><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 18-19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) With 18:3, cf Heb 4:1. What attitude is Joshua's pointed question designed to correct? See Heb 6:11,12. 2) What evidence do you find in these chapters that God's promised blessings in Christ, though ours already by God's gift, are claimed and experienced only through the fight of faith, resolute action, and steady progress? Cf 2 Pet 1:4-11;1Tim 4:13-16. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 18-19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- J. rebuked the Israelites for procrastination/laziness. It is a sober reminder to me. One of my watch verses is Eph. 5:15-16, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Although God had given them the land, it was the Israelites responsibility to take possession of it, appointing men from each tribe,etc., We also need to develop and take hold of what God has blessed us with. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 18 and 19 The Second Settlement Done at Shiloh for the Rest of the 7 Tribes Among these remaining 7 tribes, each one sent 3 surveyors to conduct a reconnaissance and prepared an allotment description for their territories. Thus concluded the subdivision of the promised land. Among them, there are two tribes, Manasseh and Dan, who lived in separate geographic locations. Manasseh had a numerous people and they lived both east and west sides of the Jordan River, 17:15-16. Did you notice that J. took the leftover portion of a small piece for his tribe, Dan, among Philistines . In that area he built a city for himself, Timnath-serah 19:50. It ended up that the territory was impossible to conquer and they did not want to fight against them and "migrated" to the extremely north end of Palestine, a city called Leshem. Later they changed the name of place as Dan. Praise God! This is the way that spiritual leaders are treating themselves. God would honor you, if you have this qualification. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joshua asked how long the people would put off entering the promised land. Heb 4:1 tells us: 1 Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. Heb 6:11,12 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. May each of us take the lesson not to be sluggish or let time slip by being occupied by trivial things, but may each one of us be about our Father's business looking to enter into that rest He has promised us. 2) After reading all these section during the past week, we see that although God promises us things, it is up to us to take action to secure His promise. God many times allows situations or things to be the vehicle for delivering the promise to us. We must accept in faith the means through which God has appointed for us to obtain His promise. 2Peter 1:4-11 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 ¶ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 1Tim 4:13-16 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 20-21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Check the facts. Using a map, find the cities of refuge. In whose area were they, and in what types of territory? Why were they established? And who became responsible for them? WHy were the Levites given property? What type of property was it? Who provided it and on what plan? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 20-21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The cities of refuge were in easily accessible locations - at the southern, middle and northern, east and west of the Jordan River. As we read before, cities of refuge were for those who killed someone unintentionally. The Bible shows extremely advanced systems of law & justice, medicine and government. It certainly reveals the wisdom of God. The Levites were finally receiving towns and pastureland that they were promised through Moses, Each of the 12 tribes contributed land to the clans of the Levites. Although they had not taken over all the land yet, they were now firmly established in the promised land. v44, "The Lord gave rest on every side..." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 20 and 21 Cities of Refuge Anyone accused of murder would be protected until trial. The victims avenging relatives could not touch him (Num. 35:12). When a murder comes to a city of refuge, the elders at the city gate shall hear his case first and receive him for further trial. A murder conviction had to be established. If found innocent, the accused could remain there safely until death of the high priest. Then, he would be permitted to return to his home. [The Quest Study Bible] Psalm 91:9-11 "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Towns for the Levites The Levites were set apart for priestly service; their portion was to be God Himself (Num.18:20). However, God provided 48 cities throughout Palestine for Levites. Levi's portion went to two sons of Joseph - Manasseh and Ephraim (Joshua 14:3,4); Joseph was double blessed as a first born. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The cities of refuge were located 3 on each side of the Jordan. They were in hill countries. They were in Naphtali, Ephraim, Judah, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh's lands. These were cities that those who committed an unpremeditated murder could flee to for asylum. The Levites were given property because Moses had commanded it. They were given pastures and cities within the tribes. Each tribe gave up a portion for the Levites. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was Joshua able to commend in the conduct of these tribes? What charge did he give them? With verse 5, cf 1:8 2) What roused the remaining tribes to anger? Was their anger justified? (for background to the references in v17, see num 25:1-9) What warning can we take from this incident? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- J. praised the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for their faithfulness in obedience. However, he warned them to keep the commandment and laws given by Moses. Interesting that in the ancient Near East, "love" had another political definition of loyalty to one's king (NIV Study Bible). The other tribes were fearful due to past sins of Achan, and worshipping of Baal of Peor. The entire community was punished for Achan's sins. I suppose the warning is to make your intentions clear in the church, when you set out on projects, etc., -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 22 God, the Lord, The Mighty One THE MIGHTY ONE "The Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows, and may Israel itself know. If it was in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the Lord do not Thou save us this day!" 22:22. God is infinite in His Power - the Mighty One, Omnipotent; God is infinite in His Being, He is everywhere, Omnipresent; God is infinite in His Wisdom, He knows the past and future, Omniscient. In this case, they were saying that if we did wrongly, God would kill us. WITNESS "And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; 'For,' they said, 'it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.'" 