Joshua 21:43-45 is a summary that concludes the allotments of territory to the tribes. It parallels Joshua 11:23 and reiterates several themes from earlier in the book.1 For example, Joshua 21:43 summarized the land division (Joshua 13:1 – 21:42) and Joshua 21:44 summarizes the land invasion (Joshua 1:1 – 12:24). The passage functions as a bridge between the invasion and occupation of the land, and Joshua 22:1 – 24:33 which describes the early days of Israel’s settlement. It provides confirmation that God has fulfilled his promises by bringing his people into their land (Deuteronomy 6:10) and giving them rest from war (Deuteronomy 12:9–10). It also serves to highlight the main lesson which God’s people are to draw from the events that have transpired—the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises.
43 C'est ainsi que l'Eternel donna à Israël tout le pays qu'il avait juré de donner à leurs pères; ils en prirent possession et s'y établirent.