Joshua 18:6
Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.
Original Language Analysis
תִּכְתְּב֤וּ
Ye shall therefore describe
H3789
תִּכְתְּב֤וּ
Ye shall therefore describe
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
2 of 16
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
into seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
into seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
5 of 16
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֥ם
and bring
H935
וַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֥ם
and bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הֵ֑נָּה
H2008
וְיָרִ֨יתִי
the description hither to me that I may cast
H3384
וְיָרִ֨יתִי
the description hither to me that I may cast
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
גּוֹרָל֙
lots
H1486
גּוֹרָל֙
lots
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
לִפְנֵ֖י
for you here before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
for you here before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Historical Context
Lot-casting at the tabernacle involved the Urim and Thummim (priestly implements) under Eleazar's oversight. This sacred method prevented tribal disputes and ensured each believed their inheritance came from God, not human favoritism.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you balance diligent preparation with trusting God's sovereign direction in decisions?
- What modern practices help believers discern God's will corporately, as lots did for Israel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God—The methodology combines human survey (katav, written description) with divine selection (goral, גּוֹרָל, 'lot/sacred lot'). Before the LORD (lifnei YHWH) indicates this isn't gambling but sacred discernment.
Casting lots acknowledged God's sovereignty over inheritance (Proverbs 16:33). Human work (surveying) prepares for divine decision (allotment). This models decision-making: gather facts diligently, then submit to God's will. The apostles used lots similarly when replacing Judas (Acts 1:26).