Highlights:
Canaan is under the control of the Israelites and the Tabernacle is set up in a central location at Shiloh. Joshua's inheritance. As they reap the rewards of the promise given on the other side of the Jordan River, the land is divided among all the tribes by lot; but some tribes never claim their territory.
Verses for Today:
The children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people? . . . When they had made an end of dividing the land . . . the children of Israel gave . . . to Joshua . . . the (small) city which he asked, even Timnathserah (Josh. 17:14; 19:49-50).
The conquest of Canaan was completed and the land was divided among them by the Lord. When the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle. . . . the land was subdued before them. . . . Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel (18:1,10).
Although they had received some of the best territory in the promised land, the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim complained that they should have more territory given to them because of their great numbers and what they perceived as their prominent position among the tribes (17:14-18). The Ephraimites were proud of their history as descendants of Joseph and the fact that Joshua, the victorious commander who had led in the conquest of Canaan, was also from their tribe.
Sadly, these two tribes chose to compromise with the Canaanites (16:10; 17:12-13). The blessings of God often depend upon faith and faith without works is dead (James 2:20).
In a striking contrast to the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, Joshua chose to be the last to lay claim to any territory (Josh. 19:49). As captain, we could expect him to be first and to take the best for himself. Instead, he chose last. His choice was a very small area near Shiloh where the Tabernacle was erected and where he could best worship and serve the Lord. It was there, in the nearness of the Lord's presence, that Joshua built his small city. Joshua illustrates the importance of being fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. . . . Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up (Rom. 12:11; James 4:7,10).
Thought for Today:
And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments (I John 2:3).
Christ Revealed:
Through Shiloh. The children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle (Josh. 18:1). The Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, meaning "peace"; the Tabernacle was where the presence of God dwelt and both the place and the Tabernacle were prophetic of Jesus. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace (John 16:33).
Word Studies:
17:1 man of war =great soldier; 17:13 waxen strong =grown stronger; 18:4 describe =draw a descriptive map of; 18:10 divisions =family groups; 18:12 the goings out thereof =its outer limits; 18:14 west quarter =western side; 18:17 was drawn =extended; the going up =the ascent; stone =marker; 19:14 compasseth =goes around; outgoings =limits; 19:34 sunrising =east.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash (Dr. Hash's sister-in-law — passed away in January) • Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Khmer and French • Confused and unsettled at this time • 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray diligently with other believers and God will answer (Acts 12:5-10).
Optional Reading: John 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:7-8