Today I read Joshua 19, in which the land of Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan is described. Today I considered that the land was divided for every tribe to have a portion but the inheritance was partially based on their ability to manage and control the territory their received.
Inheritance Based on Ability
The last six tribes received their lots of land, with one tribe’s territory reduced, another’s expanded, and the leader receiving a portion. The tribe of the children of Simeon received a lot out of the portion of the children of Judah because Judah’s part was too much for Judah. The tribes of the children of Zebulun, the children of Issachar, the children of Asher, and the children of Naphtali each received a lot of land. The tribe of the children of Dan received a lot that was not enough for them so they fought against Leshem, took it and also dwelt there. Then the children of Israel gave Joshua the city he asked for called Timnathserah. All of the tribes of the children of Israel received something, with some tribes’ lot impacted by their ability.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
When giving out an inheritance, the inheritance needs to be based on the person’s ability to manage what they are receiving. The children of Israel were given an amount of land that they could manage. The children of Judah’s inheritance decreased by giving some of the land to the children of Simeon. The children of Dan expanded their inheritance because they needed more land to accommodate all of their people.
When have you seen individuals receive more than they are able to manage?
Joshua the son of Nun was the leader of the people throughout their battles to conquer and possess the land. Joshua along with the priest Eleazar made sure all of the tribes of the children of Israel had land. Only after everyone had their portion did Joshua take his own land.
What leader have you seen actually take care of all of his people before taking care of himself?