Old Testament
Joshua 14:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see the Israelites following God's instructions as given to Moses.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
As the LORD commanded Moses, the Israelites did, and they divided the land.
As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the Israelites following God's instructions as given to Moses. The phrase "as the LORD commanded" emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word. The Israelites successfully divided the land among the tribes, which was a significant step in fulfilling God's promise to give them a homeland. This act of dividing the land signifies not only the physical allocation of territory but also the establishment of each tribe's identity and inheritance. The obedience of the Israelites highlights their commitment to God's plan and their trust in His guidance. This moment marks a pivotal point in their journey, as they transition from wandering in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following divine instructions and the blessings that come from obedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 14:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to and follow God's guidance in our lives. Just as the Israelites obeyed God's commands, we too should strive to align our actions with His will. Trusting in God's plan can lead to fulfilling our own purposes and receiving His blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 14:5 teach about obedience?
Joshua 14:5 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites followed the instructions given to Moses, which highlights their commitment to God's will. This act of obedience is crucial as it signifies their trust in God's plan and their readiness to receive the blessings associated with fulfilling His promises.
How does Joshua 14:5 relate to God's promises?
In Joshua 14:5, the division of the land among the tribes represents the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a homeland. This moment marks a significant transition from their years of wandering in the wilderness to establishing their identity and inheritance in the Promised Land, showcasing God's faithfulness to His word.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Joshua 14:5?
The actions of the Israelites in Joshua 14:5 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of following divine guidance. Their successful division of the land illustrates that aligning our actions with God's will can lead to fulfilling our own purposes and experiencing His blessings in our lives.
Why is the phrase 'as the LORD commanded' significant in Joshua 14:5?
The phrase 'as the LORD commanded' in Joshua 14:5 underscores the seriousness of obedience to God's instructions. It highlights that the Israelites' actions were not arbitrary but were in direct response to God's commands, reinforcing the idea that following God's guidance is essential for receiving His blessings and fulfilling His promises.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
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