Old Testament
Joshua 18:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The men traveled through the land, recorded it city by city into seven parts in a book, and returned to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.
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And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.
What Joshua 18:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of men is tasked with surveying the land of Canaan. They travel throughout the region, examining each city and dividing the land into seven distinct parts. This process is meticulously documented in a book, which serves as a record of their findings. After completing their survey, they return to Joshua, who is camped at Shiloh, to present their report. This action reflects the importance of careful planning and organization in the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. The act of recording their observations highlights the significance of accountability and transparency in leadership. By documenting the land, they ensure that each tribe receives its fair share, which is crucial for maintaining order and unity among the Israelites as they settle into their new homeland.
How to apply Joshua 18:9 to your life
This verse teaches us the value of thorough planning and documentation in our own lives. Just as the men recorded their findings for fair distribution, we should keep clear records in our personal and professional endeavors to ensure transparency and fairness in our decisions.
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 18:9
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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 18:9 mean?
Joshua 18:9 describes a group of men surveying the land of Canaan, dividing it into seven parts, and documenting their findings in a book. This process was essential for ensuring fair distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of recording in Joshua 18:9?
The act of recording in Joshua 18:9 highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in leadership. By documenting their survey, the men ensured that each tribe received its rightful share of land, promoting order and unity.
Why did they divide the land into seven parts in Joshua 18:9?
The land was divided into seven parts to facilitate the fair distribution among the tribes of Israel. This division was crucial for organizing the settlement of the Israelites in their new homeland.
Who did the men report to in Joshua 18:9?
The men reported their findings to Joshua, who was camped at Shiloh. This reporting was an important step in the process of allocating land to the tribes of Israel.
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