The book of Joshua marks a pivotal transition for Israel. After years of wandering in the wilderness, the people are finally settling into the land God promised them. By Joshua 18, the conquest is largely completed, yet seven tribes remain without their allotted inheritance. This moment in biblical history serves as a profound illustration of Jesus as the One who divides the land and calls His people to walk in their inheritance.
The Setting: An Inheritance Unclaimed
Joshua 18:1 tells us:
“Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them.” (Joshua 18:1, ESV)
Israel has reached a critical point. The land is subdued, victory has been granted, but something is missing—the fulfillment of the promise. Seven tribes have yet to claim their inheritance. They linger in a state of inaction, despite God’s provision. Joshua’s response is sharp:
“How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” (Joshua 18:3, ESV)
This challenge echoes to us today. As believers in Christ, we have a rich inheritance through Him, yet many fail to walk in the fullness of that inheritance. Just as Israel had to step forward in faith to claim their portion, we must also embrace the promises of God in Christ.
Jesus: The True Divider of the Land
Joshua 18:4-6 details how the land was to be divided:
“Provide three men from each tribe, and I will send them out that they may set out and go up and down the land. They shall write a description of it with a view to their inheritances and then come to me.” (Joshua 18:4, ESV)
Joshua does not distribute the land arbitrarily but follows divine guidance, ensuring each tribe receives its rightful portion. This foreshadows Jesus, our greater Joshua, who not only prepares a place for us but also determines our eternal inheritance.
Jesus, the One Who Grants Our Inheritance
Paul makes a striking declaration in Romans 8:17:
“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17, ESV)
Through Jesus, we are co-heirs of God’s kingdom. This inheritance is not merely a future promise but a present reality. Just as Joshua led Israel to claim their physical inheritance, Jesus leads us to claim our spiritual inheritance. This includes:
- Victory Over Sin: We are no longer slaves to sin but live as free heirs in Christ (Romans 6:14).
- Eternal Life: Our inheritance is imperishable and kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4).
- Spiritual Authority: We are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Walking in Our Inheritance
Joshua’s rebuke in verse 3 is a challenge not just to Israel but to us as well: “How long will you put off going in to take possession?” Many Christians live far beneath their spiritual inheritance. They settle for a wilderness mindset, unaware of the vast blessings available in Christ.
Practical Steps to Walk in Our Inheritance
- Know Your Inheritance – Study God’s promises in Scripture. Just as the tribes surveyed the land, we must know what God has given us.
- Step Out in Faith – The land was already subdued, but the tribes had to go in and claim it. Faith is required to walk in the fullness of Christ’s promises.
- Dwell in His Presence – The Tent of Meeting was set up in Shiloh, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. Our inheritance is found in abiding with Christ (John 15:5).
- Trust in Christ as the Giver – Just as Joshua allotted the land, Jesus is the one who distributes our spiritual inheritance. Trust in His provision and guidance.
Conclusion: Our Inheritance is in Christ
Joshua 18 points us to the greater reality of Jesus as the One who divides the land and calls us to walk in our inheritance. The tribes hesitated, but Joshua pressed them forward. Likewise, Jesus calls us not to delay in laying hold of the riches of His kingdom.
As heirs with Christ, we are invited into a life of abundance, authority, and purpose. Let us not be content with wandering at the edge of our inheritance. Instead, let us walk boldly into the fullness of what Jesus has provided, knowing that in Him, every promise is “Yes and Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
How long will you put off walking in your inheritance? Today is the day to step forward in faith and claim all that is yours in Christ!
