Looking to the future of Is'ra-el, he urged these leaders to be very courageous in doing all that God had commanded them, and assured them that the same God who had enabled them to conquer so much of the land would give them strength to drive out the heathens yet remaining within their borders. He earnestly warned them against joining in the idol-worship practiced by the heathens in their midst and in the neighboring countries. Just as their victories of the past had been won by holding fast to God, so their future triumphs would depend upon their obedience to Him and to His Commandments.
Josh'u-a spoke very plainly in his warnings against any social or domestic alliances with the heathen families not yet driven out of Ca'naan. The Is'ra-el-ites must avoid the "snares and traps" of associating with such people, for, once they were ensnared by them, "scourges" would pierce their sides, and "thorns" would pluck out their eyes.
Setting forth the love of God for them, he warned the people that love sinned against may be turnt into fierce anger. Mercy rejected has its counterpart in cold, stern justice. Transgression of the Holy Laws of God demands righteous indignation against the transgressor. Josh'u-a solemnly warned Is'ra-el that those who disobeyed God's Law would perish quickly.
After delivering this message to the leaders of Is'ra-el, Josh'u-a lived quietly in his home for a few months before death finally came to him. He lived long enough to deliver a second and final message to all Is'ra-el. In his first message he had spoken in a personal and private manner, but in the second he spoke under direct inspiration from God. This address was delivered before the whole house of Is'ra-el as they assembled at She'chem, which was the exact center of the Holy Land.
It was fitting for the last assembly of Is'ra-el to hear the voice of Josh'u-a to be held at She'chem. It was here that the Covenant was first given to A'bra-ham four hundred and fifty years before. It was in this vicinity that God appeared to Ja'cob in a vision by night and renewed the Covenant, and it was under an oak tree near this city that Ja'cob cast out the strange gods from his family. Twenty-three years before this assembly Josh'u-a had gathered all Is'ra-el on this sacred spot for the renewal of the Covenant which God had made with A'bra-ham and I'saac and Ja'cob, and for the public reading of all the laws of Mo'ses. Her God had promised to this generation the inheritance of the whole land of Ca'naan, and here the people had solemnly pledged their obedience to all His laws. How fitting, for Is'ra-el to be in a place of so many Holy memories to hear Josh'u-a's farewell address!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Story 65: Josh'u-a's Closing Years; His Farewell Messages To Is'ra-el l
After all the tribes of Is'ra-el had been allotted their territories, and the borders of each had been clearly defined, a special inheritance was given to Josh'u-a. He had been foremost in the service of his country, but was last to receive a reward. Not until he had brought the whole nation into rich possessions would he accept a home for himself. The same meek spirit which had dominated his entire service in the wars of Is'ra-el prevailed in the division of the land which had been conquered.
He asked of the High Priest E-le-a'zar and of the people that he be given the city of Tim'nath, an obscure place in the heart of the mountains of E'phra-im. Its chief fame in history is that it was founded and built by Josh'u-a, and that his body was buried in its vicinity.
With the smile of God upon him, with the satisfaction of having done his work well, and with the gratitude of Is'ra-el for his faithful services, Josh'u-a retired to this quiet mountain home to spend his declining years. He was then about ninety-three years old, and for forty-seven years all his energy had been devoted to the welfare of Is'ra-el. Grown old at last, and weakened by the toils and hardships of the war in Ca'naan, he was entitled to rest. He had built a nation for Is'ra-el, and now under the kindly Providences of God he was permitted to build a humble city for himself. His strength was renewed, and so much of his former vigor restored that he lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and ten.
Then his strength began to fail so rapidly that he knew the hour of his departure was near. In these moments of physical weakness his faith in God grew stronger, and his interest in the future welfare of Is'ra-el became more intense. He sent out an invitation for the elders, the princes and judges, and the leaders of various ranks in all the tribes to come to his home for a special message. A prompt response was given to this invitation, and a group which represented all Is'ra-el gathered to hear his message. He spoke not of the perpetuation of his own honor, but only of the preservation of Is'ra-el's integrity and faithfulness to God.
In recounting his past services for Is'ra-el he boasted of nothing which he had done, but called attention to the miraculous manner in which God had fought for Is'ra-el. Nowhere in his message was there a word of self-esteem or self-praise. He spoke of himself only as a servant of God, and gave all honor to God as the Captain of the host of Is'ra-el. Every victory he had won was credited to the guidance and power of God. He had done nothing, but God had done everything.
