J O S H U A , J U D G E S A N D

R U T H

A Devotional Look at Israel's Conquest of Canaan

and Leadership Under Her Judges

F. Wayne Mac Leod

Light To My Path Book Distribution

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written

permission of the author.

All Scripture, unless otherwise specified are taken from the New International Version of the Bible

A special thank you to the proof readers without whom this book would be much harder to read:

Diane Mac Leod, Lee Tuson

CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
Preface to Joshua
Introduction to Joshua
- Joshua's Call
- Rahab and the Spies
- Crossing the Jordan
- Memorials
- Preparations
- Jericho
- Achan's Sin
- The Defeat of Ai
- The Gibeonites
- Gibeon's Request
- Canaan is Conquered
- Conquered and Divided
- Caleb's Request
- The Allotment of Land  to Judah, Manasseh and Ephraim
- The Allotment of the Last Seven Tribes
- Special Cities
- Misunderstandings

- Joshua's Words to the Nation
- The Covenant at Shechem
Preface to Judges
Introduction to Judges
- Enemies in the Land
- Israel is Tested
- Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar
- Deborah
- Gideon's Call to Ministry
- Gideon Defeats the Midianites
- Gideon Dies
- Abimelech
- Tola, Jair and Jephthah
- Ibzan, Elon, Abdon and Samson
- Samson's Riddle
- Three Hundred Foxes and a Donkey's Jaw Bone
- Samson's Final Victory
- Dan and the Idols of Micah
- The Horribleness of Sin
- Reconciliation with Benjamin
Preface to Ruth
Introduction to Ruth
- Naomi's Grief
- Boaz
- Naomi's Plan
- Naomi's Shame is Removed
About The Author

PREFACE TO JOSHUA

he book of Joshua records the conquest of the Promised Land

under the capable leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses.

Unlike Moses, Joshua was a military leader. He was God’s man for

the time. Through him, all the land west of the Jordan River would be

brought under Israel’s control.

It is interesting to note that, while Joshua was a military commander, his

strength and success were in his obedience to the Lord God. This becomes

powerfully evident on several occasions. We see what happens when Achan

disobeys the Lord and risks the lives of many men in Joshua’s army in the

city of Ai. Jericho’s walls fell, not by military might but by a simple act of

obedience to God.

Joshua is an inspiring story of what is possible when we put God first and

walk in His ways. Joshua saw God do the impossible as he stepped out in

faithful obedience to His commands. God is looking for people like Joshua

in our day, people who understand that victory is not in human strength and

wisdom but in simple obedience.

As you read this book be inspired by the power of God that moves in and

through Joshua. Be encouraged in the fact that God keeps His promises.

Watch what happens when Israel fails to obey God. The book of Joshua is a

reminder to us of what the Lord God wants to do today. He is building His

kingdom, pulling down the strongholds of the enemy through simple people

like you and me who chose to follow Him and walk in obedience to His call

and leading.

May the Lord be pleased to use this commentary to inspire the reader to

step out more boldly in faithful obedience to the Lord God and His call.

F. Wayne Mac Leod

INTRODUCTION TO

JOSHUA

Author:

here is no indication in the book of Joshua as to its author. We do

have a brief record in Joshua 24:25 about him drawing up a

covenant at Shechem and recording this in the Book of the Law of

God:

(25) On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and

there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. (26)

And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of

God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the

oak near the holy place of the LORD.

This passage, however, seems to refer to a particular covenant that Joshua

wrote and not necessarily to the entire book. Traditionally, Joshua is given

credit for its authorship. For the most part, however, the book seems to be

written about Joshua and does not read as if Joshua were writing the events

about himself.

Background:

Joshua was the son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim. He was likely born in

Egypt during the time of captivity. In Numbers 13:16 we read that his name

was Hoshea but Moses changed it to Joshua, meaning, “Jehovah is help” or

“Jehovah is Saviour”. Joshua served with Moses as a military commander

(see Exodus 17:8-16). He went part way up Mount Sinai when Moses

brought down the tablets containing the Ten Commandments (Exodus

32:17). He was one of the twelve spies Moses sent into the land of Canaan

in Numbers 13:16-17. He, along with Caleb, believed the Lord would give

them victory over the stronger Canaanites. For their faith, they were

permitted to enter the Promised Land when all the other Israelites their age

perished in the wilderness for unbelief. At the time of his death, Moses

commissioned Joshua to lead Israel into the land of Canaan. Joshua is

distinguished primarily as the military commander who helped Israel

conquer the land of Canaan. He was also an able administrator who saw

that each tribe was given its plot of land. Joshua’s spiritual leadership is

also evident in the closing chapters of the book as he challenges his people

to walk faithfully with the Lord their God in the land He was giving them.

Importance Of The Books For Today:

The book of Joshua is important historically because of what it teaches us

about how God gave the land of Canaan to Israel. It records the details of

the conquest of the land under the leadership of Joshua.

Beyond the historical value of the book we see its tremendous spiritual

significance. The book has a number of lessons to teach us as believers

today. The name “Joshua” is the Hebrew form of “Jesus” in Greek. He

bears the same name as the Lord Jesus and is seen in many ways as a

prophetic picture of Christ. His name means “Jehovah our Saviour.” He led

his people victoriously into the Promised Land. This is what the Lord Jesus

came to do. Joshua’s life and ministry looks forward to an even greater

deliverance and inheritance that would come through the Lord Jesus. The

writer to the Hebrews wrote about this in Hebrews 4:8-10 when he said:

(8) For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have

spoken later about another day. (9) There remains, then, a

Sabbath-rest for the people of God; (10) for anyone who enters

God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from

his.

There are many practical encouragements in the book of Joshua for us

today. We see how God was so willing to give His people victory over their

enemies. We see how He led His people into those victories. We also see

what happens when God’s people did not consult Him. Despite their

failures, God still accomplished His purpose. We find strength and comfort

in the examples in this book.

Joshua reminds us that victory comes through obedience to the Lord God

and His Word. In his final challenge to Israel, Joshua called for them to

make a decision. They were either to serve the Lord and walk in His ways

or turn from Him and follow the gods of the nations around them. He warns

them, however, that their future as a nation depended in the decision they

made. If they sought God and His ways, they would prosper in the land He

had promised them. If they turned from him they would lose everything.

The book teaches us some important lessons about working together as

believers. God’s people were deceived by their neighbours into making a

treaty of peace. They jumped to conclusions and almost engaged in civil

war with their brothers. What is exciting about this book is how Joshua and

his leaders worked out these issues. No battle will come without its

conflicts. Joshua, however, gives us insight into how to deal with those

conflicts when they arise.

1 - JOSHUA'S CALL

Read Joshua 1:1-18

nder Moses' capable leadership, the people of Israel were

established as a nation under God. He delivered them from the

bondage of Egypt, instructed them in God’s laws and led them

through the wilderness to the door of the Promised Land. Before he died,

Moses commissioned a man by the name of Joshua to take his place as the

next leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 3:28).

Joshua's role as leader of God's people would be very different from the

leadership of Moses. Moses was a priest and prophet. Joshua would be a

military commander. Different times demanded different leadership.

