As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.

JOSHUA 14:5KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 14:5 (KJV)

What does Joshua 14:5 mean?

Joshua 14:5 states that the Israelites followed the LORD’s command given through Moses and divided the land accordingly. This verse highlights their obedience in distributing the land as instructed, rather than making their own decisions.

The verse comes as the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, are settling in Canaan. The process of dividing the land among the tribes is a major event, and this verse emphasizes that the division was not arbitrary but done exactly as the LORD (H3068) had commanded (H6680) Moses (H4872). The focus is on the faithfulness of the people in carrying out God’s instructions during this crucial moment.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 14:5

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, underscoring that the instructions for dividing the land came from God Himself, not just human leaders.
  • Commanded (צָוָה, tsavah): This word often carries the sense of a direct, authoritative order. The verse stresses that the Israelites did not act on their own initiative but followed a specific command.
  • Divided (חָלַק, chalaq): This word means to apportion or distribute. The use of this term shows that the land was carefully and intentionally distributed, not simply taken or seized.

Why Joshua 14:5 matters

  • Joshua 14:5 clarifies that the division of the land was not a political or military decision but a fulfillment of God’s earlier promises and commands.
  • The verse connects the actions of Joshua and the Israelites directly to Moses, showing continuity in leadership and faithfulness to God’s instructions.
  • This verse reassures readers that the Israelites’ possession of the land was grounded in obedience to God, not just conquest or chance.

Where else these words appear

“divided” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.