For reasons undisclosed, the first round of land distribution apparently comes to a halt after Judah and the Joseph tribes receive their inheritance. By the time the process resumes (18:1), the main administrative center has shifted from Gilgal, where the Israelite camp has been based throughout the military campaigns (cf. Josh. 4:19–20; 9:6; 10:7), to Shiloh, where the tent of meeting is now set up.

Joshua begins this second round of land dist…