There would be an adjustment for God's people as they learned to deal with

a new leadership style and vision. Joshua would not have taken his calling

lightly. I am sure he felt somewhat unworthy of following in the footsteps

of such a powerful leader. God's purpose for his life was very evident,

however, and Joshua willingly accepted God's will.

As we begin, in verse 2, God shared with Joshua His heart for Israel. God

told Joshua that he wanted him to prepare to cross the Jordan River and

enter the land He wanted to give His people (verse 2). God promised that

He would give them this entire land (verse 3). Their territory would extend

from the desert of Lebanon and the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean

Sea in the west. We need to understand that God had a purpose for His

people. In these verses He shared with Joshua His vision for the nation. He

did this for a very important reason.

If Joshua was going to lead God's people, he needed to do so in accordance

with the purpose and plan of God. All too often we forget that we are God's

servants called to do God’s will. This should go without saying, but the

reality of the matter is that many of God's servants do not share His heart or

vision. All too many have never truly sought God's will for their ministry.

They have their own ideas of what they want to accomplish. If we want to

serve God, we need to have a clear sense of His direction and purpose. In

this passage we see how God shared His purpose with Joshua. He showed

him how much land he wanted to give His people. He showed him the

boundaries of that land. In sharing this, God gives Joshua direction and

boundaries for his leadership.

Notice that there were boundaries to the territory that God wanted to give

His people. As a good leader Joshua needed to know how far God wanted

to take His people. Sometimes our vision goes beyond what God wants to

give us. Sometimes our vision is much less than God's.

With the success of his campaigns, there may have been the temptation for

Joshua to go further than God wanted him to go. At other times we are not

ready to go far enough in our conquest of the land God had given us. A

good leader will seek the Lord’s direction. He will not go beyond what God

had given, but he will do everything in his power to complete all that God

has given him to do. In these verses God gives Joshua a clear sense of what

He was expecting from him.

Notice also in verse 5 that not only did God show Joshua His purpose, but

He also promised to equip him to accomplish that purposes. God told

Joshua that no one would be able to stand against him all the days of his

life. God would protect him from his enemies. His presence would go with

him wherever he went (verse 5). God would never forsake him. Joshua

knew that as he stepped out in obedience to the will and purpose of God, he

could do so knowing that God would always be with him. When he had to

make an important decision, God would be guiding him. When he had to

face a powerful enemy, God would fight with him. God stands with those

He calls.

God told Joshua that he was to be strong and courageous because victory

was assured (verse 6). Notice that God also told Joshua that He would lead

His people to possess the land He had promised them. With God at his side

victory was assured. How could he fail if Almighty God was with him?

What enemy could overpower him if God stood with him? What a privilege

it is to have the Lord God stand with us as we step out in His will to

accomplish His purpose. Victory is ours not because we are strong, but

because the Lord our God stands with us.

With God at his side, Joshua was to be strong and courageous. It is one

thing to know that God is with us and another to act as if God is with us.

Joshua was to let his knowledge of God's presence give him strength to step

out boldly. He was not to shrink back from the enemy. He was to find

courage to face the dangers and obstacles the enemy would throw in his

path. Does the knowledge of God's presence change how you do ministry?

The knowledge that God is with us is not just a comforting thought, it also

carries with it an obligation. Those who know that God is with them will

stand more boldly to face the enemy. They will take greater risks because

they know that nothing is impossible for God.

Verse 7 is a very important verse in the life and ministry of Joshua. If

Joshua was going to be successful in his ministry, he would have to learn to

walk in obedience to the Lord God and His law. In verse 7 God warned

Joshua:

Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do

not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be

successful wherever you go.

When God says, "Be careful," He is warning Joshua of a serious danger. If

there was one thing that would destroy him and his ministry it would be

disobedience to the Lord God and His law.

With this in mind, God told Joshua that he was not to let the Book of the

Law depart from his mouth (verse 8). In other words, Joshua was to speak

of the Word often. He was to share it with others and have it regularly read.

Joshua was also to meditate on the Word of God day and night. He was to

think and reflect on that Word each day. His thoughts and attitudes were to

be governed by the Word of God. By keeping God's law fresh in his mind, it

would influence every decision he made. God's Word was to guide his

thinking, his actions and his decisions as a leader of God’s people.

God promised that if Joshua obeyed and did things in accordance with the

law of God, then he would be successful. We can be assured that Joshua

would be challenged by Satan on this point. Throughout the history of the

world, Satan has often challenged God's people in the area of obedience to

God’s Word. The temptation to compromise would be very real for Joshua,

but God was calling him to be faithful to every word. There would be

powerful enemies sent against Joshua. Those enemies would be terrifying.

In those times, compromise would be a temptation. There would be times

when things would not go as Joshua expected. In those times of

discouragement he might be tempted to turn slightly from the clear

commands of the Law. God warns him, however, not to be terrified or

discouraged. He was to persevere in obedience to God and His law. In

obedience alone God promised success.

Joshua heard the call of God and His warning. In verses 10-11 he accepted

God's call on his life, and assembling his officers to his side, challenged

them to prepare the people to cross the Jordan to take possession of the

land. Joshua accepted this position knowing that there would be many

challenges, enemies, and battles. Joshua would have to go to the Lord for

guidance, strength and wisdom. Being called to do something and having

God at your side does not mean that you will never have to struggle.

In verses 12-15 Joshua spoke particularly to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and

Manasseh. We read in Numbers 32:1-27 how these tribes had asked Moses

for permission to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan. It was agreed that

these tribes settle in this region on the condition that they help their brothers

fight the enemy and settle in the land God had promised them in Canaan.

In verses 12-15 Joshua reminded these tribes of this obligation. The women

and children of these tribes would not be forced to travel with them as they

fought off the inhabitants of the land. Only when the Lord gave rest to their

brothers and sisters, were the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh free to

return to their own land (verse 15). The concern of their brothers and sisters

was to be their concern as well. Imagine what it would be like if God's

people could give themselves no rest until their brothers and sisters had

conquered all that God had given them to conquer. God was calling the

nation to be concerned one for another. They were to see the needs of their

brothers and sisters to be as important as their own.

God gave Joshua favour with the people. In verses 16-17 they said,

"Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us

we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you." The

people even made a commitment that whoever disobeyed Joshua’s

commands was to be put to death (verse 18). They surrendered whole-

heartedly to Joshua and his leadership.

God called Joshua to lead His people as they possessed the land of Canaan.

When He called him, He also showed him His purpose. He promised to

stand with him in all his endeavours as long as he walked in obedience to

His Word. Joshua was to be careful not to wander in any way from that law.

His success hinged on obedience to God. God gave Joshua favour with the

people and they stood firmly behind him.

For Consideration:

What has God called you to do for Him? Have you been

faithful to this call?

What is God's heart for your ministry? Is it possible for us to

serve our own purpose in ministry and not the Lord's?

What comfort and encouragement do you find in knowing

that God stands with us in ministry? How does the

knowledge of God's presence change how we do things?

What is the importance of God's Word in our ministry? Can

any ministry succeed if we are not living in obedience to

God's Word?

