In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "Seven Tribes Without Inheritance" refers to the seven Israelite tribes that had not yet received their allotted portions of the Promised Land during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in chapters 13 through 19.

Context and Background

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the land was to be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The division of the land was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it was a critical step in establishing Israel as a nation. 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 recorded in Joshua 13:8-33.

The Seven Tribes

The seven tribes that had not yet received their inheritance were Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. These tribes were still awaiting their specific territorial allotments west of the Jordan River. Joshua 18:2-3 states, "But there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. So Joshua said to the Israelites, 'How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?'"

The Assembly at Shiloh

To address the situation, Joshua gathered the Israelites at Shiloh, where the Tent of Meeting was set up. This location became the religious and administrative center for the Israelites during this period. Joshua instructed the people to appoint three men from each tribe to survey the land and write a description of it, dividing it into seven parts. Joshua 18:4-6 records, "Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to survey the land and write a description of it according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me. You are to divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north. When you have written a description of the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God."

Casting Lots

The casting of lots was a common biblical method for making decisions and determining God's will. It was believed that the outcome of the lots was divinely guided. Joshua cast lots for the seven tribes at Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, ensuring that the distribution of the land was fair and according to God's plan.

The Allotments

1. Benjamin: The territory of Benjamin was situated between the tribes of Judah and Joseph, encompassing cities such as Jericho, Bethel, and Jerusalem (Joshua 18:11-28).

2. Simeon: The inheritance of Simeon was within the territory of Judah, as Judah's portion was too large for them alone (Joshua 19:1-9).

3. Zebulun: Zebulun's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan, including cities like Bethlehem and Sarid (Joshua 19:10-16).

4. Issachar: Issachar received a fertile region in the Jezreel Valley, with cities such as Jezreel and Shunem (Joshua 19:17-23).

5. Asher: Asher's inheritance was along the Mediterranean coast, including cities like Acco and Tyre (Joshua 19:24-31).

6. Naphtali: Naphtali's territory was in the northernmost part of Canaan, near the Sea of Galilee, with cities such as Kedesh and Hazor (Joshua 19:32-39).

7. Dan: Initially, Dan's territory was in the central coastal region, but due to pressure from the Amorites, they later migrated northward and captured the city of Laish, renaming it Dan (Joshua 19:40-48; Judges 18).

Significance

The distribution of the land to the seven tribes without inheritance was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from a nomadic existence to a settled nation. It underscored the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of obedience and unity among the tribes. The process also highlighted the role of Joshua as a leader who sought God's guidance in the administration of the land.