Joshua 18:1
Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them,
Then the whole congregation of the Israelites
This phrase emphasizes the unity and collective identity of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "congregation" is "עֵדָה" (edah), which signifies an assembly or gathering, often used to describe the people of Israel as a covenant community. This assembly at Shiloh marks a significant moment of national unity and spiritual focus, as they come together to seek God's guidance and fulfill His promises. It reflects the importance of communal worship and decision-making in the life of God's people.

assembled at Shiloh
Shiloh, located in the hill country of Ephraim, becomes a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites. The Hebrew root "שִׁלוֹ" (Shiloh) can mean "place of rest" or "tranquility," symbolizing a period of peace and stability after the conquest of Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests that Shiloh was a significant religious center during this time, as it housed the Tent of Meeting. This assembly at Shiloh underscores the importance of having a designated place for worship and the presence of God among His people.

and set up the Tent of Meeting there
The Tent of Meeting, or "מִשְׁכַּן" (mishkan) in Hebrew, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Setting it up at Shiloh signifies a transition from a nomadic to a more settled existence in the Promised Land. This act represents the establishment of a central place for worship, sacrifice, and divine communication. It highlights the continuity of God's presence and guidance as the Israelites move from conquest to settlement.

The land was subdued before them
This phrase indicates that the Israelites had achieved a level of control and peace in the land of Canaan. The Hebrew word "כָּבַשׁ" (kabash) means to subdue or bring into subjection, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people. This subduing of the land is not just a military achievement but also a spiritual one, as it demonstrates God's faithfulness and the Israelites' obedience to His commands. It serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from following God's will and the importance of maintaining faithfulness in times of prosperity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The collective people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are now in the Promised Land.

2. Shiloh
A significant location in the tribal territory of Ephraim where the Tent of Meeting was set up, serving as a central place of worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, symbolizing His presence and guidance.

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

5. Subdued
Indicates that the land was under control, suggesting a period of peace and stability for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Centrality of Worship
The setting up of the Tent of Meeting in Shiloh emphasizes the importance of having a central place of worship and the presence of God in the community. In our lives, we should prioritize worship and seek God's presence in all we do.

Unity and Obedience
The assembly of the whole congregation at Shiloh demonstrates unity and obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to gather together in unity, supporting one another in faith and obedience to God's Word.

God's Faithfulness
The subduing of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. We can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness in our own lives, knowing that He will accomplish what He has promised.

Spiritual Rest
The physical subduing of the land points to a deeper spiritual rest that is available through faith in Christ. We are invited to enter into this rest by trusting in Jesus and ceasing from our own works.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does the location of Shiloh hold in the history of Israel, and how can this inform our understanding of the importance of a central place of worship today?

2. How does the setting up of the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about maintaining our own relationship with Him?

3. In what ways does the subduing of the land before the Israelites demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can we apply this understanding to trust in God's promises in our lives?

4. How does the concept of rest in the land of Canaan relate to the spiritual rest offered through Christ, and what steps can we take to enter into this rest?

5. Reflect on the unity of the Israelites as they assembled at Shiloh. How can we foster unity within our own church communities, and why is this important for our collective spiritual growth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 33:7-11
Describes the original setting up of the Tent of Meeting outside the camp, highlighting its significance as a place where God communicated with Moses.

1 Samuel 1:3
Mentions Shiloh as a place of worship where Elkanah and his family went to offer sacrifices, showing its continued importance.

Hebrews 4:8-10
Discusses the rest that Joshua provided, which is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Christ, connecting the physical subduing of the land to spiritual rest.
ShilohW.F. Adeney Joshua 18:1
Shiloh, the SanctuaryJ. Waite Joshua 18:1
Joshua's RemonstranceR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Joshua 18:1-28
Religion in the New LandW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 18:1-28
Slack to PossessW. Seaton.Joshua 18:1-28
People
Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, Reuben
Places
Adummim, Arabah, Ataroth-addar, Avvim, Beeroth, Beth-arabah, Beth-aven, Bethel, Beth-hoglah, Beth-horon, Emek-keziz, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Ephron, Geba, Geliloth, Gibeah, Gibeon, Haeleph, Irpeel, Jebus, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Luz, Mizpeh, Mozah, Nephtoah, Ophni, Ophrah, Parah, Ramah, Rekem, Salt Sea, Shiloh, Taralah, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zela, Zemaraim
Topics
Assembled, Assembly, Cause, Company, Congregation, Control, Crushed, Gathered, Israelites, Lay, Meeting, Shiloh, Sons, Subdued, Tabernacle, Tent, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 18:1

     5267   control
     7209   congregation
     7413   priesthood, OT
     7442   shrine
     7459   tabernacle, in OT
     7467   temple, Solomon's
     7474   Tent of Meeting

Library
The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon.
This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
(Jerusalem and Ephraim in Judæa.) ^D John XI. 47-54. ^d 47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council [called a meeting of the Sanhedrin], and said, What do we? [Thus they reproach one another for having done nothing in a present and urgent crisis. As two of their number (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathæa) were afterwards in communications with Christians, it was easy for the disciples to find out what occurred on this notable occasion.] for this man doeth many signs.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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