Old Testament
Joshua 18:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The men got up and left. Joshua instructed those who were to survey the land, saying, "Go and walk through the land, describe it, and then return to me. I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh."
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And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.
What Joshua 18:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua is giving instructions to a group of men who are tasked with surveying the land of Canaan. He tells them to go out, explore the land, and gather detailed descriptions of it. This is an important step because the land is to be divided among the tribes of Israel. After they complete their survey, they are to return to Joshua, who will cast lots to determine how the land will be allocated. This process emphasizes the importance of careful planning and seeking God's guidance in making decisions. The act of casting lots is a way to seek divine direction, ensuring that the distribution of land is fair and in accordance with God's will. The mention of Shiloh as the location for this decision highlights its significance as a central place of worship and decision-making for the Israelites during this time.
How to apply Joshua 18:8 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of thorough preparation and seeking God's guidance in our decisions. Just as the men surveyed the land before making choices, we should take time to understand our circumstances and pray for wisdom before acting.
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 18:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 18:8 mean?
Joshua 18:8 describes Joshua instructing men to survey the land of Canaan. They are to explore and document the land before returning to him, where he will cast lots to determine how the land will be divided among the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of casting lots in Joshua 18:8?
Casting lots in Joshua 18:8 is a method used to seek God's guidance in making decisions about land allocation. It emphasizes the belief that the outcome is determined by divine will, ensuring fairness in the distribution among the tribes.
Why did Joshua send men to survey the land in Joshua 18:8?
Joshua sent men to survey the land to gather detailed information necessary for the fair division of Canaan among the tribes. This step was crucial to ensure that the allocation was based on accurate knowledge of the land.
What can we learn from Joshua 18:8?
From Joshua 18:8, we learn the importance of thorough preparation and seeking God's guidance in decision-making. It encourages us to understand our circumstances and pray for wisdom before taking action.
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