Joshua
19:51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar
the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the fathers' houses of
the tribes of the people of Israel distributed by lot at Shiloh before the
Lord, at the entrance of the tent of meeting. So they finished dividing the
land.
The first 19 chapters have consistently presented God’s
promise to Israel of the land and the demands of the Word for life in the
promised land. These five final chapters reflect on the beginnings of their
life in the land and Israel’s first steps of obedience. In obedience to the Law
given to Moses, Israel begins to separate themselves from the surrounding
nations.
The way of life for Israel entails provisions for the
underprivileged of their community. Those suspected of murder are provided for
in a judicious manner. The Levites, those committed to serving God and the
people in the Tent of Meeting, are given special provisions from the entire
community.
Only as Israel begins this life of obedience under the
Mosaic Law will they realize the future blessings of God. In obedience Israel
will begin to see the hand of God at work in their community. Lives throughout
the tribes will begin to blend together as all work towards the common goal of
obedience to God. The covenant people live in covenant relationship to their
God.
