Seven Israelite tribes still needed to receive their designated territories according to God’s plan.
In this verse we read, “There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.” (v.2). These words come immediately after the tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, marking a central gathering place for worship. Joshua, who served as Israel’s leader after Moses (circa 1406-1390 BC), oversaw this process of dividing the land, ensuring that each Israelite tribe received its portion in accordance with God’s promise. Even though much of the land had been subdued, seven of the twelve tribes still lacked the concrete boundaries of their inheritance, reflecting a stage of waiting and prompting further instructions from Joshua to claim what God had granted.
The phrase “remained among the sons of Israel” implies that these seven tribes are physically still present and participating in the unfolding gift of the Promised Land, but they have yet to finalize their own territories. This indicates a momentary pause in the broader conquest, as if the nation finds itself in a season of both accomplishment and anticipation. While the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and half of Manasseh (among others) had land apportioned to them, these seven tribes had not yet acted upon God’s directive to fully occupy and establish themselves in the land of Canaan. Such moments of waiting are echoed in later scriptural exhortations to be diligent and faithful in pursuing God’s promises (Hebrews 6:11-12), reminding believers throughout history that receiving God’s blessing often calls for faithful, patient obedience.
Historically, Shiloh stood in the hill country of Ephraim, located about ten miles north of Bethel. This central location provided a convenient place for the remaining tribes to gather and hear Joshua’s instructions regarding surveys of the land (Joshua 18:8-10). By highlighting the unclaimed inheritance of seven tribes, verse 2 sets the stage for the continued distribution described in the following verses. It underscores both God’s faithfulness to make good on His promises and Israel’s responsibility to participate in the process by going out and formally claiming what has been pledged to them.
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Joshua 18:2 meaning
In this verse we read, “There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.” (v.2). These words come immediately after the tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, marking a central gathering place for worship. Joshua, who served as Israel’s leader after Moses (circa 1406-1390 BC), oversaw this process of dividing the land, ensuring that each Israelite tribe received its portion in accordance with God’s promise. Even though much of the land had been subdued, seven of the twelve tribes still lacked the concrete boundaries of their inheritance, reflecting a stage of waiting and prompting further instructions from Joshua to claim what God had granted.
The phrase “remained among the sons of Israel” implies that these seven tribes are physically still present and participating in the unfolding gift of the Promised Land, but they have yet to finalize their own territories. This indicates a momentary pause in the broader conquest, as if the nation finds itself in a season of both accomplishment and anticipation. While the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and half of Manasseh (among others) had land apportioned to them, these seven tribes had not yet acted upon God’s directive to fully occupy and establish themselves in the land of Canaan. Such moments of waiting are echoed in later scriptural exhortations to be diligent and faithful in pursuing God’s promises (Hebrews 6:11-12), reminding believers throughout history that receiving God’s blessing often calls for faithful, patient obedience.
Historically, Shiloh stood in the hill country of Ephraim, located about ten miles north of Bethel. This central location provided a convenient place for the remaining tribes to gather and hear Joshua’s instructions regarding surveys of the land (Joshua 18:8-10). By highlighting the unclaimed inheritance of seven tribes, verse 2 sets the stage for the continued distribution described in the following verses. It underscores both God’s faithfulness to make good on His promises and Israel’s responsibility to participate in the process by going out and formally claiming what has been pledged to them.