of the kingdom, after the division of the kingdom into ten and two tribes has taken place. The dominant position is so clear, that the whole of the ten tribes realm is referred to by several prophets as ‘Ephraim’.

Joseph received the birthright, after Reuben had lost it: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; …)” (1 Chronicles 5:1; Genesis 49:4). The next sons of Leah, Simeon and Levi, did not get it either. They are men of violence and are therefore scattered among Israel (Genesis 49:5-7). The fourth son, Judah, does not get it either, but becomes the king tribe (Genesis 49:8-12). This is why Judah gets his inheritance so early.

The firstborn gets a double part. Jacob accepted the two sons of Joseph as his own sons: “The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac” (Genesis 48:16a). Therefore they can be counted among the tribes. For them together, one lot is cast. They complain about this together (Joshua 17:14). By the lot, they stay together, although each tribe gets a share.

The Lot for the Sons of Joseph

As always, the border is first determined and then told what is in the territory. The border is given to draw a sharp distinction between the land and the surroundings that are not part of the inheritance. The south border of Joseph is the north border of Benjamin and Dan. In width, their territory extends over the whole land, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.

Joshua 24:4

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:5

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:6

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:7

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:8

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:9

The Territory of the Ephraimites

In the description of Joseph’s inheritance only a few towns and villages are mentioned. This is in contrast to Judah, of which many cities and villages are mentioned. The blessings are, so to speak, enjoyed here not so much village-wise or city-wise. They may hardly have conquered cities.

The inheritance is not only a personal matter, but also a matter for families and churches. Each local church has its own gifts and blessings. The letters to the churches in the New Testament show this. Today’s churches could be more diligent in realizing that they are ‘cities in the land’. Many churches may be content with the blessings of the earth, but know little or nothing about the enjoyment of heavenly blessings in a family or church context.

Joshua 24:10

Not All Enemies Are Driven Out

This verse contains a warning. Earlier we read that the Judeans are not able to drive out the enemies (Joshua 15:63). Apparently they have tried. The Ephraimites don’t even seem to have tried it. Apparently they have the strength for it (Joshua 17:13), but are not in the mood. They may quickly have thought themselves rich, are satisfied with it and have become lazy. Spiritual wealth makes us lazy if we receive it without having to fight to conquer it.

Perhaps the Ephraimites have seen gains in using the Canaanites as forced laborers. This allows them to provide themselves with extra wealth. But in the time of the judges, this action will turn against them. The same applies to the life of a Christian who does not want to break with a particular “favorite sin” because this makes life so pleasant. One day he will awaken from the dream and notice that this sin controls his life and leads him to spiritual bankruptcy. Playing with sin always avenges itself.

Joshua 24:12

The Lot for Manasseh

The “lot” for the tribe of Manasseh, that is the one piece of land, is divided into two pieces: one piece for Ephraim and one piece for Manasseh. Although Manasseh is the first-born (Genesis 41:51), first Ephraim, who is counted as the first-born (Genesis 48:13-20) received his part of the inheritance. After that Manasseh gets his share of the inheritance. Machir seems to have been the only son of Manasseh (Genesis 50:23). The other sons are then in fact those of Machir.

Some of Machir’s sons, together with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, have taken possession of the inheritance in the wilderness side of the Jordan. Reuben and Gad want that land because they have a lot of cattle (Numbers 32:1; 5). Machir may also have a lot of cattle, although that is not mentioned of him. But he must have had a great predilection for that many cattle. In any case, he joins Reuben and Gad. That means a welcome reinforcement for them because he is “a man of war”.

The other sons of Manasseh choose for an inheritance in the land. Gideon belongs to the “sons of Abiëzer” (Judges 6:11; 24; 34). Zelophehad’s daughters are descended from Hepher. The ten portions that tribe gets (Joshua 17:5) consist of six portions, containing five portions for the five sons, and a sixth portion, that of Hepher, which is divided into five portions for the five daughters of Zelophehad.

Joshua 24:13

The Lot for Manasseh

The “lot” for the tribe of Manasseh, that is the one piece of land, is divided into two pieces: one piece for Ephraim and one piece for Manasseh. Although Manasseh is the first-born (Genesis 41:51), first Ephraim, who is counted as the first-born (Genesis 48:13-20) received his part of the inheritance. After that Manasseh gets his share of the inheritance. Machir seems to have been the only son of Manasseh (Genesis 50:23). The other sons are then in fact those of Machir.