He asked of the High Priest E-le-a'zar and of the people that he be given the city of Tim'nath, an obscure place in the heart of the mountains of E'phra-im. Its chief fame in history is that it was founded and built by Josh'u-a, and that his body was buried in its vicinity.
With the smile of God upon him, with the satisfaction of having done his work well, and with the gratitude of Is'ra-el for his faithful services, Josh'u-a retired to this quiet mountain home to spend his declining years. He was then about ninety-three years old, and for forty-seven years all his energy had been devoted to the welfare of Is'ra-el. Grown old at last, and weakened by the toils and hardships of the war in Ca'naan, he was entitled to rest. He had built a nation for Is'ra-el, and now under the kindly Providences of God he was permitted to build a humble city for himself. His strength was renewed, and so much of his former vigor restored that he lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and ten.
Then his strength began to fail so rapidly that he knew the hour of his departure was near. In these moments of physical weakness his faith in God grew stronger, and his interest in the future welfare of Is'ra-el became more intense. He sent out an invitation for the elders, the princes and judges, and the leaders of various ranks in all the tribes to come to his home for a special message. A prompt response was given to this invitation, and a group which represented all Is'ra-el gathered to hear his message. He spoke not of the perpetuation of his own honor, but only of the preservation of Is'ra-el's integrity and faithfulness to God.
In recounting his past services for Is'ra-el he boasted of nothing which he had done, but called attention to the miraculous manner in which God had fought for Is'ra-el. Nowhere in his message was there a word of self-esteem or self-praise. He spoke of himself only as a servant of God, and gave all honor to God as the Captain of the host of Is'ra-el. Every victory he had won was credited to the guidance and power of God. He had done nothing, but God had done everything.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Story 64: The Division Of Ca'naan Among The Twelve Tribes Of Is'ra-el VI
Reu'ben, as the eldest son of Ja'cob, was entitled to the first rank among the tribes, and to a double share in the inheritance of Ca'naan. But he had lost those privileges by committing a great sin, and by leading a life which did not do him credit. Ja'cob therefore predicted that Reu'ben's descendants would hold a place of little importance in the inheritance of the twelve tribes.
The territory allotted to Reu'ben by Mo'ses was on the east side of the Jor'dan and the Dead Sea, extending from the borders of Gad on the north to the land of Mo'ab on the south, and was about thirty miles wide. it was mountainous and well watered. Although the section lying along the Dead Sea was useless for human habitation or for pasturage, the remainder of this territory was well adapted to stock-raising, and was given to the tribe of Reu'ben because of these advantages.
Two hundred and fifty years before the occupation of Ca'naan by the Is'ra-el-ites, Ja'cob had predicted that the tribe of Le'vi would be scattered throughout all the other tribes of the nation. Then, forty years before Is'ra-el entered the Promised Land, Mo'ses had directed that the male members of this tribe should be set apart for religious services as assistants to the priests, and that no inheritance or allotment be given to them. So, in the division of Ca'naan by Josh'u-a, no allottments were made to this tribe.
Provision was made for them, however, in the appointment of forty-eight cities throughout the various tribes for their residence. While these cities were not owned by the Le'vites, nor occupied by them alone, enough houses were set aside to meet their needs. Provision was made for their support by requiring the people of all the tribes to present tithes from their products of the land and from the increase of their sheep and cattle. Thus these religious workers were distributed throughout the land of Is'ra-el, and their needs were provided for so that all the people could be served by them.
Having completed the allotments of territory for all the tribes of Is'ra-el settled west of the Jor'dan, and having confirmed the allotments made by Mo'ses east of the river, Josh'u-a solemnly warned the people that the Ca'naan-ites must be completely driven out of the territory allotted to each tribe. He then sent all the tribes to the territories to which they had been assigned, and took up residence in the special allotment which had been provided for him. He had faithfully served the interest of the Nation under Mo'ses for forty years; and for seven years he had led Is'ra-el in a continuous war in conquering much of the land of Ca'naan. He retired to a well earned and much deserved period of rest.
