Author: byrdmanbloggeth

Verses 1-15: Joshua’s burgeoning departure from this life causes him to restate the importance of serving God to the Israelites. He recounts, as a prophet speaking the words of God, the history of Israel and their long journey from bondage to plenty. Joshua takes special care to stress how the Lord blessed them and helped them all along the way. 

Starting in verse 14, Joshua pleads his case to the people and encourages them to “Serve the Lord!” The Israelites had tempting choices of other false gods and idols in the theologically crowded environment they find themselves in. Remember that they did not rid Canaan of all of the indigenous people, so that their corrupting influence remained. Joshua left his intention clear: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Verses 16-33: The people are adamant in their intention to serve only the true God. However, we know what will befall them: the temptation of the other false gods will prove to be too much for them in the future. As Bible students, this knowledge disappoints us when we read their conviction. It is a powerful lesson for those of us that talk big and don’t follow through with action. Their example is embarrassing and should teach us to be very thoughtful not only about the words we speak, but also about the true depth of our dedication to the Lord. Verse 19 says: “You cannot serve the Lord,” which is an indicator of how difficult it truly is to do so. Verse 20 should serve as a stern warning to us, ineffective as it was for the Israelites.

Joshua leaves a large stone as a memorial to the directives of God and as a witness to their dedication to Him. In Joshua’s death, he left a most powerful and singular example of what it means to fully rely on God.

Make a pledge for yourself, for your family tonight, just like Joshua did: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Verses 1-13: Joshua begins his parting message to the children of Israel. Much time has passed since all of the indigenous nations of Canaan were conquered and Joshua is very old. Even though they physically fought the previous inhabitants, Joshua reminds them that it was actually God that fought for them. He reminds them not to turn to the right or left, but to keep God in the center, to remain focused on Him. The warning from Joshua consists of three elements:

1. Hold fast to the one true God

2. Do not worship the idols of the former nations

3. Do not intermarry with the people of the former nations

To succinctly summarize, avoid corruption. 

By remaining true to the Lord and completely avoiding idols, the Israelites would maintain their essential relationship with God. By not intermarrying, the temptation to worship idols would remain removed from daily life. 

Am I as careful with my soul and spirit as Joshua’s advice would have me to be? Idol worship and temptation have an infinite number of forms. We need to make sure we guard ourselves from the attraction of sin, for exposure to our temptations weakens our resolve and resistance increases it.

Verses 14-16: Joshua uses the phrase “I am going the way of all the earth,” which means he is dying. This phrase is memorable because it reminds us that one day the earth will no longer exist and that we will one day pass away too. Looking deeper, it is also a testament to the fact that our eternal souls will never die, and the earth, made by God, is finite, where God, maker of all things, is eternal. 

Joshua’s warning to the children of Israel ends with the contrast of what He did for them while they obeyed compared with what He will take away from them if they transgress the covenant. The promise of the Lord’s anger is one that, one would think, would be sufficient to keep the people from straying from God, particularly when they have seen His marvelous works. These warnings are a kind of foreshadowing of what is to come, and also a reminder that there are consequences for not having totally eradicated all of the people and their customs that inhabited Canaan before.

Do I pay enough attention to the warnings I receive? Do I think I can handle “it” even though I know better? Every day is an opportunity to trust in and rely on God. Am I taking advantage of that opportunity today?  

Verses 1-9: Half of the tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben and Gad had land given to them in the East, on the other side of the Jordan river. Moses had designated this land for these tribes and at this time Joshua is sending them back to finally settle in the land now that Canaan has been conquered. Joshua gives them spoils to enjoy and reminds them of their duty to serve God.

Verses 10-20: When these tribes gst to the Jordan river, they build a great altar, but we are not immediately told what kind of altar, or its purpose. Word of this altar traveled back to the other tribes and the assumption is quickly made that this altar is unholy, to serve other gods. The other tribes prepare for war against half of the tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben and Bad because of their perceived rejection of God. In verse 16, Phinehas is sent with 10 tribe leaders to deliver an aggressive message of warning and also a plaintive request to turn away. The sins of Peor and Achan are cited, as is the reminder that punishment has often followed transgression. 

Verses 21-34: It is revealed that the tribes had no intention to serve other gods with the altar, and instead that the altar was meant to serve as witness that they still served the true God. Specifically, the altar was a reminder to the future generations of the half-tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben and Gad that they served the Lord. In their minds, this replica of an altar was to serve in spite of the Jordan that divided Israel and the other tribes. 

