Israel now has a home. They have expelled most of the Canaanites, and the land is being divided up among the tribes; it is a time for rest. Before his death, Joshua reminds the Israelites that they have been victorious in what they have done but only because the Lord has fought for them. The Israelites are now going to live in cities that they did not build, eat from vineyards and olive orchards that they did not plant, all because the Lord provided it all for them. The Lord has taken care of the Israelites and honored his covenant. Just as God provided for the Israelites, God provides for us.
“For the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you this day. One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, kist as he promised you. Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God.” Joshua 23:9-11 ESV
Passage:
Joshua 13-24
Discovered:
- Joshua was old & advanced in years
- There was still land to conquer: regions of the Philistines, Geshurites, Gebalites, Lebanon.
- Moses gave Reuben, Gad & the half tribe of Manasseh land east of the Jordan.
- The inheritances for the remaining 9 1/2 tribes were determined by lots.
- Caleb of Judah was given Hebron as a special reward, part of Judah.
- Judah received a large portion of the southern half of Canaan.
- Caleb drove out 3 sons of Anak: Sheshai, Ahiman & Talmai. He offered his daughter in marriage to whoever captured Debir/Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, his nephew defeated them. When they were married, Achsah asked her father for the springs as well. Caleb gave her Negeb & upper + lower springs.
- Judah inherited 112 cities and their villages.
- Judah could not drive out the Jebusites (Jerusalem) so they dwelled in the land with Judah.
- Ephraim received their inheritance, but they did not drive out the Canaanites at Gezer.
- 1/2 tribe of Manasseh received land, but did not kick out the Canaanites and complained they did not have enough room for their people. Joshua suggested clearing forests for more land.
- Israelites moved to Shiloh, Joseph sent 21 men (3 from the 7 tribes) to survey the rest of the land. Joshua cast lots for the remaining tribe’s inheritance.
- 1st lot: Benjamin-between Judah and Joseph’s land, included 14 cities with villages.
- 2nd lot: Simeon-in the middle of Judah. 13 cities and their villages.
- 3rd lot: Zebulun-12 cities with their villages.
- 4th lot: Issachar-one boundary touches the Jordan river, 16 cities with their villages.
- 5th lot: Asher-22 cities with their villages
- 6th lot: Naphtali-north of Zebulun, east of Asher, 19 cities with villages
- 7th lot: Dan-near Benjamin, captures Leshem, 18 cities with villages
- Gave Joshua Timnath-serah in Ephraim.
- Cities of refuge: 2 on each side of the Jordan, 6 total.
- Levites given 48 cities spread throughout the tribes, give by lots to clans: sons of Aaron, Kohathites, Gershonites & Merarites.
- Joshua sent Reubenites, Gad & 1/2 tribe of Manasseh home. Israel rested.
- Reuben, Gad and 1/2 Manasseh built an altar on the west side of the Jordan. Despite being accused of idolatry.sin, it was innocently done so they could remind people that they too were part of the inheritance of Israel.
- Joshua told Israelites to obey the Law, reminded them about the fulfillment of the covenant. Asked the congregation who they chose to serve: God.
- Joshua died at 110 years old, buried at home.
- Joseph’s bones were buried at Shechem.
- Eleazar died and was buried at Gibeah.
Help me to remember:
that You Lord, fulfilled Your promises to the Israelites, they inhabited Canaan as their own.
Lord, I ask that . . .
You fight for me just as You promised and did for the Israelites. I will give all the credit to You!
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
Your promises kept.