Some of Machir’s sons, together with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, have taken possession of the inheritance in the wilderness side of the Jordan. Reuben and Gad want that land because they have a lot of cattle (Numbers 32:1; 5). Machir may also have a lot of cattle, although that is not mentioned of him. But he must have had a great predilection for that many cattle. In any case, he joins Reuben and Gad. That means a welcome reinforcement for them because he is “a man of war”.

The other sons of Manasseh choose for an inheritance in the land. Gideon belongs to the “sons of Abiëzer” (Judges 6:11; 24; 34). Zelophehad’s daughters are descended from Hepher. The ten portions that tribe gets (Joshua 17:5) consist of six portions, containing five portions for the five sons, and a sixth portion, that of Hepher, which is divided into five portions for the five daughters of Zelophehad.

Joshua 24:14

The Daughters of Zelophehad

As happens more often, here too the enumeration of names is interrupted by a short history. Such histories have an important place. In this case, something is told that is present in the hearts during the distribution of the cities. We saw that with Caleb and Achsah. Here we see it with the daughters of Zelophehad.

The daughters of Zelophehad consciously choose for an inheritance “among our brothers” in the land and not in the other half of the tribe that has chosen the wilderness side of the Jordan. Women share as much in the inheritance as men. Their public conduct may be regulated by God in a different way than that of men, but their share in spiritual blessings is not.

Normally only the sons inherit. Daughters who marry share in the inheritance of the man they marry. Zelophehad has only daughters. Zelophehad died in the wilderness, so he can’t go to Joshua. His daughters can, and they do. Before going through the Jordan, they went to Moses to ask for an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). Now they come to Eleazar and Joshua to claim the promised inheritance. In the four times Joshua and Eleazar are mentioned together in this book (Joshua 17:4; Joshua 14:1; Joshua 19:51; Joshua 21:1), Eleazar always comes first.

The daughters show faith. They could have said: ‘What do we need an inheritance for? When we get married, we will get it.’ But they have understood God’s thoughts that He wants to give each family an inheritance. The women show an interest in what God has in mind for their family. There is not only a general interest in the land among them, but they wish a portion of the land which God has specially destined for them. They give God the opportunity, as it were, to fulfill His purpose. They have, so to speak, a twofold faith that argues: 1. God has something for us and we don’t want to miss it. 2. We will not be prevented from asking for it because of poor conditions.

We can apply this to listening to or reading what a brother passes on from Scripture. This is good and important, but that is not yet what God has for us personally. This brother can only pass on what he has taken possession of himself. His service will encourage us to take possession of what the Lord has given us each personally. A sister should therefore read the Word herself and not leave it to her husband or the brothers of the local church.

We should not be satisfied with what others have collected for us. If we desire to receive from God what He has personally in mind as blessing for us, He will give it. Weakness and want are no reason to renounce the part God has personally assigned us.

The faith of these women gives them each an inheritance and the five sons each receive one. This way the tribe of Manasseh gets ten portions.

Joshua 24:15

The Daughters of Zelophehad

As happens more often, here too the enumeration of names is interrupted by a short history. Such histories have an important place. In this case, something is told that is present in the hearts during the distribution of the cities. We saw that with Caleb and Achsah. Here we see it with the daughters of Zelophehad.

The daughters of Zelophehad consciously choose for an inheritance “among our brothers” in the land and not in the other half of the tribe that has chosen the wilderness side of the Jordan. Women share as much in the inheritance as men. Their public conduct may be regulated by God in a different way than that of men, but their share in spiritual blessings is not.

Normally only the sons inherit. Daughters who marry share in the inheritance of the man they marry. Zelophehad has only daughters. Zelophehad died in the wilderness, so he can’t go to Joshua. His daughters can, and they do. Before going through the Jordan, they went to Moses to ask for an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). Now they come to Eleazar and Joshua to claim the promised inheritance. In the four times Joshua and Eleazar are mentioned together in this book (Joshua 17:4; Joshua 14:1; Joshua 19:51; Joshua 21:1), Eleazar always comes first.

