Possessing Our Inheritance: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Joshua 13

✨ Executive Summary

Joshua 13 details the complex reality of incomplete obedience and the enduring promise of God. Even with Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites had not fully dispossessed all the Canaanites from the land promised to them. This chapter highlights the tribal allotments east of the Jordan River (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) and previews the process for the remaining territory west of the Jordan. Possessing Our Inheritance, however, is not just about land; it speaks to the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, and the ongoing struggle to claim it fully, battling the “Canaanites” of our own sinful natures and worldly temptations. It reminds us that God’s promises are certain, but our participation, our striving, and our unwavering faith are essential to receiving them. This chapter showcases God’s faithfulness, even amidst human imperfection, and encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of holiness. It is a reflection of the persistent challenges and blessings of claiming what God has already given us.

Joshua, nearing the end of his earthly ministry, receives a divine directive: much land remains to be possessed. This chapter unveils a tension: God’s promise versus human inaction. It’s not merely a historical account but a profound allegory for the spiritual life – the inheritance of salvation is offered, but the battles to claim it are ours to fight. We will explore the tribal allotments, the unfulfilled commands, and the enduring grace woven throughout this passage.

📖 Commentary Sections

Joshua 13:1 (KJV)

Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.

Joshua 13:1 (NKJV)

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed.”

Here, we find Joshua, aged and weary, yet confronted with a stark reality: the divine mandate is incomplete. The Lord’s repetition emphasizes the urgency. This echoes in our own lives. We might grow tired in our spiritual walk, but the work of sanctification is ongoing. Are we content with partial obedience, or do we strive for the fullness of what God offers? Consider the words of St. Macarius the Great: “Δεῖ ἡμᾶς ἀεὶ ἐπιτείνειν τὴν σπουδὴν πρὸς τὴν ἀρετήν, ἵνα μὴ ἀμελήσωμεν τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν” (“We must always increase our zeal for virtue, lest we neglect our salvation,” Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 15.23). We cannot afford spiritual complacency. Perhaps you could use hosting with this idea in mind, that you need to continually increase your zeal for virtue.

• Application: Identify areas of your life where you’ve settled for “good enough” spiritually. What “land” remains to be possessed? Commit to seeking God’s grace to conquer those areas.

Joshua 13:2-6 (KJV)

This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; Gaza, and Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; also the Avites: From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Joshua 13:2-6 (NKJV)

This is the land that yet remains: all the territory of the Philistines and all that of the Geshurites, from Sihor, which is east of Egypt, as far as the border of Ekron northward (which is counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines—Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—also the Avites; from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad below Mount Hermon as far as the entrance to Hamath; all the inhabitants of the mountains from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth Maim, and all the Sidonians. I will drive them out from before the children of Israel; only divide it by lot to Israel as an inheritance, as I have commanded you.

This lengthy description emphasizes the vastness of the task ahead. The Philistines, with their five major cities, represent a formidable challenge. Geographically, these areas controlled vital trade routes and coastal access. Spiritually, they represent the allure of the world and the constant battle against temptation. God’s promise to “drive them out” is conditional on Israel’s obedience. We see here a glimpse of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility intertwined. Consider the words of St. Athanasius: “Οὐ γὰρ ἐφ’ ἡμῖν τὸ τέλος, ἀλλὰ ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ” (“For the end is not up to us, but up to God,” Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, 46). We are called to act, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to God.

• Application: Identify the “Philistines” in your life – recurring temptations or worldly attachments. Trust in God’s promise to help you overcome them, but actively resist their influence through prayer, fasting, and the sacraments.

Joshua 13:7-33 (KJV & NKJV)

These verses detail the inheritance already given to the tribes east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Moses had already allotted this land, based on their specific needs and desires. This foreshadows the inheritance we receive through Christ – tailored to our individual gifts and callings, but received through faith and obedience. Note the specificity of the boundaries. God is meticulous in His provision. The tribes that asked to remain on the east side of the Jordan had cattle and needed land for them. This highlights a balance of spiritual needs and physical needs. The Coptic Church recognizes the importance of both in our lives, the importance of tending to the needs of our soul, but also tending to the needs of our body. We are not dualistic in our thinking, but view the human as a complete being.

• Application: Reflect on your own spiritual gifts and calling. How are you using them to serve God and others? Are you embracing the unique inheritance He has given you? How are you using your physical gifts, abilities and talents to serve God and others?

❓ FAQ

• Q: Why didn’t Joshua conquer all the land?
• A: Joshua, as a type of Christ, led the people to the promised land, but the complete inheritance required ongoing faith and obedience on their part. It’s a parallel to our own salvation – Christ has secured our redemption, but we must actively strive for holiness.
• Q: What is the significance of the tribal allotments?
• A: The allotments demonstrate God’s meticulous care and provision for His people. Each tribe received a specific inheritance tailored to their needs and strengths. This highlights God’s personalized love and attention to each individual.
• Q: How does this chapter relate to the New Testament?
• A: Joshua 13 foreshadows the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. Just as the Israelites had to fight to possess their land, we must contend against sin and temptation to fully claim our salvation. It serves as an allegory of the Christian life.
• Q: What can we learn from the incomplete conquest?
• A: The incomplete conquest reminds us of our own imperfections and the ongoing nature of the spiritual battle. It encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that God’s promises are sure, even when our progress seems slow.

Conclusion

Possessing Our Inheritance, as shown in Joshua 13, transcends a mere historical account. It is a mirror reflecting our own spiritual journey. The incomplete conquest underscores the persistent struggle to claim what God has promised. Like the Israelites, we often fall short of complete obedience, leaving pockets of sin and worldly influence in our lives. Yet, God’s faithfulness endures. He continues to offer us His grace and empower us to overcome the “Canaanites” that hinder our spiritual growth. We are called to examine the “land” that remains to be possessed in our own hearts and lives. It’s not passive reception, but active participation. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that our inheritance in Christ is a prize worth fighting for, a victory worth pursuing, and a blessing worth embracing with unwavering faith and determination. Let us strive to claim our complete inheritance, relying on God’s grace to conquer the remaining obstacles in our path.

Tags

Joshua 13, Tribal Allotments, Land of Canaan, Spiritual Inheritance, Coptic Orthodox, Old Testament, Joshua, Promised Land, Obedience, Faith

Meta Description

Explore Joshua 13 with Coptic Orthodox insight: Tribal allotments, the unfinished conquest, and the call to Possessing Our Inheritance fully in Christ.