(The previous 9 chapters can be accessed through the links on the side bar. To access chapters before those listed, go to the All Chapters section.)
Synopsis
The division of the land continued and went according to the instructions given to Moses. This chapters recorded the division of land for the clans of Judah. Those instructions given by God were so specific such that there would be no excuse for no following them. Caleb was allotted Hebron and he drove the Anakites of Hebron out of the land. He was one of those who obeyed God's original command. Caleb was almost 90 years of age when he led the conquest. He had declared that his strength came from the Lord.
Major verses
V17 - Othniel, son of Kenaz, became Caleb's son-in-law after he took up Caleb's challenge to drive out the enemies in Debir. Eventually, he became the first of Israel's judges and played a significant role in reforming Israel by chasing away the enemy. Caleb's legacy of faithfulness to God continued in Othniel's life.
What I learnt
As leaders and parents, we have legacies that we will, knowingly or otherwise, pass on to our followers and children. Faithfulness to God is probably the most important legacy that we could and should pass on to them. As such, we must be determined to be faithful to God in the first place.
V63 - The people of Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites from their land. Unlike Caleb, it was probable that they did not do enough to want to go to war to dislodge them. Consequently, the Jebusites live amongst them. This was against God's command.
What did the Jebusites represent? Jebus means a threshing place and comes from the Hebrew root word "swb" which means "to thread down, trample (of warriors) and of rejection". As such, keeping the Jebusites with them tantamount to being threaded down and rejected. Jebus was the early name of Jerusalem.
What I learnt
When we disobey God's instructions, we will eventually suffer the consequences. It is not that God wants to punish us, but that we choose not to obey His ways which will bring us success. Like Caleb, we must learn to be completely faithful to God and to follow His instructions exactly. The Holy Spirit will help us do that, if we want Him to!
Summary
God gave specific instructions to the Israelites for the division of the land so that there would be no excuse for disobedience. When we obey God, we live in the successful path He has laid for us. When we do otherwise, we walk in our own ways that are usually full of difficulties.
Next Up....
More lessons to be learnt as we look at the land allocation for Joseph's tribe in Chapter 16 and 17 next week...
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