Definition: 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.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 19:51 together. It's a pretty dramatic and complex passage, but we can understand it in simpler terms.
Here's what it means, broken down piece by piece:
1. "These [are] the inheritances..."
– This is a key part. The verse isn’t just talking about
people
who received something; it’s about
property
. “Inheracies” refers to possessions and land that was given as a reward for good deeds or loyalty.
2. "...Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel..."
– This lists the people who were involved in this process. Let’s look at each person:
Eleazar the Priest:
A high-ranking official responsible for rituals and ceremonies.
Joshua the Son of Nun:
A leader, possibly a high-ranking priest, who was crucial to the ritual.
The heads of the fathers of the tribes:
This is the most important part! These were the oldest and most respected leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel (the original people). They held significant authority and responsibility.
3. "...divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD..."
– This explains
how
the inheritance was given. It says that these individuals were given a share of land and possessions
by lot
. “By lot” means they were chosen randomly, and each person received a portion based on their worth or position. They were assigned a specific amount to be distributed.
Shiloh:
This is a very important place – it was the location where God established the tabernacle (a portable temple) for Israel. It's considered a holy and sacred place.
4. "...at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
- The land was being given to these individuals
inside
the Tabernacle, which was a special building used by God to dwell with his people.
5. "So they made an end of dividing the country."
– This is the final part, and it’s where the significance comes in. The act of dividing the land by lot meant that each tribe (and eventually, the entire nation) was given a specific area to occupy and cultivate. It essentially
established
ownership and responsibility for the land.
Overall Meaning & Significance:
This verse describes a significant event in God's plan for Israel. It shows that God is distributing blessings – not just material wealth – but also leadership, responsibility, and control over the land. It emphasizes that through this process, God was establishing a covenant (a promise) between him and his people, and giving them the opportunity to prosper within His kingdom.
Important Note:
This passage is often interpreted as a reminder of the importance of obedience and loyalty to God's leadership. It’s also a testament to God’s justice and provision for his chosen people.
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Would you like me to:
Explain any of these parts in more detail?
Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes?
Discuss the symbolism behind this event (like the division of land)?