by. "upon": i.e. "contingently upon" (see Numbers 26:56). By Eleazar (Numbers 34:17), because, as high priest, he had the Urim and Thummim, which were the lots cast. The high priest must be present for the lot to speak, and give Jehovah's decision (Joshua 17:4). Compare Ezra 2:61-63.Nehemiah 7:63-65. The lot "came up" (Joshua 18:11); "came forth" (Joshua 19:1); "came out" (Joshua 19:17) of the bag (containing the Urim and Thummin) which was in or behind the breastplate. See note on Exodus 28:30, and compare Proverbs 16:33; Proverbs 18:18.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 26:55
Numbers 26:55
55 Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.