Joshua 14:2

Modern

Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

Traditional

By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

Literal

Their inheritance was by lot, as YHWH had commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe.

Latin

…sorte omnia dividentes, sicut præceperat Dominus in manu Moysi, novem tribubus, et dimidiæ tribui.

Hebrew

English

Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

assigned by lot: See study note on 7:16–18.

The allotment of land to the tribes on the west side of the Jordan describes what God intended for each tribe to possess.
The one narrating the story begins this section with Caleb receiving land and ends with Joshua receiving land (14:6–15; 19:49–51). Only Caleb and Joshua had shown faith in God that Israel could conquer the land (Numbers 13:30; 14:6–9).

As he had promised, God brought Israel into the land. Joshua then focused on dividing the land among Israel's tribes.
The tribal allowances made the covenant of the Israelites with God real. It showed the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Since God owned the land, giving it to the tribes was a gift. God gave them the land to live in and guided its distribution.
In these lists of tribal allowances, the author describes some borders in great detail, allowing them to be mapped. With others, they are less plainly defined.

Theme notes and profiles

Numbers 33:54
And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.
Numbers 34:13
So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.
Numbers 26:55–56
Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:18
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
Psalm 16:5–6
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.
Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt