Joshua 12 and 13 (2)

One king was Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon and ruled half of Gilead, from Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, from the middle of that river, even as far as the River Jabbok, which is the border of the Ammonites, and the eastern Jordan plain from the Sea of Chinneroth as far as the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), the road to Beth Jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. The other king was Og king of Bashan and his territory, who was of the remnant of the giants, who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, and reigned over Mount Hermon, over Salcah, over all Bashan, as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and over half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. These Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel had conquered; and Moses the servant of the LORD had given it as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua 12.2-6

Reflect.
1.  Why do you think the writer gives us more details here about the extent of the conquests under Moses? Is he trying to maintain a connection between the past, present, and future?

2.  How do you see that this catalog of Moses’ victories is intended to exalt the Lord?

Think about it.
The writer now provides a more detailed catalog of the conquests east of the Jordan which the Lord accomplished for His people under Moses’ leadership (you might like to review Numbers 32). From the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, the lands east of the Jordan were given to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Many powerful peoples were defeated, and many great cities came into the possession of the people of Israel. More details on the subdividing of that territory will follow in chapter 13.

This is a significant portion of real estate, but it was not settled until after the rest of the land was subdued. We remember that these two-and-a-half tribes were required to lead the way in Israel’s campaigns against the Canaanites. They did so faithfully, honorably, and effectively. Their word was their bond, and the vision of those beautiful lands east of the Jordan supplied their motivation.

The emphasis on Moses being “the servant of the LORD” reminds those tribes – and all Israel – that what they had managed to achieve was only because of the Lord’s promise, presence, and power.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Comment on the role of vision in the conquest of Canaan. What vision motivated the people of Israel? How was that vision related to the promises of God?

2.  Do you think churches today use vision as effectively as they could? Explain. 

3.  What makes someone a “servant of the LORD”? Should all Christians regard themselves as servants of the Lord? Explain.

“This chapter does not need a lengthened exposition, as it only enumerates the kings of whose territories the Israelites gained possession. Two of them are beyond the Jordan, Og and Sihon, whose rule was extensive; in the land of Canaan there are thirty-one. But though each of those now summarily mentioned was previously given more in detail, there is very good reason for here placing before our eyes as it were a living picture of the goodness of God, proving that there had been a complete ratification and performance of the covenant made with Abraham as given in the words, ‘Unto thy seed will I give this land.’”John Calvin, Commentary on Joshua (1509-1564 AD)

I am Your servant, Lord, and today I will fulfill that calling by…

Pray Psalm 113.
Servants of the Lord praise Him and serve Him by being agents of His grace and truth to the world. Let this psalm guide you in thinking about the day ahead, as you prepare to serve the Lord in your Personal Mission Field.

Psalm 113 (Armageddon: Who is on the Lord’s Side?)
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, 
All who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame! 
From the time each morning
When the sun is raised
To its evening waning, let His Name be praised!
Refrain vv. 1, 2
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, all who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame!

High above the nations,
On Your glorious throne,
Who is like You, Savior, ruling all You own?
Sovereign and all-knowing,
Over all above,
Praise to You is owing for Your perfect love!
Refrain

Though You rule from heaven,
Looking down on earth,
Praise and thanks be given to Your holy worth!
Down You reach to touch us,
Clad in ash and dust,
Raising us with such as in Your favor trust.
Refrain

Seated now with princes
‘Round Your glorious throne,
We by grace are lifted to become Your own.
Barren women, joyous,
Glad their children bear;
Joining in the chorus, they Your praise declare.
Refrain

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).