15 Then Joshua and all Israel returned to the camp at Gilgal.

16 The five kings ran away and hid in the cave at Makkedah. 17 Someone told Joshua, "The five kings have been found. They are hiding in the cave at Makkedah."

18 Joshua replied, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post a guard there. 19 But don't stop. Chase your enemies! Cut off their rear guard. Don't let them get back into their own cities, because Yahweh your Elohim has handed them over to you."

20 Joshua and the Israelites defeated them decisively, almost destroying them. But some who survived got back into the fortified cities. 21 Then the whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a single person dared to speak against any of the Israelites.

22 Joshua said, "Open the cave, and bring me the five kings!" 23 So they brought him the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon.

24 When they brought them to Joshua, he called for all the men of Israel. He told the officers who had gone with him, "Come forward and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So that's what they did. 25 Joshua told them, "Don't be afraid or terrified! Be strong and courageous, because this is what Yahweh will do to all the enemies you're fighting against."

26 After this, Joshua put them to death and hung their bodies on five poles until evening. 27 When the sun went down, Joshua gave the order to take them down from the poles. Then they threw them into the cave where they had been hiding and put large stones over the mouth of the cave. These stones are still there today.

Joshua Defeats the Southern Kings 28 That same day Joshua captured Makkedah, and the Israelites killed its people and king with swords. He claimed them for the LORD by destroying them. There were no survivors. He did the same thing to the king of Makkedah that he had done to the king of Jericho.

29 Joshua and all Israel marched from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it. 30 Yahweh also handed Libnah and its king over to Israel. He killed all the people. There were no survivors. He did the same thing to the king of Libnah that he had done to the king of Jericho.

31 Joshua and all Israel marched from Libnah to Lachish, camped there, and attacked it. 32 Yahweh handed Lachish over to Israel. He captured it on the next day and killed all the people, the same way he had captured Libnah. 33 At that time King Horam of Gezer had come to help Lachish. But Joshua killed him and his troops. There were no survivors.

34 Joshua and all Israel marched from Lachish to Eglon, camped there, and attacked it. 35 They captured it that day and killed everyone in it. He claimed it for the LORD by destroying it the same way he had destroyed Lachish.

36 Then Joshua and all Israel marched from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. 37 They captured it and its neighboring villages and killed its king and all the people. There were no survivors, the same as at Eglon. He claimed the city and all its people for the LORD by destroying them.

38 Then Joshua and all Israel went back to Debir and attacked it. 39 He captured it and its king and all its neighboring villages and killed everyone. So they claimed them all for the LORD by destroying them. There were no survivors. He did the same thing to Debir and its king that he had done to Hebron and Libnah and their kings.

40 So Joshua captured the whole land-the mountains, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes. There were no survivors. He claimed every living creature for the LORD by destroying it, as Yahweh Elohim of Israel had commanded. 41 So Joshua defeated the people from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from all the country of Goshen as far as Gibeon. 42 Joshua captured all these kings and their territories in one campaign because Yahweh Elohim of Israel fought for Israel. 43 Then Joshua and all Israel returned to the camp at Gilgal.

Joshua Defeats the Northern Kings 11 1 King Jabin of Hazor heard what had happened. So he sent messengers to King Jobab of Madon and to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph. 2 He also sent messengers to the northern kings in the mountains, the plains south of Chinneroth, the foothills, and Naphoth Dor in the west, 3 the Canaanites from east and west, the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, the Jebusites in the mountains, and the Hivites at the foot of Mount Hermon in Mizpah. 4 They came out with all their armies. Their troops were as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. They also had horses and chariots. 5 All these kings camped together by the Springs of Merom in order to fight Israel.

6 Yahweh told Joshua, "Don't be afraid of them because I am going to give them to Israel. About this time tomorrow they will all be dead. You must disable their horses so that they cannot be used in battle. You must burn their chariots." 7 Joshua and all his troops arrived suddenly at the Springs of Merom and attacked the Canaanite armies. 8 Yahweh handed them over to Israel, and the Israelites defeated them. The Israelites chased them as far as Great Sidon, Misrephoth Maim, and the valley of Mizpah in the east. There were no survivors. 9 Joshua disabled their horses and burned their chariots, as Yahweh had told him.

10 Then Joshua turned back and captured Hazor. He killed its king with a sword. (Hazor was formerly the head of all these kingdoms.) 11 They claimed everyone for the LORD by destroying them with swords. Not one person survived. Joshua also burned Hazor.

12 So Joshua captured all these cities and their kings. He claimed them for the LORD by destroying them, as Yahweh's servant Moses had commanded him. 13 Israel did not burn cities built on mounds. However, Joshua made an exception and burned Hazor. 14 The people of Israel took all the loot and livestock from these cities. But they put everyone to death until they were all destroyed. Not one person survived. 15 So Joshua carried out what Yahweh had commanded his servant Moses and what Moses had commanded him. He did not leave out anything Yahweh had commanded Moses.

16 Joshua took all this land, the mountains, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the foothills, the plains, and the mountains and foothills of Israel. 17 The land extended from Mount Halak which ascends to Seir as far as Baal Gad in the Lebanon Valley at the foot of Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and killed them. 18 Joshua waged war with all these kings for a long time. 19 Not one city had made a peace treaty with the people of Israel except Gibeon, where the Hivites lived. Israel captured everything in battle. 20 Yahweh made their enemies stubborn enough to continue fighting against Israel so that he could claim them all for destruction without mercy, as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

21 At that time Joshua also wiped out the people of Anak in the mountains, in Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and in all the hills of Judah and Israel. Joshua claimed them for the LORD by destroying them and their cities. 22 None of the people of Anak remained in Israel. Some of them were left in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. 23 Joshua captured the whole land as Yahweh had promised Moses. He gave it to Israel as a possession, dividing it among the tribes. So the land had peace.

Kings East of the Jordan River Defeated by Moses 12 1 These are the kings of the land east of the Jordan River that the people of Israel defeated. Israel also took possession of their lands from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, and all the eastern plains.

2 Sihon was the Amorite king who lived in Heshbon. His rule extended from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Valley to the Jabbok River, which is the border of Ammon. This included the middle of the valley and half of Gilead. 3 It included the eastern plains from the Sea of Galilee to the Sea of the Plains (the Dead Sea) and the road that goes south from Beth Jeshimoth to the foot of the slopes of Pisgah.

4 The territory of King Og of Bashan who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei was captured. He was the last of the Rephaim. 5 He ruled Mount Hermon, Salecah, all of Bashan to the border of Geshur and Maacath, and half of Gilead to the border of King Sihon of Heshbon.

6 Yahweh's servant Moses and the people of Israel defeated them. Then he gave their land as a possession to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

Kings West of the Jordan River Defeated by Joshua 7 These are the kings of the land west of the Jordan River that Joshua and the people of Israel defeated. Their lands extended from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak which rises toward Seir. Joshua gave it as a possession to Israel, dividing it among the tribes. 8 It included the mountains, foothills, plains, slopes, desert, and the Negev that the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites had possessed.

The kings were 9 the king of Jericho, the king of Ai (near Bethel), 10 the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, 11 the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, 12 the king of Eglon, the king of Gezer, 13 the king of Debir, the king of Geder, 14 the king of Hormah, the king of Arad, 15 the king of Libnah, the king of Adullam, 16 the king of Makkedah, the king of Bethel, 17 the king of Tappuah, the king of Hepher, 18 the king of Aphek, the king of Sharon,a 19 the king of Madon, the king of Hazor, 20 the king of Shimron Meron, the king of Achshaph, 21 the king of Taanach, the king of Megiddo, 22 the king of Kedesh, the king of Jokneam in Carmel, 23 the king of Dor in Naphoth Dor, the king of Goiim in Gilgal,a 24 the king of Tirzah.

The total was 31 kings.

Land Yet to Be Conquered 13 1 Joshua was old, near the end of his life. So Yahweh said to him, "You are old, near the end of your life, and there is a lot of land left to be conquered. 2 The land that is left includes all the districts that belong to the Philistines and Geshur. 3 It extends from the Shihor River, east of Egypt, northward as far as the border of Ekron. This is considered to be Canaanite territory, even though there are five Philistine rulers over Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as the Avvim people 4 in the south. This territory includes all the land of the Canaanites as well as Mearah which belongs to Sidon as far as Aphek, the Amorite border. 5 It also includes the land of the people of Gebal, all Lebanon eastward from Baal Gad at the foot of Mount Hermon to the border of Hamath. 6 I will force out of the way of the people of Israel everyone who lives in the mountains from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim and all the people of Sidon. However, you must distribute the land as an inheritance to Israel by drawing lots, as I commanded you. 7 So divide this land. It will be an inheritance for the nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh."

