Study Questions:

1. Who participated in the distribution of the territories? Joshua 19:51

2. Before whom did they do it and where? Joshua 19:51

3. How long could someone who accidentally killed another remain in the city of refuge? Joshua 20:6

4. Where was the tribe of Benjamin placed? Joshua 18:11

Commentary and Reflection:

For today’s commentary, I am mostly quoting from the Adventist Bible Commentary.

“Joshua was the last to receive his inheritance. We see in this sequence the magnanimity of this great leader. He was not striving to reap all the benefits by virtue of his office, which he could readily have done. He shunned the temptation to which leaders are constantly exposed, namely, to enhance their own coffers with little consideration for those in less favorable positions. Joshua was last served, though the eldest and greatest man in Israel. He sought the good of his country above any private interests of his own. He is a great example to all who serve in public places whether in civil or church leadership. It is further noted that he did not take the inheritance to himself without the people’s consent and approbation. The record says that the children of Israel gave it to him. They loved their leader. No wonder the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua (Joshua 24:31; Judges 2:7). Such unselfish service begets love, which, in turn, prompts obedience. No one really has a right to leadership until he has learned to serve unselfishly. Christ, who pleased not Himself (Rom. 15:3), is the great exemplar of unselfish service.” SDABC, Joshua 19:49

“The work of division was done in the presence of God and by His direction. It was done publicly, so that all might know that the distribution was not the result of the caprice of men. Such a knowledge would have its influence in curbing any murmuring, but in spite of this there was some discontent (eh. 17:14-18). The lesson is also for us. Every important problem of life should be brought to the “door of the tabernacle” in recognition of God’s authority in every phase of life.” CBA, Joshua 19:51

“The feeling was deeply rooted in the Hebrew mind that the nearest of kin was the guardian of his brother’s life, and for this reason he was bound to avenge his death. Instead of crossing this feeling, or seeking wholly to uproot it, God placed this emotion under temporary, salutary checks, which would prevent it from inflicting great injustice where no crime had really been committed.” SDABC, Joshua 20:2

“God sought to regulate the ancient custom of private vengeance, whereby the punishment of the murderer devolved upon the nearest relative or the next heir of the one who had been murdered. Israel stood alone among the nations in the value set upon human life, and now God was to teach them still further concerning the justice as well as the mercy of God. God leads men only as rapidly as they are able to comprehend divine truth. This principle was characteristic of the Hebrew legislation, given by God through Moses. It adapted itself to the condition of men, but always tended toward a perfection that the people were not at first capable of realizing. Thus slavery, polygamy, free divorce, were for a time tolerated, and laws were enacted regulating these practices, though these practices were neither ordained nor approved by God.” SDABC, Joshua 20:2

Jesus set a much higher standart for his followers regarding the issue of personal vengeance. He said, “38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:38-41

The apostle Paul also says, ” Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

It is my prayer that we may have a spirit of humility and service like that of Joshua. May we learn to entrust our cause in personal matters to Him who loves us and sees all things.