The daughters show faith. They could have said: ‘What do we need an inheritance for? When we get married, we will get it.’ But they have understood God’s thoughts that He wants to give each family an inheritance. The women show an interest in what God has in mind for their family. There is not only a general interest in the land among them, but they wish a portion of the land which God has specially destined for them. They give God the opportunity, as it were, to fulfill His purpose. They have, so to speak, a twofold faith that argues: 1. God has something for us and we don’t want to miss it. 2. We will not be prevented from asking for it because of poor conditions.

We can apply this to listening to or reading what a brother passes on from Scripture. This is good and important, but that is not yet what God has for us personally. This brother can only pass on what he has taken possession of himself. His service will encourage us to take possession of what the Lord has given us each personally. A sister should therefore read the Word herself and not leave it to her husband or the brothers of the local church.

We should not be satisfied with what others have collected for us. If we desire to receive from God what He has personally in mind as blessing for us, He will give it. Weakness and want are no reason to renounce the part God has personally assigned us.

The faith of these women gives them each an inheritance and the five sons each receive one. This way the tribe of Manasseh gets ten portions.

Joshua 24:16

The Daughters of Zelophehad

As happens more often, here too the enumeration of names is interrupted by a short history. Such histories have an important place. In this case, something is told that is present in the hearts during the distribution of the cities. We saw that with Caleb and Achsah. Here we see it with the daughters of Zelophehad.

The daughters of Zelophehad consciously choose for an inheritance “among our brothers” in the land and not in the other half of the tribe that has chosen the wilderness side of the Jordan. Women share as much in the inheritance as men. Their public conduct may be regulated by God in a different way than that of men, but their share in spiritual blessings is not.

Normally only the sons inherit. Daughters who marry share in the inheritance of the man they marry. Zelophehad has only daughters. Zelophehad died in the wilderness, so he can’t go to Joshua. His daughters can, and they do. Before going through the Jordan, they went to Moses to ask for an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). Now they come to Eleazar and Joshua to claim the promised inheritance. In the four times Joshua and Eleazar are mentioned together in this book (Joshua 17:4; Joshua 14:1; Joshua 19:51; Joshua 21:1), Eleazar always comes first.

The daughters show faith. They could have said: ‘What do we need an inheritance for? When we get married, we will get it.’ But they have understood God’s thoughts that He wants to give each family an inheritance. The women show an interest in what God has in mind for their family. There is not only a general interest in the land among them, but they wish a portion of the land which God has specially destined for them. They give God the opportunity, as it were, to fulfill His purpose. They have, so to speak, a twofold faith that argues: 1. God has something for us and we don’t want to miss it. 2. We will not be prevented from asking for it because of poor conditions.

We can apply this to listening to or reading what a brother passes on from Scripture. This is good and important, but that is not yet what God has for us personally. This brother can only pass on what he has taken possession of himself. His service will encourage us to take possession of what the Lord has given us each personally. A sister should therefore read the Word herself and not leave it to her husband or the brothers of the local church.

We should not be satisfied with what others have collected for us. If we desire to receive from God what He has personally in mind as blessing for us, He will give it. Weakness and want are no reason to renounce the part God has personally assigned us.

The faith of these women gives them each an inheritance and the five sons each receive one. This way the tribe of Manasseh gets ten portions.

Joshua 24:17

The Daughters of Zelophehad

As happens more often, here too the enumeration of names is interrupted by a short history. Such histories have an important place. In this case, something is told that is present in the hearts during the distribution of the cities. We saw that with Caleb and Achsah. Here we see it with the daughters of Zelophehad.

The daughters of Zelophehad consciously choose for an inheritance “among our brothers” in the land and not in the other half of the tribe that has chosen the wilderness side of the Jordan. Women share as much in the inheritance as men. Their public conduct may be regulated by God in a different way than that of men, but their share in spiritual blessings is not.

Normally only the sons inherit. Daughters who marry share in the inheritance of the man they marry. Zelophehad has only daughters. Zelophehad died in the wilderness, so he can’t go to Joshua. His daughters can, and they do. Before going through the Jordan, they went to Moses to ask for an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). Now they come to Eleazar and Joshua to claim the promised inheritance. In the four times Joshua and Eleazar are mentioned together in this book (Joshua 17:4; Joshua 14:1; Joshua 19:51; Joshua 21:1), Eleazar always comes first.

