The Final Battles for the Promised Land! (joshua 13-21)

Today, we’re diving into Joshua 13–21—where Israel finally receives their inheritance in the Promised Land.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… ‘Wait, isn’t this just a long list of land divisions?’ But trust me—there’s so much more here!

This is the moment when God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and Joshua finally become reality. Every tribe gets their portion, and we see incredible lessons about faith, obedience, and trusting in God’s plan.

Section 1: Land Still to Be Taken (Joshua 13:1-7)

Joshua is now old, and the conquest isn’t fully complete. God reminds him:

‘You are very old, and there is still very much land to be possessed.’ (Joshua 13:1)

Even though Israel has won major battles, there’s still work to do!

God tells Joshua to divide the land among the tribes—even the areas they hadn’t conquered yet. Why?

Because God had already given them the land—they just needed to claim it!

Section 2: The Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8-33)

Before crossing the Jordan, Moses had already given land to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

• These tribes saw the land was good for livestock and asked to settle there.
• Moses agreed—but they still had to fight alongside the rest of Israel before settling.
• Now that the battles were over, they could return home.

This reminds us: Sometimes God gives us what we ask for—but He still expects us to help others in their journey.

Section 3: Caleb’s Bold Request (Joshua 14:6-15)

Now, let’s talk about one of the most inspiring moments in Joshua—Caleb’s request.

Remember Caleb? He was one of the 12 spies who scouted the land back in Moses’ time. While the other spies were afraid, Caleb believed God’s promise.

Now, at 85 years old, he comes to Joshua and says:

‘I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out… Give me this mountain!’ (Joshua 14:11-12)

Even at his age, Caleb still has giant-sized faith—literally! The land he asks for is still filled with Anakites (giants), but he knows God will give him victory.

Section 4: The Land Divided Among the Tribes (Joshua 15–19)

Now comes the big moment—the official division of the land!

Each tribe receives its portion, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. Here are some highlights:

• Judah (Caleb’s tribe) gets a large portion in the south.
• Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons) settle in the central region.
• Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan receive their territories.
• The Levites get no land—instead, they receive cities across Israel since their inheritance is serving God.

This moment is a reminder: God always fulfills His promises—down to every last detail!

Section 5: The Problem of Dan’s Territory (Joshua 19:40-48)

Now, one tribe had an issue—Dan.

• Their land was small, and they struggled to take full control.
• Instead of trusting God, they later moved north and took a different land.

This is an important lesson:

When God gives you something, trust Him to help you claim it. Don’t look for an ‘easier’ path.

Section 6: The Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20)

God commands Joshua to set up six Cities of Refuge—safe places for people who accidentally killed someone.

• If someone caused an accidental death, they could flee to one of these cities for protection.
• There, they would receive a fair trial instead of being immediately avenged.

This was a picture of God’s justice and mercy.

And for us today? Jesus is our ultimate refuge! No matter what we’ve done, we can run to Him and find grace.

Section 7: The Levites’ Inheritance (Joshua 21)

Since the Levites had no land, they received 48 cities scattered throughout Israel.

Why? Because their inheritance was God Himself.

This was a reminder for Israel that:

1. Spiritual leadership matters. The Levites helped guide the nation in worship and the Law.
2. God is our greatest inheritance. Even today, nothing we own compares to having a relationship with Him.

And then, Joshua 21 ends with an amazing statement:

‘Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.’ (Joshua 21:45)

Conclusion: How This Applies to Us Today

So, what do we learn from Joshua 13–21? Here are three key takeaways:

1. God always keeps His promises. It may take time, but He fulfills every word He speaks.
2. Claim what God has given you. Like Caleb, be bold in stepping into God’s promises.
3. Jesus is our ultimate inheritance. Just like the Levites, our greatest reward isn’t land or possessions—it’s knowing and following God.

And here’s the best part—through Jesus, we have an inheritance far greater than any land on earth: eternal life with Him!