Highlights:
In 1:3, the Lord said to Joshua: Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you. All the Canaanite kings mobilize their armies and unite to defeat Israel. Read how Joshua and the Israelites are victorious and win every battle. God promises to "give" them the land; but that covenant agreement meant for them to put forth all their strength and God would guide, protect, and provide to meet their needs. The key to their victory is the same for us.
Verses for Today:
There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed (Josh. 13:1).
Everyone in Jericho knew the reputation of Israel's God as Rahab 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 (2:11). Rahab put her faith in the God of the Hebrews and was not only saved but was included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5; Heb. 11:31; James 2:25). The Canaanite kings knew what Rahab knew but they decided to fight against the Israelites and the One True God.
News of Joshua's invasion spread throughout Canaan. Jabin, King of Hazor in the north, enlisted the kings and their soldiers from far into the mountains (Josh. 11:1-2,8).
Joshua's small army heard that they were facing much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots. . . . the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow . . . will I deliver them up all slain. . . . and. . . . they smote them (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 and Joshua established military control over all of the promised land. However, the individual tribes were each to complete the destruction of the Canaanites in their own territories (Ex. 23:29-30; Deut. 7:22).
History and Scripture alike join in saying to everyone: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might (Eccl. 9:10). The Lord never promised anyone an easy time in serving Him or told anyone they were not qualified. Christ has said: The night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4).
Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last — is eternal — all worldly achievements are temporary.
Wherefore . . . Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light (Eph. 5:14).
Thought for Today:
Do not they blaspheme that worthy Name by which ye are called? (James 2:7).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant of the Lord (Josh. 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:18).
Word Studies:
11:4 hosts =army; 11:5 were met together =joined forces; 11:6 hough =hamstring; 12:3 Sea of Chinneroth =Sea of Galilee; Sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea =Dead Sea; 13:22 soothsayer =diviner, fortune teller.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you what to do, and then be willing to do it (Acts 9:6).
Optional Reading: John 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:7-8