Joshua 18:8

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

فقام الرجال وذهبوا. واوصى يشوع الذاهبين لكتابة الارض قائلا. اذهبوا وسيروا في الارض واكتبوها ثم ارجعوا اليّ فالقي لكم هنا قرعة امام الرب في شيلوه.

What Does This Mean?

Joshua tells the men who are going to explore the land to walk through it and describe it, so he can later divide the land among the tribes of Israel by casting lots before the LORD in Shiloh.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you need to find out what's in a big box. Joshua tells some friends to look inside the box and tell him what they see. Then, he will decide who gets what from the box, by asking God to help him choose fairly.

Historical Background

The book of Joshua was written by Joshua or a compiler soon after his death. It details the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the Israelites. This verse takes place after the initial battles, as the land is being divided according to God's promise.

Living It Out Today

This verse teaches us the importance of thorough investigation and fairness. In a modern scenario, if a group of friends is dividing a large inheritance, they should explore all aspects of the property and make decisions based on fairness and consultation with trusted advisors.

Topics

• exploration
• fairness
• division
• God's guidance
• leadership
• promise

Related Verses

• Numbers 26:55
• Joshua 14:2
• Joshua 19:51
• Acts 1:26
• Acts 13:19

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua need to cast lots?

Casting lots was a way to make decisions based on divine guidance. It helped ensure the division of land was fair and according to God's will.

What does 'describe the land' mean?

It means to carefully examine and document the land, noting its features, boundaries, and resources, so it could be fairly divided among the tribes.

Why is Shiloh important in this context?

Shiloh was a significant religious center where the tabernacle was located. Conducting the lot casting there ensured the process was done in the presence of God.

What can we learn from Joshua's leadership style?

Joshua demonstrates the importance of thorough planning and seeking divine guidance. His leadership emphasizes fairness and the use of trusted advisors.