Delayed Obedience is Disobedience

Joshua 18:1–28
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The tabernacle was moved from Gilgal to Shiloh in this chapter (vv. 1-2). Some commentators say this move was probably a mistake as Gilgal was the original place of God’s choosing and there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that the move was pleasing to Him. There were some obvious logistical benefits to the move. Shiloh was a more central location among the twelve tribes, and it was closer to where Joshua lived. The tabernacle remained in Shiloh through the period of the judges which was about 300 years. This city never really lived up to the reputation of Israel’s religious center, for later references in the Bible point to its wickedness (Psa. 78:56-60). 

Seven of the tribes had not yet been assigned their land (v. 2). Joshua asks them how long they are going to procrastinatein taking the land (v. 3) What should our first focus in warfare be? It is to possess that which has been promised to us, to take possession of our inheritance. They gathered at Shiloh where Joshua cast lots to determine which area would be given to each tribe (v. 6). Little is known about the method used of casting lots, but it was a common practice among the Hebrews in making important decisions. No matter how it was done, the process removed human choice from the decision-making process and allowed God to match tribes and lands as He saw fit (v. 10). Moses or Joshua didn’t give the children of Israel their inheritance. God did. Moses and Joshua were only instruments God used.

Application

Joshua asked why some of the tribes were putting off the job of possessing the land. Often, I tend to procrastinate doing jobs that seem large and difficult, boring, or disagreeable. Lord, help me to not be slow in possessing the land of opportunities you have given to me.