The Way
Dividing the Land at Shiloh
Writing the promise onto the map
Story
Shiloh, a quiet hill in the hill country of Ephraim. The whole community of Israel gathered there and set up the tent of meeting. The days of fighting since they crossed the Jordan were behind them, and the land already lay subdued before them. Even so, seven tribes had still not received their share, and they only sat before their tents, hesitating.
Joshua called them and asked, How long will you put off going in to take the land the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? Choose three men from each tribe. Let them travel throughout the land, divide it into seven parts, and come back with a written record. But the Levites will have no share. The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance.
The men set out, walking over hills and through valleys, writing down the name of every town, one by one, in a book. They brought the book back to the camp at Shiloh. Joshua cast lots before the Lord and gave the remaining tribes their land. At last the promise became land with names.
Walk this scene on the map →God's Words
How long will you put off going to take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
Divide the land into seven parts, write them down and bring the description to me. I will cast lots for you here before the Lord our God.
The Levites will receive no share among you, because the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Josh 18:1–10
Background
Shiloh is identified with Khirbet Seilun, about 30 kilometres north of Jerusalem. The tent of meeting remained there throughout the time of the judges, and the story of Eli and Hannah in 1 Samuel is also set at Shiloh. The exact spot where the tabernacle stood is unknown.
Pause and Reflect
Am I putting off the work God has given me and only looking for excuses?