RPG Adults
THE MOVE TO SHILOH AND THE NEW APPROACH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Joshua 18:1-10
Acts 4:34-37
“Neither was there any among
them that lacked…”
THE MOVE TO SHILOH AND THE NEW APPROACH
Everybody looked to Joshua as their national leader and all the people were ready to obey what he said. He instructed each of the tribes to choose three men. This was an exercise to ensure that everything was done justly and openly for all tribes. He assigned those men to go throughout all the remaining land that had to be subdivided.
They were to demarcate the land and give a description of each portion and return to Joshua with their report. This survey would divide the land into seven parts. When Joshua had received their reports, he then cast lots to determine the land that each of the tribes would be allocated. They were charged not to touch the boundaries of the tribes that had already received their inheritance. The settlement of all tribes was an urgent task that was before Joshua, and he needed to get things moving. All the other tribes including those that had received inheritance east of Jordan were held up in the camp at Shiloh. It was their duty to hold together until all the tribes were settled.
The spirit of unity that they demonstrated was a contrast to their constant murmuring in the wilderness under Moses. They knew that they were responsible for obeying God and Joshua until their aim was achieved. It was God who promised to give Israel the land, and Joshua was given the duty to fulfil that promise.
It was an uphill task for Joshua to fulfil all that God had commanded. It is not indicated how he was able to accomplish so much without modern methods of keeping records. Much was done by word of mouth, and there was mutual trust among them. Joshua was able to write, a skill that came from God. It served its purpose, and Joshua’s writings were retained as the Word of God.
THOUGHT: God uses His servants as vessels to fulfil His purposes.
PRAYER: Father, Thy purposes will surely come to pass. Give me an obedient heart.