The daughters show faith. They could have said: ‘What do we need an inheritance for? When we get married, we will get it.’ But they have understood God’s thoughts that He wants to give each family an inheritance. The women show an interest in what God has in mind for their family. There is not only a general interest in the land among them, but they wish a portion of the land which God has specially destined for them. They give God the opportunity, as it were, to fulfill His purpose. They have, so to speak, a twofold faith that argues: 1. God has something for us and we don’t want to miss it. 2. We will not be prevented from asking for it because of poor conditions.

We can apply this to listening to or reading what a brother passes on from Scripture. This is good and important, but that is not yet what God has for us personally. This brother can only pass on what he has taken possession of himself. His service will encourage us to take possession of what the Lord has given us each personally. A sister should therefore read the Word herself and not leave it to her husband or the brothers of the local church.

We should not be satisfied with what others have collected for us. If we desire to receive from God what He has personally in mind as blessing for us, He will give it. Weakness and want are no reason to renounce the part God has personally assigned us.

The faith of these women gives them each an inheritance and the five sons each receive one. This way the tribe of Manasseh gets ten portions.

Joshua 24:18

The Border of Manasseh

Judah got the whole south and Ephraim and Manasseh get the whole north, until the later Galilee. This shows the special place of the sons of Joseph. It is a big piece. Not much remains for the other tribes. Their territory extends from the Jordan in the east to the sea in the west. In the south Manasseh borders on Ephraim, in the north it borders on Asher and Issachar, with Asher in the northwest and Issachar in the northeast.

Joshua 24:19

The Border of Manasseh

Judah got the whole south and Ephraim and Manasseh get the whole north, until the later Galilee. This shows the special place of the sons of Joseph. It is a big piece. Not much remains for the other tribes. Their territory extends from the Jordan in the east to the sea in the west. In the south Manasseh borders on Ephraim, in the north it borders on Asher and Issachar, with Asher in the northwest and Issachar in the northeast.

Joshua 24:20

The Border of Manasseh

Judah got the whole south and Ephraim and Manasseh get the whole north, until the later Galilee. This shows the special place of the sons of Joseph. It is a big piece. Not much remains for the other tribes. Their territory extends from the Jordan in the east to the sea in the west. In the south Manasseh borders on Ephraim, in the north it borders on Asher and Issachar, with Asher in the northwest and Issachar in the northeast.

Joshua 24:21

The Border of Manasseh

Judah got the whole south and Ephraim and Manasseh get the whole north, until the later Galilee. This shows the special place of the sons of Joseph. It is a big piece. Not much remains for the other tribes. Their territory extends from the Jordan in the east to the sea in the west. In the south Manasseh borders on Ephraim, in the north it borders on Asher and Issachar, with Asher in the northwest and Issachar in the northeast.

Joshua 24:22

Cities of Manasseh in Issachar and Asher

Manasseh has cities with their towns in the territory of the tribes of Issachar and Asher. God has appointed it in such a way that each tribe has its particularly inalienable inheritance, but also that they will still mix with each other. As a result, there remains mutual familiarity and fellowship between them. There will be an opportunity to give each other good service. All of this suits a people who, although made up of different tribes, still form one Israel and are therefore obliged to love each other as brothers.

Manasseh did not take possession of the cities due to lack of strength, that is, faith, to drive out the enemy. He did not take possession of the inheritance as a ‘church’. The extermination must be done so that the surviving enemy will not become a trap for them (Deuteronomy 20:17-18).

Joshua 24:23

Cities of Manasseh in Issachar and Asher

Manasseh has cities with their towns in the territory of the tribes of Issachar and Asher. God has appointed it in such a way that each tribe has its particularly inalienable inheritance, but also that they will still mix with each other. As a result, there remains mutual familiarity and fellowship between them. There will be an opportunity to give each other good service. All of this suits a people who, although made up of different tribes, still form one Israel and are therefore obliged to love each other as brothers.

Manasseh did not take possession of the cities due to lack of strength, that is, faith, to drive out the enemy. He did not take possession of the inheritance as a ‘church’. The extermination must be done so that the surviving enemy will not become a trap for them (Deuteronomy 20:17-18).