What do we learn about the importance of considering the

needs of others as being as important as our own?

For Prayer:

Ask God to show you His purpose for your ministry? Ask

Him to keep you focused on His will and not your own.

Thank the Lord that He promises to be with you. Ask Him to

help you to find confidence and strength in the knowledge of

His presence.

Ask God to give you a heart for your brother and sister in

need.

Thank God that He has given us His Word as a guide and

comfort. Ask Him to give you a deeper desire for His Word.

Ask Him to help you to live in obedience to the Scriptures.

2 - RAHAB AND THE

SPIES

Read Joshua 2:1-24

oshua did not waste any time pursuing the purpose of the Lord for his

life. God had made it clear to him that he was to defeat his enemies

and settle his people in their land. In obedience to the Lord, Joshua

prepared his men for battle.

In chapter 2 Joshua secretly sent men to spy out the city of Jericho (verse

1). The spies went out in obedience to Joshua's order. When they arrived in

Jericho, they found a place to stay with a woman by the name of Rahab. We

are told that Rahab was a prostitute. A footnote in the NIV translation says

that Rahab could also have been an innkeeper. This shows us that the spies

did not go to her because she was a prostitute, but because she had a place

to stay.

We are not told what the spies did during their stay in Jericho. However,

word of their presence did get out and the king of Jericho was informed

(verse 2). The king immediately sent a message to Rahab commanding her

to bring to him the men who had come to her house that night. He informed

her that they had come to spy out the land (verse 3).

God softened Rahab's heart toward the spies, and she determined that she

would not release them to the king, but do everything in her power to

protect them. She told the king that the two men had come to her but she

did not know where they had come from (verse 4). In saying this Rahab was

protecting herself. She did not want the king to see her as a protector of

foreign spies.

Rahab also told the king that the men left her house at dusk just when the

gates of the city were being closed and she did not know where they went.

She advised him that if he sent men after them quickly he might be able to

catch up with them (verse 5). In saying these things Rahab was deceiving

her king and buying time for the spies.

Verse 6 tells us that Rahab took the spies and hid them on her roof under

stalks of flax she had laid out there. The king's men, following the advice of

Rahab, went out in pursuit of the spies. As soon as the king's men left, the

gates of the city were closed. This would keep the spies from either entering

or leaving the city (verse 7).

Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up to the roof to speak

with them. What she told them that day was significant. She told them that

she knew the Lord had given them the land. She also told them that a great

fear had come over all the people who lived in her country because of the

Israelites (verse 9). Her nation had heard how the Lord had gone before

them and dried up the waters of the Red Sea for them when they came up

out of Egypt. They had also heard how God had given them victory over

King Og and two kings of the Amorites (verse 10). The story of what God

was doing in His people preceded them. The heart of the entire nation was

melting in fear of God and His people (verse 11).

God was doing a powerful work in the lives of His people. Unbelievers

stood in awe of what God was doing. They saw the power and majesty of

God displayed in the lives of His people. They knew that God was with His

people and this caused them to fear and tremble. What does the unbeliever

see in the lives of God’s people today?

The words of Rahab were prophetic in nature. While she did not live a life

that pleased the Lord God of Israel, nor did she belong to His people, she

was still used of God to help the entire nation of Israel. These spies had

come to spy out the city of Jericho. What Rahab told the spies that day

confirmed to them that God was with them. They would go back to Joshua

and tell him what Rahab had said. Through this prostitute, God was telling

the great military commander Joshua that He would give Him the city of

Jericho and the surrounding territory. God often speaks in strange ways and

through strange people.

That night Rahab had a very particular request. She asked the spies to swear

to her that they would show kindness to her and her family when they

attacked the city of Jericho. It was not likely that the spies told her that they

were going to do this. As spies this was a secret they would have kept to

themselves. Rahab knew, however, that these men would not only return but

that they would also conquer the city and take over her country. Rahab

simply asked that when they did return, they would remember her kindness

to them by sparing her life and the lives of her parents, brothers, sisters and

all who belonged to her family (verses 12-13). She asked them to give her a

sign to confirm this promise (verse 12).

The spies listened to Rahab and promised on their own lives, that they

would do as she asked. In other words, if her family perished as a result of

the battle, they would give their own lives to her in compensation. The only

condition was that she not speak a word to anyone about them and their

reason for being in the city. If she kept their secret, they would treat her

kindly and be faithful to their promise to protect her and her family (verse

14).

Once the agreement was made, Rahab let the spies down the city wall by a

rope through her window. Her house formed part of the city wall (verse 15).

As they left, Rahab told the spies that they were to go to the hills and hide

there for three days before returning to their land. This way, their pursuers

would not find them (verse 16).

Before parting company with Rahab, the spies requested that she make an

oath with them (verse 17). They told her that she was to tie a scarlet cord in

the window through which she had let them down. They also made her

promise that she would gather her family into her house when they attacked

the city (verse 18). They also told her that if she told anyone what they

were doing in the city they would also be released from their promise to her

(verse 20). Rahab agreed to all these conditions and tied a scarlet cord in

her window (verse 21). The spies climbed down the wall and fled for the

safety of the hills.

Let me speak briefly on the subject of the cord that Rahab would use to

indicate where she and her family were. Notice that the colour of the cord

was scarlet. This is the colour of blood, which is often used as a symbol for

Christ and his work. These men also had heard the story of how blood was

painted over the doorposts of the houses of their fathers and mothers in

Egypt. When the angel of death passed over the land and saw the blood on

the doorpost that family was spared from death. This seems to be the

symbol here. The scarlet cord marked Rahab's house as being the home of a

protected people. Only under the covering of that scarlet cord, would there

be any safety for Rahab and her relatives.

This is a powerful picture of what the Lord Jesus has done for us. He

protects and keeps all who will accept His death on their behalf. His blood

was shed for sin and all who will take cover under the shelter of His blood

can be saved from the judgment of God.

The king's men pursued the spies. They searched all along the road but

could not find them. They returned to Jericho empty-handed. After three

day of hiding in the hills, the spies returned to Joshua. When they arrived

home, they told him all that had happened (verse 23). They were convinced

that the Lord had given the land into their hands (verse 24). A big part of

that conviction came through the words of Rahab the prostitute.

For Consideration:

Who was Rahab? How does God use her in the lives of the

two spies?

What evidence do we have of the faith of Rahab in the God

of Israel?

How did the inhabitants of Jericho see the people of God?

What evidence was there of His presence and power in their

lives? To what extent does the unbelieving world see the

presence and power of Christ in us?

How is the scarlet cord tied in the window of Rahab's house a

picture of the Passover and ultimately a picture of the Lord

Jesus?

What does this passage tell us about the victory God wants to

give His people?

What do we learn in this chapter about the type of person

God can use?

For Prayer:

Ask God to reveal Himself and His power even more in your

life.

Thank the Lord that under His blood we are safe and secure

from our enemies.

Thank the Lord for the victory He wants to give us as

believers. Thank Him that even Satan trembles at the thought

of God's power in us.

