Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

The Land of the Seven Tribes

Bryan Schneider · June 11, 2022

Joshua 18

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-land-of-the-seven-tribes

Summary

Joshua 18–19 marks a transition from wilderness travel to settled life as the tabernacle is established at Shiloh in the subdued land.
Seven tribes remain without allotted territory, and Joshua rebukes their delay because God's promised gift calls for active, courageous possession.
Representatives from each tribe survey and record the land, then Joshua casts lots before the Lord, joining responsible effort to reliance on divine provision.
The detailed boundaries and city lists for Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan display God's particular faithfulness to his promises.
The lot is cast in the Lord's presence because the inheritance is neither random nor privately manipulated; God providentially assigns each portion.
Joshua receives his inheritance last and builds his own city, modeling humble leadership that seeks the people's good before personal advantage.
As a type of Christ, Joshua points to Jesus, the servant King who humbles himself, secures the heavenly inheritance, and leads his people into it.
God's gifts and promises are meant to stimulate faith, diligence, holiness, and fruitful obedience rather than sedate believers into complacency.

What does moving the tabernacle to Shiloh communicate about God's presence and Israel's new stage of life?
Why does Joshua rebuke the seven tribes when God has already promised and subdued the land?
How do survey work and casting lots show human responsibility operating under divine providence?
What do the many boundaries, towns, and tribal differences reveal about the particularity of God's provision?
Why must the lot be cast publicly before the Lord rather than through private negotiation?
What does Joshua's decision to receive his own inheritance last teach about faithful leadership?
How does Joshua's humility and provision for the tribes point beyond him to Jesus Christ?
Which promise of God has become a sedative in my life when it should stimulate faith, holiness, or service?

Inheritance: The land God promised and allotted to Israel's tribes, anticipating the lasting inheritance secured by Christ.
Shiloh: The central location where Israel set up the tabernacle and completed the land allotments before the Lord.
Tabernacle: God's appointed sanctuary among Israel, signifying his covenant presence with his people.
Providence: God's wise and purposeful direction of creatures, events, decisions, and outcomes according to his will.
Casting lots: The public means used before the Lord to assign tribal portions without private preference or manipulation.
Diligence: Active and sustained obedience that takes hold of God's gifts rather than using his promises as an excuse for delay.
Servant leadership: Leadership that humbly advances others' good, exemplified by Joshua receiving his allotment after the tribes.
Heavenly Canaan: The final rest and inheritance Christ secures for his people, to which Israel's land points forward.