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THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Joshua 15:1-20

Numbers 26:20-22

 

“…the families of Judah according to

those that were numbered of them…”

 

THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH
 
As Joshua continued to allocate the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel, God gave him direction in every detail. The text describes the boundaries of the tribe of Judah in all the four winds of the earth. Judah and Ephraim were given the priority of the land division because God bestowed the right of that place to them. Joshua came from the tribe of Ephraim which was of the house of Joseph, while Caleb came from the house of Judah. They were the only leaders who followed God faithfully since they came out of Egypt. The narrative and listing of the places given to Judah were shown in great detail.
 
The text gives a list and description of these places. These may not carry much meaning to readers today and may even seem to be of little spiritual value. However, as much as it is part of Scripture, it has great importance and is profitable for our learning. The names of the tribes of Israel are not new at this point. The continuation of the narrative shows that God takes interest even in small matters because they authenticate His sovereignty. More so, they show His faithfulness because when He made the promises, He included all the finer details. These were written to authenticate that fact. The land that was allocated to Caleb was a tiny portion compared to the whole land, just as Caleb was one individual compared to the multitude of Israel. However, God’s attention to him and his welfare illustrates how He deals with His children. He gives attention to everyone individually.
 
The southern border is described in the first three verses in detail. The names of places are given in a surveyor’s language. This was necessary because the tribe of Judah was numbered and every family had to be allocated a particular territory. God gave equal rights to all to be allocated a portion. Each tribe or family was contented with its portion. The tribe of Judah took the lead in receiving the part allocated; God had good reason for giving them that priority.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Matthew 10:30.)
PRAYER: Father, may I give attention to every detail in my service unto Thee.

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