Read Joshua 17
Highlights:
Inheritance of Manasseh; Canaanites forced to pay taxes to Israelites; Tabernacle set up at Shiloh; remainder of the land divided.
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: According to the Word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein (Josh. 19:49-50).
It was not until every tribe had received their inheritance that Joshua, in true humility, asked for the portion of rough territory within his own tribe of Ephraim, near Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was erected and where he could best serve and worship the Lord. There he built the small village of Timnath-serah. It was the least inheritance asked for by anyone.
The earthly inheritance of this great leader was so insignificant that the only other reference made to it in the Bible is as the place of Joshua's grave (24:30).
Joshua was not only the last in his own tribe, but the last in all the tribes to be apportioned his land. He was truly a type of Christ who would teach us: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Joshua illustrates the biblical principle of preferring one another (Rom. 12:10). When we have our lives and priorities centered upon the worship and service of the Lord, we need not fear getting our share. In fact, we will gladly accept less if it puts us in a closer relationship to the things of God.
The truly great people of God do not complain and are not greedy. They do not expect others to serve or praise them. Their goals and aspirations are not for material greatness or for recognition from others. Godly people find their satisfaction in being servants of the Lord and fulfilling His will.
Perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to a Christian's life is "things" — even good things — that crowd out Christ. But the more concerned we are with eternal values, the less important material possessions become. Walled cities and great wealth would be poor rewards for anyone who desires a city whose Builder and Maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Though Joshua was greatest among them, he asked for the least. Joshua's real reward was the satisfaction of knowing he had pleased the Lord.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matt. 23:11).
Thought for Today:
Is your greatest satisfaction in knowing you have pleased the Lord?
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 Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Official: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with earnestness night and day (I Thess. 3:10).
Optional Reading: John 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:15