Joshua 18:8
New International Version
As the men started on their way to map out the land, Joshua instructed them, “Go and make a survey of the land and write a description of it. Then return to me, and I will cast lots for you here at Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.”

New Living Translation
As the men started on their way to map out the land, Joshua commanded them, “Go and explore the land and write a description of it. Then return to me, and I will assign the land to the tribes by casting sacred lots here in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh.”

English Standard Version
So the men arose and went, and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go up and down in the land and write a description and return to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

Berean Standard Bible
As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.”

King James Bible
And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

New King James Version
Then the men arose to go away; and Joshua charged those who went to survey the land, saying, “Go, walk through the land, survey it, and come back to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the men arose and went, and Joshua commanded those who went to write a description of the land, saying, “Go and walk through the land and write a description of it, and return to me; then I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

NASB 1995
Then the men arose and went, and Joshua commanded those who went to describe the land, saying, “Go and walk through the land and describe it, and return to me; then I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

NASB 1977
Then the men arose and went, and Joshua commanded those who went to describe the land, saying, “Go and walk through the land and describe it, and return to me; then I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the men arose and went, and Joshua commanded those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go and walk through the land and write a description of it, and return to me; then I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh in Shiloh.”

Amplified Bible
So the men arose and went [on their way], and Joshua commanded those who went to describe the land, saying, “Go and walk throughout the land and describe it, and return to me; and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

Christian Standard Bible
As the men prepared to go, Joshua commanded them to write down a description of the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, write a description of it, and return to me. I will then cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As the men prepared to go, Joshua commanded them to write down a description of the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, write a description of it, and return to me. I will then cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.”

American Standard Version
And the men arose, and went: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Jehovah in Shiloh.

Contemporary English Version
Just before the men left camp, Joshua repeated their orders: "Explore the land and write a description of it. Then come back to Shiloh, and I will find out from the LORD how to divide the land."

English Revised Version
And the men arose, and went: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As the men got ready to go, Joshua ordered them to write a description of the land. He said, "Go survey the land. Write a description of it, and return to me. Then I will draw lots for you in the presence of the LORD here in Shiloh."

Good News Translation
The men went on their way to map out the land after Joshua had given them these instructions: "Go all over the land and map it out, and come back to me. And then here in Shiloh I will consult the LORD for you by drawing lots."

International Standard Version
So the men started out, following Joshua's command to those who went to scout the land, "Go through the land and record a description of it, and then return to me. I will then cast lots in the presence of the LORD your God in Shiloh."

Majority Standard Bible
As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, ?Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.?

NET Bible
When the men started out, Joshua told those going to map out the land, "Go, walk through the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will draw lots for you before the LORD here in Shiloh."

New Heart English Bible
The men arose and went. Joshua commanded those who went to survey the land, saying, "Go walk through the land, survey it, and come again to me. I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the men arose, and departed: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go, and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

World English Bible
The men arose and went. Joshua commanded those who went to survey the land, saying, “Go walk through the land, survey it, and come again to me. I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh in Shiloh.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the men rise and go; and Joshua commands those who are going to describe the land, saying, “Go, and walk up and down through the land, and describe it, and return to me, and here I cast a lot for you before YHWH in Shiloh.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the men rise and go; and Joshua commandeth those who are going to describe the land, saying, 'Go, and walk up and down through the land, and describe it, and turn back unto me, and here I cast for you a lot before Jehovah in Shiloh.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men will rise and will go: and Joshua commanded those going to write the land, saying, Go, and go ye through the land and write it, and turn back to me, and here I will cast for you the lot before Jehovah in Shiloh.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the men were risen up, to go to mark out the land, Josue commanded them, saying: Go round the land and mark it out, and return to me: that I may cast lots for you before the Lord in Silo.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the men had risen up, so that they might go out to describe the land, Joshua instructed them, saying, “Circle through the land, and describe it, and return to me, so that I may cast lots for you about this, before the Lord, in Shiloh.”

New American Bible
When those who were to describe the land were ready for their journey, Joshua commanded them, “Go throughout the land and describe it; return to me and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”

New Revised Standard Version
So the men started on their way; and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go throughout the land and write a description of it, and come back to me; and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men arose and went away; and Joshua charged those who went to map the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and map it, and come again here to me, that I may cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men arose and they went and Yeshua commanded those that went to map the land and he said to them: “Go walk in the land and map it and come to me here, and I shall cast lots for you before LORD JEHOVAH in Shiloh”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the men arose, and went; and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying: 'Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come back to me, and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men rose up and went; and Joshua charged the men who went to explore the land, saying, Go and explore the land, and come to me, and I will bring you forth a lot here before the Lord in Selo.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Remainder Divided
7The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east.” 8As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.” 9So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.…

Cross References
Numbers 34:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries:

Deuteronomy 1:38
Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.