Tribes That Received Land East of the Jordan River 8 The tribes of Reuben and Gad with half of the tribe of Manasseh had received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, since Yahweh's servant Moses had already given it to them. 9 The border extended from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Valley, including the city in the middle of the valley, and the whole plateau from Medeba to Dibon. 10 It included all the cities of King Sihon of the Amorites up to the border of Ammon. Sihon's capital was Heshbon. 11 It also included Gilead, the territory of the people of Geshur and Maacath, all of Mount Hermon, and all of Bashan as far as Salecah 12 (the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan). Og ruled in Ashtaroth and Edrei. He was the last of the Rephaim. Moses had defeated them and forced them out. 13 But the Israelites did not force out the people of Geshur and Maacath. So they still live in Israel today.

14 Moses did not give any land as an inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The sacrifices offered to Yahweh Elohim of Israel are what the Levites inherited, as Yahweh had promised them.

15 Moses gave some land as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben for their families. 16 Their territory extended from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Valley, including the city in the middle of the valley and the whole plateau near Medeba. 17 It included Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon, 18 Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, 19 Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on the mountain in the valley, 20 Beth Peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth. 21 It also included all the cities of the plateau, the whole kingdom of King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon. Moses defeated him and Midian's leaders-Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba. They were princes of Sihon, who lived in that country. 22 Along with these leaders, the people of Israel also killed Balaam, son of Beor, who used black magic. 23 The border of Reuben's territory was the Jordan River. This was Reuben's inheritance for its families. It included cities with their villages.

24 Moses gave some land as an inheritance to the tribe of Gad for its families. 25 Their territory included Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half of Ammon as far as Aroer, which is by Rabbah. 26 It extended from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim as far as the border of Lidbir. 27 In the Jordan Valley it included Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of King Sihon of Heshbon. The Jordan River served as its western border, extending to the end of the Sea of Galilee. 28 This was Gad's inheritance for its families. It included cities with their villages.

29 Moses gave some land as an inheritance to half of the tribe of Manasseh. It was only for the families of that half of the tribe. 30 Their territory extended from Mahanaim and included all of Bashan (the whole kingdom of King Og of Bashan) and all 60 settlements of Jair that were in Bashan. 31 It also included half of Gilead with Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. They were given to half the families of Machir, son of Manasseh, for their inheritance.

32 This is the land that Moses distributed on Moab's plains, east of the Jordan River near Jericho. 33 Moses did not give any land as an inheritance to the tribe of Levi. Yahweh Elohim of Israel is what they inherited, as he had promised them.

The First Stage in Dividing the Land 14 1 This is the land that the people of Israel inherited in Canaan. The priest Eleazar, Joshua (son of Nun), and the heads of Israel's tribes distributed it to the people. 2 The land inherited by the nine-and-a-half tribes was determined by drawing lots as Yahweh had commanded through Moses. 3 Moses had given the two-and-a-half tribes their inheritance east of the Jordan River. He did not give any land as an inheritance to Levi's tribe, 4 because Joseph's descendants, Manasseh and Ephraim, formed two tribes. The Levites were not given a share of the land. Joseph's descendants gave the Levites cities to live in with pasturelands for their cattle and everything they had. 5 So the people of Israel divided the land as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

Special Land for Caleb 6 Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. Caleb, son of Jephunneh and grandson of Kenaz, said to him, "You know what Yahweh said to Moses, the man of Elohim, at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was 40 years old when Yahweh's servant Moses sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. I reported to him exactly what I thought. 8 But my companions discouraged the people. However, I was completely loyal to Yahweh my Elohim. 9 On that day Moses swore this oath: 'The land your feet walked on will be a permanent inheritance for you and your descendants because you were completely loyal to Yahweh my Elohim .'

10 "So look at me. Yahweh has kept me alive as he promised. It's been 45 years since Israel wandered in the desert when Yahweh made this promise to Moses. So now look at me today. I'm 85 years old. 11 I'm still as fit to go to war now as I was when Moses sent me out. 12 Now give me this mountain region which Yahweh spoke of that day. You heard that the people of Anak are still there and that they have large, fortified cities. If Yahweh is with me, I can force them out, as Yahweh promised."

13 So Joshua blessed Caleb, son of Jephunneh, and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 Hebron is still the inheritance of Caleb, son of Jephunneh and grandson of Kenaz, because Caleb was completely loyal to Yahweh Elohim of Israel. 15 In the past Hebron was called Kiriath Arba. Arba was the greatest man among the people of Anak. So the land had peace.

Judah's Land 15 1 The lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Judah. Their territory extends as far south as the territory of Edom and the desert of Zin. 2 The southern border starts from the south end of the Dead Sea 3 and goes south of the Akrabbim Pass. It then passes Zin and goes up south of Kadesh Barnea. From there it goes to Hezron, up to Addar, around to Karka, 4 and on to Azmon. It comes out at the River of Egypt so that the border ends at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the southern border.

