Joshua 4 - Memorial Stones

Joshua 4

23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.

Message: Memorial Stones

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

Ch. 4 - In the last chapter God provides a miracle of sorts, doing something only he can do, stilling the water of the Jordan as Israel is moving from it to the other side on their way to the promised land of Canaan. The Ark of the Covenant preceded the people and the stilling of the water occurred when a man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel stood in the water. 

Ch. 5 - Take 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan and lay down at the place where you are lodging. Joshua called the 12 men from the tribes. The 12 stones will represent a memorial to the sons of Israel forever - signifying the work that God has done in taking the people through the Jordan. They camped at Gilgal. 

The stones are a memorial and setup to signify that the Lord has provided. His presence was with the people the entire time. This is an event that occurred 3600 years ago. We need these signs to remind us of God's mighty acts. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are often signs as well of what God has done in our lives. We need to keep doing these reminders. 

Summary: The Lord asks Joshua to have 12 stones brought from the Jordan to Gilgal for a memorial of God providing his people the means to cross the Jordan. 

Promise: God has done great things in the past for His people and this encourages us to things he will do today for us. 

Prayer: Lord, I need to remember better the things you have done in my life. I am thankful for your hand of providence. Thank you for your great love and providing peace that surpasses all understanding. You are a great God and have done great things and you will continue to do great things. 

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Joshua 3 - Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Joshua 3

And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan (v.17)

Message: Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

Ch. 1 - Moses has died and now his assistant Joshua has been called by the Lord to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan and into Canaan. The Lord calls Joshua to be strong and courageous and confirms He will be with him. He is to be careful to do according to the Law. Joshua passed on this promise to the people of Israel and they respond that they will obey Joshua as they know the Lord God is with him. 

Ch. 2 - Joshua sends out two spies to Jericho and Rahab, the harlot, provides them shelter and hides them from the authorities of Jericho. There is fear from the Canaanites of the Israelites. Rahab knows the Lord has given Israel the land of Canaan. She hides the spies and a promise is given to her that she and her family will be protected by tying a cord of scarlet thread in the window. 

Ch. 3 - Joshua and sons of Israel went to the Jordan to lodge there for 3 days before crossing – upon seeing the Ark of the covenant carried by the Levitical priests then they shall follow it, keeping a distance of 2,000 cubits. The Lord promises to exalt Joshua and promises to still the waters of the Jordan as the ark goes across it. Take 12 men, each from a tribe of Israel, stand in the waters of the Jordan and it will be stilled. And all the nation crossed the Jordan, again on dry ground. 

Additional thoughts - The ark of the covenant normally was carried by non-priestly Levites (sons of Kohath). The ark was the presence of God as it says in Exodus 25:22, it is there that God will meet with his people. Thus, God would be going before them, leading them as they crossed the Jordan and came into the land of Canaan, the land that was indeed promised by God for them. And God would also show his power to the people, similar to when they crossed the Red Sea. Once the priests carrying the ark stood in the water, the water stopped and the people crossed over on dry land. Also, 2,000 cubits is about 3,000 feet or 0.57 of a mile and is also the distance that Jews are allowed to travel on Sabbath days. It is also the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. 

What I learn and apply - God communicates truths through Joshua about what He will do but then He also shows us through examples in our lives that He has power and He is in control. He demonstrates His power to us. H reminds us He is present. He achieved something here that only he could have done, but he took them through an obstacle in life. Surely they would know the power of God to rescue them in the future. 

Summary: The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future. 

Promise: God begins and ends our salvation - parting the red sea, but then also stilling the water of the Jordan to take us to our promised land. He is faithful.

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful. You give me promises and You come through. I can trust in You that You will do what You say. You led Israel through the Jordan into the land you had promised to them. And you will lead me through the storms and trials of life that are present and you will bring me home to heaven. Thank You for the peace that is only found in You. Help me to be one that helps others see the peace of You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 2 - Rahab Trusts the God of Israel

Joshua 2:11 - When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.

Message: Rahab Trusts the God of Israel

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 1 - After Moses' death, God calls Joshua to lead Israel across Jordan, to the promised land of Canaan, a gift from God - God will be with him and them - be strong and courageous - be careful to do God's law - prepares Israel to enter Canaan - the people confirm their obedience and following of Jordan. 

