Numbers 26:56

“According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided, etc.] It was by the determination of the lot that the land was divided by inheritance, and that was by the Lord, according to (<201633>Proverbs 16:33) between many and few; it was so ordered of the Lord by the lot, that the many should have a larger share, and the few a lesser. Ver. 57-62. And these are they that were numbered of the Levites, after their families, etc.] And they were numbered not with the rest of the tribes of Israel, but by themselves, as they were at the first numbering of the tribes; the three principal families of which were, the Gershonite, the Kohathite, and Merarite, so called from the three sons of Levi;…”

“According to the lot ... - This method was adopted not only in order to preclude jealousies and disputes, but also that the several tribes might regard the territories as determined for them by God Himself: compare Proverbs 16:33. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Many and few - That share, which shall by lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require. Numbers 26:65”

“This division by lot seems to have respect only to the quarter, or situation, which each tribe was to possess, and not to the quantity or extent of land, which was to be proportioned to the numbers of each tribe, according to the register now formed. Thus, for instance, it was determined by lot which of the twelve tribes was to inherit in the south, which in the north, etc.. then, in that quarter where the lot fell, a larger or smaller portion of land was assigned them, according to the goodness of the soil, and in proportion as they were more or less numerous. Thus the decreasing of any tribe in the wilderness, proved the decrease of their future political importance and affluence in all…”