5 The eastern border is the Dead Sea as far north as the mouth of the Jordan River.

The northern border starts from the north end of the Dead Sea at the mouth of the Jordan 6 and goes up to Beth Hoglah. It then passes north to Beth Arabah and goes up to the Rock of Bohan, son of Reuben. 7 From the valley of Achor, the border goes up to Debir and turns north to the region that faces the Adummim Pass, south of the valley. Then the border passes the Springs of En Shemesh and ends at En Rogel. 8 It continues up the valley of Ben Hinnom to the south slope of the Jebusite city Jerusalem. It then goes to the top of the mountain that overlooks the valley of Hinnom to the west at the north end of the valley of Rephaim. 9 From the top of that mountain the border goes around to the spring of Nephtoah. From there it goes to the cities of Mount Ephron and around to Baalah (now called Kiriath Jearim). 10 From Baalah the border turns west to Mount Seir and over to the north slope of Mount Jearim (now called Chesalon). Then it goes down to Beth Shemesh and on to Timnah. 11 From there the border goes on the north side of Ekron and turns to Shikkeron, on to Mount Baalah, and comes out at Jabneel. The border ends at the Mediterranean Sea.

12 The western border is the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. These are the borders around Judah that belong to their families.

13 Joshua gave Caleb, son of Jephunneh, a share of land among the people of Judah as Yahweh had told them. It was Kiriath Arba (now called Hebron). Arba was the father of Anak. 14 Caleb forced out Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, three descendants of Anak from Hebron. 15 From there he marched against the people living in Debir. (In the past Debir was called Kiriath Sepher.) 16 Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Achsah as a wife to anyone who attacks Kiriath Sepher and captures it." 17 Then Othniel, son of Caleb's brother Kenaz, captured it. So Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. 18 When she came to Othniel, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. When she got down from her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What do you want?"

19 She answered, "Give me a blessing. Since you've given me some dry land, also give me some springs." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

20 This is the land inherited by the families of the tribe of Judah.

21 On the farthest edge of the Negev, on the border of Edom, they gave the tribe of Judah 29 cities with their villages: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 22 Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 23 Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24 Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, 25 Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth Hezron (now called Hazor), 26 Amam, Shema, Moladah, 27 Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, 28 Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah, 29 Baalah, Iim, Ezem, 30 Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, 31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, 32 Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon.

33 In the foothills they gave Judah 14 cities with their villages: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 34 Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam, 35 Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, 36 Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim.

37 They also gave Judah 16 other cities with their villages: Zenan, Hadashah, Migdalgad, 38 Dilean, Mizpah, Joktheel, 39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, 40 Cabbon, Lahmas, Chitlish, 41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah.

42 An additional nine cities with their villages were given to Judah: Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43 Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib, 44 Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah.

45 Judah also received Ekron with its cities and villages. 46 This included all the cities with their villages between Ekron and the Mediterranean Sea and alongside Ashdod. 47 Added to this were Ashdod and Gaza with their cities and villages as far as the River of Egypt and the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

48 In the mountains they gave Judah 11 cities with their villages: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, 49 Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (now called Debir), 50 Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, 51 Goshen, Holon, and Giloh.

52 They also gave Judah nine other cities with their villages: Arab, Dumah, Eshan, 53 Janim, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, 54 Humtah, Kiriath Arba (now called Hebron), and Zior.

55 They also received another ten cities with their villages: Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, 56 Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah, 57 Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah.

58 Halhul, Bethzur, Gedor, 59 Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon were six other cities with their villages that were given to Judah.a 60 The two cities of Kiriath Baal (now called Kiriath Jearim) and Rabbah with their villages were given to Judah.

61 In the desert Judah was given six cities with their villages: Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, 62 Nibshan, Ir Hamelah, and En Gedi.

63 However, Judah was not able to force out the people of Jebus who lived in Jerusalem. So they still live with Judah in Jerusalem today.

Land for Joseph's Sons 16 1 The lot was drawn for Joseph. The border of Joseph's territory goes from the Jordan River at Jericho to the springs of Jericho on the east, through the desert that goes up from Jericho, and through the mountains to Bethel. 2 From Bethel the border goes to Luz and over to Ataroth at the border of the Archites. 3 Then it descends west to the border of Japhlet and Lower Beth Horon, on to Gezer, and ends at the Mediterranean Sea. 4 So Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, received this land as their inheritance.

