Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts. Literally, ye shall write the land, seven parts. Similarly in Joshua 18:8. That is to say, a written report was to be brought up in seven parts, a fair and equal division of the land having previously been agreed upon among the commissioners.
This report having been accepted, division was afterwards made (Joshua 18:10) by lot. Bishop Horsley and Houbigant here, as elsewhere, would rearrange the chapter, supposing it to have been accidentally transposed.
But there seems no ground for the supposition. The repetition, with its additional particulars at each repetition, is quite in the style of the author (see Joshua 2:1-24 and notes). That I may cast lots.
Or, and I will cast a lot. The somewhat unusual word ירה to throw, is used here. The more usual word is הפּיל caused to fall, though other expressions are also used.