The book of Joshua is a story of conquest and inheritance. The land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob finally becomes the possession of Israel. Joshua 19 records the allocation of land to the remaining tribes of Israel. Yet, beyond the geographical divisions, this passage points us to a greater truth—Jesus Christ is our true portion and inheritance. As Psalm 16:5 declares, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
This chapter, though historical, echoes a deeper spiritual reality: in Christ, we receive an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly possession. Let’s explore how Joshua 19 points to Jesus as the fulfillment of our inheritance.
1. The Dividing of the Land and the Promise Fulfilled
Joshua 19 details the division of land among the remaining tribes of Israel—Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. The chapter concludes with a special allotment to Joshua himself. Each tribe receives a portion of the land, signifying the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promise.
But this earthly inheritance was temporary. Israel’s history shows that land could be lost due to disobedience, exile, and foreign conquest. Even the Promised Land was a shadow of something greater—a lasting inheritance that could never be taken away.
2. The Inheritance of the Levites: A Shadow of Christ
One striking detail in Joshua’s land distribution is that the tribe of Levi received no territorial inheritance. Instead, their portion was the Lord Himself:
“But to the tribe of Levi, Moses gave no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as he said to them.” (Joshua 13:33)
Levi’s inheritance was not land but service to God, dwelling in His presence, and sharing in the offerings brought by the people. This foreshadowed our inheritance in Christ. As believers, we are called to a greater reality:
- We are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)—just as the Levites were set apart, we too are set apart in Christ.
- Our inheritance is spiritual, not material (Ephesians 1:11)—just as the Levites found their portion in the Lord, our ultimate inheritance is God Himself.
This truth is echoed in Psalm 16:5:
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
Our greatest reward is not land, wealth, or possessions, but Christ Himself.
3. Joshua’s Inheritance: A Picture of Christ’s Reward
At the end of Joshua 19, we see something remarkable:
Joshua himself receives an inheritance in the land.
“According to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, he gave him the city that he asked, Timnath-Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled in it.” (Joshua 19:50)
Joshua, the leader who faithfully guided Israel into their inheritance, also receives his own portion. This foreshadows Jesus, our greater Joshua, who after finishing His work, entered into His reward:
- Joshua brought Israel into the Promised Land; Jesus brings us into the Kingdom of God.
- Joshua received a portion; Jesus receives the nations as His inheritance (Psalm 2:8).
Just as Joshua’s work was rewarded, Jesus, after conquering sin and death, sits at the right hand of the Father and shares His victory with us.
4. Jesus: Our Eternal Portion and Inheritance
The New Testament makes it clear: our inheritance is not in land or earthly riches, but in Christ.
- Colossians 1:12-13 – We have been qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
- Ephesians 1:11 – In Christ, we have obtained an inheritance.
- 1 Peter 1:4 – We have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
Joshua 19 reminds us that the best inheritance is not a place but a Person—Jesus Christ. Every earthly possession will fade, but Christ remains forever.
Conclusion: Finding True Satisfaction in Christ
As believers, our inheritance is secure. We do not need to chase after temporary wealth, for we have a far greater treasure in Christ. Just as the Levites had no land because God was their portion, we too must see that Jesus is our all in all.
What does this mean for us today?
- Rest in the assurance that your inheritance in Christ is eternal.
- Find your joy in Jesus, not in temporary possessions.
- Live as a priest of God, knowing that you have been given access to His presence forever.
Just as Joshua gave the tribes their inheritance, Jesus gives us the inheritance of eternal life. Our lot has fallen in pleasant places, for our portion is Christ Himself.
As Psalm 16:6 declares:
“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance
