The method used to determine God’s will was by drawing lots, that is, using the Urim and Thummim; this explains the role of Eleazar in the division of the land, for it was the priest who drew the lots. If this information cannot be clearly expressed in the text, then the translation should carry a footnote such as one finds in Good News Translation. By drawing lots of Good News Translation is a cultural equivalent; but the decision was most likely determined by throwing a stone or stones (Urim and Thummim), rather than by drawing or pulling them out. Good News Translation uses drawing lots, since this is known and understood by readers of English, whereas “by throwing stones” or “by rolling stones” may easily be misunderstood. Some languages will doubtless have specific terms which may be used.

The shift to direct discourse and the removal of the passive (were determined) may result in an easier translation:

• They did it this way because the LORD had commanded Moses, “Divide the territory west of the Jordan River among the other nine and one-half tribes of Israel. Let each tribe draw lots to see what territory it will receive.”

In place of “each tribe,” one may say “someone from each tribe.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .