Joshua 18:5
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 coasts on the north.
Original Language Analysis
אֹתָ֖הּ
H853
אֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְשִׁבְעָ֣ה
it into seven
H7651
לְשִׁבְעָ֣ה
it into seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 15
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יְהוּדָ֞ה
Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֞ה
Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
5 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
H5975
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גְּבוּלָ֖ם
in their coast
H1366
גְּבוּלָ֖ם
in their coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מִנֶּ֔גֶב
on the south
H5045
מִנֶּ֔גֶב
on the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
9 of 15
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וּבֵ֥ית
and the house
H1004
וּבֵ֥ית
and the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
H5975
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
12 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The seven parts represented western Palestine's remaining unconquered territory. Archaeological surveys confirm these regions had mixed Canaanite populations requiring ongoing conquest. Judah's south and Joseph's central position were already established.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's detailed attention to land allocation reflect His care for your specific circumstances?
- What does equal distribution among tribes teach about fairness and justice in covenant community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They shall divide it into seven parts—The remaining land is apportioned equally among seven tribes. Judah keeps their southern territory, Joseph (Ephraim/Manasseh) the central highlands. This division reflects covenant fairness: each tribe receives proportionate inheritance. The Hebrew chalaq (חָלַק, 'to divide') suggests both separation and distribution.
Geographic specificity matters in Scripture. God cares about details—boundaries, measurements, documented allocations. This prefigures the New Covenant where believers receive 'an inheritance incorruptible' (1 Peter 1:4), also carefully measured by divine sovereignty.