3 - CROSSING THE

JORDAN

Read Joshua 3:1-17

he two spies who had gone into Canaan had given their report to

Joshua. Joshua understood from this report that the Lord wanted

them to cross the Jordan River and conquer the city of Jericho.

With this encouragement, Joshua prepared his men for battle. Verse 1 tells

us that it was early in the morning that Joshua and his men set out for

Shittim and camped by the Jordan. They would camp there for three days.

After three days, officers went through the camp giving orders to the people

(verses 2-3). They were commanded to follow the ark and the Levites who

were carrying it (verse 3). Notice, however, that the officers made it clear

that they were to keep a distance of one thousand yards (900 meters)

between them and the ark of God. They were to follow it at a distance.

There are several things we need to say about this.

First the ark was the place where God chose to reveal His presence to His

people. By following the ark, the people of God were following the Lord

who was going ahead of them not only to lead them but also to protect

them. The ark of God was a visible symbol to the people that God was with

them as they went to conquer the land.

Notice also that while the ark of God went ahead of the people, they were

not to approach it or go near it. There was a distance between God and His

people. God would lead them and go before them, but He was also to be

respected and honoured. To approach the ark in an unworthy or

unauthorized way was to perish. God's people were sinners. He was a holy

and just God. As they followed His leading, God's people were never to

forget that He was a holy God who demanded obedience and respect.

For this reason, the officers challenged the people to consecrate themselves

before God because He was going to manifest His presence in their midst

(verse 5). When the officers told the people to consecrate themselves, they

were telling them to deal with anything that would offend a holy and just

God. This meant getting rid of anything that would grieve Him. It meant

confessing their sins and making things right with Him. The holy and just

God was going to make His presence known to them the next day. They

needed to be ready.

In verse 6 Joshua told the priests to take the ark and pass ahead of the

people. God's people were to follow them. As Christian leaders we are to

set an example for those God has put under our charge. It is our

responsibility to go before them and show them the way.

God told Joshua in verse 7 that He would exalt him in the eyes of Israel so

that they would know that God was with him just as He was with Moses.

God wanted His people to respect and honour Joshua as His chosen servant.

In order that people would follow and listen to him, God chose to give

Joshua favour in their eyes. Victory would be difficult if the people of God

did not listen to or respect the leader God had set above them. God makes

sure that Joshua has the respect of the people so that this will not be a

hindrance to His people conquering the land He had promised them.

In verse 8 God told Joshua to command the priests to carry the Ark of the

Covenant to the edge of the Jordan River and to stand there in the water.

There at the water’s edge, God would reveal His power and presence.

To prepare the people for what God was going to do, Joshua summoned

them and told them the words God had given him. He told them that God

was going to give them victory by driving out the various nations before

them (verse 10). He told them that the Ark of the Covenant of God would

go into the Jordan before them and show them how to cross into victory

(verse 11).

When Joshua had spoken to the people, he chose one man from each of the

twelve tribes of Israel (verse 12). In Joshua 4:2-3 we see that these men

would each carry a stone from the river and set it up as a memorial to the

work of God that day. For the moment these twelve men would stand and

watch what God would do.

As soon as the feet of the priests who carried the ark, touched the waters of

the Jordan, the flow if the water was cut off so they stood on dry land (verse

13). This parallels what took place when the waters of the Red Sea piled up

so that the people could cross on dry land when they were escaping the

Egyptians under the leadership of Moses. The similarity of these two

incidents is not without reason. God wanted the people to know that He was

with Joshua as He had been with Moses. He wanted the people to follow

Joshua as they had followed Moses. With this miraculous sign, He would

confirm Joshua as their leader. He would also confirm His purpose for them

to conquer the land of Canaan. This would give the people great courage as

they began a long battle to possess the land of Canaan.

As the Ark of the Covenant went before the people, the obstacle standing

between them and Canaan was removed. The waters of the Jordan stopped

so that God’s people could cross over into the land He had promised. When

the people saw that the Jordan River had stopped flowing and the waters

piled up like a heap, they broke camp and crossed to the other side with the

priests carrying the ark before them (verse 14).

In verses 15-17 the author takes time to explain more fully what actually

took place that day. We are told that the Jordan was at flood stage at that

time (verse 15). This would have made it certainly very difficult, if not

impossible, for the people to cross to the other side. We are told, however,

that as soon as the feet of the priests who carried the ark touched those

flood waters the waters upstream stopped flowing. The waters piled up in a

heap a great distance away at a town called Adam. The water in the Jordan

from Adam down to the Salt Sea was completely cut off (verse 16). This

allowed the people of God the opportunity to cross over to the other side.

As the people crossed the Jordan on dry ground, the priests who carried the

Ark of the Covenant stood in the middle of the river until all the nation had

crossed. Their work was not finished until the very last person crossed over

safely. What a beautiful picture of what it means to be a leader today. These

priests stood firm in the middle of the Jordan River. The nearest person to

them was required to be at least one thousand yards or almost a kilometre

away. Their role was a lonely one. They could see people crossing at a

distance, but they were too far from them to speak. They held up the ark for

many long hours as the people crossed to safety. Sometimes the role of

leader is a thankless and lonely job, but it is important that we be faithful.

The lives of countless people depend on our faithfulness.

What took place that day was nothing short of a miracle. This miracle

served several purposes. First it stirred up the confidence of the people in

Joshua as their leader by showing them that God was with him as He had

been with Moses. Second, it showed the people that God had a particular

purpose in mind for them. He wanted to give them victory and He would go

before them as they sought to conquer the land He had promised them.

Finally, the miracle had a very practical purpose and was intended to

physically enable God's people to cross over to the other side of the Jordan

River. God removed the barrier between His people and the land He had

promised.

This passage also has something to tell us about leadership. We see how

God gave Joshua favour in the eyes of the people. We see how Joshua took

His directions from the Lord. We see how God called the priests to go

before the people to show them the way. We discover how God worked

through these ordinary priests to perform a wonderful miracle. We see the

faithful perseverance of the priests who stood firmly in the middle of the

Jordan until all had passed safely to the other side. God is looking for

leaders like this in our day as well.

For Consideration:

What do we learn from this passage about the importance of

following God? Is there any area of your life where you have

been running ahead of God?

What does it mean to consecrate ourselves before God? Is

there anything in your life that hinders the work of God?

What do we learn in this passage about the tension between

God as a God of mercy and love who guides and protects and

God as a God of holiness and justice who judges sin and

demands respect? How do we maintain these attributes in

balance?

What does this passage teach us about leadership and its

obligations?

What did this miracle accomplish in the lives of God's

people?

For Prayer:

Ask God to show you anything in your life that hinders His

work in you and your community?

Ask God to forgive you for times when you have exalted

yourself. Thank Him for the favour He has given you in the

eyes of other people so that you can have an impact on their

lives for His sake.

Take a moment to consider what you have learned about

leadership from this passage. Ask God to make you more like

the leaders in this chapter.

Thank God that He is a God who still does miracles. Thank

Him that He is able to give you the victory you need in your

situation.

