Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJoshua 14

Joshua 14:1 – The Distribution of Canaan This section explains how the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, was divided among the Israelite tribes. After conquering the land, the Israelites did not leave it empty, but settled in it as God intended (Isaiah 45:18 ). The division was done in an organized way, not by personal choice, but by God’s command. The process followed the instructions God gave to Moses, so that each tribe received their portion fairly and peacefully. The method of dividing the land by lot showed the people’s trust in God’s decision for each tribe’s inheritance (Numbers 26:53–56 ).v. 1: The leaders in charge of dividing the land were Joshua, the high priest Eleazar, and ten princes (one from each tribe) (Numbers 34:17–29 ). Each tribe had a representative to make sure the process was fair and everyone was satisfied with the results.

v. 2-3: The land of Canaan was divided among nine and a half tribes, while the two and a half tribes had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, so they did not take part in this division (Joshua 13:3 ). The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of land because God had set them apart for special service; instead, they were given towns and pasturelands for their livestock (Joshua 13:4 ). Joseph’s family was counted as two tribes—Ephraim and Manasseh—which maintained the total number of tribes at twelve (Joshua 13:4 ). The land was allocated by casting lots, a method that showed the final decision was made by God, not by human choice. This practice helped the people trust that their inheritance was divinely appointed (Proverbs 16:33; Psalm 47:4 ). The division was carried out by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders, following the Lord’s command through Moses .

v. 3–4: By dividing Joseph’s descendants into two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, the number of tribes stayed at twelve even though Levi did not receive land. This arrangement followed the special blessing Jacob gave Joseph’s sons.

v. 5: The Israelites did what the Lord

Joshua 14:6 – Caleb’s Reminder to Joshua In this verse, the people of Judah come to Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh, a Kenizzite, speaks to him. Caleb reminds Joshua of the promise the LORD made to Moses about both of them at Kadesh-barnea. This sets the stage for Caleb to claim the land God had promised him because of his faithfulness and courage many years before. Caleb’s words show his confidence in God’s faithfulness and his desire to receive the inheritance that was assured to him.v. 6: The people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb spoke to him, saying, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me” (Joshua 14:6 ). Caleb recalls the promise God made long ago, reminding Joshua of their shared history and God’s faithfulness to His word.