Ephraim's Land 5 This is the territory for the families descended from Ephraim. The eastern border of the land they inherited is from Ataroth Addar to Upper Beth Horon. 6 From there the border goes west, with Michmethath on the north. The border then turns east to Taanath Shiloh and passes east to Janoah. 7 From Janoah it descends to Ataroth and Naarah, touches Jericho, and ends at the Jordan River. 8 At Tappuah the border goes west along the Kanah River and ends at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the land given as an inheritance to the families of the tribe of Ephraim 9 with all the cities and their villages selected for Ephraim in Manasseh's territory. 10 However, they did not force out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites still live in Ephraim today, but they are required to do forced labor.

Manasseh's Land 17 1 The lot was drawn for the tribe of Manasseh, because Manasseh was Joseph's firstborn. Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, the ancestor of the people living in Gilead, had received Gilead and Bashan because he was a soldier. 2 The land was given to the rest of the families descended from Manasseh, to the descendants of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Joseph's son Manasseh listed by their families.

3 Zelophehad, son of Hepher, grandson of Gilead, and greatgrandson of Machir, whose father was Manasseh, had no sons-only daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 They came to the priest Eleazar, Joshua (son of Nun), and the leaders. They said, "Yahweh commanded Moses to give us some land as an inheritance among our male relatives." So they gave them an inheritance among their father's relatives as Yahweh had required. 5 Ten portions of land went to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan River. 6 These portions were distributed because Manasseh's daughters were given an inheritance along with his sons, while Gilead belonged to Manasseh's other descendants.

7 Manasseh's border extends from Asher to Michmethath, which faces Shechem. Then the border goes south toward the people who live in En Tappuah. 8 (The land of Tappuah belongs to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belongs to Ephraim.) 9 The border then descends southward to the Kanah River. These cities belong to Ephraim, although they are among Manasseh's cities. Manasseh's southern border is the river, which ends at the Mediterranean Sea. 10 What is south of the river belongs to Ephraim, and what is north of it belongs to Manasseh. So the Mediterranean Sea is its western border, Asher its northern border, and Issachar its eastern border. 11 In Issachar and Asher, Manasseh possessed Beth Shean and I bleam with their villages and the people living in Dor, En Dor, Taanach, and Megiddo and their villages. The last three are on mountain ridges.a 12 But Manasseh was not able to take possession of these cities since the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. 13 When the Israelites became strong enough, they made the Canaanites do forced labor, since they didn't force all of them out.

14 Joseph's descendants asked Joshua, "Why did you give us only one region for an inheritance? We have a lot of people because Yahweh has blessed us."

15 Joshua replied, "If there are so many of you, go into the forest! Clear ground for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim if the mountains of Ephraim are too confining for you."

16 Joseph's descendants responded, "The mountains are not enough for us either. Besides, all the Canaanites living in the valley, in Beth Shean and its villages, and in the valley of Jezreel have chariots made of iron."

17 Then Joshua said to the descendants of Joseph, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, "You are an important and very powerful people. One region is really not enough for you. 18 The mountain region will be yours as well. It is a forest, so you will have to clear it. All of it will be yours. But you must force out the Canaanites, even though they are strong and have chariots made of iron."

The Second Stage in Dividing the Land 18 1 The whole congregation of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land was under their control.

2 There were still seven tribes in Israel who had not yet received any land as their inheritance. 3 So Joshua asked the Israelites, "How long are you going to waste time conquering the land which Yahweh Elohim of your ancestors has given you? 4 Choose three men from each tribe, and I will send them out. They will survey the land and write a description of it which shows the borders of their inheritance. Then they will come back to me. 5 They will divide the land into seven parts. Judah will stay within its territory in the south, and Joseph's descendants will stay within their territory in the north. 6 You must describe the seven parts of the land and report to me here. I will draw lots for you here in the presence of Yahweh our Elohim . 7 Levi's tribe has no separate region among you, because their inheritance is to serve the LORD as priests. The tribes of Gad and Reuben and half of the tribe of Manasseh have received the inheritance that Yahweh's servant Moses gave them on the east side of the Jordan River."

8 As the men got ready to go, Joshua ordered them to write a description of the land. He said, "Go survey the land. Write a description of it, and return to me. Then I will draw lots for you in the presence of Yahweh here in Shiloh."

9 The men surveyed the land. They described it in a book. The land was divided into seven parts according to its cities. Then they returned to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh. 10 So Joshua drew lots for them in the presence of Yahweh in Shiloh. There Joshua divided the land among the tribes of Israel.

