RPG Adults
JOSHUA SET TO ENTER CANAAN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
Joshua 1:10-18
Psalm 16
“The LORD is the portion
of mine inheritance…”
JOSHUA SET TO ENTER CANAAN
After the commissioning of Joshua, he was set to enter Canaan as the leader of Israel. He began his work proper in commanding the tribes west of Jordan. Those who had settled in the east of Jordan were also required to fulfil their promise to Moses to help their brethren to settle in Canaan. All of them were in one accord and they obeyed Joshua. Thus they were set to occupy that land that they had waited to enter for a long time. God was now bringing His promise to pass. Joshua was instrumental in the fulfilment of this long-awaited hope of the nation. His trust was unfailing.
Joshua Commanded the Tribes: These were the tribes that were designated to occupy the land of Canaan proper. There were now eight-and-a-half tribes because the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had been given land east of Jordan. Also, the tribe of Levi was not going to have any inheritance, but was to be given forty-eight cities within the portions of all the tribes. It was three days before they were to cross River Jordan, and Joshua commanded the officers of the people to announce to the people to be ready. That call was actually a declaration of war against the Canaanites. Israel knew that the occupation of the land would not come on a silver platter.
During the exodus under Moses, Israel had to fight the Amalekites and also the kings of the Amorites. They won, and the land was given to the two-and-a-half tribes. In addition to arming themselves, they were to prepare necessary supplies for their children and wives, as well as for their livestock. Under Moses, Israel had established a functional chain of command through the advice of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law (Exod 18). The command of Joshua was easily carried out through that established system. They were going to cross River Jordan to possess the land that God had given them. The presence of God among them was still evident. Since they had not completed their journey, God still continued to guide them in their movement.
THOUGHT: A leader whom God appoints is filled with the Spirit.
PRAYER: Father, may I persevere in my service for Thee.