‏ Joshua 18

* The tabernacle set up at Shiloh. (1) The remainder of the land

described and divided. (2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.

(11-28)

1 Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua

belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near

the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is

the same as that by which Jacob prophesied of the Messiah, #Ge

49:10|. It is supposed by some that the city was thus called,

when it was chosen for the resting-place of the ark, which

typified our great Peace-maker, and the way by him to a

reconciled God. 2-10 After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and

told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a

title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to

take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might

by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with

us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake

our own mercies for lying vanities? Joshua stirs the Israelites

up to take possession of their lots. He is ready to do his part,

if they will do theirs. 11-28 The boundaries of each portion were distinctly drawn, and

the inheritance of each tribe settled. All contests and selfish

claims were prevented by the wise appointment of God, who

allotted the hill and the valley, the corn and pasture, the

brooks and rivers, the towns and cities. Is the lot of any

servant of Christ cast in affliction and sorrow? It is the Lord;

let him do what seemeth him good. Are we in prosperity and

peace? It is from above. Be humbled when you compare the gift

with your own unworthiness. Forget not Him that gave the good,

and always be ready to resign it at his command.