Benjamin's Land 11 The lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Their territory lies between Judah's and Joseph's. 12 Their northern border starts at the Jordan, goes up the slope north of Jericho, west through the mountains, and ends at the desert of Beth Aven. 13 From there the border goes to the south slope of Luz (now called Bethel). Then the border goes down to Ataroth Addar over the mountains south of Lower Beth Horon. 14 The border turns and goes around on the west side, south of the mountain that faces Beth Horon, and ends at Kiriath Baal (now called Kiriath Jearim), a city of Judah. 15 The southern border begins just outside Kiriath Jearim and goes west, to the springs of Nephtoah. 16 Then the border descends to the foot of the mountain that overlooks the valley of Ben Hinnom, in the north end of the valley of Rephaim. It descends to the valley of Hinnom, to the south slope of the city of Jebus, and down to En Rogel. 17 Then it turns north and goes to En Shemesh and from there to the region opposite the Adummim Pass. It descends to the Rock of Bohan, son of Reuben. 18 Then it continues on to the north side of the slope facing the plains and down into the plains. 19 The border continues to the north slope of Beth Hoglah and ends at the northern bay of the Dead Sea at the south end of the Jordan River. This is its southern border. 20 The Jordan River is its eastern border. These are the borders surrounding the inheritance given to Benjamin for its families.

21 These are the 12 cities with their villages that belong to the tribe of Benjamin for its families: Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz, 22 Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, 23 Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, 24 Chephar Ammoni, Ophni, and Geba. 25 There were 14 other cities with their villages: Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 26 Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah, 27 Rekem, Ir Peel, Taralah, 28 Zela, Eleph, Jebus (now called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath. This is Benjamin's inheritance for its families.

Simeon's Land 19 1 The second lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Simeon. Their inheritance was within Judah. 2 In their inheritance they received 13 cities and their villages: Beersheba (Sheba), Moladah, 3 Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem, 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5 Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah, 6 Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen. 7 There were four other cities with their villages: Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan. 8 All the villages around these cities as far as Baalath Beer and Ramath Negev were also included. This is the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon for its families. 9 Simeon's inheritance was a part of Judah's because Judah had more land than it needed. So Simeon received its inheritance inside Judah's borders.

Zebulun's Land 10 The third lot was drawn for the families descended from Zebulun. The border of their inheritance goes as far as Sarid. 11 Toward the west the border ascends to Maralah and touches Dabbesheth and the river near Jokneam. 12 But from Sarid it turns directly east toward the border of Chisloth Tabor, on to Daberath, and then ascends toward Japhia. 13 From there it goes directly east to Gath Hepher, Eth Kazin, and Rimmon, where it turns to Neah. 14 There the border turns north to Hannathon and ends at the valley of Iphtah El. 15 This also includes Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem. There were 12 cities with their villages. 16 These cities with their villages are the inheritance given to the families descended from Zebulun.

Issachar's Land 17 The fourth lot was drawn for the families descended from Issachar. 18 Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20 Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21 Remeth, En Gannim, En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez. 22 The border touches Tabor, Shahazimah, and Beth Shemesh and ends at the Jordan River. There were 16 cities with their villages. 23 These cities with their villages are the inheritance for the families of the tribe of Issachar.

Asher's Land 24 The fifth lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Asher. 25 Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. The border touches Carmel and Shihor Libnath in the west. 27 Then it turns east to Beth Dagon and touches Zebulun and the valley of Iphtah El in the north and goes to Beth Emek and Neiel. From there it goes northward to Cabul, 28 Abdon,a Rehob, Hammon, Kanah, and as far as Great Sidon. 29 Then it turns at Ramah and goes on to the fortified city of Tyre. The border then turns to Hosah and ends at the Mediterranean Sea. The territory includes Meheleb, Achzib, 30 Umma, Acco, Aphek, and Rehob. There were 22 cities with their villages. 31 These cities with their villages are the inheritance for the families of the tribe of Asher.

Naphtali's Land 32 The sixth lot was drawn for the families descended from the tribe of Naphtali. 33 Their border starts from Heleph at the oak tree at Zaanannim. It continues to Adami Nekeb, Jabneel, to Lakkum, and ends at the Jordan River. 34 The border turns west to Aznoth Tabor, and from there to Hukok. It touches Zebulun in the south, Asher in the west, and Judah in the east at the Jordan. 35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor, 38 Yiron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemeth. There were 19 cities with their villages. 39 These cities with their villages are the inheritance for the families of the tribe of Naphtali.