The territory allotted to Reu'ben by Mo'ses was on the east side of the Jor'dan and the Dead Sea, extending from the borders of Gad on the north to the land of Mo'ab on the south, and was about thirty miles wide. it was mountainous and well watered. Although the section lying along the Dead Sea was useless for human habitation or for pasturage, the remainder of this territory was well adapted to stock-raising, and was given to the tribe of Reu'ben because of these advantages.
Two hundred and fifty years before the occupation of Ca'naan by the Is'ra-el-ites, Ja'cob had predicted that the tribe of Le'vi would be scattered throughout all the other tribes of the nation. Then, forty years before Is'ra-el entered the Promised Land, Mo'ses had directed that the male members of this tribe should be set apart for religious services as assistants to the priests, and that no inheritance or allotment be given to them. So, in the division of Ca'naan by Josh'u-a, no allottments were made to this tribe.
Provision was made for them, however, in the appointment of forty-eight cities throughout the various tribes for their residence. While these cities were not owned by the Le'vites, nor occupied by them alone, enough houses were set aside to meet their needs. Provision was made for their support by requiring the people of all the tribes to present tithes from their products of the land and from the increase of their sheep and cattle. Thus these religious workers were distributed throughout the land of Is'ra-el, and their needs were provided for so that all the people could be served by them.
Having completed the allotments of territory for all the tribes of Is'ra-el settled west of the Jor'dan, and having confirmed the allotments made by Mo'ses east of the river, Josh'u-a solemnly warned the people that the Ca'naan-ites must be completely driven out of the territory allotted to each tribe. He then sent all the tribes to the territories to which they had been assigned, and took up residence in the special allotment which had been provided for him. He had faithfully served the interest of the Nation under Mo'ses for forty years; and for seven years he had led Is'ra-el in a continuous war in conquering much of the land of Ca'naan. He retired to a well earned and much deserved period of rest.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Story 64: The Division Of Ca'naan Among The Twelve Tribes Of Is'ra-el V
According to the prophecies of both Ja'cob and Mo'ses, the descendants of Naph'ta-li were to be noted for vivacity, timidity, and mildness in manner. From them were to come men and women gifted with eloquence in both prose and poetry. Ba'rak was descended from this tribe, and most of the apostles of our Sav'ior who preached the Gospel with such power came from this region. To this tribe, with its 53,400 men over twenty, Josh'u-a allotted a large inland area north of Is'sa-char, with Zeb'u-lun and Ash'er on the west, and bordering on the river Jor'dan to the east. The southern projections and foot-hills of the famed Leb'a-non mountains extended into this area, giving it richness and fertility. Ha'zor, the capital city of Ja'bin, who led in the unsuccessful league against Is'ra-el, was located in this territory. On its southeastern border was the sea od Chin'ne-roth, later known as the sea of Gal'i-lee, around which the Sav'ior spent much of His public ministry.
Ja'cob and Mo'ses had predicted that the tribe of Ash'er would enjoy great worldly prosperity. Their land was to be one of plenty, providing not only necessities, but dainties of the richest kind. At the time the allotments were made, Ash'er numbered 53,400 men over the age of twenty. To them was assigned a strip of territory along the coast of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an extending from Mt. Car'mel on the south to the city of Tyre on the north, and extending eastward for fifteen to twenty-five miles. This area was made up of low mountains and rich plains, well adapted to growing the finest grains. The mountains were rich in valuable minerals and oil. The whole country was covered with olive orchards, gardens of tropical fruits, and broad fields of wheat. It was from this rich district that Sol'o-mon, several centuries later, supplied food for his friendly neighbors in Tyre and Si'don. Ac'cho, the best seaport on the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an coast, was situated at the southern end of Ash'er, and was the center of sailing and commerce by men from the tribes of Ash'er and Zeb'u-lun.
The prophetic statements of Ja'cob and Mo'ses concerning the descendants of Gad indicated that these people were to be patient and persevering, capable of strong resistance in war. They were also skilled in the occupation of stock-raising. To them Mo'ses had assigned a large territory east of the Jor'dan, extending from the borders of Reu'ben on the south near the northern end of the Dead Sea to the southern borders of Ma'nas-seh on the north near the southern end of the sea of Chi'ne-roth.. This tract was about thirty miles wide. It was well watered and adapted to stock-raising, and was so situated that the Gad'ites could join the people of Ma'nas-seh in resisting invasions of the wandering tribes of the Syr'i-an desert east of the borders of Is'ra-el.
