What role did Eleazar and Joshua play in dividing the land? The Appointment to Divide the Land “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun.’” (Numbers 34:16-17) • God Himself named the two men responsible: Eleazar the high priest and Joshua, Moses’ successor. • Their commission flowed directly from divine command; it was not a human committee or tribal vote. • In God’s economy, spiritual authority (Eleazar) and covenant leadership (Joshua) work side by side. Who Was Eleazar? • Third son of Aaron, already serving as high priest (Numbers 20:28). • As priest, he could inquire of the LORD with the Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21). • His presence ensured the distribution was done in holiness, under God’s watchful eye. Who Was Joshua? • Proven military leader who had led Israel into Canaan (Joshua 1–12). • First-hand knowledge of every region they had conquered. • As Moses’ ordained successor (Deuteronomy 34:9), he carried governmental authority to enforce the allotments. How Did They Carry Out the Task? • Casting Lots: “The land is to be divided by lot according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.” (Numbers 26:55; cf. Joshua 18:6) • Consultation at Shiloh: “Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the families… distributed the inheritance at Shiloh before the LORD.” (Joshua 19:51) • Recorded Boundaries: Detailed borders for each tribe are listed in Joshua 13–19, confirming obedience to the divine blueprint first given in Numbers 34. Why Two Leaders, Not One? • Balance of roles—priestly worship and practical administration unite. • Witness to every tribe that the allotment was both legally sound and spiritually sanctioned. • Prefigures later biblical patterns: king and priest (e.g., David and Zadok), reminding us God values both sacred and civic leadership. Key Results • Every tribe (except Levi) received an inheritance exactly as promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). • Cities of refuge and Levitical towns were set apart through Eleazar’s oversight (Joshua 20–21). • The orderly settlement solidified Israel’s national identity and prepared the way for covenant faithfulness in the land. Takeaway When God gifts land or calling, He appoints faithful servants—like Eleazar and Joshua—to steward the blessing, ensuring it aligns with His holy standards and covenant purposes. |
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