Now I move into Chapter 2 - Joshua sends spies to view the land, especially Jericho and they lodged with Rahab, the harlot - the king of Jericho speaks to Rahab to have her surrender these men - she states she does not know where they are - she told leaders they had left but actually she brought them to her roof - she knows the Lord has given Israel this land - heard about drying up of Red Sea - and heard about destroying Sihon and Og - God is God to heaven above and on earth beneath - hopes to be dealt kindly and father spared and household - the men promise her safety - but swear her to secrecy - her household only will be spared - provided a sign by tying a cord of scarlet - they remained in the hill country 3 days waiting for pursuers of them to flee and then returned to Joshua telling him that the land is in their hands. 

God promises the land to Israel and yet Joshua is still careful, sending spies to check things out. We are to be wise in our action even as God promises. Rahab's home might have been more of a type of private inn. Sort of like the western saloon where people come to get away but also find women waiting to take care of them along their journey. 

Rahab does lie to protect these spies from the opposition and in turn there seems to be a justification in this rare sense to the sin of lying. The focus of this chapter though seems to be that Rahab places her faith and trust in God. She knows God is on the throne and wants to be protected, her and her household. She has heard of his great acts. Rahab sought refuge in the Lord. And because she bowed to Him, she would be spared. She knew that Israel was coming and probably thought her area would be pillaged and so she wants to be protected. 

Rahab is someone that placed her faith in God. 

Summary: Joshua sends spies to Jericho and Rahab hides them, protects them and states her faith and belief in God and wants to be protected in the future from any wrath coming.   

Promise: I am to run to God in faith, like Rahab did, daily turn from sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, I am to be a person like Rahab that puts my faith and trust in You. I hear of stories of how you have worked and those stories encourage me. I am encouraged by the work that you have done in others lives and this strengthens my faith. Protect me from the wrath that is to come. Wrath is a real thing and sin is serious. What matters is you protect your called ones. Thank you God for being in control and being over all. Thank you for theses words and helping me understand them. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 1:10-18 - Israel Accepts Joshua's Command

Joshua 1:10-18

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”

12 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God gives you rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses. 18 Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

Message: Israel Accepts Joshua's Commands

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: After Joshua has received words of encouragement from the Lord to be strong and courageous and to know that the Lord is with him, he gives charge to the officers of the people to speak to the people and prepare them to cross the Jordan in 3 days time. 

Joshua speaks to those of the 12 tribes, but gives words first to convey that the land has been given to them and so it is there's. "Prepare yourselves...to go in to possess the land." The land is given to them by the Lord. But he then later also tells them they need to prepare for a battle: "you shall cross before your brothers in battle array." 

After Joshua gives them the charge, they respond. People did not and do not always respond in obedience and it is necessary and needed to explain when they do. "All that you have commanded us we will do." It is also interesting to me that they state, "Just as we obeyed Moses in all things" when actually I remember they did not always obey Moses. More recently, there was obedience to Moses and so perhaps these people are referring to themselves only and their recent obedience and yet previous generations had not been as obedient. 

Summary: Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan and possess Canaan. The people respond in obedience to his words. 

Promise: We are to be subject to the leaders God has called and support them in their work. 

Prayer: God, you have given me leaders and I need to obey them. I admit, I have not always. I have questioned often. Give me discernment always in the right way to go, in upholding your truths. Thank you your great love and giving the example of Joshua and those that were obedient to His words. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 1:6-9 - Strength and Courage

Joshua 1:6-9

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Message: Strength and Courage

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: After the death of Moses, God calls his assistant, Joshua to lead the nation of Israel to Canaan. In verse 2 the Lord calls Joshua to cross the Jordan, ultimately defeating and driving out the people of Canaan from their land. No small task. Israel was outnumbered. Previously, the people had question of this occurring. They lacked faith, seeing the obstacles before them. In the previous lesson he receives the promise that God will be with him. This should be all the comfort that one needs. But alas we also need encouraging words and reminders that God will be with us through thick and thin. 

After hearing that God would be with him, we get the words from the Lord to Joshua 'be strong and courageous.' Simple words but meaningful words that bring encouragement to many today, even me. I think of the large tasks before me often. My work and its long list of things to do simply continues to grow and grow. Even my personal time has books I'd like to read through and I seem to add more books to read so easily. And yet struggle to get through them, but enjoy it when I do. Of late, my stomach has been a problem as I have not been very regular in the bathroom. It feels like all of life, from sun up to sun down has burdens, obstacles, things I need to do and get through or would like to do. Maybe that is good and normal. Maybe it is what I have laid out before me and like, to always be achieving something. Michael W. Smith penned a song from his first release of this same title, 'So be Strong and Courageous.' I often think of it when I hear this admonition and sing it to myself. Good words to hear and be reminded of in life. 

And yet this isn't simply a 'believe in yourself' sort of creed, but it is words God gives following Him saying He will be with Joshua. Then following it are other words that go alongside the idea of being strong and courageous. Joshua is to remember the words of Moses that were commanded, more specifically 'the law.' 

"....be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you."

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth."

"you shall meditate on it day and night."

"...be careful to do according to all that is written in it..."

"Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Simple reminders here continue. Meditate on God's law. Be careful to do it. There is no reason to fear for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. 

Summary: The Lord encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he goes across the Jordan toward Canaan, remembering God's law, and being careful to follow it. 

Promise: Being obedience to God's word does not guarantee nothing bad will happen to a person, but those who obey God's word will finally win and we are to live lives in faithful obedience to God. 

Prayer: Thank you God for your words of encouragement you offer to Joshua and I believe you offer to me as well. I need to stay close to your words God always trusting in the Law of God which you have given me follow and obey. Keep me meditating on it and living by it. It is always relevant to my life, but no matter what I need to uphold it and so teach me to be guided by it always and help me to encourage this in others as well. I pray my family would be guided by it and trust in it always. Let it move in people's lives and change them. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 1:1-5 - Joshua Commissioned to Lead Israel

Joshua 1:1-5

1 Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Message: Joshua Commissioned to Lead Israel

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Moses dies and the Lord now speaks to Joshua to cross the Jordan, himself and all the sons of Israel to the land God is providing them. God will be with them and will not fail or forsake them. 

God promised Abraham many descendants (Genesis 12:1-3) and the nation of Israel began or took root following God rescuing the children of Israel from slavery. This occurred about 1447 BC. God did promise the people the land of Canaan, but the people had to follow through on that promise and walk forth, going to the land. Unfortunately, they lacked faith that God would overpower the Canaanite forces. Only Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun believed. 

Moses was halted from entering the promised land because of his sin. This is chronicled in Numbers 20:1-13. At this time, the people were camped in Kadesh, the wilderness of Zin and there at the camp they lacked water, thus unable to produce fruit or grain. Moses and Aaron go to the tabernacle and speak to God about this and God tells them to speak to a rock to produce water. Moses responds by using his staff to hit a rock. Water gushes out. But the Lord states he is displeased with Moses and prevents Moses from going any further. It is not clear here what displeased the Lord, but His words are clear that Moses will not go further. 

In Numbers 27 verse 14 the Lord recalls this event in Numbers 20. And after Moses requests God to appoint a man to lead this group, the Lord appoints Joshua, with Moses commissioning him by laying his hands on him. 

Now it is Joshua and the commission or call from God to lead Israel to Canaan has been reinstated. He and the people are camped in the plains of Moab, just northeast of the Dead Sea and east of the city of Jericho on the other side of the Jordan River. 

God gives a gift of land to Canaan. They don't do anything to earn it, but they simply must walk into it and not be afraid, trusting God. In accomplishing the land, they must believe that God will provide it, in his way. 

In looking at this text there is striking language of God's promises. He says, "the land which I am giving to them" so it is clearly a gift. And then he also says that every step we take is a gift from him, "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you." That is great language and a great promise. Every step we take is a gift from God, granted by God. He gives us a promise, but also establishes our steps to that promise. All we must do is walk in them. And in verse 4 he pinpoints or spells out in even more detail all the places where he will walk with them. God will be with them. He will be their guide. "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life." God is with us. And his promise to be with us remains. As recorded in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And here in verse 5 the Lord says, "I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you." These are indeed exciting truths. God is with us. He was with Israel and He continues to be with us - from dispensation to dispensation or time period to time period, he remains the same. 

