Joshua:13

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* Verse 1-6 - At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot ; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers , that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob . We are not to pass over these chapters of hard names as useless . Where God has a mouth to speak , and a hand to write , we should find an ear to hear , and an eye to read ; and may God give us a heart to profit ! Joshua is supposed to have been about one hundred years old at this time . It is good for those who are old and stricken in years to be put in remembrance of their being so . God considers the frame of his people , and would not have them burdened with work above their strength . And all people , especially old people , should set to do that quickly which must be done before they die , lest death prevent them , Ecclesiastes strkjv @9:10 . God promise that he would make the Israelites masters of all the countries yet unsubdued , through Joshua was old , and not able to do it ; old , and not likely to live to see it done . Whatever becomes of us , and however we may be laid aside as despised , broken vessels , God will do his own work in his own time . We must work out our salvation , then God will work in us , and work with us ; we must resist our spiritual enemies , then God will tread them under our feet ; we must go forth to our Christian work and warfare , then God will go forth before us . * Verse 7-33 - The land must be divided among the tribes . It is the will of God that every man should know his own , and not take that which is another 's . The world must be governed , not by force , but right . Wherever our habitation is placed , and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned , we should consider them as allotted of God ; we should be thankful for , and use them as such , while every prudent method should be used to prevent disputes about property , both at present and in future . Joshua must be herein a type of Christ , who has not only conquered the gates of hell for us , but has opened to us the gates of heaven , and having purchased the eternal inheritance for all believers , will put them in possession of it . Here is a general description of the country given to the two tribes and a half , by Moses . Israel must know their own , and keep to it ; and may not , under pretence of their being God 's peculiar people , encroach on their neighbours . Twice in this chapter it is noticed , that to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance : see Numbers strkjv @18:20 . Their maintenance must be brought out of all the tribes . The ministers of the Lord should show themselves indifferent about worldly interests , and the people should take care they want nothing suitable . And happy are those who have the Lord God of Israel for their inheritance , though little of this world falls to their lot . His providences will supply their wants , his consolations will support their souls , till they gain heavenly joy and everlasting pleasures . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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