Late 13th Century BC
The Israelites were in the process of conquering and settling the Promised Land, Canaan, which was inhabited by various Canaanite tribes with distinct cultures and religious practices.
Canaan was a region of city-states, each ruled by its own king. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were tasked with taking possession of the land as promised by God.
The chapter mentions regions such as the land of the Philistines, Geshurites, and the territories east of the Jordan River, including Gilead and Bashan.
The division of land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs and was conducted according to tribal lineage and inheritance laws.
Joshua
Leader of the Israelites, responsible for dividing the land among the tribes.