4 - MEMORIALS

Read Joshua 4:1-24

ne of our weaknesses as human beings has to do with an inability

to remember the goodness and faithfulness of God. He gives us

victory in one situation but we still worry about the next. We

forget all too quickly the victories God gives us, and fail to learn the lessons

from them. Throughout the Bible we see how God encourages His people to

set up memorials to remember His goodness. Many of the feasts and

festivals of the Old Testament were designed to remind God’s people of His

wonderful works on their behalf. In the New Testament we celebrate the

Lord's Table that reminds us of His death and resurrection. Here in this

chapter of Joshua, God challenged His people to set up monuments to

remember His faithfulness and power.

In chapter 3 we saw how God stopped the flow of the Jordan River so His

people could cross to the other side. When the whole nation had crossed the

Jordan the Lord spoke to Joshua and told him to choose twelve men, one

from every tribe. These men were to take twelve stones from the middle of

the Jordan where the priests had stood. They were to carry the stones from

the Jordan River to the place where they would stay that night. There the

stones were to be set up as a memorial (verses 2-3).

Joshua called together the twelve men and told them to go to the place the

priests had stood in the middle of the Jordan. Each man was to take up a

stone and carry it on his shoulders to the place where they would camp that

night (verse 5).

From verse 6 it is quite clear that these stones were to serve as a memorial

for the generations to come. Future generations passing by would see these

peculiar stones and ask what they meant (verse 6). This would give God's

people the opportunity to tell the story of how God stopped the flow of the

Jordan so His people could cross to the other side (verse 7).

Let me take a moment to consider these stones. They served three purposes

for the people of God. First, they helped God's people to remember the

story of His victory that day. They reminded them of how God enabled

them to cross the Jordan River.

Second, they also served as physical proof of the miracle that had taken

place that day. These stones were likely large and smooth river stones. They

stood out in the landscape as being out of place. Anyone who looked at

them could see that they were river stones. They served as physical proof

that someone had gone into the river and pulled these stones out. This was

very convincing evidence that the crossing of the Jordan was real and not a

made up story.

Finally, these stones provided God's people with a wonderful witnessing

tool. When people asked about the stones, they would have the opportunity

to share how God had stopped the flow of the Jordan for them. This would

certainly have given those who heard story and saw the stones cause to

reflect on the power and glory of God in a wonderful way. The twelve

stones were gathered from the river as Joshua had commanded and carried

with them to Gilgal where they were set up as a memorial to the great work

of the Lord (verse 19).

In verse 10 we return to the priests who stood in middle of the Jordan River

with the ark of God. This verse tells us that these men stood in the middle

of the Jordan River until everything the Lord had commanded had been

completed. Only when all the people had crossed and the stones had been

gathered from the river bed did the priests cross over to the other side (verse

11).

Special reference is made here to the men of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh

who crossed over (verse 12). These tribes had chosen to settle on the other

side of the Jordan. They had, however, agreed to send their men to fight

alongside their brothers until all the land had been conquered and settled.

Notice that forty thousand men armed for battle crossed the Jordan River to

the plains of Jordan ready to fight (verse 13).

These priests were God's representatives holding back the power of the

river until all His people were safe. This is the call of God on the lives of

His servants today as well. He calls us as His servants to stand firm pushing

back the forces of darkness and evil until all His people are safely on the

other shore. This is not an easy task but it is a very important one requiring

great perseverance and patience. What a privilege and honour it is to be

priests who serve in this capacity for men and women in need.

According to verse 14, the Lord used this incident to exalt Joshua in the

sight of Israel. This incident proved to God's people that He was with

Joshua. They saw him more clearly as God's representative and one in

whom they could put their confidence. As a result, they revered him just as

they revered Moses before him. How easy it would have been for the

people to compare Joshua to Moses who had been used so powerfully to

deliver them from the bondage of Egypt. I can imagine that Joshua felt

somewhat awkward following in the footsteps of such a mighty man of

God. The reality of the matter, however, is that Moses was a simple

instrument in the hands of a powerful God. Joshua was no different. God

could use Joshua just as He had used Moses. There is wonderful

encouragement in this for us all. The same God who worked in Joshua and

Moses is willing to work in us as well. The power to serve is not in us but in

God who works through us.

When everything God intended that day was complete, God told Joshua to

command the priests to come up out of the Jordan River with the ark

(verses 15-17). Verse 18 tells us that as soon as the priests came up out of

the water with the ark, the river returned to its flood stage. There could be

no doubt that God had done a wonderful thing that day.

It was on the tenth day of the first month that the people crossed the Jordan

and travelled to Gilgal where they camped. Gilgal was on the eastern border

of Jericho (verse 19). There in Gilgal, the twelve stones that had been taken

from the Jordan River were set up as a memorial (verse 20). Joshua told the

people that when their descendants asked them the meaning of these stones,

they were to tell them of how Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground,

just as they had crossed the Red Sea in the days of Moses (verses 21-23).

Joshua told the people that the Lord did this for two reasons.

First so that all the people of the earth would know that His hand was

powerful. It is the intention of the Lord God to reveal Himself to the whole

world as a powerful and holy God to whom nothing was impossible. God

has always had a missionary heart.

Second, God performed this miracle so that His people would always fear

and reverence Him as their God. They had seen His awesome power on

their behalf. They had seen how He was able to act on their behalf. His love

for them was real. He pushed back the waters of the Jordan for them. As

they began their conquest of the land of Canaan, God's people were fully

aware that nothing was impossible for their God. If the mighty Jordan in

flood stage was no match for Him, certainly He could give them the land

He had promised. No enemy was big enough to overcome them. They could

face the battles before them with confidence in the powerful and loving

God who acted on their behalf

For Consideration:

Have you ever seen God do a wonderful work only to forget

what you had seen the next time you had to face a trial or

struggle? Explain.

Do you have "memorials" or ways to remind yourself of the

goodness and power of your God? What can you do to help

yourself remember God’s goodness in your life?

How did the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant give

us an example of true leadership?

The God who worked in Moses also worked in the life of

Joshua. He is the same God who still works in His people.

What encouragement do you receive from this?

How has God demonstrated His power and glory to you?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord for a time that He clearly revealed His power

and glory to you. Ask Him to help you remember this when

you face the trials that will come your way.

Thank the Lord that He is able to use you to accomplish His

purpose. Ask Him to demonstrate His power and glory more

fully in your life.

Thank the Lord for working in your life. Thank Him that He

is willing to push back the obstacles that stand between you

and His purposes, just as He did for the people in Joshua's

day.

5 - PREPARATIONS

Read Joshua 5:1-15

ith most things in life, if we want to do a good job, we need to

prepare well. An athlete knows that he or she must train

seriously for a competition. Without adequate preparation in

the form of study, a student may fail his exam. Preparation is necessary in

the work of the Lord as well. In this chapter we see how God prepared His

people for the conquest of the land of Canaan.

Notice in verse 1 how the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and the

Canaanite kings along the coast lost courage when they saw how the Lord

had dried up the Jordan River before Israel. We have already seen how God

used this in the lives of His people to assure them of His presence. By

drying up the Jordan, God inspired His people and showed them that He

was with them. This united and encouraged Israel in the battle before them.

Beyond this, however, the crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground

caused the Canaanites and the Amorites to fear God and His people. Who

could stand up to a God who could stop the Jordan River?

