The allotment of the Holy Land, as specified in the Bible, refers to the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. This division was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it was carried out under the leadership of Joshua after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The allotment is detailed primarily in the Book of Joshua, chapters 13 through 21.

Divine Promise and Preparation

The promise of the land to the descendants of Abraham is a central theme in the Old Testament. In Genesis 12:7, God tells Abram, "To your offspring I will give this land." This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine covenant that the land of Canaan would belong to their descendants.

Before the Israelites entered Canaan, God instructed Moses on the boundaries of the land and the process of its division. Numbers 34:2-12 outlines the borders of the land, from the wilderness of Zin to the River Jordan, and from the Great Sea to the Negev.

The Role of Joshua

Joshua, as Moses' successor, was tasked with leading the Israelites into Canaan and overseeing the distribution of the land. Joshua 1:6 records God's command to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them."

Allotment by Tribe

The land was divided among the tribes by casting lots, a method believed to reflect God's will. The Book of Joshua provides a detailed account of the allotment:

· Reuben, Gad, and Half-Tribe of Manasseh: These tribes received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, as previously agreed with Moses (Joshua 13:8-33).

· Judah: The tribe of Judah received a large portion in the southern part of Canaan, including the city of Hebron (Joshua 15:1-12).

· Ephraim and the Other Half-Tribe of Manasseh: These tribes were allotted land in the central region, with Ephraim receiving territory around Shiloh (Joshua 16:1-10, 17:1-18).

· Benjamin: Positioned between Judah and Ephraim, Benjamin's territory included the city of Jerusalem (Joshua 18:11-28).

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

· Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan: These tribes received their portions in the northern regions of Canaan (Joshua 19:10-48).

· Levi: The Levites, as the priestly tribe, did not receive a specific territory. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the other tribes' lands (Joshua 21:1-42).

Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities

In addition to the tribal allotments, specific cities were designated as cities of refuge, where individuals who committed manslaughter could seek asylum (Joshua 20:1-9). The Levites were also given forty-eight cities, including the six cities of refuge, to dwell in, as they were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance (Joshua 21:1-42).

Significance

The allotment of the Holy Land was not merely a division of territory but a fulfillment of God's covenant promises. It established the tribes of Israel in their ancestral homeland, setting the stage for the unfolding of biblical history and the coming of the Messiah. The division of the land underscored the importance of obedience to God's commands and the centrality of the land in Israel's identity and relationship with God.Joshua 14:1-19:51
And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sibylline Oracles.
... it contains, Jud??a is addressed as "Land of Sodom ... the swift messenger of my words,
with holy water besprinkling ... shall appear "in the third allotment of rolling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
... and the necessity of the people's being holy in thought ... of the conquest of Canaan
and the allotment of the ... (29) But the Israelites walked upon dry land in the ...
/.../ix influences that gave rise.htm

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