The Miracle at Shiloh
CASTING LOTS AT SHILOH
“And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, ‘How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?’ And Joshua said, ‘Give out from among you three men for each tribe, and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me. And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coast on the north. Ye shall de scribe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me that I may here cast lots before you here be fore the Lord our God” (Joshua 18:2-7).
We see the manifold wisdom of God in his overruling of the division of the land. In Joshua 14:1 we learn, “And these are the countries … which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel distributed for inheritance to them” (Number 34:17-28).
Here, no prince was taken of the tribes of Rueben, Gad, nor of the half-tribe of Manasseh. These had been assigned their portions by Moses on the eastern side of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33) and care was taken to define their boundaries. (Joshua 13) After Caleb had put in his lawful claim to mount Hebron, the tribes of Judah, and the second half of Joseph – Ephraim – were given their allotments on the west side of Jordan. A full enumeration of the land they were to occupy is furnished in Joshua, chapters 15-17.
For the remaining tribes, we learn in Joshua 14:2, “by lot was their inheritance.” How the lot was cast in this case cannot be determined with certainty, but the following is probable: first, the land was geographically divided and each portion was called by a particular name. There would need to be a consensus that each portion was of equal value. Finally, some method of “casting” would be employed to discern which tribe would come up in order and which district God had chosen for the tribe (Numbers 26:52-56).
Knowing this was the purpose of their reconnaissance, “the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts of a book, and came again to Joshua and to the host at Shiloh” (Joshua 18:9). These men and their work differed markedly from those who had searched the land in the time of Moses. In Moses’ day the spies went only to discover the nature of the country and the state of its inhabitants; but these now went to take an actual geographical survey of the land in order to divide it among the tribes which had not yet received their portions. We may suppose that the country was exactly described in a book, that is, a map, pointing out the face of the country, accompanied with descriptions of each part.
We find in Joshua 18:10, “And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions” (See Numbers 34: 17, 18).
FIRST LOT- BENJAMIN
First, ”And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph” (Joshua 18:11). We recall that two striking predictions had been made respecting Benjamin, although at first they almost appear to be inconsistent with each other.
The earlier one was made by Jacob: “Benjamin shall raven as a wolf; in the morning he shall divide the prey and at night he shall divide the spoil” (Genesis 49:27). It is evident from this language that Jacob did not follow his natural inclinations on this occasion, for Benjamin was his youngest and most dearly beloved son. It appears that he was under divine inspiration when he uttered this remarkable prophecy.
Benjamin was indeed the fiercest and most warlike of the tribes. The reference to what he should do “in the morning” and “at night” intimates a distinct reference to both the earlier and later history of the tribe. The fierceness and cruelty of the men belonging to this tribe is shown in the treatment of the Levite’s concubine Judges 19-20:7). Their warlike character, ability, and tenacity in fighting is seen in their singly withstanding the combined forces of all the other tribes in two pitched battles, in one of which 20,000 of them defeated the opposing army of 400,000 and later refusing to yield until they were almost completely destroyed Judges 19:14-30, 20:12-14).
King Saul – David’s fierce persecutor – was of this tribe. Other examples of their fierceness and valor are found in 2 Samuel 2:15, 16, 1 Chronicles 8:40, 10:2, 2 Chronicles 17:17. In their later history Benjamin allied himself to Judah, and thus “divided the spoil,” sharing in their privileges.
Esther and Mordecai were also of the tribe of Benjamin, and through them the enemies of Israel were destroyed. But the most renowned and honorable of all Benjamin’s descendants was Saul of Tarsus (Philippians 3:5). The terms of Jacob’s prophecy were most remarkably made good in him as the great Apostle Paul, for in the morning of his career, when he persecuted the Christians, he ravened as a wolf; but at the close, by his labors and by God’s grace, he richly “divided the spoil.”
The later prediction concerning this tribe was made through Moses, “the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12).
This has reference chiefly to the favored and honored position or portion that the tribe would occupy. It is intimated that the temple, in which Jehovah would dwell, would be situated within the territory of this tribe. And such was the case, for Jerusalem, the holy city, was in the lot of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28). 1
Though Zion, the city of David, is supposed to belong to Judah, yet mount Moriah, on which the temple was built, was in Benjamin’s lot. God is Himself said to ‘dwell be tween his shoulders’ because the temple stood on that mount as the head of a man upon his shoulders” (Matthew Henry).
