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Bible Pathways 03/17/2004


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). Only Rahab put her faith in the God of the Hebrews and was saved. She also was included in the genealogy of Jesus (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 One True God.

News of Joshua's invasion quickly spread throughout Canaan. Jabin, King of Hazor in the north, enlisted kings and their soldiers from north of the mountains, as well as in the valley . . . on the west. And . . . on the east (Joshua 11:1-8).

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 . . . 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 (12:24) had been defeated. Joshua then established military control over all of the promised land. However, the individual tribes were to complete the destruction of the Canaanites still present (Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22).

The judgment of the ungodly Canaanites foreshadows the final judgment of all who continue in their sins. 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 (II Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Word Studies:

11:9 houghed = hamstrung, crippled; 11:13 stood still in their strength = 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).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for: The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · Country: Spain (39 million) in southwestern Europe · Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan · Limited religious freedom · 94% Roman Catholic; .5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Proverbs 1:28-30).

Optional Reading: John 8

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16



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