And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

JOSHUA 18:8KJV
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Joshua 18:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:8 mean?

Joshua 18:8 describes how a group of men set out to survey and record the details of the land, following Joshua’s instructions. Joshua tells them to travel through the land, write down what they see, and then return so he can cast lots to assign the land to the tribes before God at Shiloh.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to representatives from the Israelite tribes who have not yet received their land inheritance. He commands them to go and carefully describe the remaining land, which will help ensure a fair and organized distribution. The process is public and sacred, taking place before the LORD at Shiloh, which was the central place of worship at the time.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:8

  • "Describe" (כָּתַב, kātav): This word means to write or record. Joshua is not asking for a casual report but a detailed written account, highlighting the importance of accuracy and planning in dividing the land.
  • "Cast lots" (שָׁלַךְ גּוֹרָל, shalak goral): The phrase refers to a method of making decisions that was seen as guided by God. By casting lots, Joshua emphasizes that the land distribution is not by human preference but by divine direction.
  • "Before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei YHWH): This phrase shows that the whole process is done openly in God’s presence, underlining the sacredness and fairness of the allotment.

Why Joshua 18:8 matters

  • Joshua 18:8 clarifies that the division of land among the tribes was a careful, organized process, not left to chance or favoritism.
  • The verse highlights the role of written records and eyewitness surveying in ancient Israel, showing the value placed on fairness and transparency.
  • By mentioning Shiloh and the presence of the LORD, Joshua 18:8 connects the land distribution to Israel’s worship and covenant relationship with God, not just to practical needs.

Where else these words appear

“Shiloh” Hebrew H7887 · used in 30 verses

  • Joshua 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
  • Judges 21:19 Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

“lots” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

“cast” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
  • Isaiah 19:8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.