Numbers 26:55
Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
בְּגוֹרָ֕ל
by lot
H1486
בְּגוֹרָ֕ל
by lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאָ֑רֶץ
Notwithstanding the land
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
Notwithstanding the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
5 of 9
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
לִשְׁמ֥וֹת
according to the names
H8034
לִשְׁמ֥וֹת
according to the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מַטּוֹת
of the tribes
H4294
מַטּוֹת
of the tribes
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
7 of 9
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Cross References
Numbers 33:54And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.Numbers 34:13And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:Joshua 14:2By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.Joshua 11:23So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Historical Context
Lot casting was a sacred act, not gambling. It was understood as seeking God's will through divinely appointed means. Joshua would later cast lots 'before the LORD' at Shiloh, making the sacred nature of the process explicit. The lot removed human bias and made each tribe dependent on God's provision.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the lot's use in determining inheritance illustrate God's sovereignty in salvation?
- What does removing human decision from inheritance allocation teach about grace?
- In what ways should dependence on divine determination humble us?
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Analysis & Commentary
The command that 'the land shall be divided by lot' establishes divine determination as primary in inheritance. Human wisdom, tribal power, and personal preference were subordinated to God's sovereign allocation. The lot ensured that each tribe received what God intended, not what they could negotiate or seize. This reflects the Reformed doctrine of election—God chooses whom He will bless, not based on human merit or effort but according to His sovereign purpose. Our inheritance is by divine decision, not human achievement.