So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

JOSHUA 11:23KJV
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Joshua 11:23 (KJV)

What does Joshua 11:23 mean?

Joshua 11:23 describes how Joshua took control of the entire land of Canaan, just as the LORD had promised Moses, and then divided it among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance. After this, the land experienced a period of peace from war.

This verse comes at the end of a section in the book of Joshua where the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, have completed their major military campaigns in Canaan. The verse highlights that Joshua fulfilled the instructions given by God to Moses, and that the land was distributed to each tribe according to their assigned portions. The statement that "the land rested from war" signals a significant pause in conflict, marking a new chapter for the people of Israel in their promised land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 11:23

  • The word for "inheritance" is נַחֲלָה (nachalah), which means something received as a permanent possession. This emphasizes that the land was not just occupied but was given as a lasting gift to the tribes of Israel.
  • The verb "rested" is שָׁקַט (shaqat), which means to be quiet or undisturbed. In this context, it underlines that after years of fighting, the land finally experienced calm and stability.
  • The word for "divisions" is מַחֲלֹקֶת (machaloqet), referring to the way the land was divided among the tribes. This shows an organized, intentional distribution rather than a random or chaotic one.

Why Joshua 11:23 matters

  • Joshua 11:23 clarifies that the conquest of Canaan was not just about military victory but about fulfilling a promise made by God to Moses and the people of Israel.
  • The verse marks a turning point from warfare to settlement, showing that the Israelites could now focus on living in and cultivating the land.
  • By mentioning the division of the land "according to their divisions by their tribes," the verse connects this moment to earlier instructions in the Torah and sets up the detailed allotments that follow in the next chapters.

Where else these words appear

“divisions” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 12:7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
  • 1 Chronicles 27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

“rested” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.