Question 1

What is happening in Joshua 18 when Israel gathers at Shiloh?

Accepted Answer

In this chapter, Israel has mostly finished taking the promised land, and now the focus shifts from fighting to settling. The whole congregation comes together at Shiloh and sets up the tabernacle there, showing that God’s presence and worship are meant to be at the center of their life in the land. But seven tribes still do not have their own territory. Joshua calls them out for delaying, sends men to survey the land, and then divides it fairly by casting lots before the Lord, so each tribe receives its God-given inheritance.

Question 2

Why does Joshua ask, “How long are you slack to go to possess the land”?

Accepted Answer

Joshua’s question shows that the seven remaining tribes had grown slow and passive about taking what God had already given them. The main battles were done and the land was subdued, yet they had not moved forward to claim their inheritance. Joshua pulls them out of their comfort, reminding them that God has given the land, but they must still act in faith. His words warn against spiritual laziness, where people are content with what they already have instead of stepping into what God has promised.

Question 3

What is the significance of setting up the tabernacle at Shiloh?

Accepted Answer

Placing the tabernacle at Shiloh marks a new stage for Israel. The people are no longer wandering; they now have a central place to meet with God in the land He promised. Shiloh is in a central location, so all tribes can come there to worship. Setting up the tabernacle there shows that God’s presence is the true center of the nation’s life. It also reminds the people that the land they receive is holy and belongs to God first, so their worship and obedience must shape how they live in it.

Question 4

Why did the Levites receive no land inheritance in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The Levites are treated differently from the other tribes because their main calling is to serve the Lord in the tabernacle and later at the temple. The text says that the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance. That means their portion is not a large block of land, but the privilege of serving God and living from the offerings and gifts the other tribes bring. This shows that serving God is a true inheritance and teaches that not all blessings look the same, yet all come from Him and are good.

Question 5

How were the remaining lands divided among the seven tribes in Joshua 18?

Accepted Answer

Joshua tells each of the seven tribes to choose three men, who then go through the land and carefully describe it by cities into seven parts, written in a book. When they return to Shiloh, Joshua takes those written descriptions and casts lots before the Lord, near the tabernacle. The lots decide which tribe gets which section. This way, human effort and careful planning are used, but the final decision is trusted to God. No tribe can claim favoritism, because the outcome is seen as coming from the Lord.

Question 6

What is special about the tribe of Benjamin’s inheritance here?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin’s lot is described in detail, with borders and cities listed. Their land lies between Judah and Joseph, giving them a place right in the middle of the nation. Their territory includes important and well-known places like Jericho, Bethel, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, though Jerusalem also touches Judah. Even though Benjamin is not a large tribe, they receive an honored and strategic area. This shows that God’s care in giving inheritance is not based on size or human status, but on His own wise plan.

Question 7

What does casting lots “before the LORD” teach about God’s guidance?

Accepted Answer

Casting lots in front of the tabernacle shows that the people were not just guessing or making random choices. They believed that God directs the outcome. By doing this at Shiloh, before the Lord, they showed that the land was His to give and that He was the one assigning each tribe its portion. It teaches that God is involved in the details of life, that His people should seek His lead in big decisions, and that they can rest content with what He assigns, trusting His wisdom and fairness.

Question 8

How does Joshua 18 speak to spiritual laziness and perseverance today?

Accepted Answer

In this chapter, the people had started well in taking the land but had stalled before finishing the task. Joshua’s rebuke shows how easy it is to grow comfortable and stop short of all that God has set before us. The tribes needed to get up, survey the land, and actually move into their inheritance. Today this warns us not to be content with a half-finished walk with God. It encourages steady obedience, using the strength God gives to pursue what He has promised instead of waiting for easier conditions.

Question 9

What does this passage show about God’s character and His promises?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as faithful, orderly, and very involved with His people. He has kept His promise to give them the land, and now He guides the detailed division of it. The careful borders and city lists show that no tribe is forgotten and no part is random. Casting lots before Him shows that He rules over what may look like chance. The special role of the Levites and the placement of Benjamin reveal that God gives different gifts, but all are part of His good and wise plan.

Joshua 18:1

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

The Remainder Divided

Benjamin’s Inheritance

The Remainder Divided

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Joshua 18:1

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

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The Remainder Divided

Benjamin’s Inheritance

The Remainder Divided

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