Summary: After Moses' death, the Lord calls Joshua to lead Israel to the land of Canaan, promising to be with them every step of the way. 

Promise: God is with us, every step of the way; always. 

Prayer: O thank you God for your words of comfort, spoken to Joshua over 3,400 years ago and to Matthew 2,000 years ago and because of that I can know the promise that You will be with me as well, every step of my life, guiding me, directing me, taking me to a future glory, resurrected with You in paradise. You are near, always near to me. You are present, always present. Thank you for these stories that are real and continue to speak to people like me. You are the great one. You hold me near. You are the God of all and God of glory and I worship you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Deuteronomy 4:31 - The History of Israel

Deuteronomy 4:31

For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.

Message: The History of Israel

Time: Deuteronomy was written around 1406 BC, at the end of the forty years of wandering endured by the nation of Israel. Deuteronomy restates God’s commands originally given to the Israelites some forty years earlier in Exodus and Leviticus. Deuteronomy asserts Moses as author (1:1; 4:44; 29:1). 

What the Lord is Saying: Christianity needs its history. Its history defines its present. Tabletalk referred me to I Corinthians 10:11 -- Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come -- and I also saw the words of Matthew Henry (1662-1714) that he wrote about the first 14 verses. 

I Corinthians 10:1-14 

(Paul says:) Let me show you the harm of being in communion with idolaters. Think of the Jewish nation. Through a miracle they were led through the Red Sea, where the pursuing Egyptians were drowned. It was to them a typical baptism (burying the old life or bad ways of the Egyptians and birthing new life or freedom coming through the red sea). And then provided manna, a type of Christ, to be fed on, living forever from bread of heaven. Christ is our rock - in which we drink the water from the stream provided, we are refreshed. Yet they got caught up in simply sitting on their privilege or even their profession of truth. This is an example for you and I, don't crave what they craved. Remember their sins as an example of what not to do. God gives us the command and we are to follow it. Some were destroyed by the serpent for not fearing God. Nothing in this Scripture has been written in vain. We are to be wise in it and learn from it. Others have fallen and so may we. Our security against sin is to not trust ourselves. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have like burdens, and like temptations: what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful, and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. We have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.

What a great reminder this is of the words of Scripture and how they have been written over and over to teach us, to provide us examples, to remind us of the importance of following and trusting God. That Israel and how they lived can impact us today. That God is faithful and cleaving and clinging to him is what matters most. We are not to rest is our own accomplishment but instead rest in the Lord. 

Today's passage, Deuteronomy 4:31, I notice is translated "the Lord your God is a compassionate God" or "The Lord your God is a merciful God." Compassionate or merciful. Both ideas are focused on God toward others - one expressing concern and the other relief. God remembers His people - all of them, whether Jew or Greek. And throughout history we can see and watch His dealings with His people and learn from those interactions. He makes promises to His people. They are obedient but also not. He disciplines them for their sin, punishes them. Like them, we are His people of faith and so we can learn from their interactions and hopefully learn how to live in a more honoring way towards God. 

And in this verse today is the reminder that God is with us: the promise that (1) he will not fail me; (2) he will not destroy me; (3) he will not forget me. God made a covenant, a promise and He will not forget. 

As I learn from these stories and situations how to better live, I can always know that God will be with me and will not forget me. 

Summary: God is with us and will always be with us and I/we can learn from all of the interactions He has with His people throughout time. 

Promise: The Lord has promised always to be with His people. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for history and the reminder today that You created it all and throughout history you have been with your people, keeping them close to You and through all of those interactions, good and bad, today, now, I can learn from them still and can learn how I am to live and bear fruit in this world. You are sovereign over all. You are working. Keep me focused on You, not ever sitting on what You have provided, but being active, no matter my situation. You are in me. You are with me. And you are always capable of carrying me through all of life's situations. Thank you God. Thank you Lord. Thank you Savior. Don't let me forget. I need to remember and remember that all that I do is by your strength. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.