Joshua 12 and 13 (6)

Read Joshua 13.15-33

Reflect.
1.  The first division of the land of Canaan is on the east side of the Jordan, for the two-and-a-half tribes. Why did it make sense to begin with them?

2.  What did it mean that the Levites, scattered throughout these three territories, had the Lord God as their inheritance? Do you think their presence throughout Israel was intended also as a witness for all the people of God (cf. Ps. 16.5, 6)?

Think about it.
On the east side of the Jordan river, the families, flocks, and herds of the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have been patiently waiting while the land of Canaan was subdued. Now the lands conquered by Moses are divided among them.

The first parcel, farthest to the south, goes to the tribe of Reuben. He was the first born of Jacob, and so it is fitting that his allotment should be the first given.

Gad’s allotment, north of that of Reuben is next. Gad was next in the birth order following Simeon, but Simeon would have his allotment on the other side of the Jordan, so for now, he is skipped.

The half-tribe of Manasseh receives the allotment farthest to the north, still on the east side of the Jordan.

Levites are distributed among these tribes, with the reminder that their only permanent inheritance is the Lord God Himself. Their work would have reminded the people of Israel that He was their true inheritance as well.

In the giving of these allotments, there seems to be a sense of connection to the ancient roots of the nation, as we see the careful attention to birth order. For whatever reason, that practice will not hold once the allotting begins on the west side of the Jordan. Did matters of political expediency or convenience trump the honoring of the order of inheritance of Jacob’s sons? And is this a portent of things to come?

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Inheriting these lands meant occupying existing cities, complete with homes, farms, and all manner of cultural artifacts (tools, household implements, furnishings, etc.). Imagine that you were assigned a home in a neighborhood of one of those cities. How would you begin to put it in order? 

2.  You and your neighbors in this city need to organize the city itself. What will you do? What are your objectives? Would you expect the city to change in any ways? What would you do to maintain order and to begin implementing the Law of God?

3.  The work of a church and its families is in many ways similar to what the tribes of Israel faced in settling the land of Canaan. Explain. 

“What he seemed to have said with sufficient clearness he now follows more fully in detail, not only that the reading might incite the people to gratitude, seeing the divine goodness recorded in public documents, and, as it were, constantly before their eyes, but also that each might enjoy his inheritance without molestation and quarrel.” John Calvin (1509-1564 AD)

Lord, I have work to do every day getting my “allotment” in order before you. Teach me to plan well and to…

Pray Psalm 90.12-17.
Learn to use these verses to guide you in “settling” your “allotment” from the Lord each day.

Psalm 90.12-17 (Landas: My Faith Has Found a Resting Place)
Lord, teach us all our days to note that wisdom may be ours.
Return, O Lord, have pity on those servants who are Yours.
Each morning let Your love appear that we for joy may sing.
And make us glad for every day You us affliction bring.

Now let Your work to us appear; our children show Your might.
And let Your favor rest on us; show mercy in Your sight.
The work that You have given us, confirm, and to us show,
That we Your chosen path may walk and in Your precepts go.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).