Joshua 1-5
Themes I picked up in these chapters:
(1) The elevation of Joshua as leader. How odd it must have been for Israel to even think about going anywhere without Moses! But he was gone and the mantle fell on the shoulders of Joshua. The "pep talk" in chapter one where God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous repeatedly tells me that Joshua had a little struggle with doubt. The people wanted Moses, and Joshua probably wanted Moses as well, but there was no Moses. In 4:14 we finally see that Joshua was elevated to "Moses" status among the Israelites. In fact, Joshua probably had less open rebellion and grumbling to deal with than his predecessor.
(2) The careful leading by God of the Israelites. Everything was laid out, step by step. Each step was to be an obedient one. Everything was to be done a certain way so that all would benefit. It was and they did.
After staying 1000 yards away from the Ark at all times, I wonder how the people felt when they had to pass by it while walking across the dry bottom of the flood-stage Jordan.
(3) The establishment of an ebenezer. God wanted a memorial set up so that the people would never forget what had happened. Twelve stones, one for each tribe, were pulled from the dry river bed and were set up at Gilgal to serve as a reminder and a teaching tool.
What kind of ebenezers do we set up today? Are they remembrances of God or of man? Many churches have inscribed plaques honoring past members. What do we have to honor God in the same way?
Another reminder was the renewal of the call to circumcision in chapter 5. You wouldn't think that the best way to prepare for battle would be cutting in private areas, but God had a purpose. Over and over again we are reminded of God's love and His activity. God wanted to make sure we (they) didn't forget. Of course, they did forget...
And what about Rahab and those spies. Here is a woman who had her prayer for deliverance answered unexpectedly. I wonder how much of the Jericho wall was left standing for Rahab's "house in the wall" to remain intact with her whole family inside.
(1) The elevation of Joshua as leader. How odd it must have been for Israel to even think about going anywhere without Moses! But he was gone and the mantle fell on the shoulders of Joshua. The "pep talk" in chapter one where God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous repeatedly tells me that Joshua had a little struggle with doubt. The people wanted Moses, and Joshua probably wanted Moses as well, but there was no Moses. In 4:14 we finally see that Joshua was elevated to "Moses" status among the Israelites. In fact, Joshua probably had less open rebellion and grumbling to deal with than his predecessor.
(2) The careful leading by God of the Israelites. Everything was laid out, step by step. Each step was to be an obedient one. Everything was to be done a certain way so that all would benefit. It was and they did.
After staying 1000 yards away from the Ark at all times, I wonder how the people felt when they had to pass by it while walking across the dry bottom of the flood-stage Jordan.
(3) The establishment of an ebenezer. God wanted a memorial set up so that the people would never forget what had happened. Twelve stones, one for each tribe, were pulled from the dry river bed and were set up at Gilgal to serve as a reminder and a teaching tool.
What kind of ebenezers do we set up today? Are they remembrances of God or of man? Many churches have inscribed plaques honoring past members. What do we have to honor God in the same way?
Another reminder was the renewal of the call to circumcision in chapter 5. You wouldn't think that the best way to prepare for battle would be cutting in private areas, but God had a purpose. Over and over again we are reminded of God's love and His activity. God wanted to make sure we (they) didn't forget. Of course, they did forget...
And what about Rahab and those spies. Here is a woman who had her prayer for deliverance answered unexpectedly. I wonder how much of the Jericho wall was left standing for Rahab's "house in the wall" to remain intact with her whole family inside.
posted by rev-ed @ 3:16 PM
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