We see from this how the Lord God went before His people to prepare the

land for their conquest. As He went before them, God shattered the

confidence of the enemy. The miracle of the crossing of the Jordan was

clear proof to the people of Canaan that there was a power at work that was

stronger than any power they had ever seen. They knew that they were no

match for the God of Israel.

Notice in verses 2-7 that there was also preparation required for God's

people before they could be released into battle. God spoke to Joshua and

told him to make flint knives in order to circumcise the Israelite men (verse

2). The place where this circumcision took place would be known as

Gibeath Haaroloth with means literally “Hill of Foreskins” (verse 3).

Verses 4-7 explain to us the reason Joshua had to circumcise these men.

Circumcision was a requirement for ever male Israelite. It was a sign that

they belonged to the Lord God. This command was given by God through

Abraham in Genesis 17:11-14. According to Genesis 17:11-14, Israelite

males who were not circumcised were to be cut off from the people of God.

Prior to leaving Egypt, the Israelite men had been circumcised. However,

during the forty years the Israelites had travelled through the desert,

circumcision had not been practiced. The Israelites who wandered through

the desert grumbled and complained and often refused to follow God's

requirements. Those who were now in Joshua's army had not been

circumcised.

If these men were to be successful in their battle, they would have to get

right with God. To this point God had been faithful to them despite the fact

that they were not circumcised. God is a merciful God. There comes a time,

however, when in order to progress further in our relationship with God and

our ministry, we will have to deal with the obstacles to His blessing. If

Joshua's army was going to experience further blessing from God, they

would have to be circumcised as God required.

In obedience to God, Joshua ordered that all males be circumcised. We are

not told how long this took or how many men there were in the nation at

that time, but one thing is sure. They were in a very vulnerable position.

Being circumcised would have put them a risk. Had the enemy become

aware that all the men were recovering from their circumcision, this would

have created for them an ideal opportunity to attack. Not only did this

circumcision enable God's people to put things right with God but it also

gave them yet another opportunity to learn to trust Him in their weakness.

Verse 8 tells us that the whole nation remained camped in the area of

Gibeath Haaroloth until they had healed from their circumcision. At that

time, the enemy did not approach. God protected and kept them as they

obeyed Him and His law. The Lord was pleased with their obedience and in

verse 9 he told Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt

from you." What was the reproach of Egypt? The people of God were in

bondage as slaves in Egypt. They were mistreated and abused by their cruel

masters. They were beaten and forced to work for a cause that was not their

own. Now, however, things were going to change. God was going to give

them their own land. He was going to allow them to plant their own gardens

and build their own homes. They would live in this own land and be blessed

abundantly by God. They would no longer live as slaves.

The circumcision of the male Israelites seems to be a turning point for

Israel. By consenting to circumcision, these males released an even greater

blessing of God on their nation. They removed the obstacle that hindered

the fuller blessing of God.

Notice also in verse 10 that on the fourteenth day of the month the Israelites

celebrated the Passover in Gilgal. The Passover was a celebration to

remember how God had set His people free from the bondage of Egypt.

Before moving forward, God's people needed to look back. They needed to

be reminded of the great victory of God and His mercy in delivering them

from the bondage of Egypt. By looking back at God's wonderful

deliverance, God's people were given courage to face their future. They

were reminded by this Passover of how God had set their ancestors free.

They were reassured that He could deliver them as well.

The Passover was a time not only for remembering their history; it was also

a time of thanksgiving and praise. During this celebration, God's people

honoured Him as their Deliverer. They worshiped Him for His goodness

and mercy and committed themselves to trust Him in the future. All this

was an important part of preparing God’s people for what He had in store in

the coming months.

Notice something else that happened the day after the Passover celebration.

For the very first time in forty years, God's people ate the produce of the

land. During their wilderness wandering they had eaten manna. In verse 11,

they enjoyed unleavened bread and roasted grain. The day after the

Passover, God stopped providing manna. Now they would enjoy the fruit of

the land God was giving them. God's blessing was released on them in a

new way. The daily diet of manna would give way to a bountiful variety of

fruits, grains and meats. They would experience the provision of God in a

new and delightful way. Heaven was releasing its blessings on an obedient

people.

Notice finally that God meets particularly with Joshua. Joshua was near the

city of Jericho when he saw a man in front of him with a drawn sword in his

hand (verse 13). Joshua did not know what to think of this man. He did not

know if he was an enemy or a friend so he asked him, "Are you for us or for

our enemies?"

The response of the man is interesting, "Neither," he replied, "but as

commander of the army of the LORD I have now come" (verse 14).

Obviously, this person was an angel of the Lord. He had come as a

messenger to Joshua. When Joshua heard the reply he fell face down and

asked him what message he had for him. The angel told Joshua to take off

his sandals because the place he was standing was holy (verse 15).

There are a couple of details we need to examine in this context. Notice

first, that when Joshua asked the angel if he was for him or for his enemies

the angel replied that he was for neither. We should not assume from this

that God was neutral. God had already proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt,

that He was with His people and wanted to give them victory over the

inhabitants of the land. When the angel told Joshua that He was neither for

him of his enemies he was telling him that he had not come to fight with

him or for him. The angel had come for another purpose. That purpose can

be seen in verse 15 when he commanded Joshua to take off his sandals

because he was on holy ground. This takes us back to the days of Moses in

Exodus 3 when the Lord called him to return to his people and lead them

out of Egypt. The Lord God used the same words with Moses that day in

Exodus 3:5:

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for

the place where you are standing is holy ground."

When Moses removed his sandals God spoke to him and commissioned him

to lead His people out of Egypt. We do not have the words of the angel to

Joshua in this chapter, but we are safe to assume that on that occasion the

Lord God commissioned Joshua just as he had commissioned Moses to lead

His people into victory over their enemies.

As God prepared His people for the conquest of the land of Canaan, He also

prepared Joshua and gifted him in a very special way. He gave Joshua His

authority and anointed him to lead the people. Joshua would move out with

a deeper empowering of the Spirit of God on his life to do all that God

required of him. As leaders we, too, need this special empowering for the

task to which God has called us.

God prepared His people for the conquest of Canaan. He went before them

to break the proud spirit of their enemies, causing them to tremble before

His people. His people were circumcised so that there would be no obstacle

standing between them and His greater blessing. Through the celebration of

the Passover they had time to reflect on God’s past victory and trust Him

for future victories. Joshua was commissioned and empowered by the angel

of the Lord. All these preparations were essential if God's people were to be

victorious.

For Consideration:

How important is it for us to be prepared for the ministry God

has given us? What difference does preparation make? What

do we need to do to be prepared today?

Notice how God broke the proud spirit of the enemies. Does

God need to do this in our day? Describe the mind-set of the

unbeliever today?

Circumcision was an obstacle for God's people to move on in

their walk with Him. What obstacle stands in the way of your

experience of God's deeper blessing on your life and

ministry?

Joshua was commissioned for the task of leading God's

people into victory. Can we do the ministry God has called us

to do without His anointing and empowering?