Ja'cob and Mo'ses had predicted that the tribe of Ash'er would enjoy great worldly prosperity. Their land was to be one of plenty, providing not only necessities, but dainties of the richest kind. At the time the allotments were made, Ash'er numbered 53,400 men over the age of twenty. To them was assigned a strip of territory along the coast of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an extending from Mt. Car'mel on the south to the city of Tyre on the north, and extending eastward for fifteen to twenty-five miles. This area was made up of low mountains and rich plains, well adapted to growing the finest grains. The mountains were rich in valuable minerals and oil. The whole country was covered with olive orchards, gardens of tropical fruits, and broad fields of wheat. It was from this rich district that Sol'o-mon, several centuries later, supplied food for his friendly neighbors in Tyre and Si'don. Ac'cho, the best seaport on the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an coast, was situated at the southern end of Ash'er, and was the center of sailing and commerce by men from the tribes of Ash'er and Zeb'u-lun.
The prophetic statements of Ja'cob and Mo'ses concerning the descendants of Gad indicated that these people were to be patient and persevering, capable of strong resistance in war. They were also skilled in the occupation of stock-raising. To them Mo'ses had assigned a large territory east of the Jor'dan, extending from the borders of Reu'ben on the south near the northern end of the Dead Sea to the southern borders of Ma'nas-seh on the north near the southern end of the sea of Chi'ne-roth.. This tract was about thirty miles wide. It was well watered and adapted to stock-raising, and was so situated that the Gad'ites could join the people of Ma'nas-seh in resisting invasions of the wandering tribes of the Syr'i-an desert east of the borders of Is'ra-el.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Story 64: The Division Of Ca'naan Among The Twelve Tribes Of Is'ra-el lV
The tribe of Ma'nas-seh, descendants of the other son of Jo'seph, had grown in numbers much more rapidly than the tribe of E'phra-im, and its male population over the age of twenty totaled 52,700. Its members had also prospered in flocks and herds, and were noted for skill and bravery in war. To half of this tribe Mo'ses had allotted the territory east of Jor'dan known as Gil'e-ad. To the other half Josh'u-a gave a section of the best territory of Ca'naan lying north of E'phra-im, extending from the Jor'dan to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea. Even with these two large areas, the tribe of Ma'nas-seh complained that they needed more land. Josh'u-a told them to help the other tribes in taking some of the cities yet unconquered, and that the cities which they took outside of their allotment would belong to them.
The tribe of Is'sa-char was one of the larger of the twelve, having an adult male population of 64,300. It had been predicted that they would be an agricultural people, content with the fruits of peace and industry, and having no desire for the adventures of war. Material prosperity was their chief object in life, yet they did not have enterprise enough to avoid paying tribute to other nations which were stronger. They were given a rather small area just north of Ma'nas-seh, with the Jor'dan forming the eastern boundary, extending north for about thirty miles, and west for about the same distance. The land was mountainous, but within its borders there were many fertile plains, rich valleys, and several important towns. The main road leading from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of Ca'naan passed through the southern part of the territory.
It had been predicted that the descendants of Zeb'u-lun would become a great maritime people. This tribe had increased greatly in numbers, having a male population over the age of twenty of 60,500. The people were chiefly interested in commerce and industrial growth. They received a comparatively small district immediately northwest of Is'sa-char, and bordering on the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea for a distance of about fifteen miles. The land was less mountainous than much of Ca'naan, and there were many fertile plains and valleys. On the west was a part of the plains of Me-gid'do, famed as a battlefield in both ancient and medieval times, and over which passed the road from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of the country.
The tribe of Is'sa-char was one of the larger of the twelve, having an adult male population of 64,300. It had been predicted that they would be an agricultural people, content with the fruits of peace and industry, and having no desire for the adventures of war. Material prosperity was their chief object in life, yet they did not have enterprise enough to avoid paying tribute to other nations which were stronger. They were given a rather small area just north of Ma'nas-seh, with the Jor'dan forming the eastern boundary, extending north for about thirty miles, and west for about the same distance. The land was mountainous, but within its borders there were many fertile plains, rich valleys, and several important towns. The main road leading from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of Ca'naan passed through the southern part of the territory.
