Joshua 14:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 2. By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded, &c.— Though God had sufficiently pointed out by the predictions of Jacob, when dying, and those of Moses, what portions he designed for each tribe, we readily discern an admirable proof of the Divine wisdom, in the orders he gave to decide them by lot. By this means were prevented the false interpretations which might have been given to the words of Jacob and Moses; and, by striking at the root of whatever might occasion jealousies and disputes among the tribes, he evidently secured the honesty of those who were to be appointed to distribute to them the conquered countries in the land of Canaan. Besides, the success of this method became a fresh proof of the divinity of the Israelites' religion, and the truth of its oracles. Each tribe finding itself placed by lot exactly in the spot which Jacob and Moses had foretold, it was evident that Providence had equally directed both those predictions and that lot. The event justified the truth of the promises. The more singular it was, the more clearly do we discern the finger of God in it. No one has set these reflections in a fairer light than Masius. "The portion," says he, "fell to each tribe just as Jacob had declared two hundred and fifty years before, in the last moments of his life, and Moses immediately before his death; for, to the tribe of Judah fell a country abounding in vineyards and pastures; to Zebulun and Issachar, sea-ports; in that of Asher was plenty of oil, wheat, and metals; that of Benjamin, near to the temple, was in a manner between the shoulders of the city. Ephraim and Manasseh were distinguished with a territory blest in a peculiar manner by heaven. The land of Naphtati extended from the west to the south of the tribe of Judah. Since, therefore, the lots so well corresponded to these predictions, would it not be insolence and stupidity in the highest degree, not to acknowledge the inspiration of God in the words of Jacob and Moses, the direction of his hand in the lot, and his providence in the event?" See Masius on the place.