How has God shown you His grace in the past? What stories

of God's faithfulness have impacted your life? How does

looking back give us courage to face the future?

For Prayer:

Ask God to forgive you for the times you have grumbled and

complained as He has prepared you for ministry.

Ask the Lord to show you any obstacle that stands in the way

of His deeper blessing in your life and ministry.

Take a moment to look back at the faithfulness of God in

your life. Thank Him that He is a faithful God. Thank Him

that He is able to deal with any obstacle that you will face in

the future.

Ask God to empower and anoint you for the task to which He

has called you. Ask Him to forgive you for believing that you

could do this without His empowering and wisdom.

6 - JERICHO

Read Joshua 6:1-27

n chapter 5 we saw how God prepared His people for the conquest of

the land of Canaan. Chapter 6 records the first great victory over the

inhabitants of the land. Before we move into the details of the

conquest of Jericho, we need to understand something of what is happening

in this book of Joshua.

It might be possible for some to say that God was being unfair to the

nations who were being driven out of their land. These people had lived on

this land for many years. The Israelites were now taking over their land.

The reality of the matter, however, was much deeper than this. According to

Leviticus 18:24-25 God was judging these nations because of evil:

"'Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is

how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became

defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin,

and the land vomited out its inhabitants."

Imagine that you owned a home and rented that home to tenants. It is your

understanding and agreement that they will care for the home as long as

they are in it. Imagine that the tenants in your home were destroying it.

What would you do? Would you not have the right to remove them from the

home and give it to someone else? This is what God is doing here in the

book of Joshua.

This earth and all that is in it belongs to God. He has given us the privilege

of living here but He has the right to take it away. We understand from

Leviticus 18:23-25 that God was telling His people that if they repeated the

sins of the nations He drove out before them, they, too, would lose the land

He was giving them. This, in fact, did happen when God sent the nations of

Assyria and Babylon to invade Israel in later years. As a result of their sins,

Israel was also driven from her land and sent into exile.

The conquest of Canaan was about God punishing sin and restoring

obedience and worship of the true Creator. These nations served other

gods, but they were still accountable to the one true God of Israel. He holds

all people accountable for sin.

As we begin chapter 6 Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelite

presence. In other words, the gates were closed and locked in anticipation

of an attack. Notice that no one went in or out of the city (verse 1). This is

an indication of the terror the Israelites inspired in the hearts of the nations.

They were so afraid of Israel that they hid behind their walls and locked

gates. They would not even risk sending their soldiers into the open to fight

them.

God told Joshua that He was going to deliver Jericho into his hands (verse

2). Notice also that God told him what he was to do in order to have that

victory.

In verses 3-5 God gives Joshua the details of the plan to conquer Jericho.

He told him that he was to march around the city with all his armed men for

six days. Seven priests were to carry ram's horn trumpets in front of the ark

of God as they marched around the city. On the seventh day they were to

march around the city seven times blowing the trumpets. At a given

moment the priests were to sound a long blast of the trumpets. When the

people heard that long blast they were to shout with a loud voice (verse 5).

At that sound of this loud cry from the lips of God's people, the walls of

Jericho would fall.

The plan did not make any sense from a military point of view. The walls of

Jericho were made to withstand the attacks of great armies, how could the

shouting of soldiers bring them down? Beyond this, however, we can only

imagine what it would be like for an army to expose themselves to the

enemies on top of the wall by marching around the city in this way. They

would have been easy targets for the archers on the wall.

Joshua was not governed by his own way of thinking. He was willing to

listen to the Lord and do what He said. He had already seen the waters of

the Jordan stop to let the people cross. Surely God was able to bring down

the walls of Jericho as well. In obedience to the Lord God, Joshua called the

priests and told them to take up the ark and have seven priests march before

it with a trumpet. They were to march around the city with an armed guard

(verse 7).

The priest obeyed Joshua and took up the ark. With an armed guard and

seven priests before them blowing the trumpets, they marched around the

city once and returned to their camp (verses 8-11). Joshua commanded them

not to speak a word at that time (verse 10). Humanly speaking there would

likely have been some fear in the hearts of the people who marched around

the city. Despite the fear, they did as God required.

Early the next day, the priests took up the ark of the Lord again. With the

seven priests carrying ram's horn trumpets and the armed guard, they

marched a second time around the city sounding the trumpets (verses 12-

13). They repeated this procedure for six days (verse 14).

On the seventh day they got up at daybreak and marched around the city as

before, except they circled the city seven times instead of the usual one time

(verse 15). When the priests sounded the trumpet blast at that seventh time

around the city, Joshua commanded the people to shout. He told them that

God had given them the city (verse 16). The faith of Joshua in the word of

the Lord is clearly seen here. The people obeyed Joshua even though they

did not understand how things were going to turn out. Joshua, however, had

a strong faith in God and His word. He knew that the walls would fall down

at the sound of Israel's shouting.

Notice also that Joshua gave some final commands to his soldiers as they

prepare to go into the city of Jericho. In verse 17 he told them that the entire

city was devoted to the Lord. That is to say, they were to take nothing from

the city for themselves. They were to slaughter everything and everyone in

the city. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those who were with her in her

house, were to be saved because she has hid the spies who had come into

the city.

Joshua warned the soldiers that if they took anything from the city, they

would bring about their own destruction and risk the safety of the entire

nation by taking what belonged to God (verse 18). All silver, gold, bronze

and iron articles were to go to the treasury of the Lord (verse 19).

When the trumpets sounded and the people shouted, the walls collapsed just

as God had said. The Israelite army charged and took the city (verse 20). As

Joshua commanded, they destroyed every living thing in the city both,

humans and animals (verse 21).

In verse 22, Joshua commanded the two men who had spied out the land to

go to Rahab's house and bring her out with all who belonged to her (verse

22). The spies did as Joshua commanded and escorted Rahab, her father,

mother, brothers and other relatives to a place outside Israel's camp (verse

23). Rahab and her family would live with the Israelites from that time

forward (verse 25).

The city of Jericho was burned with everything in it (verse 24). As Joshua

commanded, the gold, silver, bronze and iron articles were brought to the

treasury of the Lord. Joshua pronounced this curse on the city in verse 26:

"Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild

this city, Jericho: "At the cost of his firstborn son will he lay its

foundations; at the cost of his youngest will he set up its gates."

This curse would fall, many years later, on a man by the name of Hiel of

Bethel who attempted to rebuild the city of Jericho. 1 Kings 16:34 describes

for us what happened when he laid Jericho’s foundations:

"In Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its

foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set

up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in

accordance with the word of the LORD spoken by Joshua son

of Nun."

Verse 27 concludes with the clear statement that God was with Joshua and

his fame spread throughout the region. There can be no doubt that the battle

for Jericho was the Lord's victory. Joshua was an instrument but it was

clearly God who gave the victory. The way that victory was obtained could

leave no doubt about this.

For Consideration:

Was God unjust or unfair in removing the people of Canaan

from their land and giving it to His people? Explain.

Does anything we have really belong to us? How does our

understanding that everything belonging to God change how

we view our possessions?

What were the risks of marching around the city of Jericho?

Does obedience to God bring risk?

