Joshua 14-17 (2)

Read Joshua 15.1-12.

Reflect.
1.  How many different geological features can you identify as markers for the borders of Judah? Why is this a good way to establish borders?

2.  Judah was not first in birth order among the tribes remaining on the west side of the Jordan. Simeon held that distinction. They were, however, the most numerous of the tribes (cf. Num. 26. 22). Why did it make sense to deal with their allotment first? 

Think about it.
The focus is on the tribe of Judah, a focus which began in the last chapter with Caleb’s inheritance, and which will conclude in this chapter with more detail about Caleb, followed by a detailed catalog of the cities taken by the tribe of Judah.

Judah’s is geographically the largest parcel on the west side of the Jordan, probably because theirs was the largest tribe numerically. The practice of fixing borders by geological markers is common sense. Towns and cities in those days came and went, or sometimes changed names. Using towns or cities as the primary markers for a border would have invited future disputes. Fixed geological points are more reliable and less changeable. The spiritual point is clear: Set your spiritual and moral parameters on fixed and unchanging points of reference, as in the Word and promises of God, and not in the changeable schemes of men.

This lengthy report on Judah and Caleb sets the stage for the emergence of David and the Judaic dynasty which descended from him. We’re not sure when the book of Joshua was written, or by whom; but we know the Spirit of God superintended the writing, and He uses these two chapters to emphasize the primacy of Judah in securing the promises of God. Would that have made David’s ascendancy easier? Perhaps. But the significance is larger still: What the tribe of Judah began, Jesus would finish, albeit with a different kind of victory.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Good borders were established by fixed entities – like mountains, lakes, and rivers – rather than fleeting entities like towns. How should you apply the spiritual principle hinted at here?

2.  Why did the tribes of Israel need borders? Why couldn’t they just all move about the land as they saw fit? Why was it important to God to keep, as much as possible, the tribal identities intact? 

3.  All these lands, together with the cities to be named at the end of the chapter, were assigned to Judah. But they were not all yet in Judah’s hands. Judah’s vision of what God had promised was becoming clearer, but there was still a lot of work to do. In some ways, this is a lot like our own experience with the promises of God. Explain.

“‘And the borders,’ it says, ‘are all the way to Kadesh.’ Kadesh means ‘holy’ or ‘sanctification.’ Therefore, the borders of Judah reach all the way to sanctification.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

Lord, You promise that You are at work in me, to will and do of Your good pleasure; but I must be at work, too, by…

Pray Psalm 26.
As the Lord examines you, listen for any areas where you need to work harder at your salvation, and seek mercy and grace to help you in this.

Psalm 26 (Aberystwyth: Jesus, Lover of My Soul)
Vindicate me, Lord on high; I have walked within Your Word. 
Never wav’ring, though I sigh, I have trusted You, O Lord! 
Prove me, Lord, prove even me! Test my heart and try my mind. 
Let Your steadfast mercy be in the path for me to find. 

Men of falsehood will not sit in my presence, nor will I 
suffer any hypocrite to find favor in my eye. 
All the wicked I abhor; ‘round Your altar let me stand, 
loudly singing evermore of Your gracious, mighty hand. 

Lord, I love Your dwelling-place, there where all Your glory shines, 
Keep my soul before Your face, lest for sinful ways it pine. 
As for me, in righteousness, I shall walk on level ground; 
Save me, Lord, renew and bless! Let me with Your Church be found!

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here. And when you order, we’ll send you a free copy of Bricks and Rungs: Poems on Calling.

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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).