Joshua 24:24

Cities of Manasseh in Issachar and Asher

Manasseh has cities with their towns in the territory of the tribes of Issachar and Asher. God has appointed it in such a way that each tribe has its particularly inalienable inheritance, but also that they will still mix with each other. As a result, there remains mutual familiarity and fellowship between them. There will be an opportunity to give each other good service. All of this suits a people who, although made up of different tribes, still form one Israel and are therefore obliged to love each other as brothers.

Manasseh did not take possession of the cities due to lack of strength, that is, faith, to drive out the enemy. He did not take possession of the inheritance as a ‘church’. The extermination must be done so that the surviving enemy will not become a trap for them (Deuteronomy 20:17-18).

Joshua 24:25

The Sons of Joseph Demand More Space

The sons of Joseph turn to Joshua because they are not sure where to live. In their opinion, the forests make it impossible to live there and there are still enemies they do not feel able to cope with. They see quite a few obstacles. They don’t say that in so many words. Their argument is that they are a great people who need more land. Joshua has the wisdom to understand this and does not allow himself to be misled by them. There is a lack of commitment and faith in them. He points out to them the possibilities. If they make an effort, they can cut down trees, and if they have faith, they need not be afraid of the enemy. If they have faith, they will drive out their enemies.

Joshua’s proposal will make it clear what is in them. If they listen to it, they will make their home territory larger. So they don’t get more land, but they can make the land they have been given habitable by removing obstacles.

We should not raise objections or reservations against what God has given us. If we do that, we look like people “finding fault” (Jude 1:16). Our arguments like ‘no time’, ‘no strength’, ‘no possibilities’ do not hold up for the true Joshua. It is not our strength that matters, but our faith in the power of God.

Joshua 24:26

The Sons of Joseph Demand More Space

The sons of Joseph turn to Joshua because they are not sure where to live. In their opinion, the forests make it impossible to live there and there are still enemies they do not feel able to cope with. They see quite a few obstacles. They don’t say that in so many words. Their argument is that they are a great people who need more land. Joshua has the wisdom to understand this and does not allow himself to be misled by them. There is a lack of commitment and faith in them. He points out to them the possibilities. If they make an effort, they can cut down trees, and if they have faith, they need not be afraid of the enemy. If they have faith, they will drive out their enemies.

Joshua’s proposal will make it clear what is in them. If they listen to it, they will make their home territory larger. So they don’t get more land, but they can make the land they have been given habitable by removing obstacles.

We should not raise objections or reservations against what God has given us. If we do that, we look like people “finding fault” (Jude 1:16). Our arguments like ‘no time’, ‘no strength’, ‘no possibilities’ do not hold up for the true Joshua. It is not our strength that matters, but our faith in the power of God.

Joshua 24:27

The Sons of Joseph Demand More Space

The sons of Joseph turn to Joshua because they are not sure where to live. In their opinion, the forests make it impossible to live there and there are still enemies they do not feel able to cope with. They see quite a few obstacles. They don’t say that in so many words. Their argument is that they are a great people who need more land. Joshua has the wisdom to understand this and does not allow himself to be misled by them. There is a lack of commitment and faith in them. He points out to them the possibilities. If they make an effort, they can cut down trees, and if they have faith, they need not be afraid of the enemy. If they have faith, they will drive out their enemies.

Joshua’s proposal will make it clear what is in them. If they listen to it, they will make their home territory larger. So they don’t get more land, but they can make the land they have been given habitable by removing obstacles.

We should not raise objections or reservations against what God has given us. If we do that, we look like people “finding fault” (Jude 1:16). Our arguments like ‘no time’, ‘no strength’, ‘no possibilities’ do not hold up for the true Joshua. It is not our strength that matters, but our faith in the power of God.

Joshua 24:28

The Sons of Joseph Demand More Space

The sons of Joseph turn to Joshua because they are not sure where to live. In their opinion, the forests make it impossible to live there and there are still enemies they do not feel able to cope with. They see quite a few obstacles. They don’t say that in so many words. Their argument is that they are a great people who need more land. Joshua has the wisdom to understand this and does not allow himself to be misled by them. There is a lack of commitment and faith in them. He points out to them the possibilities. If they make an effort, they can cut down trees, and if they have faith, they need not be afraid of the enemy. If they have faith, they will drive out their enemies.

