Joshua 12-19 These chapters give the detailed descriptions of the division of land between the tribes of Israel. Every tribe was apportioned a specific area and were supposed to drive out the enemies from every city. Many times that did not happen. Over the years Israel lost good portions of the land that God would have given them, had they been faithful.  Large parts of Syria and Jordan today are actually part of the inheritance given to Israel. 

A couple of interesting facts jump out. 

The land that we know as Galilee in the New Testament was actually part of the inheritance of Naphtali. Isaiah prophesied and Matthew quoted, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles - "The people who were sitting in darkness, saw a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned." ( 4:15-16) 

Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph's sons, inherited a large portion of the north, both to the east and to the west of the Jordan river.  Joshua eventually settled in the land of Ephraim, the last to receive his portion of the inheritance.  Shiloh, the place chosen for the tabernacle, was also in Ephraim. It was an Ephramite, Jeroboam, who led the rebellion against Judah.. dividing the nation of Israel into two separate kingdoms.. Israel (also called Ephraim) and Judah. 

Judah was given the first portion west of the Jordan. It was so big that they didn't have enough people to occupy it all so some of the land was given to the tribe of Simeon.  Caleb was given his portion in Judah, receiving what Moses had promised. Jerusalem was actually in the land given to Benjamin, but later became the capital of Judah.. now the capital of Israel. 

Several times we are reminded that the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance of land, for their portion was the Lord . (18:7)   They would, however, be given cities.. scattered throughout the land belonging to the other tribes. 

The tribes of Israel spread out through the land. It was only by the Law that brought them together during the appointed feasts would they remember that they were one nation.  It didn't take long before they forgot.. 

Father in heaven, Your plans are always perfect and someday we will understand how You will restore all that Israel is meant to be. May the people that call on Your Name be truly Your servants and bring the Good News of the Gospel back to the land that is Yours. May the Light of the World shine once again on the land that is gloomy in the shadow of death. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem as You have called us to do. May Your will be done and Your kingdom come, in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen