Joshua Chapter 18

There are two significant items recorded in chapter 18.  The first is that the tabernacle was moved from Gilgal to Shiloh.  And the second is that there has been a gap of time in which the remaining tribes of Israel have yet to receive their portion of the inheritance of land.  We discover the reason as stated by Joshua, that the seven remaining tribes have not yet taken possession of the land.  Which meant that they were still fearful and not trusting God to help them conquer the remaining people occupying the land. 

 “The arresting word in this question of Joshua is the word ‘slack,’ (neglect) as it reveals a peril always threatening those who are called to carry out some divine enterprise. How perpetually the work of God suffers because His people become slack!”  [Morgan]

They only needed to finish the work that God had given them to do and then they would be able to enjoy their inheritance – to live in the land of milk and honey that God wanted them to have.

Let's Reflect

1.  The tabernacle was set up at Shiloh where it would remain for many years.  Shiloh was only about fifteen miles from Jerusalem.  God had moved the center of His worship, and this is where the Levites would be centered for their duties.  Who set up the tabernacle at Shiloh?

2.  Rather than allowing the seven remaining tribes to remain complacent, Joshua put forward instructions to help them move forward with taking possession of the land.  What did he instruct them to do?

3.  The men did as Joshua instructed and after completing the task he gave them they returned to him.  According to verse 9 what had this assignment caused the men to do?

4.  Based on what the men had reported to Joshua what did he do according to verse 10?

5.  The rest of this chapter describes the allotment that was given to one of those seven tribes.  Which tribe is that?

6.  How many cities were mentioned that were included in the inheritance of this tribe?

7.  In all the description of the allotment given out, do you read of the people conquering the land or was that still a task that they would need to face?