Day #85

Sermon - Audio
Joshua 12-15 - Audio
Joshua 12-15 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

Chapter 12

12.1-5: The chapter begins with the work of Moses, it moves into the work of Joshua.

12.6: Moses is continually called God's servant. It is a title of honor.

12:7-8. geographical area. This list of conquered territory west of the Jordan River is a repetition of Joshua 11:16–17. Such repetition further strengthens the Israelite claim on the land, based on the covenant of Genesis 15:19–21, and provides the basis for its distribution to the tribes. IVP Old Testament Background Commentary

The Map below allows us to see the area captured from the different kings. God begins the conquest buy defeating the enemies of Israel, the conquest continues as Israel shows their faithfulness to God by taking on the people of the land.

Chapter 13

We hear of the lands yet to be conquered. But before they are conquered they are already given as an inheritance to the different tribes. God's promise is sure even if there are still enemies living in the land. The following chapter of allotting the land seem tedious to many of us. It helps to hear the allotment in two important ways. First, this is an inheritance from God himself, such is a moment of great excitement. Second, this is the land the people will use to uncover the riches of God's creation to bring glory to him. When we keep these things in mind it is easy to see why so much time is spent on the allotment of the land.

13.3: The Philistines are a rather advanced people who came to the area from Greece. They will be a constant enemy of Israel.

13.6: God's good promise to drive the people out of the land.

The division of the Land--notice where the tribe Dan is located, it was their task to drive out the Philistines. We see their encounter with the Philistines in the book of Judges (Samson), but they are not able to prevail. Eventually Dan moves to the northern part of Israel. It is a bad choice to leave behind God's given inheritance since their new place put them in the place where invading armies first came.

13.14,33: Again we hear that that the Levites have no inheritance. It in interesting to note that one of the reasons pastors were given parsonages by some denominations was, in part, this idea that religious leaders have no physical inheritance.

13.22: Balaam is mentioned again. His role in causing Israel pain and possible alienation from God is not readily forgotten.

13.27 The "Sea of Chinnereth" is another name for the Sea of Galilee. The Chinnereth was a harp like instrument and the sea was shaped like the instrument.

Chapters 13-19 belong to the genre of the historical chronicle. Although there is an underlying story line (as we picture Joshua parceling out plots of land day after day) and interspersed narrative sections, the bulk of the space is devoted to lists and data regarding real estate. A good way to relive these chapters is to imagine yourself present at the events as an interested party, wondering what land your tribe or family would be allotted and experiencing the excitement of surveying your piece of land for the first time. Things to note include these: (1) the heroic example of Caleb, still going strong at the age of eighty-five (14:6–15); (2) the picture of a well-ordered state, serving the interests of its citizens and deserving of respect from them; (3) the importance of a strong leader (Joshua) to preserve order in society; (4) evidences that the civil operations that we observe are at the same time religious events—outworkings of God’s covenant dealings with his people and means through which the people are beneficiaries of God’s generosity to them; (5) in keeping with that, hints that the principle of inheritance of the land within a family is of vital importance to the covenant people of God." ESV Literary Bible

14.2: The book of Proverbs reminds us that man throw the lot, but its outcome is in God's hand. Proverbs 16.33

14.5: This verse reflects an obedient people--a wonderful thing that will crumble in the Book of Judges.

14.14: We are reminded of the blessings of obedience.

15.17: We will find Othniel in the book of Judges as well. He is one who will rescue the people of Israel.

15.45-47: These are the areas of the Philistines.

15.62: En-Gedi is an area of beautiful springs by the Dead Sea. It is in this area that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

15.63: The inability to take Jerusalem foreshadows the struggles of the book of Judges and tells us that in the midst of a very positive picture, all is not well.