The verb chalaq carries two distinct but related meanings. In its primary sense, it means to divide, distribute, or apportion — as land is divided among tribes, spoil among warriors, or an inheritance among children. In its secondary sense, it means to be smooth or slippery — used figuratively of flattery or deceptive speech that is 'smooth-tongued.'
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 13–22) is the great historical chalaq — God distributing the inheritance to his people according to his sovereign will. Each portion (chelqah) was a gift of grace, not earned merit. Negatively, chalaq describes the smooth, flattering words of the adulteress (Proverbs 2:16; 7:5) and false prophets who say pleasing things (Isaiah 30:10). Disciples of Christ must discern between the smooth words of deception and the sometimes-hard truth of the gospel.