Joshua Chapter 18 — The Survey and Benjamin's Lot
The Israelites gather at Shiloh to set up the Tent of Meeting while Joshua organizes a survey of the remaining territory for the seven tribes without land.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 18:1
“The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled themselves together at Shiloh, and set up the Tent of Meeting there.”
This verse marks the establishment of Shiloh as the central place of worship for the nation of Israel.
Joshua 18:3
“Joshua said to the children of Israel, “How long will you neglect to go in to possess the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?””
Joshua provides a strong exhortation to the tribes who were slow to take possession of the land God had provided.
Chapter Summary
Joshua 18 describes a pivotal moment when the whole congregation of Israel assembles at Shiloh to set up the Tent of Meeting, establishing it as their spiritual center. Despite the land being subdued, seven tribes have not yet received their inheritance. Joshua rebukes their delay and instructs each tribe to appoint three men to survey and map the remaining land into seven portions. The surveyors travel through the territory, documenting cities and boundaries in a book before returning to Shiloh. Joshua then casts lots before the Lord to distribute the land fairly. The remainder of the chapter focuses on the tribe of Benjamin, detailing their specific boundaries and cities. Benjamin’s inheritance is situated between the territories of Judah and the house of Joseph. Significant cities included in Benjamin's lot are Jericho, Bethel, and the Jebusite city, which the text identifies as Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Israelites assembled at Shiloh to set up the Tent of Meeting, making it the central location for their religious and national life during this period.
Three men from each tribe surveyed the land and divided it into seven portions. Joshua then cast lots at Shiloh to determine which tribe would receive each portion.
The tribe of Benjamin received the first lot during this distribution, with their territory located between the lands of Judah and Joseph.
The text identifies the Jebusite city, also called Jerusalem, as one of the fourteen cities given to the tribe of Benjamin.
Study Note
The transition to Shiloh represents a shift from the temporary military camp at Gilgal to a more stable religious center for the tribes.
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