After the process of assigning land to the three tribes mentioned above, Israel's attention turned to relocating the tabernacle in a more central location (v. 1). God undoubtedly made the choice of Shiloh (lit. rest; cf. Deut. 12:11).177The name of this town was significant because of Jacob's prophecy of Shiloh (Gen. 49:10) and the association of God's name with the Israelites' rest. God's people could find rest where He abode. The tabernacle stood at Gilgal (5:10; .10:15, 43), Shiloh (18:1, 9-10), Bethel (Judg. 20:18-28; 21:1-4), Shiloh (1 Sam. 1:3), Mizpah (1 Sam. 7:9-10), Gilgal (1 Sam. 10:8; 13:8-10; 15:10-15), Nob (1 Sam. 17:54; 21:1-9), and finally at Gibeon (1 Chron. 16:39-40; 21:29; 1 Kings 3:4; 2 Chron. 1:3). Solomon's temple in Jerusalem then replaced it.
Perhaps the break in the allotment proceedings plus continuing Canaanite intimidation influenced the leaders of the remaining tribes to delay distributing the rest of the land. Joshua had to scold them for procrastinating (v. 3). He then appointed a special group of men, three from each of the seven remaining tribes, to act as a surveying crew. These men studied the land and divided it into seven parts.178This may have been the same method they used to determine the earlier allotments though the writer did not state this in the text. The casting of lots proceeded when this work was complete (v. 10). This evidently took place at the tabernacle (i.e., before the LORD, v. 6).
"For the Christian, the establishment of a sanctuary and centre at Shiloh testifies to how God fulfils his promises. God has given his people the blessing of his presence among them. They must respond in obedience by occupying the land and living according to the divine covenant. The fundamental importance of the sanctuary is illustrated by its central position among the tribes (in the central hill country) and by its position in the midst of the allotments of Joshua 13-21. Christians are also called upon to see the worship of God as central to their lives. As with the gatherings at the Shiloh sanctuary so regular meetings for worship are a chief means to provide unity and common encouragement for faithful living (Heb. 10:25)."179
