Read Joshua 11:1
Highlights:
In 1:3, the Lord said to Joshua: Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you. All the Canaanite kings mobilize their armies and unite to defeat Israel. God promises to "give" the children of Israel the land; but they were required to keep His Covenant and testimonies (Ps. 25:10). Then God would guide, protect, and provide their needs. Joshua and the Israelites are victorious and win every battle. The key to their victory is the same for us.
About 25 years had passed since Israel crossed over Jordan into the promised land; all the kings had been defeated and Canaan was controlled by the Israelites. Yet, the Amorites, Jebusites, and Hittites were still in possession of much of Canaan. Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him . . . there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed (Josh. 13:1).
At this time, the nation of Israel was living for the most part in the mountains and hills. Most of the cities in the valleys had not been conquered. As the God-appointed leader, Joshua continued in loyal obedience to the Command of God. He divided the remaining land by faith, claiming it according to the promise of God. By pronouncing the land division, Joshua was encouraging Israel not to be satisfied with past victories. All the land of promise was theirs, but it had to be taken by each tribe of the Israelites as allotted.
The prominent tribes that first defeated their Canaan kingdoms could have led the way for final conquest for all the tribes. Often Christians, once active in the Lord's service, become inactive and satisfied with past achievements when their years of experience should enable them to render to the Church a more valuable service than ever. The experience of years of godly living needs to be taught to those who are just beginning in the Christian faith so they too, may be victorious over Satan's deception. By reading the Word of God, we receive spiritual discernment needed to cope with today's problems (I Cor. 10:11).
Our old human nature is such that the eyes of a man are never satisfied (Prov. 2:20). Jesus said: If God so clothe the grass of the field . . . shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? . . . But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:30,33). We are reminded of the vital importance of serving the Lord now and He will supply our needs. Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).
Thought for Today:
As the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses (Josh. 11:15).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant of the Lord (Josh. 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:18).
Word Studies:
11:4 hosts army; 11:5 were met together joined forces; 11:6 hough hamstring; 12:3 Sea of Chinneroth sea of Galilee; Sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea dead Sea; 13:22 soothsayer diviner, fortune-teller.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Boldly and confidently go to God in prayer through Jesus' Name (Eph. 3:12).
Optional Reading: John 8:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:1