Joshua’s proposal will make it clear what is in them. If they listen to it, they will make their home territory larger. So they don’t get more land, but they can make the land they have been given habitable by removing obstacles.

We should not raise objections or reservations against what God has given us. If we do that, we look like people “finding fault” (Jude 1:16). Our arguments like ‘no time’, ‘no strength’, ‘no possibilities’ do not hold up for the true Joshua. It is not our strength that matters, but our faith in the power of God.

Joshua 24:29

The Sons of Joseph Demand More Space

The sons of Joseph turn to Joshua because they are not sure where to live. In their opinion, the forests make it impossible to live there and there are still enemies they do not feel able to cope with. They see quite a few obstacles. They don’t say that in so many words. Their argument is that they are a great people who need more land. Joshua has the wisdom to understand this and does not allow himself to be misled by them. There is a lack of commitment and faith in them. He points out to them the possibilities. If they make an effort, they can cut down trees, and if they have faith, they need not be afraid of the enemy. If they have faith, they will drive out their enemies.

Joshua’s proposal will make it clear what is in them. If they listen to it, they will make their home territory larger. So they don’t get more land, but they can make the land they have been given habitable by removing obstacles.

We should not raise objections or reservations against what God has given us. If we do that, we look like people “finding fault” (Jude 1:16). Our arguments like ‘no time’, ‘no strength’, ‘no possibilities’ do not hold up for the true Joshua. It is not our strength that matters, but our faith in the power of God.

Joshua 24:31

Introduction

To really take possession of the land the LORD has given His people, there must be effort. The command is to describe the land. Are we able to describe something of the heavenly land given to us? The true Joshua, the Lord Jesus, wants to hear from us what we think of the land. We may tell Him what we have read in the Bible. The more blessings we discover in it, the more He will give us. He Himself said: “For to everyone who has, [more] shall be given” (Matthew 25:29a).

The inheritance of the Levites is the priesthood of the LORD. This is a special inheritance. It is directly related to the LORD and shows us that above all blessings we may look at Him Who is the Giver of those blessings. Greater than the greatest blessing is surely He from Whom the blessing emanates, isn’t it?

From Gilgal to Shiloh

The people move up to a new place, Shiloh, and gather there. Judah and the sons of Joseph have been assigned their portion in Gilgal, where the people have so far been together as a whole. There also stood the tabernacle, in which God dwelled in their midst. Now the tent of meeting is set up at Shiloh, which means ‘peace’. Shiloh is located in the center of the land.

In the spiritual development of a believer we see the next step in the ascending from Gilgal to Shiloh. First Gilgal, then Shiloh. In Gilgal we get to know the flesh and the judgment on it. In Shiloh there is a sharing in the rest of God.

The advance to Shiloh is worked by God. He wants to dwell in that place and have His people with Him. It will be a temporary dwelling place in the land. In the time that Eli is judge, God leaves Shiloh (1 Samuel 4:1-11; Psalms 78:60). Until that time, that is for about three hundred years, the tent is in Shiloh. There God makes His Name dwell, but He leaves because of the wickedness of Israel: “But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel” (Jeremiah 7:12).

This reminds us of Deuteronomy 12, where we read of God’s command to His people that they will seek Him where He establishes His Name to dwell (Deuteronomy 12:5). That takes effort. For us, it means investigating Scripture to get to know that place. It is not about a place where you feel good, but where the Lord Jesus is in the midst (Matthew 18:20). That place must be found in the Word.

Shiloh is a provisional fulfillment of what will be fully fulfilled in Jerusalem. Did Israel find that place? They have not been aware that it is Jebus. Only David finds it (Psalms 132:6). Jerusalem lies between Benjamin and Judah. Shiloh lies in Ephraim, rather central.

To some extent, the people have found peace in Shiloh. Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is a benevolent atmosphere in which harmony is found. The true Shiloh for us is where the true Shiloh, the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 9:6), is present.

In the book of Numbers “the tent of meeting” is also called “the tent of testimony”. That name is connected to the wilderness journey, where all the tribes around the tent have set up their camp. The order of the tribes is arranged in connection with the tent. It has to do with our testimony to the world. In the land the tent is called “the tent of meeting”. The people dwell in the land in connection with the center, the place where God dwells and where He would like to meet with His people.

