JUNE 2, Joshua 18:1-10

God promised to bless Abraham with countless descendants and land for them. He showed Abraham the extent of the land in Canaan after he returned from Egypt. However, it was only hundreds of years later that his descendants (the twelve tribes of Israel) entered the Promised Land. Many battles were fought before Joshua conquered the Promised Land. After the conquest, the land has to be distributed among the twelve tribes. They knew that the Promised Land was a gift from God. Therefore, they must commit to God the allocation of the land among the tribes and among the families. The land was divided into portions and each was allocated by casting lots.

The ‘lot’ was a two-sided disc. They believed that God controls the result of every throw of the lot. Therefore, they allocated the land according to the God’s will. “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” Proverbs 16:33.

Boundaries were marked out and to alter it was to act against God’s will. Therefore, selling one’s land was dishonouring God. If the land had to be sold because the family was poor, it would be returned to the family in the Year of Jubilee. In the meantime, if a member of the family was able to raise money to redeem the land, the new owner had to return it at once. Land was passed from father to sons. 

The eldest son received twice as much as his brothers. This was called a double portion. If there were no sons, the property could be passed to daughters, but land always remained within the family.

Look at the map of Israel and the land allocation. Write Manasseh, Gad and Reuben which are east of River Jordan. Write Naphtali north of the Sea of Galilee and Judah west of Jordan.

Thought: God cares about His children’s welfare and is in control of everything.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise Thee for Your care and for being fair in everything you do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.