Joshua 18 - Delegating Responsibility

Joshua demonstrates his powerful leadership in the way he delegates the responsibility to accomplish the task of dividing the land. There are some principles I think we can apply to our own situations. 

There are also applications beyond leadership into estate planning. Often family divisions can arise when it comes to dividing inheritance.  Many hurt feelings could be avoided with proper planning and communication. 

1. Appoint 3 men from every tribe (v. 4):  Joshua wanted to be sure there was no bias in the division, that every tribe had an opportunity to be a part of the decision. Each tribe also appointed their representative. Joshua didn't merely select those who thought like himself. A good leader is fair and unbiased. 

2. Survey boundaries and write a description (v. 4): Joshua gave clear expectations about what the men were to do. He communicated his end desire so that the men knew how to perform those task. A good leader communicates clear expectations. 

3.  Divide the land into seven parts (v. 5): with the representatives of each tribe assuring fairness, they were to divide the land into seven parts. Some tribes had already received a portion, but after the uproar among the tribes of Joseph in the prior chapter there should be nothing left to chance and no cause for grumbling. A good leader seeks out independent and objective support. 

4.  The Levites do not get a portion (v. 7):  as important as positive expectations are, cautions are also important. Not only do the men establish boundaries, but each tribe has a clear expectation for the distribution. Joshua reminds the people that the Lord established the prohibition of the Levites inheriting the land. The Levites have a special inheritance. A good leader reminds those governed of established mandates and prior obligations. 

Whether we are leading a group of individuals or planning for the distribution of our own property there are good principles we can take from this chapter. Putting good practices in place to keep wealth from becoming a point of division and to assure that all have their voices heard and are fairly treated. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.