King James Version

What Does Joshua 14:2 Mean?

“By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.”

Context

And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **By lot . . . as the Lord commanded . . . Moses.**—See Numbers 26:52-56; Numbers 34:17-29. **The nine tribes, and for the half tribe;** and (3) **For Moses had given;** and (4) **For the children of Joseph were two tribes.**—The argument of these verses can only mean that the tribal inheritances were to be *twelve in number, *and therefore the Levites were excluded from any distinct territorial position, for the children of Joseph were to be two tribes. Of Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob had said to Joseph, “as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine:” *i.e.,* though grandsons, they shall count as sons of Jacob, and each one shall be the head of a tribe. Thus there are two ways of counting Jacob’s sons, each making twelve; and these two seem to be recognised as distinct in Exodus 28. There we are told that the high priest should bear the names of the children of Israel on his shoulders *according to their birth *(*i.e., *Joseph being counted as well as Levi, but not Ephraim and Manasseh). On his breastplate he must have them *according to the twelve tribes *(*i.e., *Ephraim and Manasseh being specified, but Joseph and Levi left out). Both ways of reckoning were necessary in order that the complete Israel might be represented by the high priest. And in each way the number *twelve *was preserved and emphasised, as it is evidently intended to be in this place,

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 14:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.