22:34. I used to behave the way that doing things without giving explanations to others of why I did them a certain way; and thinking God knew what I did and that would be enough. Now, for certain things, I do let others know (in an indirect way) why I did it that way to save the confusion and misunderstanding. CLARIFICATION is also serving as a witness to others. This chapter gives me, somehow, an in-sight understanding that silent does not necessarily mean more spiritual. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joshua was able to commend the obedience of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. These 2-1/2 tribes were commended for following through on their military obligations to help their brethren while forsaking their families back in the land given them to possess. The charge given them is found in verse 5 5 "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." We too could take this charge to heart. We also could follow the example here of assisting our brothers and sisters in areas of warfare where we can help. 2) The remaining tribes were angered when the 2-1/2 built an altar on the West side of the Jordan. Their anger was somewhat justified, but thankfully, Phinehas again stood up for the right thing and peace. He had previously done so in Num 25:1-9. The warning we may take from this incident is to not look lightly on actions we take. The 2-1/2 innocently built the altar, and that angered the other tribes. Sometimes actions we take cause others to become angry. We should try to step back and evaluate if our actions might cause another to be upset and be conscious of this. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Verses 1-13. To whom was Joshua speaking on this occasion? ON what conditions does the fulfilment in v5 depend? 2) How is the faithfulness of God shwon in this chapter? Cf the similar statements in 21:43-45 and 1Sam 7:12. Can you endorse these? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua's Farewell Speech was directed to the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel. He told them to be VERY strong, obey carefully, and not associate with remaining nations, serve or bow down to them. He highlights the Lord's faithfulness and victories. The character of God that comes out through his words, to me, are that God loves us intensely, fully. He expects the same of us. He is a jealous God. Obedience will yield full blessings, disobedience - destruction. May all His loving promises be fulfilled for us as we seek to obey His commands. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 23 Farewell Address to the Leaders 23:2 "that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and their heads and their judges and their officers and said to them ---" 24:2 "And Joshua said to all the people, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ---" These two verses indicate that Chapter 23 was addressed to the leaders and 24 to all the people. 23:3 addressed God's goodness - "And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the Lord your God is He who has been fighting for you." Verses 23:11 to 13 are the warning statements concerning disobedience. 23:7 "….. YOU MAY NOT ASSOCIATE WITH THESE NATIONS, ----, OR MENTION THE NAME OF THEIR GODS.---" The chapter sets the guidelines for the leaders to lead their groups. Why Would Israelites Be Tempted by Other gods? Idols were physical objects that could be seen, Lev. 26:1 Idols could be carried and controlled and confined; God "was" an awesome and mysterious God who "could" not be manipulated by his people. He "moved" when and where He wanted. Some foreign gods were believed to give fertility to the womb and involved prostitution, I Kings 14:24, and other sexually immoral practices. These are pleasurable activities. Idol worship was a cultural norm; it is easier to join in local customs than go against them. [The Quest Study Bible] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter begins Joshua's farewell address. He is addressing the Elders and leaders of the people. He has become 'advanced in years'. Age is not something we often describe as advanced. This tone gives a sense of expertise gained. Joshua was an expert leader who was about to pass on and was trying to bestow the last insights to the people. v5 5 "The LORD your God, He will thrust them out from before you and drive them from before you; and you will possess their land, just as the LORD your God promised you. This verse is completely dependent upon the people's obedience - v8 8 "But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. 2) The faithfulness of God is demonstrated in His actions towards the people. In driving out enemies and paving the way for them. Josh 21:43-45 43 ¶ So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. 45 Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. Josh 23:11 11 So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God. May each of us cling to the Lord and not turn back to the 'nations' of the world, but take diligent heed to love the Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER 24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Note the place chosen by Joshua for this occasion. Cf Gen 12:6,7; 18,19; Jos 8:32-35; Acts 7:16. In what other ways did he seek to make this as impressive and memorable an event as possible? Consider verses 2-13;14,15;19,20;22,23;25-28. 2) What evidence is there in this chapter, despite all that God had done, of the superficiality and instability of the Israelites' religious life? Cf Hos 6:4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Joshua) Chapter 24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Shechem, where God promised A. that his offspring would inherit Canaan, was the location of J.'s speech. Abram had also built an altar to the Lord here. J. gave a historical account of past leaders and victories. He then gave them a choice to serve or not serve the Lord, saying, v15, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." He goes on to say the famous quote, on plaques in many Christian homes, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." The format of the speech is fascinating, v 2-13 are the Lord's direct words given through J., then in v 14-15 J. speaks his own mind. J. doubted the people's response to serve the Lord, and reminded them of God's nature, v19... - "He is a holy God; He is a jealous God...If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you...after He has been good to you." They had a bad record, so J. further impressed the significance of their decision on them. Finally, Joseph's bones are brought up from Egypt and buried at Shechem. Joseph's dying wish is finally fulfilled. Praise be to God - in His time, He established the Israelites in the promised land! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua 24 - Farewell Address to All Israelites The reason God called Abraham out of Ur was because nobody on the earth was worshiping God; peoples worshiped other gods (24:2b). In chapter 24, God told Israelites how they were brought out of Egypt how did He bring them out to Canaana. "So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant." 24:13. As we compare Joshua and Judges, we would have some idea how Israelites "wetness against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord", 24:22: Joshua Judges Were victorious Lived in defeat Were at rest and liberty Were in bondage Believed God Exhibited unbelief Advanced Slipped Were heavenly-minded Were earthly-minded Were true to God Turned to the god Baal Enjoyed God's blessings Experienced grief Were empowered by God Weakened by the flesh Had oneness with God Were at enmity with God Would not tolerate sin Condoned sin [World's Bible Handbook] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Shechem was the location for Joshua's final address. It was the same place where the Lord had promised Abraham that his descendants would possess. This was an historic occasion as Joshua commissioned the people to follow God. 2) This chapter shows the beginning of the wavering of the Israelites. This is the precursor to the book of Judges where Israel continues to struggle with turning from the Lord their God and serving the Baals and the Asheroths. Joshua's need to give them the charge of v14,15 14 "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 ¶ "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." We too must choose whom we will serve. What is our choice today? We must ask ourselves this question every new day. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Joshua) CHAPTER Revision ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) By Looking through the book of Joshua as a whole, clarify the outline of events in your mind. 2) What encouragements and warnings have you gained? What does the book teach of a) the character of God, and b) His purposes for His people? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Joshua) Chapter Revision =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The theme of Joshua could be called Victory through Joshua parallels Victory in Jesus! The name Joshua means "The Lord Saves," and Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. Main ideas: Military victory through God - Be Strong and Courageous Rest - The land had rest from war through Joshua's leadership, Jesus gives eternal rest Decision to follow the Lord - As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord Joshua reveals God's nature in the speech at Shechem. v19-20, "Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; He is a jealous God...If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and make and end of you, after He has been good to you." A JEALOUS GOD. We must worship Him and Him alone. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Joshua Review In the first chapter, the repeating statement is "Be strong and courageous". We may be able to observe the importance by reviewing the disciples experience with Jesus when He was arrested and Peter's denial of the Lord. When they went to Gethsemane to pray and the armed crowd, sent by chief priests, came to arrest Jesus, one of the disciples cut the ear of a "soldier". At this time all the disciples were "strong and courageous" because they were on their base - the place of prayer. However, when Peter went to the courtyard of the high priest, he lost his courage and denied the Lord three time. At this time Peter lost his courage and was afraid of death. With this background, it gives us clear understanding why we need to be strong and courageous and what does it mean to be strong and courageous. The book concluded with a often coded phase that "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." 24:15. With that in mind, we sing our praise "Who Is on the Lord's Side?" to close the Book of Joshua. The original title of this song was "Home Missions". I call it "Warrior Psalm". The writer, Frances R. Havergal lived a short life of only 43 years with constant serious sickness throughout her life. A physically very weak sister wrote such a courageous song! Praise to the Lord. 1. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, Other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go? By Thy call of mercy, By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side - Savior we are Thine! 2. Not for weight of glory, Not for crown and palm, Enter we the army, Raise the WARRIOR-PSALM; But for love that claimeth Lives for whom He died: He whom Jesus nameth Must be on His side. By Thy love CONSTRAINING By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side - Savior, we are Thine! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The book of Joshua is one of Vicotory. The book shows the life of a leader. From initially leading his people to helping his people to take the promised land in conquest and shows the progression of the life of a leader and his retirement. Joshua had a lot of great expectations to fill and big shoes he was stepping into to fill. The people had just been lead by Moses, a great leader and were now expecting someone with as much leadership skill to take charge. Enter Joshua. His first tasking was to organize the people and prepare them for battle. His first exhortation was a powerful one: Josh 1:6-7 6 "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 2) The book of Joshua teaches us about following and obeying the Lord. 14 "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 ¶ "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." In the New Testament we are told in 1 John 2:3-6 3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. May we come to know and obey God more and more each day.