Joshua 16
The inheritance / allotment of the land for Joseph through Ephraim is listed here. Though the land was given to them they did not dislodge the Canaanites but allowed them to live among themselves. They put them to forced labor 10. This was not in keeping with the Lord's commands (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). Such a compromise would prove (over time) to be their undoing. The Lord said such actions would corrupt His people and it did. Note: God requires total obedience for a reason. If we fail to obey or only do half of what He asks, we suffer many hard consequences.

Joshua 17
Manasseh's allotment is given in detail. Daughters are proved a share and portion as the Lord had commanded 3-6. Manasseh was numerous and strong yet they did not drive out completely the inhabitants of the land 12-13. When it says they 'did not' drive them out; could it be that they just gave up trying ? The Canaanites were said to be 'determined' to live in that region 12-13. (Much like besetting sins in our lives). In the midst of this they ask for more land because of their numbers. Joshua tells them to clear some of the forest land to make room14-15. They reply that the Canaanites are strong and have iron chariots 16. Their focus was on the circumstances and not on the Lord. Joshua assures them '...you can drive them out' 17-18
Note: How often do I whine "I can't" undertake some task or overcome some sin. (In and of myself I can not), but with God all things are possible. Am I looking to Him, His will, and the strength He supplies ? If I am, then I can ! (Philippians 4:13) God plus one equals a majority.

Joshua 18
The Tabernacle is set up in Shiloh 1. Seven tribes were still without their inheritance 2. This was not because of a failure on God's part, but a failure on their part. They failed to take possession of the land 3. I wonder if they were becoming weary in the task ? Joshua sends out spies to survey the remaining parts of the land 4-9. He then casts lots to divide the land among the seven remaining tribes 10. Beginning at verse 11 and continuing through chapter 19 is the list of the tribes and the land their received. Note: In the Christian life we get discouraged and even give up on the task at hand. It is during those times that we (I) need the encouragement and reminder from God word not to loose heart (see: Galatians 6:9-10).

Joshua 19
The Allotments continue to be made and recorded in this chapter. Judah had more than they needed so Simeon received a portion in Judah 1,9. Naphtali had 'fortified cities' 35. Dan to Leshem and renamed it Dan 47. Joshua received the town he asked for and settled there 49-50. It would be an interesting study to see how many of these places appear again in Scripture and note how the particular tribe may or may not have followed the Lord. All Scripture, including these chapters with, allotments, towns, and boundaries are here for a God ordained reason.

Joshua 20
The cities of Refuge are designated and appointed by the Lord as a place where some one may flee who has unintentionally killed another person 4-5. The case is to be told to the Elders of the city and the person is to have a trial before the assembly 4,6. Once the High Priest died the person may go back to their own town. This approach would spare the life of the one who was guilty from the 'avenger of blood' 9. Note: This shows how serious the Lord looks at the taking of another's life (even when accidental). All these matters were to be investigated and administered with fairness and justice. It could be a life long 'exile' to one of these cities if the high priest lived a long time. For the one who fled there, it would provide time to reflect and even heal from such an awful even of causing the death of another person.

Joshua 21
Towns are given to the Levites along with the pasture lands as the Lord had commanded 1-3. It would appear that four of the six cities of refuge became Levitical towns 13, 21, 27,32. That is interesting that those who minister in the Tabernacle and sacrifices would have in their midst those who commit murder. Forty Eight towns in all were given to the Levites 41. A summary is noted in verses 43-45. The Lord fulfills all His promises, just as He said. He does not fail, however Israel failed to gain what was promised (as their history will show). Note: Am I living in the fullness of all that God has promised me through Jesus Christ ?

Joshua 22
The two and a half tribes are sent back to their land (east of the Jordan) since they fulfilled the requirements set down by Moses 1-9. These tribes built and altar which causes the rest of Israel to oppose them, even talking of war against them 10-12. They send a delegation to investigate. 13-14. The fear of God's judgment prompts them to speak 15-20. The two and a half tribes respond that this altar is not for sacrifice or in opposition to the Lord's altar but is to serve as a witness to their connection with the Altar of the Lord.21-29. This pleases the delegation and the entire congregation of Israel 30-33. The altar is named 'A Witness Between us that the Lord is God' 34. Note: By way of principle, this account illustrates that care must be exercised in assigning motive to what others do and should slow us to race to judgment and action. Open communication and dialog will prevent trouble and conflict.

Joshua 23
Joshua gives his 'farewell address' in which he reminds the leaders of the Lord's faithfulness in driving out the inhabitants of the land in fulfillment of His promises 5-10,14. He warns them of the danger of failing to follow the Lord 12. The consequences would be painful 13 and they would suffer and be removed from the land 15-16. This too would be a testimony to the truth of God word 15. Note: Israel serves to show each of us the reality and truth of God and His word. What God says, He will do. Just look at and study the people of Israel. We like them are called to be faithful to the Lord by loving Him and obeying Him.

Joshua 24
Joshua review the history of Israel and all that the LORD did on their behalf (from Abraham to bringing them into the promised land) 1-13. Joshua calls on them to make a choice to serve the Lord. This is a choice he and his house had already made 14-15. The people reply with the choice to serve the Lord 16-18. Joshua reminds them that this is difficult and that if they rebel they will suffer 19-20. They reaffirm their commitment to the Lord and are told to put away all their foreign gods and yield their hearts to the Lord 23-24. A covenant is made and a stone set up as a witness 25-27. This could be considered a renewal of their 'covenant' with the Lord, that He is their God and they are His people. Note: Believers today, need to continually remind ourselves of who God is and recommit our lives to Him.
Joshua dies at the age of 110 (v 28-30). Israel continued to serve the Lord 31. Joseph's bones are buried in Shechem 32 (awaiting resurrection) Eleazar, the priest dies 33. Phinehas takes his place 33. And so, the book of Joshua comes to a close on a high point that does not last (see Judges).