Old Testament
Joshua 18:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You shall survey the land and divide it into seven parts, then bring the description to me here. I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
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Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
What Joshua 18:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua instructs the Israelites to survey the land of Canaan and divide it into seven parts. This division is crucial as it determines how the land will be allocated among the tribes of Israel. After they have described the land, they are to bring this information to Joshua, who will cast lots to decide which tribe receives which portion. This method of casting lots is significant as it reflects the belief that God is guiding the decision-making process. The act of surveying and dividing the land emphasizes the importance of organization and fairness in distributing resources among the people. It also highlights the communal aspect of land ownership in Israel, where each tribe has a designated area to inhabit and cultivate, ensuring that everyone has a place in the promised land.
How to apply Joshua 18:6 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when it comes to sharing resources. It encourages us to work together as a community, ensuring that everyone is considered and that decisions are made fairly and transparently.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Land Divided at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1–10)
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Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 18:6
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 18:6 mean?
Joshua 18:6 means that Joshua instructed the Israelites to survey and divide the land of Canaan into seven parts. This division was essential for determining how the land would be allocated among the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of casting lots in Joshua 18:6?
Casting lots in Joshua 18:6 signifies that the allocation of land among the tribes was guided by God. It reflects the belief that God was involved in the decision-making process to ensure fairness.
How does Joshua 18:6 relate to community and fairness?
Joshua 18:6 relates to community and fairness by highlighting the collective effort of the Israelites to survey and divide the land, ensuring that each tribe receives a fair portion.
What themes are present in Joshua 18:6?
Themes present in Joshua 18:6 include land division, God's guidance, community, fairness, tribal inheritance, and divine decision-making.
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