Click to read Joshua 18-19
(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
Up till the last two chapters, only 4 tribes were allotted the land. Shiloh was made the religious centre. The tabernacle was set up permanently there and would remain for the next 300 years. Seven other tribes had not taken possession of the land. Joshua gave instruction for the land survey to be done. The rest of the land were then allotted through a sacred lottery. By so doing, God, and not Joshua (or any other man) would make the choice.
By that time, the remaining Canaanites were no longer a threat to Israel. However, instead of fulfilling God's command to destroy all of them, the Israelites chose the easy way out. They co-inhabited with them. That decision eventually led to many pains that the nation would suffer.
Major Verses
Chapter 18:3-6 - Joshua questioned the remaining seven tribes as to why they had not possessed the land. Eventually, Joshua had to order a survey of the land and "push" the tribes to take possession. No specific instructions were given by God through Moses on the way the remaining land was to be divided for these tribes. As such, Joshua ordered the tribes' representatives to survey the land and divide them into seven parcels.
What I learnt
Procrastination is a burden to us. We must forge ahead to do what we must do in life. Joshua was a leader that was determined to forge ahead and complete God's commands.
Chapter 18:8 - Joshua wanted God's hand on the decision. As such, casting of lots to divide the remaining land was used. Making decisions by casting lots was a common practice then. Little is known about the methods used though. However, the prime reason was that the process removed human choice from the decision making process and allowed God to decide. This is a sacred lottery process and the Israelites accepted the results as directions from God. The acceptance also demonstrated their reliance and faith in God. This is not to be mixed up with the modern day money lottery which is dependent on chance and driven by greed.
What I learnt
We must trust God to direct our path. The Israelites used the sacred lottery process many times and took the results as God's direction. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. Whether we are able to listen to the Holy Spirit's instructions directly or use sacred lottery of sorts when we are seeking His directions, what is most relevant and important is our reliance on Him and faith in Him resulting in us carrying out the instructions given as a result of seeking His direction.
Chapter 19:47-48 - The Dannites took the easy way out. Instead of over coming the enemy and claiming what was allotted to them, they let the difficulty overwhelm them. As such, they gave up what they had inherited for a place called Leshem instead. They disobey God once again!
What I learnt
Many can claim to trust God when the path is smooth or when the going is good. But when things do not go smoothly and difficulties loom, our faith and courage are put to the test. We must have our eyes focused on Him and His faithfulness and goodness all the time. More so and especially when the going becomes tough. And we must always remember that God is good all the time and that He will help us over come the difficulties and reward us with the best.
Summary
God always has the best of our interests in His hands. We must trust His absolute judgment and command. Disobeying Him only brings disasters to ourselves. On the contrary, relying and obeying Him will always bring success to our life. When the going gets tough, rely and trust in our Abba Father!
Up next....
God created cities of refuge in the nation to carry out His justice. This is described in the next Chapter. Watch out for it on 26th Mar.
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