It had been predicted that the descendants of Zeb'u-lun would become a great maritime people. This tribe had increased greatly in numbers, having a male population over the age of twenty of 60,500. The people were chiefly interested in commerce and industrial growth. They received a comparatively small district immediately northwest of Is'sa-char, and bordering on the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea for a distance of about fifteen miles. The land was less mountainous than much of Ca'naan, and there were many fertile plains and valleys. On the west was a part of the plains of Me-gid'do, famed as a battlefield in both ancient and medieval times, and over which passed the road from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of the country.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Story 64: The Division Of Ca'naan Among The Twelve Tribes Of Is'ra-el lll
The tribe of Sim'e-on was the smallest in numbers, having only 22,200 warriors. It had been predicted that this tribe would be closely associated with the tribe of Ju'dah, and dependent upon them in many respects. Sim'e-on was therefore given a territory south of the allotment of Ju'dah, bordering on the deserts of E'dom. The soil was poor in quality, the climate very dry for most of the year, and the country was unable to sustain even this small tribe. For this reason a number of cities within the borders of Ju'dah were assigned to Sim'e-on.
It had been predicted that Ben'ja-min would be a tribe given to conquest, and in the wars of Ca'naan its members had been noted for courage and bravery. In occupation and habits, the people of this tribe were very much like those of Ju'dah. Since it was comparatively small in numbers, having only 45,600 able bodied men over twenty, there was no need for a large area. Ben'ja-min therefore received a small mountainous territory north of the eastern half of Ju'dah, and not far from the future ruling powers of the nation.
The tribe of Dan was destined for a position of leadership in culture, political power, and the development of crafts. Numbering 64,400 warriors, it was allotted a comparatively small area just north of Ju'dah, and east of the territory given to Ben'ja-min and E'phra-im. This small tract however, was capable of supporting a large and growing population, for it embraced the wide and fertile plains of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an.
Special favors had been promised to the tribe of E'phra-im because its members were descendants of one of the sons of Jo'seph. They had shown great courage during the wars of Is'ra-el, and had become prosperous in flocks and herds. Although the tribe at this time numbered only 32,500 men above the age of twenty, it had been promised a multitude of descendants; E'phra-im therefore received a very large area in central Ca'naan. This territory extended from the Jor'dan on the east to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an on the west, and was north of Ben'ja-min and Dan. Most of this area was very mountainous, but the soil was rich and fertile, and fresh streams of water flowed in abundance. It was, in many respects, the best part of Ca'naan. Within its borders were the mountains of E'bal and Ger'iz-im, where the Covenant had been renewed by Is'ra-el soon after entering Ca'naan; the sacred city of She'chem, and other places memorable in the lives of A'bra-ham, I'saac, and Ja'cob.
It had been predicted that Ben'ja-min would be a tribe given to conquest, and in the wars of Ca'naan its members had been noted for courage and bravery. In occupation and habits, the people of this tribe were very much like those of Ju'dah. Since it was comparatively small in numbers, having only 45,600 able bodied men over twenty, there was no need for a large area. Ben'ja-min therefore received a small mountainous territory north of the eastern half of Ju'dah, and not far from the future ruling powers of the nation.
The tribe of Dan was destined for a position of leadership in culture, political power, and the development of crafts. Numbering 64,400 warriors, it was allotted a comparatively small area just north of Ju'dah, and east of the territory given to Ben'ja-min and E'phra-im. This small tract however, was capable of supporting a large and growing population, for it embraced the wide and fertile plains of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an.
Special favors had been promised to the tribe of E'phra-im because its members were descendants of one of the sons of Jo'seph. They had shown great courage during the wars of Is'ra-el, and had become prosperous in flocks and herds. Although the tribe at this time numbered only 32,500 men above the age of twenty, it had been promised a multitude of descendants; E'phra-im therefore received a very large area in central Ca'naan. This territory extended from the Jor'dan on the east to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an on the west, and was north of Ben'ja-min and Dan. Most of this area was very mountainous, but the soil was rich and fertile, and fresh streams of water flowed in abundance. It was, in many respects, the best part of Ca'naan. Within its borders were the mountains of E'bal and Ger'iz-im, where the Covenant had been renewed by Is'ra-el soon after entering Ca'naan; the sacred city of She'chem, and other places memorable in the lives of A'bra-ham, I'saac, and Ja'cob.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Story 64: The Division Of Ca'naan Among The Twelve Tribes Of Is'ra-el ll
Throughout his faithful ministry Josh'u-a had repeatedly been promised by the LORD that he should cause the Is'ra-el-ites to inherit the Promised Land. One of his greatest desires was to see each of the tribes settled in the territory which was to be allotted, to have the whole land divided among them according to the directions of God. And so the LORD directed him to cease from war, and to divide the land. After this, he was to retire, leaving the conquest of all unpossessed lands and cities entirely in the hands of the various tribes.