Joshua 24:32

The Land Not Yet Divided

There are still seven tribes that have not received any inheritance. It seems that they have remained slow. Maybe they didn’t feel like fighting as a tribe alone for the conquest of the inheritance. It may have been a good idea for them to stay together and they don’t like it to be separated. This is why Joshua is going to help the people. They must supply three men per tribe. He sends them out to describe the remaining land, to map it out, so to speak. This will give them an impression of what remains to be taken into their possession.

As an application we can think of the following. When the believers have got an eye for the heavenly blessings of the church, especially in the revival at the beginning of the nineteenth century, these believers have inherited richly. If we compare them to Judah and the Josephites, they have conquered much of the land. They have written down the riches of it. We can read about it and so enjoy it.

But is there still something for ourselves which can be divided? Those who lived before us and took possession of land by battle, have certainly inherited richly. But also for us there is a portion. God wrote it in a book to show us what is left. We only find blessings in the Book, the Word of God. Paul prays – and we may do so as well – that we will learn to know our blessings (Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:18-19). We will then say with the psalmist: “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me” (Psalms 16:5-6).

We are not in a position comparable to that of Judah and the sons of Joseph, but to that of the other tribes. When we ask God to show us the spiritual blessings, He also gives us blessings to enjoy. We did get them, but we may also make them our own. The letters of the New Testament to believers who live in an end-time, show the part that is also there for them. That part we see par excellence in the letters of John. This is about the eternal life, which is for us the blessing of the land. God has put everything in order for us, so that we too, in our time, can take possession of land.

The land is described “according to their inheritance” (Joshua 18:4). Everyone gets the appropriate part of the land. For us, “to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). The land is also described “by cities” (Joshua 18:9). If we can see a picture of local churches in the cities, then we see in this description that the blessing of the remaining land is also given in a church context.

Joshua casts the lot, in dependence on God, before Him, and assigns the seven parts of the land to the seven tribes. Joshua has no successor, but the priest Eleazar does. Priests have always been there. That’s how it is with us. We no longer have apostles, but we do have the priestly family. As long as there are believers who want to practically experience their priesthood by gathering as a priestly people at the tent of meeting, their inheritances will also be made known.

Joshua 24:33

The Land Not Yet Divided

There are still seven tribes that have not received any inheritance. It seems that they have remained slow. Maybe they didn’t feel like fighting as a tribe alone for the conquest of the inheritance. It may have been a good idea for them to stay together and they don’t like it to be separated. This is why Joshua is going to help the people. They must supply three men per tribe. He sends them out to describe the remaining land, to map it out, so to speak. This will give them an impression of what remains to be taken into their possession.

As an application we can think of the following. When the believers have got an eye for the heavenly blessings of the church, especially in the revival at the beginning of the nineteenth century, these believers have inherited richly. If we compare them to Judah and the Josephites, they have conquered much of the land. They have written down the riches of it. We can read about it and so enjoy it.

But is there still something for ourselves which can be divided? Those who lived before us and took possession of land by battle, have certainly inherited richly. But also for us there is a portion. God wrote it in a book to show us what is left. We only find blessings in the Book, the Word of God. Paul prays – and we may do so as well – that we will learn to know our blessings (Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:18-19). We will then say with the psalmist: “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me” (Psalms 16:5-6).

We are not in a position comparable to that of Judah and the sons of Joseph, but to that of the other tribes. When we ask God to show us the spiritual blessings, He also gives us blessings to enjoy. We did get them, but we may also make them our own. The letters of the New Testament to believers who live in an end-time, show the part that is also there for them. That part we see par excellence in the letters of John. This is about the eternal life, which is for us the blessing of the land. God has put everything in order for us, so that we too, in our time, can take possession of land.

The land is described “according to their inheritance” (Joshua 18:4). Everyone gets the appropriate part of the land. For us, “to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). The land is also described “by cities” (Joshua 18:9). If we can see a picture of local churches in the cities, then we see in this description that the blessing of the remaining land is also given in a church context.

Joshua casts the lot, in dependence on God, before Him, and assigns the seven parts of the land to the seven tribes. Joshua has no successor, but the priest Eleazar does. Priests have always been there. That’s how it is with us. We no longer have apostles, but we do have the priestly family. As long as there are believers who want to practically experience their priesthood by gathering as a priestly people at the tent of meeting, their inheritances will also be made known.