Notice that there are assumptions on both sides of the river. The tribes of Gad and Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh assume that the rest of Israel will eventually judge that they do not worship and honor God because of the geographic divide of the Jordan. Joshua had reminded these tribes to remain faithful, but there was not evidence that he expected rebellion, so the tribes’ assumption that Israel thought less of their adherence to God was erroneous. Likewise, the other tribes immediately assumed that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan were worshipping other gods. As difficult as it was to conquer Canaan, one might think that a deeper bond of trust would have been forged on behalf of both sets of tribes. 

Sometimes despite our best intentions, the assumptions we make get the best of us and lead us to making decisions that are not only embarrassing, but also ruin others’ perceptions of us. When Paul said in Phillippians 2:3-7 that we ought to think higher of others than ourselves, it automatically saves us from this pitfall. Even our Savior Jesus humbled himself so that he might give His life for my sake and yours. This can be a tall order when we think that others are up to evil, but the repercussions if we are wrong can be damaging.

Am I sometimes too quick to make assumptions about others? Sometimes we can’t help making some assumptions about our fellow brothers and sisters, but when we do, we should make sure that our assumptions place them in the highest regard.

Verses 1-42: The tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, was ultimately last to receive their portion of the land. It was divine design set forth as recorded in Numbers 35:1-8 that the Levites were to be given cities to dwell in that were part of the land already given to the other tribes. The Cities of Refuge mentioned in Joshua 20 would also be part of the cities for the Levites in the common land around the cities. Note that God’s design was for the Levites to live among the people, diffusing a spiritually-themed presence among the tribes. This proximity allowed for an ease of remembrance of God, His precepts, commandments and promises. Also, the tribes (ergo the people) were responsible for providing the land for the priestly tribe, a godly precursor to how the church provides for the livelihood of its preachers today.

Verses 43-45: After the work of clearing the land, ridding it of its peoples, fighting and conquering, at last all of the Israelites have their land and their rest. God’s promise being fulfilled, they were able to rest all around.

There is a simple parallel here to be found with mankind today. If we persevere and strive to obey God, we are rewarded with eternal rest after our life has ended. However, if we are like the indigenous peoples in Canaan that did not know God, we will be condemned and driven away from God’s presence.

Much like the church in Thessalonica, the children of Israel were enjoying God’s blessings. In II Thessalonians 1:5-10, the church there is commended for its faith and told of the blessings to come for them, compared with the wrath coming for those that do not know God.

Do I seek to do His work day after day? Do I take confidence in the knowledge that He has prepared a truer and purer rest for me than I have ever known in the flesh?

Verses 1-6: The cities of refuge were designated as cities that would receive and protect those people that accidentally or unintentionally took a life. The victim’s relative is expected to take revenge on the original offender, and the fact that this accidental offender had a place of solace and protection must have been a great relief. This was a fulfillment of God’s law as it was handed down to Moses in Numbers 35. It is important because it represents God’s faithfulness and the care he takes for the afflicted.

God has given us a refuge in His Son Jesus, even though our own sin was intentional. God’s behavior towards mankind is consistent, preparing a place of solace for those that seek it through Him.

Verses 7-9: Continuing the theme of salvation, let us note the meanings of the cities’ names in the original Greek as they appear in these verses. 

Kedesh: Holy

Shechem: Shoulder

Hebron: Fellowship

Bezer: Fortification

Ramoth: High or Exalted

Golan: Joy

Fascinating to consider how these refuge cities’ names mirror the meaning of their use. Rest in the knowledge that it is no mistake. 

Also consider the themes of salvation and care, and how they not only apply to this chapter, but how it is also a mirror for our sinful state before we seek Jesus Christ.

Numbers 35:9-34 provides a detailed description of what constituted murder and what was termed as accidental murder, along with more details about the cities of refuge.

Matthew Henry’s commentary used as a reference

Verses 1-48: This section sees the children of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan receive their portions of the land. Each division is specifically mentioned and described geographically or by name. 

The theme of the children not driving out all of the inhabitants is not mentioned, but remember, it is still a theme to this book, and we will see the consequences of this in a later chapter. 

Verses 49-51: At last, Joshua is given his portion of the land. There is nothing particularly memorable about these verses and the way they describe Joshua and how he came by his portion. The portion he received, he asked for, and we saw this same thing happen earlier in Chapter 14 when Caleb requested a particular section of land and received it.

The lasting lesson here, however, is that it is Joshua that is doing the asking this time. The leader is making the request. You might expect a leader to come in and pick the best land first. A leader that would do this might think he deserved it, having gotten his army through and taken the land through strong will and good sense. But Joshua’s actions are not those of a typical leader. Joshua makes sure that all of the people are accounted for first, then he asks for land. Joshua’s leadership is one of servanthood. He leads the Israelites by serving them and by serving them in alignment with God’s direction. By leading the people in this way, Joshua is also serving God and leaving behind an exemplary impression of humility and the desire to please God. If I were in Joshua’s shoes, how tempted would I be to take the best land first?