The borders of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph” (Josh 18:11). Behold the gracious ruling of Divine providence in arranging for “little Benjamin” (Psalm 68:27) to be located between two of the most powerful of the tribes. In the prophet benedictions of Moses we find that Benjamin came right after that of Judah and immediately before Joseph’s (Deuteronomy 33:7-17).
There was also a peculiar propriety in this appointment, for Benjamin was Joseph’s full brother. Later Benjamin was the tribe which united with Judah in supporting the throne of David and the temple at Jerusalem. We see in this arrangement God’s wisdom in overruling the casting of the lot, for nothing was more likely to secure a united Israel than to make Benjamin the link between the two most powerful and naturally rival tribes. It was through the mutual affection of Judah and Joseph for Benjamin, as their father’s youngest and dearest son, that the brethren were reconciled (Genesis 44:18; 45:24).
SECOND LOT- SIMEON
”And the second lot came forth to Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah” (Joshua 19:1). The portion of the children of Judah was too much for them; and it is worthy of note that this is the only recorded instance of the portion being too large for any of tribe.2 Yet it is also significant that it was Judah’s which proved to be the exception, for it was the tribe from which our Lord Jesus sprang. It appears that we have here foreshadowed that grand truth of the fullness of Christ. In Christ there is an abundance of grace and inexhaustible riches for the saints in the narrow way to draw upon.
This second lot fulfilled the prophecy of Jacob. He had linked together Simeon and Levi in judgment, who earlier had been united in wickedness. (Genesis 34:25) He said, “I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:5-7). Jacob’s prophetic word was fulfilled, for the Levites had as their portion in Canaan forty-eight cities, which were scattered throughout the inheritance of the other tribes. (Numbers 35:8, Joshua 14:4, 21:3) So too in the case of Simeon was there a scattering. His descendents had their portion within the allotment of Judah, and as Joshua 19:2-8 shows, the tribe of Simeon was widely “scattered,” being dispersed among the many different cities.
THIRD LOT-ZEBULON
”And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulon, according to their families” (Joshua 19:10). Jacob foretold that Zebulon shall dwell at the haven of the sea, and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon” (Genesis 49:13). Moses said, ”And of Zebulon he said, Rejoice, Zebulon, in thy going out; and Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand” (Deuteronomy 33:18, 19).
And so it came to pass, for Joshua 19 goes on to say of the lot of Zebulon, “and their border went up toward the sea.” The expressions, “thy going out,” and, “they shall suck of the abundance of the seas,” received their fulfillment in their seagoing life and trading in foreign parts. But it is also important for us to note what portion Zebulon receives in the New Testament. Matthew 4:15, 16 states that the land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali which adjoined it are none other than “Galilee of the Gentiles.” This is the region of which it is promised, “The people which sat in dark ness saw a great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16).
The Portions of Benjamin and Judah, showing David’s City in Judah’s portion.
Nazareth, where the Savior spent so much of his time, was in its borders. It was also on the shores of its sea that Jesus did so much of his preaching and wrought so many miracles. Well might the Voice of prophecy bid Zebulon “rejoice” (Deuteronomy 33:18). We may also perceive the deeper and spiritual allusion in the words, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out … They shall call the people unto the mountain.” The mountain refers to the kingdom of Messiah, and was done by the preaching of Jesus and his apostles. Literally, the word “apostles” means those who are sent out.
It is remarkable that with the exception of Judas, and Paul his replacement, all of the apostles were men of Galilee.3 Zebulon was also “for a haven,” and it was in its borders that Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus found a haven after their return from Egypt. It afforded Jesus shelter when the Jews sought to kill him in Judea (John 7:1).
FOURTH LOT- ISSACHAR
“And the fourth lot came out to Issachar” (Joshua 19:17). Since this tribe was united with Zebulon in blessing (Deuteronomy 33:18, 19) there is less need to make separate remarks. The phrase “in their tents” was in apposition to the phrase “ships” used of Zebulon. Issachar would be a pastoral people rather than a seagoing one. Their lot was to be cultivating the land. Their inheritance was the fertile plain of Jezreel with its surrounding hills and valleys. Afterwards this region was known as lower Galilee. It extended from Carmel to the Jordan and in breadth to Mount Tabor.
The Portions of Benjamin and Judah, showing the Temple in Benjamin’s portion.
FIFTH LOT-ASHER
“And the fifth lot came out to Asher” (Joshua 19:24). Jacob foretold, “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties” (Genesis 49:20). This refers to the great fertility of the lot which was to be given to Asher, and which appears to have corresponded with the meaning of his name, i.e. “happy or blessed.” His great prosperity is described by Moses in this figurative way: “Let Asher be blessed with children, let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24).
The general position of Asher was on the seashore from Carmel northward, with Manasseh on the south, Zebulon and Issachar on the southeast, and Naphtali on the northeast. Joshua 19:24-31, 17:10, 11, Judges 1:31, 32). They possessed the maritime portion of the rich Plain of Esdraelon, probably for a distance of 8 to 10 miles from the shore. This territory contained some of the richest soil in all Palestine.
SIXTH LOT- NAPHTALI
“And the sixth lot came out to Naphtali” (Joshua 19:32). Jacob had prophesied, “Naphtali is a hind let loose, he giveth goodly words” (Genesis 49:21). Moses foretold, “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the Lord! Possess thou the west and the south” (Deuteronomy 33:23). In the apportionment of the land, Naphtali was enclosed on three sides by those of other tribes. On the west lay Asher, on the south Zebulon, and on the east the trans-Jordanic Manasseh.
Scarcely any of the tribes was more particularly favored by the wondrous mercy and kindness of God than were Naphtali and Zebulon. In Naphtali the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shined brightly, (Matthew 4:13-16) for Jesus’ chief residence was at Capernaum and Bethsaida which were in the borders of Naphtali. It was there that Christ and his . apostles did most of their preaching and gave forth “goodly words.” The word “Gospel,” or “Evangel” literally means, “Good words.”
SEVENTH LOT- DAN
“And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan” (Joshua 19:40).Dan, whose name signifies “judgment,” was the eldest of Jacob’s sons by Bilhah, Rachel’s maid. He is here promised an equal rule with those tribes that came from either Leah or Rachel, the legal wives of Jacob. (Genesis 30:1-6) In the division of the Promised Land Dan was the last of the tribes to receive his portion, which was the smallest of the twelve.
Notwithstanding its smallness it had eminent natural ad vantages. On the north and east it was completely embraced by its two brother tribes, Ephraim and Benjamin the south east and south it joined Judah. Thus it was surrounded by the three most powerful tribes of Israel.2
Jacob said, “Dan shall judge (avenge) his people as one of the tribes of Israel” (Genesis 49:16). “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse’s heals, so that his rider shall fall backward” (Genesis 49:17). Moses said, “Dan is a lion’s whelp: he shall leap from Bashan” (Deuteronomy 33:22). It is intimated that Dan should gain the principal part of its conquests by cunning and stratagem, and this is seen particularly in their con quest of Laish (Judges 18). It appears from Joshua 19:47 that the portion originally assigned to Dan was not sufficient for them. Thus they fought against Laish (Leshem) taking it and adding it to their territories.
Jacob, in his prophetic blessing of Dan, represents this tribe under the notion of a “serpent in the path,” while Moses likened Dan to a “lion’s whelp.” Sampson was of this tribe, and in him the characteristics prophesied of Dan are combined, that is, cunning, stratagem and courage. Sampson judged (avenged) the people of Israel 20 years Judges 18:2, 15:20). For Sampson’s courage see Judges 14:5, 6 and see chapter 15:9-17. For examples of stratagem and cunning see Judges 15:1-8, 16:26-30.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The order in which the tribes are here mentioned is not that of seniority. Rather, it appears to be a spiritual one, ac cording to the meaning of their names given in Genesis.
Combining these scriptural references we get: The son of the right hand (the place of honor and power) is the hearing one, dwelling (no longer tossed about like the restless sea) in Christ; great is his reward, for he is happy or blessed. Such a one is marked by wrestling against (instead of submitting to) the powers of the world, the flesh, the Adversary. He judges all things yet he himself is judged of no man, because he compares spiritual things with spiritual, having received the spirit which is of God that he might know the things freely given to him of God.
– David Skein
(1) Both the tribe of Benjamin and the tribe of Judah held what later became the city of Jerusalem. Joshua 18:21, 28, Judges 1:21 says part of Benjamin’s portion included “Jebusi, which is Jerusalem.” For Judah, Joshua 15:8 says “And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward.”
(2) Under Simeon, it is not necessary to conclude that Judah’s portion was too big for them. Rather the inclusion of Simeon within Judah’s borders was part of a punishment for their role in the fall of Shechem. Neither Simeon nor Levi had a tribal inheritance, though in Levi’s case the punishment phase seems to have been overruled for their good because of their faithfulness in the matter of the Golden Calf.
(3) The most probable meaning of “Iscariot” is from, “Ish Kerioth” i.e., “man of Kerioth.” This was a town in the territory of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:25).