Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,
The command is to apportion the land as a permanent inheritance among the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. That inheritance was not limited to ground already taken in war but embraced both conquered districts and regions still held by the enemy. With the allotment came obligation, for each tribe was charged to complete the conquest and bring its own portion fully under subjection. The Levites shared no part in this territorial division because their appointed work was ministry at the sanctuary, and in place of a tribal territory they were given towns dispersed throughout the whole country. Continued loyalty to God and to His covenant carried the promise that He Himself would expel their foes and enlarge their holdings with even greater possessions.
The command is to apportion the land as a permanent inheritance among the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. That inheritance was not limited to ground already taken in war but embraced both conquered districts and regions still held by the enemy. With the allotment came obligation, for each tribe was charged to complete the conquest and bring its own portion fully under subjection. The Levites shared no part in this territorial division because their appointed work was ministry at the sanctuary, and in place of a tribal territory they were given towns dispersed throughout the whole country. Continued loyalty to God and to His covenant carried the promise that He Himself would expel their foes and enlarge their holdings with even greater possessions.