So Joshua said to the sons if Israel, "How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?I wonder why the other tribes had delayed breaking out and settling the land. The text doesn't really give any indication as to why they've held off, but I'd like to hope that it's because they knew the task was not complete. They still had work to do before God's command would be finished, for not all of the inhabitants were gone. However, Joshua here is basically telling them that the campaign is over.
As much as I'd like to think I'm guessing right, I really don't believe it. It's been too consistent through the last few chapters that the people are done fighting, and are simply now waiting for the order to disperse. There's no disagreement expressed against the idea that things are done. The people are simply awaiting orders, and now Joshua has given them. Whatever else may be true, it's clear that Joshua believes that the fight is over, and calls on the Lord to decide who should settle where.
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