March 29, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Joshua 22 - You may remember that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had requested that their possession of land would be on the eastern side of the Jordan River.  Moses agreed to this as long as they committed themselves to crossing the Jordan with the rest of the Israelites and fighting with them so they could take possession of the land given to them.  Now, their responsibilities have been fulfilled and they request to be given permission to return to their own new land.  Joshua agrees that they did what they were suppose to do and he let them return.  However, when they got to the Jordan they made an altar like the one in Jerusalem.  This caused alarm to the rest of the Israelites.  Why?  I think you'll understand as you read.

Joshua 23 - Joshua gives his final message and report to Israel.  Though he could have spoken more extensively of what he accomplished for the nation, he gave God the glory for fulfilling all His promises to these people.  However, Joshua reminds Israel that they are prone to get into trouble and he warns them of God's anger if they disobey Him.

Joshua 24 - Joshua reviews Israel's history and then he gives them a challenge.  Who are they going to serve?  Will they serve God or will they serve the idols of the nations that had lived in Canaan?  Joshua declares in verse 15 his own absolute commitment, "...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."