Numbers 26:52-56
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. / Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. ...

Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Numbers 34:16-29
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. / Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. ...

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Numbers 33:50-54
On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places. ...

Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Hebrews 4:8
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Colossians 1:12
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.


Treasury of Scripture

And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

Go

Genesis 13:17
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

that I may here

Joshua 18:6,10
Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God…

Joshua 7:16-18
So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: …

Joshua 13:7
Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

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Cast Charged Commanded Departed Describe Joshua Lots Shiloh Survey Walk
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Cast Charged Commanded Departed Describe Joshua Lots Shiloh Survey Walk
Joshua 18
1. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh
2. The remainder of the land is described, and divided into seven parts
10. Joshua distributes it by lot
11. The lot and border of Benjamin
21. Their cities














As the men got up to go out
This phrase indicates a moment of action and obedience. The men referred to are representatives from the seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. This action follows Joshua's earlier instructions, demonstrating their willingness to fulfill God's command to possess the land. It reflects a transition from a period of waiting to active participation in God's plan.

Joshua commanded them to map out the land
Joshua, as the leader of Israel, gives a clear directive to the men. Mapping out the land was a practical step necessary for dividing the territory among the tribes. This task required careful observation and recording, emphasizing the importance of preparation and planning in fulfilling God's promises. It also highlights Joshua's role as a wise and strategic leader.

saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me.
The repetition of the command underscores its importance. Surveying the land involved a detailed examination of its features, resources, and boundaries. This process ensured that the division of the land would be fair and based on accurate information. The instruction to return to Joshua signifies accountability and the need for centralized leadership in the distribution process.

Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh
Casting lots was a common biblical practice used to discern God's will. It reflects a reliance on divine guidance rather than human decision-making. Shiloh, where this event takes place, was the religious center of Israel at the time, housing the Tabernacle. This location underscores the sacred nature of the task and the presence of God in the decision-making process.

in the presence of the LORD.”
This phrase emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the land distribution. Conducting the casting of lots in the presence of the LORD signifies that the process is not merely administrative but a divine ordinance. It reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and that His presence sanctifies the proceedings. This also serves as a reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and overseeing its division among the tribes.

2. The Men
Representatives from the tribes of Israel who were sent to survey the land to ensure a fair distribution.

3. Shiloh
A significant religious and cultural center for the Israelites at the time, where the tabernacle was located and where the lots were cast.

4. The Land
Refers to the Promised Land, which was to be divided among the tribes of Israel.

5. Casting Lots
A method used to discern God's will in the distribution of the land, ensuring that the division was seen as divinely ordained.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Leadership
Joshua's command to the men to survey the land demonstrates the importance of following godly leadership. In our lives, we should respect and follow those whom God has placed in authority over us.

Divine Guidance
The casting of lots in the presence of the LORD underscores the need to seek God's guidance in decision-making. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our choices.

Community Involvement
The involvement of representatives from each tribe in the surveying process highlights the importance of community participation in achieving common goals. We should actively engage in our communities and contribute to collective efforts.

Faith in God's Provision
The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will provide for our needs according to His will.

Stewardship of Resources
The careful surveying and description of the land remind us of the importance of being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.Verse 8. - Shiloh (see note on ver. 1 and Joshua 24:1). The seat of the tabernacle became, for the present at least, the headquarters of the Israelites.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As the men
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

got up
וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ (way·yā·qu·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

to go out,
וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ (way·yê·lê·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֡עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

commanded
וַיְצַ֣ו (way·ṣaw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

them
הַהֹלְכִים֩ (ha·hō·lə·ḵîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to map out
לִכְתֹּ֨ב (liḵ·tōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

of the land,
הָאָ֜רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

saying,
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Go
לְ֠כוּ (lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and survey
וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ (wə·hiṯ·hal·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

the land,
בָאָ֜רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

map it out,
וְכִתְב֤וּ (wə·ḵiṯ·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

and return
וְשׁ֣וּבוּ (wə·šū·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to me.
אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Then I will cast
אַשְׁלִ֨יךְ (’aš·lîḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away

lots
גּוֹרָ֛ל (gō·w·rāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1486: Lot -- a lot (for casting)

for you
לָכֶ֥ם (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

here
וּ֠פֹה (ū·p̄ōh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

in Shiloh
בְּשִׁלֹֽה׃ (bə·ši·lōh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7887: Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim

in the presence
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of the LORD.?
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: Joshua 18:8 The men arose and went (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 18:7
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