Tuesday, April 30 – Joshua 11, 12 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 48, “The Division of Canaan”
Study Questions:
1. Why did so many kingdoms gather against Israel? Joshua 11:1-5
2. What battle strategy made Joshua victorious? Joshua 11:7-9
Commentary and Reflection:
In these chapters, we begin to see God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob fulfilled. The promise had two parts, descendants, and land.
We also see the promise God made to Moses fulfilled. And although Moses could not enter the land and enjoy its fruits, God granted him enough grace by giving him the opportunity to share in at least two conquests.
Israel’s enemies had the advantage of being well-established and were more numerous when they gathered, but still, as long as Israel remained faithful to God, their victory was always assured. Jerusalem was conquered, Jericho was conquered, and much more.
These are places that Jesus traveled during His ministry on earth, where He performed many miracles and fulfilled His most important mission, through which you and I today obtain grace.
But before all this, Joshua and his soldiers with sharp swords, obedience, and faith, were used by God to fulfill His purpose.
Just like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Israel, a promise remains for you and me. Like the patriarchs, God has promised us descendants and land. It only remains for us to, with obedience and faith, continue with the edge of our sword conquering territory for the Kingdom of God.
And although the sword we use is different (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12), and the territory and kingdom today are spiritual, the day will come when we receive and be received within a physical territory and Kingdom, which will be eternal, lasting forever (Revelation 21:1-4).
This is our great promise and hope in Christ Jesus. Do you live for this promise?
May God bless you.
Pastor Ronald Paulin