Joshua 7
In this account Israel is defeated at Ai because Achan took some of
the things that were under ban and devoted to destruction
1-12. Through a process of elimination (possibly lots ?) the tribe
of Judah was taken and so on till Achan 13-18. Achan confesses his
sin which began with seeing, then coveting, then taking 21. (most
sin follows this pattern). Even though he covered this up, the Lord
knew about it and his sin brought trouble and guilt on the whole
nation 1,11-12,25. He is stoned (as a consequence) and all he had
was burned 25b. A stone heap was piled over him and the valley
renamed the 'Valley of Achor' (trouble). This would be a reminder
of the impact and judgment that sin brings 26. Note: I wonder how
much individual sin today results in churches being ineffective for
the cause of Christ and the Gospel ? Consider: "Might my sin
be a road block to God's work ?"
Joshua 8
The Lord commands Joshua and the men of Israel to go up and take
Ai. They were to destroy all the people and keep the plunder
(stuff) for themselves 1-3. Note: Maybe the kind of stuff Achan
craved and took was now permitted to be had by the Israelites.
Sometimes what we want, God would give us in a legitimate way if we
would but wait on Him. Lust wants what it wants - now ! By
contrast, love fulfills God's law by obeying Him.
There is a well planned strategy for taking Ai 4-9. It is
carried out and the Lord gives the victory 10-28. The king of Ai is
hung on a tree, removed by evening and buried under a heap of rocks
29. 12,000 die in battle 25. Note: It is hard to grasp so many
being put to death. It is to be remembered that the Lord said the
peoples of this land were wicked (Deuteronomy 9:1-6). Through
Israel God's judgment fell on them. An Altar is built and
sacrifices are made as the law is rewritten and read to all the
people 30-35. By hearing the law again, they were reminded of all
God expected from them as His people. Note: I know that I need to
be continually reminded of God's Word so that I will learn of Him
and His ways.
Joshua 9
The Israelites make a treaty of peace with the Gibeonites after
being deceived by them. They failed to inquire of the Lord and only
looked at the situation from their (human) perspective 14.
They keep their word (treaty) and do not destroy them 18-26. The
Gibeonites become woodcutter and water carriers 27. Note: This
illustrates the importance of seeking the Lord before making
decisions. When we act on our own with no direction from the Lord,
we can get ourselves into a 'jam' which can not be reversed or
remedied.
Joshua 10
Even with a united front of 5 kings and their armies Joshua defeats
them by the hand of the Lord. Both of these truths are repeated
throughout this account 8,25,37,40,42. The Lord did some amazing
things in giving them the victory: He causes confusion in their
ranks 10, He throws hail on them 11, He even makes the sun and moon
'stand still' at the voice of Joshua so the battle could continue
12-14. This was unique and shows the awesome power of God !
Note: I have an article that states we are missing about a 24
period when calculating the earth's rotations. This account can
explain why but not how (expect God did it ! )
A repeated theme in this chapter is that Israel totally destroys
the enemies, leaving no survivors 28,30, 32-33, 37,39,40b. This was
in obedience to the Lord's commands 40b. Note: Some object to the
Bible because of the amount of bloodshed in the name of the Lord
(or religion). In reading portions like this, one must keep in mind
the rest of what the Bible reveals and records, particularly about
the nature and character of God. God knows more about these people
than the record tells us. God is always righteous, holy, and just.
The question is; are we able to take Him at His word and believe
that what He commands of His people is indeed right ? This is
NOT to say we are to execute anyone. Our role as New Testament
believers is to proclaim the love, hope, and forgiveness that is
found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While we do not
ignore the truth of God's judgment, we do leave that in His
hands.
I also see that they were victorious because the Lord fought for
them. Likewise, if the Lord fights for us, no one can stand against
us. If the Lord is against us, no one can stand before Him.
Joshua 11
The various kings mentioned (1-3) come together to present a united
front against Israel, They are numerous and well equipped 4-5.
