Scripture

“This is the territory that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites, 3 and the larger territory of the Canaanites, extending from the stream of Shihor on the border of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron.” Joshua 13:2-3

Observation

God tells Joshua (1) which lands are yet to be conquered and (2) specifies the distribution to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh.

Application
The Jewish nations were obliged by law to keep up this exact distribution and not transfer inheritances between tribes (Numbers 36:9). Doing that would be akin to regifting a birthday present, except instead of insulting your well-meaning aunt, it’s rejecting a gift from God!

Matthew Henry again points out the importance of these passages that seem “boring” on the outside:

And therefore we are not to skip over these chapters of hard names as useless and not to be regarded; where God has a mouth to speak and a hand to write we should find an ear to hear an eye to read; and God give us a heart to profit!

This information was given to us as part of sacred scriptures, to show that God always keeps his promises – namely the promise that was made to Jacob that this land would be given to his seed and no others.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your Word that proves your promises are true and always kept. Remind us through your scripture to trust you fully each day; you have never failed us before and you never will.