Likewise today, am I all too ready to experience God’s blessings and rejoice in them without taking the time to share the good news with the lost? For I know God has saved me through Jesus’s blood, yet I neglect opportunities to share Christ’s power to save with others.

There is a lot that we can learn from Joshua.

Verses 1-10 of this chapter have the most that we can learn from. The latter verses deal again with the layout of the newly inherited land by the remaining tribes. 
Joshua seems somewhat impatient with the remaining tribes, encouraging them to go and claim their inheritance of the land. It was theirs to take, however a lack of sense of ownership or inhibition was holding them back. Whatever the cause, all they needed to begin the survey of the land and thus the assignment of their lot of it, was some strong encouragement from their leader Joshua.
Likewise, we also are implored to act when we know what to do:
“For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” ‭James‬ ‭4:17‬
When I know that there is something I need to take hold of, a responsibility, a blessing or a duty, do I need encouragement? We all need encouragement and reminders, there is no fault in that. The true shame arrives when we do nothing despite gentle or strong reminders to act.

Verses 1-13: Manasseh was divided up into two kingdoms. The second half here is allotted for, and we have yet another mention of not all the Canaanites being driven out.

Verses 14-18: The sons of Joseph are asking for more land. They obviously want land that is ready to settle because Joshua offers them the mountainous land that needs clearing. Clearing of trees and the removal of the Perizzites is needed. 

But the sons of Joshua resist this idea because of the difficulties inherent and the work involved. Nevertheless, Joshua directs them to the mountains and tells them to drive out the others as well as clear the land. 

The lesson is that sometimes God’s blessings require work on our part. The blessings that we ask for can be granted out of hand directly, as Caleb was given the land he asked for in Joshua 14. The blessings we seek from God can be denied us, which we will all experience and must endeavor to understand through the course of our life. In this case, Joseph’s sons are required to help the blessings come to life themselves. They are shown how to make it happen and the actions needed to make it a reality are clear.

When I ask for God’s providence or intervention, am I perceptive to that which may be required of me to make it happen? Am I willing to act to realize the blessings I am seeking?

The children of Joseph receive their blessing. The land is allocated and represented geographically. The main idea to note in this chapter is the recurring theme found once again in verse 10: 
“And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers.”

Why did the Lord allow the Israelites not to drive out all of the people? This is not the first time it has been mentioned in Joshua. In the coming years, the Israelites will allow the indigenous peoples to influence their worship habits, despite the people’s status as a subservient class or even as slaves.

One reason could be prophecy. We know from Genesis 3 that God knew from the beginning that Jesus’s sacrifice would be forthcoming for the redemption of man. Did God allow the Israelites not to drive them out so that the Israelites would prove the old law ineffectual? Did He allow it so that the remnants of these pagans would ultimately be exposed to the gospel as gentiles? We don’t know.

What we do know, however, is that the Israelites disobeyed God by not driving out all of the people as God commanded. And because of this, the people turned away from God and it sorrowed Him greatly. 

It is important that I follow through with the totality of God’s commandments. It is imperative that I understand what He desires for me in my life. It is paramount that I use my talents to serve Him to the best of my ability. God is great and has done everything. That which I am able to do, I owe it to Him to do it.

What are those things that I should be doing? How should I order my thoughts? Read also Colossians 3:1-17. 

Here we have the land and the cities of Judah listed and allocated. Caleb is mentioned again, occupying Hebron as he had inherited it in the previous chapter. In verse 63, we see again an emerging theme of the children of Israel not driving all of the inhabitants out of the land. God had said that they were to drive everyone out, so we will have to be careful to look for clues in the coming text as to whether Israel will have any consequences for this.

Remember how Caleb had requested Hebron? He asked and he received this valuable land. In verses 16-19, Caleb makes an offer that is congruent with the Lord’s will and is in the spirit of giving: Caleb offers that he will give his daughter as wife to the one that is able to conquer Kirjath Sepher. This is a commendable offer on Caleb’s part because it a) affirms God’s plan for the inhabitants to be driven out of the land and b) shows that Caleb, having received a blessing, is willing to bless in return. Caleb did not hoard, nor was he selfish with his blessing. Granted, he is giving to his daughter and new son-in-law (also apparently his brother, vs. 17), but the fact that he willingly gives and his reasons for it indicate a pure heart that is serving the Lord.

Caleb’s actions in this instance can serve as a mirror for our own behavior. We are exceedingly blessed with Jesus’s blood to redeem our sins, loving families, etc. We could go on and on and never be able to catalogue the ways God has blessed us. The mirror of Caleb’s actions shows me either how I am a good steward of God’s blessings or perhaps where I might be able to improve.