Bible Pathways - March 17, 2007
In Today's Scripture 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 did 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). Rahab alone put her faith in the God of the Hebrews and was not only saved but was included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The Canaanite kings 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 the kings and their soldiers from far into the northern mountains (Joshua 11:1-2,8).
Joshua's comparatively small army received a crucial report that they were facing much 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 unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow 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. . . . 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 unto Moses. . . . And the land rested from war (11:23). Thirty-one kings (12:24) had been defeated. Joshua established military control over all of the promised land. However, the individual tribes were to complete the destruction of the Canaanites (Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22).
The judgment of the Canaanites foreshadows the final judgment of all who continue in their sins. And to you who are troubled rest with us, 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 =b> hamstrung, crippled; 11:13 stood still in their strength =b> were fortified on hills; 12:3 Chinneroth =b> Sea of Galilee; Salt sea =b> Dead sea; 12:4 coast =b> territorial border; 13:22 soothsayer =b> 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 English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon Government Official: Rep. Cynthia McKinney (GA) Country: Kazakhstan (17 million) central Asia Major languages: Kazakh and Russian Religious tolerance 40% Muslim; 25% Russian Orthodox/Armenian Apostolic; 1% Protestant; .6% Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Haggai 1:4)?
Optional Reading: John 8
Memory Verse for the Week: II Peter 1:4
