Bible Pathways 03/17/05
March 17
Read Joshua 11 - 13
In Today's Reading:
Conquest of the northern kings; Joshua's obedience; conquered kings; 2-1/2 tribes settle on the east side of the Jordan River
Everyone in Jericho knew the reputation of Israel's God as well as Rahab who confessed: As soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (Joshua 2:11). However, Rahab alone put her faith in the God of the Hebrews and was not only saved but was included in the genealogy of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The Canaanite kings also had known what the Gibeonites knew, but they decided to defend their heathen gods against the true God.
News of Joshua's invasion quickly spread throughout Canaan. Jabin, King of Hazor in the north, enlisted kings and their soldiers from far into the northern mountains and as far south as the Jebusites and Jerusalem (see Joshua 11:1-3,8).
Joshua's comparatively small army received a report that they were facing many people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And when all these kings were met together. . . . the LORD said to Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel. . . . So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly. . . . and they smote them, until they left them none remaining (11:4-8).
So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said to Moses. . . . And the land rested from war (11:23). Thirty-one kings (see 12:24) were defeated and Joshua established military control over all of the promised land. However, the individual tribes still were to complete the destruction of the Canaanites within their respective territorial allotments (see Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22).
The judgment of the Canaanites foreshadows the final judgment of everyone who refuses to allow Jesus to be their Savior and Lord of their lives. When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (II Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Word Studies:
11:9 houghed = hamstrung, crippled; 11:13 stood still in their strength = were fortified on hills; 12:3 Chinneroth = Sea of Galilee; Salt sea = Dead sea; 12:4 coast = territorial border; 13:22 soothsayer = diviner, fortune-teller.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant of the LORD (Joshua 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matthew 12:18; compare Isaiah 42:1-4).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BPM Staff: George Kopchak · Government Official: Rep. Cynthia McKinney (GA) · Country: Poland (39 million) in eastern Europe · Major language: Polish · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 1% Eastern Orthodox; .5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Isaiah 26:16).
Optional Reading: John 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 2:9