God also directed him to remove the Tabernacle from Gil'gal, where it had stood for nearly seven years, to a place called Shi'loh in the mountainous region which was to be allotted to the tribe of E'phra-im. This city was situated in the geographical center of the land of the Is'ra-el-ites, and remained the central place of worship for the whole nation for more than three hundred years. The Ark of the Covenant was thus placed at a point which was convenient for all the people, and the He'brews from every part of the land, including the tribes east of the Jor'dan, were required to go up to Shi'loh for special sacrifices and religious festivals.
Before moving the Tabernacle from Gil'gal to Shi'loh, Josh'u-a made allotments for the tribes of Ju'dah and Sim'e-on. After setting up the Tabernacle at Shi'loh he called the entire house of Is'ra-el into an assembly for allotting the remaining territory of Ca'naan to the other seven tribes, and to the half tribe of Ma'nas-seh which had so far received no land. A commission of thirty-six men, three from each of the tribes of Is'ra-el, was appointed to make a complete survey of the land not yet allotted, and to set the boundaries for the allotments which were about to be made. After devoting about six months to a survey of these lands, the commission reported its findings to Josh'u-a, and the allotments were made.
In making these allotments great care was taken to follow the prophecies which Ja'cob had made concerning each tribe two hundred and fifty years before, and which had been confirmed by Mo'ses in his farewell address. Each tribe was given the territory best adapted to its own habits and occupations, and to the place which it would hold in the future history of the entire nation.
The tribe of Ju'dah was the largest in numbers, there being 76,500 men above the age of twenty who were able to bear arms. It had been honored with the position of leadership, and from it would be born the future kings of the nation and the promised Mes-si'ah. This tribe was therefore given a large mountainous area west of the Dead Sea and extending to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an. This tract was filled with fertile valleys and hills, and abounded in fruitful vineyards and green pastures.
God also directed him to remove the Tabernacle from Gil'gal, where it had stood for nearly seven years, to a place called Shi'loh in the mountainous region which was to be allotted to the tribe of E'phra-im. This city was situated in the geographical center of the land of the Is'ra-el-ites, and remained the central place of worship for the whole nation for more than three hundred years. The Ark of the Covenant was thus placed at a point which was convenient for all the people, and the He'brews from every part of the land, including the tribes east of the Jor'dan, were required to go up to Shi'loh for special sacrifices and religious festivals.
Before moving the Tabernacle from Gil'gal to Shi'loh, Josh'u-a made allotments for the tribes of Ju'dah and Sim'e-on. After setting up the Tabernacle at Shi'loh he called the entire house of Is'ra-el into an assembly for allotting the remaining territory of Ca'naan to the other seven tribes, and to the half tribe of Ma'nas-seh which had so far received no land. A commission of thirty-six men, three from each of the tribes of Is'ra-el, was appointed to make a complete survey of the land not yet allotted, and to set the boundaries for the allotments which were about to be made. After devoting about six months to a survey of these lands, the commission reported its findings to Josh'u-a, and the allotments were made.
In making these allotments great care was taken to follow the prophecies which Ja'cob had made concerning each tribe two hundred and fifty years before, and which had been confirmed by Mo'ses in his farewell address. Each tribe was given the territory best adapted to its own habits and occupations, and to the place which it would hold in the future history of the entire nation.
The tribe of Ju'dah was the largest in numbers, there being 76,500 men above the age of twenty who were able to bear arms. It had been honored with the position of leadership, and from it would be born the future kings of the nation and the promised Mes-si'ah. This tribe was therefore given a large mountainous area west of the Dead Sea and extending to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an. This tract was filled with fertile valleys and hills, and abounded in fruitful vineyards and green pastures.
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