Joshua 13-21 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• Description of land allotments for each of the tribes of Israel. Joshua was also assigned some land and land was set aside for cities of refuge and towns were assigned to the Levites.
• The book of Joshua summarizes battles against many kings (likely city states) but indicates that much of the promised land had yet to be claimed.
• It is possible that total destruction and takeover of the promised land was somewhat overstated. Nevertheless, Israel was a recognized national entity by about 1200 BC.
• The book ends with a farewell speech by Joshua who encouraged the people to be faithful to God and to follow the Law that was given through Moses. Joshua also reviews and renews Israel’s covenant with the Lord God.

 
INTERPRETATION

• The battles described in the book of Joshua are only a few of the many efforts to gain the “promised land”. The book of Judges gives more detail on a number of the battles.
• Some Bible scholars have described the battle for the land as being more of a “social” or a “peaceful infiltration” of the land. However, much as I might want to minimize the militaristic takeovers with their destruction, I cannot accept an entirely “peaceful” takeover. I think there were real, physical, armed struggles with violence and destruction.
• It is clear that God wants to protect His people from being influenced by the idolatry and pagan practices of the Canaanites surrounding Israeli territories. He wanted the heart of his people turned towards Himself.

 
APPLICATION

• It is clear that we are greatly influenced by our present-day society with its plurality of faiths, of values, and “politically correct” behaviour.
• We need to ask God to give us a “filter” so we can discern truth and apply true wisdom in our choices.
• Let’s also be careful to not judge others’ hearts without asking God to clear our own hearts.

 
QUESTION

• Do we need to do some cleaning out of our “hidden selves”? Are we holding onto some old addictions and practices?

 
PRAYER
Lord Jesus we invite your Holy Spirit to clean out all our entrenched thoughts and behaviours that align against you. Turn us around to face you and give us grace so we might serve you whole-heartedly.  
 
SONG – Take my life and let it be – Chris Tomlin