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The Scriptorium

Judah and Joseph

The first allotments west of the Jordan are assigned.

Joshua 14-17 (7)

Read Joshua 14-17.

Reflect.
1.  The writer’s lengthy focus on the tribes of Judah and Joseph (his sons) suggests that these two tribes will feature large in Israel’s subsequent history, and they do. How can you see in this focus an indication of the work of the Holy Spirit inspiring this writing?

2.  The book of Joshua provides counsel for us in the work of sanctification – becoming more like Christ. How do these four chapters add to that counsel?

Think about it.
Several important themes are implicit in these chapters. First is the faithfulness of God. Just as God had promised, His people were able to drive out the Canaanites and gain possession of their cities and lands. The people should have learned that God’s Word is reliable, true, and unchanging. He is faithful.

Second, we learn that claiming the promises is hard work. Many small details and tasks would have been required for the families of Israel to move into new homes and begin making a living. God holds out precious and very great promises for us, that by gaining them we might become more like Jesus (2 Pet. 1.4; 2 Cor. 1.20); but we must work hard to realize those promises by concentrating on the work of sanctification (2 Pet. 3.18; Phil. 2.12).

Finally, and ominously, we see how easy it is to become complacent and content merely to have gained some of God’s promises, and to begin compromising on His commandments and making room for unbelief in our lives. Even the biggest, strongest tribes of Israel – Judah and the sons of Joseph – failed to eradicate pagan peoples from their midst, but made accommodation for them. This tendency to compromise would be Israel’s undoing.

These are three important lessons for us as God’s covenant people today. We need to reflect on them deeply.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  How have these chapters encouraged you to see more of God’s faithfulness in your own life?

2.  Are you gaining a better appreciation of the many daily details and tasks that go into the work of sanctification? Explain.

3.  What are you doing to guard yourself more diligently from compromising the Word of God in your walk with and work for Him?

“The reason, therefore, why they could not expel the inhabitants was, because they were not fully persuaded in their minds that God is true, and stifled his agency by their own sluggishness.” John Calvin, Commentary on Joshua (1509-1564 AD)

O God, thank You for being so faithful! Help me also to be faithful as I…

Pray Psalm 103.1-14.

Celebrate the faithfulness of God as you pray, both as you see it in Scripture and as you experience it in your own life. Ask Him to show you more evidence of His faithfulness throughout the day ahead.

Psalm 103.1-14 (Old 100th: All Creatures That on Earth Do Dwell)
O my soul, bless the Lord’s great Name!  His many benefits proclaim:
He pardons sins and heals disease, and from the pit grants us release.

With mercy rich and steadfast love He satisfies us from above,
Revives our youth, works righteousness, and justice serves for the oppressed.

His ways to Moses He made known; to Israel His great works were shown.
The Lord is full of mercy sweet, and with His favor does us meet.

To anger He but slowly goes; abounding love to us He shows.
He will not always scold nor chide; His anger will not e’er abide.

Our sins He casts from us away; He shows compassion every day.
He knows our frame, that we are dust, so on His goodness let us trust.

T. M. Moore

The seven lessons in this week’s study in the book of Joshua, and all previous weeks, are available as free downloads by clicking here.

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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 hereAnd 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).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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