Late 13th Century BC
The Israelites were settling in the Promised Land, dividing the land among the twelve tribes as per God's promise to Abraham.
The land of Canaan was inhabited by various city-states and peoples, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, and others. The Israelites were establishing themselves as a distinct nation under the leadership of Joshua.
The chapter details the allotment of land to the remaining tribes of Israel, including Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, as well as a special inheritance for Joshua in Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim.
The division of land was a fulfillment of God's covenant promise, and it was conducted by casting lots, a common practice for decision-making in ancient Israel, believed to reflect divine will.
Joshua
Leader of Israel, responsible for dividing the land among the tribes.