In the biblical narrative, the allocation of cities by lot is a significant event that occurs during the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land by the Israelites. This process is primarily detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the land of Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The casting of lots was a divinely guided method to ensure an equitable distribution of the land, reflecting God's sovereign will in the allocation of territories.

Biblical Context

The division of the land is commanded by God and executed under the leadership of Joshua, following the conquest of Canaan. The use of lots is seen as a means to prevent disputes among the tribes and to demonstrate that the distribution was determined by divine providence rather than human decision. The practice of casting lots is mentioned in several passages, including Joshua 14:2, which states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot to the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses."

Tribal Allocations

Each tribe received a portion of land according to the size of its population and the specific instructions given by God. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, as detailed in Numbers 32. The remaining nine and a half tribes received their inheritance west of the Jordan.

The process of casting lots is described in Joshua 18:10: "Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions." This event took place at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up, signifying the centrality of worship and divine guidance in the allocation process.

Levitical Cities

In addition to the tribal inheritances, specific cities were assigned to the Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties and did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the land, along with surrounding pasturelands. This ensured that the Levites could fulfill their religious responsibilities and serve the spiritual needs of the entire nation. Joshua 21:8 states, "So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses."

Cities of Refuge

Among the cities assigned by lot were the cities of refuge, designated as safe havens for individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter. These cities provided protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge are listed in Joshua 20:7-9, which includes Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan.

Significance

The assignment of cities by lot underscores the importance of divine guidance and order in the life of the Israelite community. It reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, ensuring justice and equity in the distribution of resources. The process also highlights the communal and covenantal nature of Israel's identity, as each tribe's inheritance was part of a larger divine plan for the nation.

The cities assigned by lot serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs and His ongoing provision for His people. The careful and orderly distribution of the land set the stage for the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's law, with each tribe playing a unique role in the unfolding of redemptive history.