Joshua 19:51

Authorized King James Version

These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֣לֶּה

H428

these or those

הַנְּחָלֹ֡ת

H5159

These are the inheritances

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִֽחֲל֣וּ

H5157

divided for an inheritance

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר

H499

which Eleazar

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֪עַ

H3091

and Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נ֟וּן

H5126

of Nun

nun or non, the father of joshua

#10

וְרָאשֵׁ֣י

H7218

and the heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#11

הָֽאָב֣וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#12

לְמַטּוֹת֩

H4294

of the tribes

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#13

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל׀

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#15

בְּגוֹרָ֤ל׀

H1486

by lot

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

#16

בְּשִׁלֹה֙

H7887

in Shiloh

shiloh, a place in palestine

#17

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#18

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#19

פֶּ֖תַח

H6607

at the door

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#20

אֹ֣הֶל

H168

of the tabernacle

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#21

מוֹעֵ֑ד

H4150

of the congregation

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#22

וַיְכַלּ֕וּ

H3615

So they made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#23

מֵֽחַלֵּ֖ק

H2505

of dividing

to be smooth (figuratively)

#24

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#25

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

the country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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