In our last discussion, we saw seven tribes being chided for their inactivity. A 21-man team was then created, comprising three men each from the seven tribes. Their task was to survey the land, divide it into seven portions and to submit a report to Joshua. With their report, Joshua then cast lots before the LORD and distributed the allotment to each of the seven tribes. The following passages show the cities and areas distributed to each of the tribes
(1) Joshua 18:11-48 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Benjamin.
(2) Joshua 19:1-9 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Simeon.
(3) Joshua 19:10-16 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Zebulun.
(4) Joshua 19:19-23 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Issachar.
(5) Joshua 19:24-31 – describe the allotment of the tribe Asher.
(6) Joshua 19:32-39 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Naphtali.
(7) Joshua 19:40-48 – describe the allotment of the tribe of Dan.
Here are a few observations concerning the distribution of the land. Firstly, we learn that while Joshua was the one who cast the lots, the giver of the land was the Lord Himself. Secondly, of all the distribution described here, the most carefully listed was the portion allotted to Benjamin. Thirdly, the land given to the tribe Judah was too large for them so Simeon was given areas within the allotment distributed to the tribe of Judah. So, in Joshua 19: 10 we read “The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so, the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah’s inheritance.”
From these verses, we must remember that all that we have in life comes from God. In His divine providence, He has granted us all things in life to teach us wise stewardship. As King David so wisely acknowledged in 1 Chronicles 29:14, we must recognize that everything we have in life is given by the Lord. All that we have come from Him and it is only of His very own can we give to Him. Bear in mind that we are not owners but stewards of the grace of God. Faithfulness and gratitude demand that we responsibly develop the gifts and talents God has given to us. Hence, we must deploy them and use them to glorify His name. Let’s always keep in mind that as God’s steward, we must be found faithful. Here are some questions each of us should ask at the end of each day to keep oneself accountable before God. Is my gift well-used? Is my work well-done? Is my life well-lived?
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