Saturday, May 4 – Joshua 11, 12 – Additional reading, “Patriarchs and Prophets” chapter 48, “The Division of Canaan”
Study Questions:
1. Why did so many kingdoms unite against Israel? Joshua 11:1-5
2. What was the battle strategy that led Joshua to victory? Joshua 1:6, 7
Commentary and Reflection:
In these chapters, we witness the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise had two components: descendants and land. Similarly, we see how the Lord’s promise to Moses is realized. Though Moses couldn’t enter the land personally and enjoy its bounty, the Lord granted him sufficient grace, allowing him to participate in at least two conquests.
Despite the advantage of being well-established and more numerous when united, Israel’s enemies couldn’t prevail as long as the nation remained faithful to God. Jericho fell, Jerusalem was conquered, and many more cities and territories followed suit.
These are the very places where Jesus journeyed during his human pilgrimage, performing miracles, and accomplishing his most crucial task, which grants us grace today.
Yet before all this, Joshua, and his men, armed with sharp swords, obedience, and faith, were instruments of God’s purpose.
Just as the promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Israel endures, a promise remains for us today. Like the patriarchs, God has assured us descendants and land. It is incumbent upon us to press forward with obedience and faith, wielding the sword’s edge to expand the Kingdom of God.
While the sword we wield is spiritual (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12), and the realm we seek to conquer spiritual, there will come a day when we inherit a physical territory and Kingdom, eternal and unending (Revelation 21:1-4).
This is our profound promise and hope in Christ Jesus. Are you living in anticipation of this promise?
May God bless you.
Pastor Ronald Paulin