Dan's Land 40 The seventh lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Dan. 41 The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir Shemesh, 42 Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45 Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon, 46 Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border passing in front of Joppa. 47 The border of Dan extended beyond them. Dan's descendants went up and attacked Leshem, captured it, and killed everyone there. They took it, settled there, and renamed the city Dan after their ancestor Dan. 48 These cities with their villages are the inheritance for the families of the tribe of Dan.

Special Land for Joshua 49 When they all had finally received the land they were to inherit, the people of Israel also gave land within their territory as an inheritance to Joshua, son of Nun. 50 They gave him the city he asked for, as Yahweh had instructed them to do. It was Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim. He rebuilt the city and lived there.

51 This is the land that the tribes of Israel drew by lot. The priest Eleazar, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the families divided the land by drawing lots. They did this in Shiloh in the presence of Yahweh at the entrance of the tent of meeting. So they finished dividing the land.

Six Cities of Refuge 20 1 Yahweh said to Joshua, 2 "Tell the people of Israel, 'Now choose for yourselves the cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses. 3 Choose them so that anyone who unintentionally kills someone may run to them. They will be a place of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death.

4 "'A person who kills someone accidentally can run to one of these cities. There he will stand at the entrance to the city, where court is held, and present his case to the leaders of that city. Then they will take him into their city and give him a place to live with them.

5 "'If the relative who can avenge the death pursues him, the leaders must not hand him over to the relative because he didn't intend to kill the other person. He didn't even hate the person he killed. 6 The accused person may remain in that city until he can stand trial in front of the congregation or until whoever is chief priest at that time dies. Then he may go back to his home in the city from which he ran away.'"

7 Kedesh in Galilee in the mountains of Naphtali, Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (now called Hebron) in the mountains of Judah were chosen as cities of refuge. 8 Bezer on the desert plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh were chosen as cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River, east of Jericho.

9 These are the cities chosen as cities of refuge for all Israelites, including the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally kills someone may escape to these cities. Then he will not be handed over to the relative who can avenge a death before he stands trial in front of the congregation.

Cities for the Tribe of Levi 21 1 Then the leaders of the families of Levi came to the priest Eleazar, to Joshua (son of Nun), and to the leaders of the families of the other Israelite tribes 2 at Shiloh in Canaan. They said to them, "Yahweh commanded through Moses that we should receive cities to live in and pasture lands for our livestock." 3 So, as Yahweh had instructed, Levi's descendants were given the following cities with pasturelands from the Israelites' inheritance.

4 These are the cities for the families of Kohath that were chosen by drawing lots. These descendants of the priest Aaron the Levite received 13 cities from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 5 The rest of Kohath's descendants received 10 cities from the families of the tribes of Ephraim and Dan and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

6 Gershon's descendants received 13 cities from the families of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and half of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.

7 Merari's descendants received 12 cities for their families from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 8 The Israelites gave these cities with pasturelands to Levi's descendants by drawing lots, as Yahweh had commanded through Moses.

Cities for Kohath's Descendants 9 These are the names of the cities from the tribes of Judah and Simeon 10 that they gave Aaron's descendants who were from the families of Kohath in the tribe of Levi. Their lot was the first one drawn. 11 They gave them Kiriath Arba (Arba was Anak's father) and the pastureland around it. This is the city of Hebron located in the mountains of Judah. 12 But they gave its fields and villages to Caleb, son of Jephunneh, as his possession. 13 So they gave the following cities with pasturelands to the descendants of Aaron, the priest. The nine cities from those two tribes were Hebron (a city of refuge for murderers), Libnah, 14 Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15 Holon, Debir, 16 Ain, Juttah, and Beth Shemesh. 17 The tribe of Benjamin also gave them four cities: Gibeon, Geba, 18 Anathoth, and Almon. 19 In all, 13 cities with pasturelands were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

20 Cities were chosen by lot from the tribe of Ephraim to give to the rest of Levi's descendants who were from the families of Kohath. 21 These four cities with pasturelands were Shechem (a city of refuge for murderers) in the mountains of Ephraim, Gezer, 22 Kibzaim, and Beth Horon. 23 The tribe of Dan gave them four cities: Eltekeh, Gibbethon, 24 Aijalon, and Gath Rimmon. 25 Half of the tribe of Manasseh gave them two cities with pasturelands: Taanach and Gath Rimmon. 26 In all, ten cities with pasturelands were given to the rest of the families of Kohath.

