Dividing the inheritance of each tribe is continuing in Joshua chapters 17 and 18. It was easy for me to think that the division of land was a simple task that would be accomplished quickly and easily. I forgot that there were many thousands of people within each tribe that needed to move all their families, livestock, and belongings into the lands of their inheritance. That would be a major undertaking. What did people think then they moved to take their inheritance? As the tribes moved to the land they inherited was there a sense of loss as they left the camp around the Tabernacle? I would think that this time was bitter sweet because they were inheriting the promised land but everyone encamping around the Tabernacle was ending.
In Joshua 17 the land that is divided among the sons and daughters of Manasseh is detailed and it is to be noted that the Joshua was faithful to give land to the daughters of Zelophehad, who had no sons, just as God commanded Moses. It is interesting that the sons of Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of the land they were inheriting just as the other the sons of Judah and Ephraim did in Joshua 15 and 16. Why were the inhabitants not driven out? Were the Israelites growing weary obeying God’s commands? There is a pattern developing of the native inhabitants of the promised land dwelling among the Israelites. Will this action be a catalyst to draw the people away from God that will play out throughout the Old Testament? I know that it is true in my life that the little things that seem harmless can develop and grow in magnitude until I am faced with major temptation and struggle in my life.
After the sons of Manasseh took their inheritance there were seven tribes that did not divide up their inheritance. In Joshua 18 we are told that Joshua questions these tribes asking, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” Joshua 18:3 No reason is given for these tribes not going out to claim their inheritance but Joshua instructs men to go out into the land and survey it before lots would be cast to divide up the land.
Why would there be a desire to stay together in the main camp? Why did some of the tribes wain in their zeal to inherit the promised land? As each tribe went out to take the land of their inheritance who was their leader. The people of Israel needed a strong and courageous leader such as Moses and Joshua. It may be that the leaders of the tribes who struggled were not as strong in their faith in God as they needed to be. By contrast Caleb was a strong leader who drove out the inhabitance of the land of their inheritance. Is the lack of a strong spiritual leader a catalyst for future problems for the Israelites? If there was a lack leadership while there were still native inhabitants in the land there would be great opportunity for the children of Israel to be led astray away from God. In the world today I argue that the same problem is prevalent. It is crucial that the church today builds up strong leaders who are strong, courageous, and devoted to God.
