Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Joshua 18 Devotional

Why Wait to Receive

“So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?”Joshua 18:3 (BSB)

Israel gathers at Shiloh and sets up the tent of meeting there. The land lies subdued before them, yet seven tribes still have not received their inheritance (18:1-2). Joshua's question is pointed: how long will they put off taking possession of what the LORD has already given them (18:3)?

So Joshua sends three men from each tribe to walk the land and write it down in seven parts (18:4-9). Then he casts lots for them at Shiloh before the LORD (18:6, 10). The lot was not left to chance. Proverbs says the lot may be thrown, but every outcome is decided by the LORD (Proverbs 16:33). The first portion goes to Benjamin, between Judah and Joseph (18:11). God had given the land, and he also settled where each tribe would live. Hesitating before a gift God has already given is strange, yet common. What he has given you in Christ is meant to be received and lived in, not left unclaimed.

To think about: What has God already given you that you have been slow to take hold of and live in?

About Joshua 18: Shiloh, the Survey, and Benjamin

Israel gathers at Shiloh and pitches the tabernacle, and Joshua rebukes seven tribes for delaying to claim their land. Tribal representatives survey and record the land in seven parts, Joshua casts lots before the LORD, and Benjamin receives the first portion between Judah and Joseph.

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