Cities for Gershon's Descendants 27 They gave the families of Gershon's descendants, who were in the tribe of Levi, two cities with pasturelands from half of the tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for murderers) and Ashtaroth. 28 Four cities with pasturelands were also given to them from the tribe of Issachar: Kishion, Daberath, 29 Jarmuth, and En Gannim. 30 Another four cities with pasturelands were given to them from the tribe of Asher: Mishal, Abdon, 31 Helkath, and Rehob. 32 Also three cities with pasturelands were given to them from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for murderers), Hammoth Dor, and Kartan. 33 In all, 13 cities with pasturelands were given to Gershon's families.

Cities for Merari's Descendants 34 To the families of Merari, who were from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of Zebulun gave four cities with pasturelands: Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah, and Nahalal. 36 The tribe of Reuben also gave them four cities with pasturelands: Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth, and Mephaath. 38 The tribe of Gad also gave them four cities with pasturelands: Ramoth in Gilead (a city of refuge for murderers), Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon, and Jazer. 40 All these cities belonged to the families of Merari. They were the last of the families of Levi. These 12 cities were chosen by lot.

41 Within the territory owned by the Israelites there were 48 cities in all for Levi's descendants. 42 Each of these cities had its own pastureland around it.

43 So Yahweh gave Israel the whole land he had sworn to give their ancestors. They took possession of it and settled there. 44 Yahweh allowed them to have peace on every side, as he had sworn with an oath to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies stood up to them. Yahweh handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Every single good promise that Yahweh had given the nation of Israel came true.

Joshua Blesses the Tribes That Live East of the Jordan River 22 1 Joshua summoned the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh. 2 He said to them, "You have done everything Yahweh's servant Moses commanded you. You have also obeyed me in everything I commanded you. 3 All this time, to this day, you have never deserted your relatives. You have carefully kept the commands of Yahweh your Elohim.

4 "Now Yahweh your Elohim has given your relatives peace, as he promised them. So return home, to the land that is your own possession. It is the land that Yahweh's servant Moses gave you east of the Jordan River. 5 Carefully follow the commands and teachings that Yahweh's servant Moses gave you. Love Yahweh your Elohim, follow his directions, and keep his commands. Be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul." 6 Then Joshua blessed them. He sent them on their way, and they went to their homes.

7 Moses had given land in Bashan as an inheritance to half of Manasseh, and Joshua had given the other half of the tribe their land with their relatives west of the Jordan. When Joshua sent them home, he blessed them. 8 He also said to them, "Return to your homes with your vast wealth, large herds of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron, and loads of clothing. Divide the loot from your enemies with your relatives."

An Altar for the LORD Is Built East of the Jordan River 9 So the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh left the rest of the Israelites at Shiloh in Canaan. They returned to Gilead. This was their own possession which they had captured as Yahweh had instructed them through Moses. 10 Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh came to the region of the Jordan that was still in Canaan. They built an altar by the Jordan River. The altar was very large and highly visible. 11 The rest of the Israelites heard about it and said, "See there! Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the border of Canaan. It's in the region near the Jordan River on Israel's side." 12 When the people of Israel heard about it, the whole congregation of Israel gathered at Shiloh. They intended to wage war against them.

13 The Israelites sent Phinehas, son of the priest Eleazar, to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh in Gilead. 14 Ten leaders, one from each tribe in Israel, went with him. Each man was a leader of a household and head of a family division in Israel. 15 When they arrived these leaders said to the people of Gilead, 16 "All of Yahweh's congregation is asking, What is this faithless act you have committed against the Elohim of Israel?' Today you have turned away from following Yahweh by building an altar for yourselves. Today you have rebelled against Yahweh! 17 Does the sin we committed at Peor mean nothing to us anymore? Didn't we cleanse ourselves from it? Because of that sin there was a plague on Yahweh's congregation! 18 You have turned away from following Yahweh! Today you rebel against Yahweh, and tomorrow he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 If your land is unclean,a come over here to Yahweh's land. Yahweh's tent is standing here. Take some property for yourselves among us. Don't rebel against Yahweh or against us by building an altar for yourselves in addition to the altar of Yahweh our Elohim. 20 Didn't Achan, son of Zerah, act faithlessly with the things claimed by the LORD? Didn't the LORD become angry with the whole congregation of Israel? Achan wasn't the only one who died because of his sin."

21 Then the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the divisions of Israel. 22 They said, "Yahweh is the only true El! Yahweh is the only true El! He knows, so let Israel know! If our act is rebellious or unfaithful to Yahweh, 23 don't spare us today. If we built an altar with the intention of no longer following Yahweh, and if we built it for making burnt offerings, grain offerings, or fellowship offerings, let Yahweh punish us.