As we get into the second half of the book of Joshua, the Israelites begin the preparations for dividing up their newly conquered land. At 14:11, Caleb says to Joshua that he is as strong now, aged 85, as he was 45 years ago, when Moses sent him out as a spy. In doing so, Caleb is reminding Joshua of the solemn promise of Moses, made forty-five years before, that he would inherit the mountains of Hebron, and Joshua duly honours this promise. In chapter 15, verses 1-12, we're given the very precise boundaries of the tribe of Judah's inheritance, followed by a long list (15:21-62) of the cities that will fall within these boundaries. Below is a map of all the land divisions by tribe.
The altar is allowed to remain standing and is called Ed (22:34). Joseph, growing old, makes a final speech to the Israelites in chapter 23, reminding them of his achievement in dividing up the lands among the tribes, and of the covenant that the people of Israel have with God. He gathers together all the people, including elders, judges and officers, and God speaks to the congregation, reminding his people of their history going back to Abraham, and all the things he's done for them over time (24:2-13), including the strength and miracles to win battles (in his words, he "sent the hornet before you", 24:12). Ever concerned about his people worshipping anyone but him, God tells his people to "put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood" (24:14). After all this is said, Joshua sets up a new "statute and ordinance in Shechem" between God and his people (24:25), which is carved into stone, and he then dies aged 110.
In chapter 16, we're told about the inheritance or "lot" of the children of Joseph, starting with Ephraim in this chapter. We're told (at 16:10) that the Canaanites were not totally driven out, but instead some now serve under "tribute" to the Ephraimites. This is followed, in chapter 17, by details about the contours of the inheritance of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. Again, it's made clear that the Canaanites were not driven out from certain cities, but put under tribute (17:13).
At the beginning of chapter 18, we're told that the people of Israel congregated at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up. At this point, there are still seven tribes of Israel yet to receive their inheritance. Three men from each tribe are sent out to survey the land and divide it into seven parts, following which Joshua will draw lots to see which tribe gets which part of land. At the end of chapter 18 (verses 11-28) we're given details of Benjamin's inheritance. This is followed in chapter 19 by details of Simeon's inheritance (which includes some of Judah's, as he had too much initially), then Zebulun's inheritance, including the city of Bethlehem (19:10-16), Issachar's inheritance (19:17-23), Asher's inheritance, including Tyre (19:24-31), Naphtali's inheritance (19:32-39), Dan's inheritance (19:40-48) and finally Joshua's inheritance (19:49-50).
In chapter 20, Joshua reminds the people they should appoint cities of refuge for those that kill unintentionally, so that they can seek a fair hearing. This is followed in chapter 21 with more details on specific cities of "refuge for the slayer". By this point, it becomes clear that the nation of Israel has no more enemies for now (21:44), and in chapter 22 we're told that, after a period of repose for the tribal leaders of Israel, Joshua sends everyone back to possess their newly acquired lands.
However, as ever, there's trouble afoot among the Israelites. The children of Reuben and Gad and the "half tribe of Manasseh" decide to build an apparently idolatrous and ungodly altar (22:10), which causes the other tribes to consider declaring war against the two and a half tribes. Thankfully, on reflection, they opt for a calmer approach of sending out a deputation of high priests and elders from each tribe, and it becomes clear (at 22:30) that the intentions behind the altar were honourable:
In chapter 20, Joshua reminds the people they should appoint cities of refuge for those that kill unintentionally, so that they can seek a fair hearing. This is followed in chapter 21 with more details on specific cities of "refuge for the slayer". By this point, it becomes clear that the nation of Israel has no more enemies for now (21:44), and in chapter 22 we're told that, after a period of repose for the tribal leaders of Israel, Joshua sends everyone back to possess their newly acquired lands.
However, as ever, there's trouble afoot among the Israelites. The children of Reuben and Gad and the "half tribe of Manasseh" decide to build an apparently idolatrous and ungodly altar (22:10), which causes the other tribes to consider declaring war against the two and a half tribes. Thankfully, on reflection, they opt for a calmer approach of sending out a deputation of high priests and elders from each tribe, and it becomes clear (at 22:30) that the intentions behind the altar were honourable:
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD (22:31)
The altar is allowed to remain standing and is called Ed (22:34). Joseph, growing old, makes a final speech to the Israelites in chapter 23, reminding them of his achievement in dividing up the lands among the tribes, and of the covenant that the people of Israel have with God. He gathers together all the people, including elders, judges and officers, and God speaks to the congregation, reminding his people of their history going back to Abraham, and all the things he's done for them over time (24:2-13), including the strength and miracles to win battles (in his words, he "sent the hornet before you", 24:12). Ever concerned about his people worshipping anyone but him, God tells his people to "put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood" (24:14). After all this is said, Joshua sets up a new "statute and ordinance in Shechem" between God and his people (24:25), which is carved into stone, and he then dies aged 110.
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