יהושע, פרק י״ח, פסוק ז׳

As the Israelites settle in their new homeland, a careful accounting takes place to determine how the remaining land will be divided. Exactly seven portions are left to be distributed, a number reached by deducting the tribes whose status is already settled.

The primary approach among commentators is that the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh already received their land from Moses on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Furthermore, the tribes of Judah and Joseph secured their portions earlier. With these groups accounted for, exactly seven tribes remain waiting for their land.

The tribe of Levi is also excluded from the distribution of the land. They do not receive a physical plot of earth. Instead, their dedicated service and work for God serve as their permanent inheritance for all generations, taking the place of a regular estate [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. As appropriate compensation for their labor, they receive the priestly gifts and the offerings made to God. These sacred contributions serve as their rightful portion and provide their livelihood [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].