College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 18 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 18
The remaining land divided into portions. There were seven portions of land left to be assigned; and after the children of Joseph were settled in the midst of the land, the remaining territory was divided into lots for those tribes which had not yet received their portions. Joshua was determined to complete the work which had been assigned to him by God.
Benjamin's inheritance. The first tribe of the seven remaining without an inheritance was Benjamin. The territory assigned to these people lay just north of the land given to the tribe of Judah. The east border was the Jordan River. The territory was rather small, reaching only to the hill country which was in the center of the land. On the west of Benjamin's territory was the land eventually assigned to Dan. On the north of Benjamin's territory was the land assigned to the tribe of Ephraim.
List of Benjamin's cities. A total of twenty-six cities were listed as belonging to Benjamin. Twelve of these were in the eastern half of the land, and fourteen were in the western part of the territory. Most of these cities figured prominently in later Israelite history. Most important among these cities was the city later known as Jerusalem.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God's house should be in the midst of His people. The Lord had said that Israel was not to worship on every high hill (Deuteronomy 12). He said that He would appoint a place for His house to be established among His people. Although the Tabernacle was more or less temporary, it was important for it to be set up in the midst of the land. In like fashion, every community should have the church in its midst. God's people should make provisions for His house to be established among them.
2.
A place prepared for all. The children of Israel came into a land which was intended for them. It was described as a land flowing with milk and honey. There was to be room for all the millions among the people of Israel. Such a beneficent provision points to God's preparation of a city not made with hands. Jesus said He was going away to prepare a place for those who will be with Him in His glory (John 14:1 ff.). Every child of God will have a place in the heavenly home, just as every Israelite had a home in the days of Joshua.
3.
God's people should be busy with His work. Joshua was old and impatient with laziness and irregularity. How long are ye slack to possess the land? he asked. When Jesus-' mother asked why He had stayed behind in Jerusalem, He answered by asking if she did not know He was busy with His Father's business. Such should be the tenor of the life of every Christian.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 18
1.
Where was the Tabernacle located?
2.
How many tribes remained without land?
3.
How many men went out from each tribe to survey the remaining land?
4.
Which tribe had no inheritance of land in Israel?
5.
Where was the record made of the survey?
6.
Which tribe was first to receive a part of the remaining land?
7.
What was the east border of this tribe?
8.
What two cities were on the western border of this tribe?
9.
What famous city, which was later David's capital, was within this tribe's border?
10.
How many cities were within this tribe's borders?