King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:10 Mean?

Joshua 18:10 in the King James Version says “And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel a... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

8

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.

9

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

10

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.

11

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The sacred moment: divine allocation occurs. Before the LORD means at the tabernacle, likely involving the Urim and Thummim through Eleazar. Joshua serves as covenant mediator, but God determines each inheritance.

According to their divisions (machleqotam, מַחְלְקֹתָם) respects tribal distinctions. Unity doesn't erase identity—God blesses diversity within covenantal unity. Each tribe receives custom-fit inheritance matching their character and calling. This prefigures believers' varied spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This lot-casting concluded the land distribution process begun years earlier. It resolved potential conflicts by divine authority, preventing civil war. The ceremony at Shiloh's tabernacle sanctified Israel's settlement pattern for generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern God's specific calling for you within the broader body of Christ?
  2. What role does community leadership play in helping individuals discover their divine inheritance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֩1 of 15

cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

לָהֶ֨ם2 of 15
H0
יְהוֹשֻׁ֧עַ3 of 15

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

גּוֹרָ֛ל4 of 15

lots

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

בְּשִׁלֹ֖ה5 of 15

for them in Shiloh

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

לִפְנֵ֣י6 of 15

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 15

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיְחַלֶּק8 of 15

divided

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

שָׁ֨ם9 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יְהוֹשֻׁ֧עַ10 of 15

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶת11 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֛רֶץ12 of 15

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִבְנֵ֥י13 of 15

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּמַחְלְקֹתָֽם׃15 of 15

according to their divisions

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)


Study Guide

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 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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