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 Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there.