March 26, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Joshua 12 - Joshua kept careful records of his conquests.  He lists 31 kings and cities that God allowed Israel to defeat.  It is always good to rehearse and remember the victories God has allowed.  As there was more land to conquer the people of Israel needed this list to encourage them to keep moving and keep fighting. 

Joshua 13 - This chapter reviews the allocation of land God allowed the children of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.  Something unpleasant to read here is in verse 13, "Nevertheless the children of Israel did not drive out" the inhabitants!  In other words, the Israelites didn't trust the Lord enough to give them total victory.

Joshua 14 - God had promised Caleb that he would be granted the land he inspected 40 years earlier when the twelve "spies" went in to scout out the land.  Caleb boldly tells Joshua to "...give me this mountain..." verse 12.  Caleb said that though he was 85 he still had the strength he had when he was 40!  He believed God's promises and he claimed them!

Joshua 15 - This chapter gives the details of the allotment of land given to Judah, the largest of all the tribes of Israel.  Notice how Caleb's daughter is as bold as her father when she said in verse 19, "...give me a blessing!"