However, even a united front can not defeat the Lord nor thwart His
purposes or His people (see: Psalm 2, Matthew 16:18). Israel's
victory served to show the power and greatness of the Lord and was
a testimony to Himself. In taking these cities and destroying
the inhabitants, Joshua was obeying the Lord '...he left nothing
undone of all the Lord commanded Moses' 15. Notice that the Lord
hardens the hearts of the people so that they might be destroyed by
the hand of Israel 20. Note: God will allow individuals and nations
to persist in their rebellious ways that lead to destruction. He
'affirms' the choices they themselves make (read Romans
1:18-32...'God gave them over to...' 3 x) Verse 23 is a key verse
of the entire book and is a summary of what occurred under the
leadership of Joshua. Note: Both peace and and end to war come as a
blessing from the Lord (Psalm 29:11; 46:9)
Joshua 12
Here is a record of all the lands and kings that Israel
defeated and the territory they took over 1-24. Some of it was East
of the Jordan river 1-6, some was to the West of the Jordan 7-23.
There were 31 kings in all 24. Note: God fulfills His promise to
give them this land, but it required obedience (war and work) on
their part.
Joshua 13
Joshua is now old (the Lord said so) 1. There was still much land
to be taken over 1-5. Some which would prove to be a problem to
Israel in the future. This record gives the detailed lands given to
Reuben,Gad, and half of Manasseh on the East of Jordan 8-31. Note:
I am not sure of the meaning of this chapter. I would call this
God's official record which connects each of these tribes with
these particular portions of land. Other records might be lost,
however God's Word is eternal and is forever settled in the heavens
(Psalm 119:89). Whose land is it ? Go back to the records. God said
it belongs to Israel (forever).
Joshua 14
The land is divided by lot 2. From a human point of view this may
appear to be pure chance, yet God is behind the lot (see: Proverbs
16:33). Joseph's sons become the tribe of Manasseh and the tribe of
Ephraim 4. Caleb asks for the hill country (Hebron) for his
inheritance. He is a man of great faith in the Lord for he
whole-heartedly followed the Lord 9,14. At age 85 (v10) he is still
strong and vigorous 11 and still ready to drive out the inhabitants
of the land 12. Note: Caleb is a great example for all of us,
especially those who are older. God can still use those who are 'up
in age'. If he was 85, how long did he live to enjoy the land God
gave him ? Though not named, Caleb would certainly fit the
description of those in Hebrews 11:33-34 who by faith were 'able to
conquer kingdoms' and 'became powerful in battle', 'routing foreign
armies'. My prayer is "Lord, Oh for grace to trust You more to have
faith like Caleb".
Joshua 15
Beginning here at chapter 15-19 we have the record of the
allotments of the land to the various tribes. Chapters 20-21 record
the special provisions of the Levites and cities of refuge. While
this section is difficult, since it is mostly names and places we
know little about, yet there are 'sprinkled' through the text
little vignettes that give us insight into God's working with
individual people like Caleb 13-19. He is still going strong and is
seen to be gracious in giving his daughter the request she asked of
him 18-19. Also, as I read of these places I look for names that
are familiar (that will appear again in the Biblical text) and see
what relation or impact they have on future events. (This requires
more study than just reading through. Underlining or making notes
it good at this point). In verse 63 we are told Judah could not
dislodge the Websites so they lived among them. This would prove to
be a problem to them in future days. This becomes the refrain with
most of the tribes. My question is why ? What happened that they
began to fail to totally destroy the inhabitants as the Lord had
commanded. Did they become tired of the fighting, did they begin to
loss faith in the Lord, was sin hampering them ? I don't know the
answer. Maybe on one level they serve to illustrate the frailty of
our human nature, even as the people of God, to fully obey the
Lord. (Psalm 119:96). It also shows the patience and kindness of
the Lord, who continues to work out His plan among His people. The
Lord reveals His greatness and grace in their midst and this
becomes a means of hope for us (Romans 15:4).