Describe the faith of Joshua and his willingness to listen to

God's plan? How did this bring him victory?

How important is it for us to learn to listen to God? Do you

think that Joshua could have come up with this plan to

conquer Jericho? How did God receive glory through the way

the city was conquered?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to be faithful with the things He has

given you.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the things He has put

under your charge.

Ask the Lord to help you to be willing to listen to Him and do

things His way.

Ask God to give you greater faith and more willingness to

obey like Joshua.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for the times you have taken for

yourself the glory He deserves.

7 - ACHAN'S SIN

Read Joshua 7:1-26

he Israelites had just experienced a wonderful victory over Jericho.

God had powerfully demonstrated His presence that day as the

walls of the city fell at the shout of the Israelite soldiers. Joshua

had ordered his soldiers not to take anything from the city. Everything was

to be destroyed except for the gold, silver, bronze and iron articles which

were to go to the treasury of the Lord.

Among the soldiers that day was a man by the name of Achan from the

tribe of Judah. Despite Joshua’s direct order, he took articles from the city

and secretly kept them for himself. Because of this, the anger of the Lord

burned again the entire nation.

It is important that we notice what is happening in this chapter. The sin of

one man will affect the entire nation. The blessing of God would be

hindered because Achan acted in his own interest and not in the interest of

the nation as a whole. How easy it is for us to become self-centred. Satan

would have us think only of ourselves. This verse shows us that what we do

in secret does have an impact on others. Achan's secret sin would have

devastating consequences on the nation as a whole.

Achan's sin was unknown to Joshua when he sent spies to the town of Ai.

These spies went into Ai and brought back their report (verse 2). Inspired

by the victory they had won over Jericho, they encouraged Joshua to attack

the town, telling him that it was no match for the army of Israel. In fact, the

spies did not feel it was necessary to send the entire army against this small

town. They believed it would fall very easily into their hands.

Joshua decision, based on the report of the spies, was to send three thousand

soldiers to conquer Ai (verses 3-4). The results were not what Joshua had

expected. The inhabitants of Ai killed thirty-six Israelite soldiers and chased

them out of their city, sending them into retreat. The defeat was humiliating

for Israel, and the hearts of God's people melted with fear (verse 5). The

nation was left to wonder what had happened and whether God had

abandoned them.

Joshua, in particular, was confused about what had taken place that day. He

tore his clothes in a sign of mourning and fell face down to the ground

before the Ark of the Covenant and remained there until the evening. The

ark was where the presence of the Lord was revealed. By falling down

before the ark, Joshua was seeking to hear from God. He needed to know

what had happened and what the Lord wanted him to do. Notice from verse

6 that the elders of Israel did the same. As a sign if mourning they also

sprinkled dust on their heads.

As Joshua waited before the Lord, he prayed. His prayer is recorded in

verses 7-9. In this prayer Joshua asked the Lord why He had brought His

people across the Jordan to deliver them into the hands of the Amorites to

be destroyed (verse 7). Notice that that he told God that he wished he had

been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan. There is a real tone of

discouragement in Joshua's voice. He had suffered his first defeat. He

wasn't sure if he wanted to continue with what God had called him to do.

He feared that the news of this defeat would give courage to the Canaanites

and they would surround Israel and wipe them out (verse 9). Joshua was

brought to the end of his resources. He did not know what to do. He was

afraid and wasn't sure where God was.

We cannot underestimate the devastating effect that this defeat had on

Joshua and the nation. They feared for their lives. Joshua wished he had

never embarked on this conquest. He felt incapable of being the man God

had called him to be. Have you ever been discouraged and wanted to quit?

There are not many servants of God who do not face such a temptation at

least once in their ministry.

God spoke to Joshua in his discouragement. He told him to get off his face

and stand up (verse 10). This was not a time for mourning. It was a time to

deal with sin in their midst. God revealed to Joshua that Israel had sinned

by taking articles that had been devoted to Him. Their defeat at Ai was a

result of sin (verse 12). Instead of mourning, they were to deal with the sin

in their midst.

Imagine a thief complaining because he had been caught and sent to prison.

Would you not tell his to stop complaining because he deserved his

punishment? In essence, this is what God is telling Joshua. He is telling him

to stop crying over his defeat, get up off his face and deal with the sin in his

camp. Until they had dealt with the sin there would be no more victory over

their enemies (verse 12).

The consequence of Achan’s sin was devastating for the entire nation.

God’s presence was pushed away by sin. Israel could not expect the

blessing of God as long as they were deliberately sinning against Him. How

often we cry out for God’s blessing but are unwilling to deal with the sin in

our midst. The lesson of this chapter is vital. If we want to see revival in our

midst, we must first become serious about the sin in our camp.

In verse 13 God told Joshua to consecrate the people in preparation for the

next day when He would expose and judge their sin. This consecration

would likely have involved ceremonial purification and sacrifices. God

made it clear to Joshua that they would not be able to stand against their

enemies until they had removed the sin from their camp. Israel’s victory

depended on her obedience to God and her willingness to walk in His

purposes for their lives.

God told Joshua that the next morning the people were to present

themselves before Him tribe by tribe. He would reveal the tribe that was

guilty. Each clan of that tribe was to present itself before God until He

revealed the clan that was guilty. Each family of that clan was then to

present itself before God until the family was chosen. Finally, each man in

that family was to stand before God until the individual guilty for the sin

was exposed (verse 14). When that individual was revealed, he and his

whole family were to be burned to death because they had violated the

direct command of the Lord God through Joshua (verse 15). The

punishment was severe, but the future of the entire nation depended on this

sin being removed.

The next morning Joshua had all the tribes come forward. The tribe of

Judah was chosen (verse 16). It is unclear what the procedure was for

choosing the tribe but God gave them some clear indication. When the clans

of Judah came forward the clan of the Zerahites was selected (verse 17).

From the clan of the Zerahites the family of Zimri was singled out. When

each man in the family of Zimri came forward, God revealed Achan son of

Carmi to be the one guilty of taking devoted things from the city of Jericho.

Joshua demanded that Achan give glory to God and confess his sin.

Nothing was going to change Achan's punishment. He and his family were

going to die. There was no question in the minds of the people that he was

guilty. Joshua still asked Achan to confess his sin to the nation. He told

Achan that in doing so he would bring glory and praise to God. This is

worth considering in further detail.

This passage is telling us that confession of sin brings glory and praise to

God. By confessing his sin, Achan recognized before the whole nation that

he was wrong and that he had offended a holy God. He accepted that he

deserved the punishment God was going to give him. He recognized that

the Lord God was a holy and just God and that he was a sinner deserving

His judgment.

In verse 20, Achan confessed that he had sinned and humbled himself

before the Lord God. "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God

of Israel. This is what I have done," he told Joshua and the entire nation. We

often see Achan in a negative light. This passage, however, shows us

something different. Achan openly confessed his sin and submitted to the

Lord’s punishment. There are many people who could learn from his

example. There are people who refuse to deal with their sin and rebellion

against God. They choose to die in their sin rather than humble themselves,

glorify God and submit to their punishment. Achan leaves us an example to

follow in his confession and submission to the discipline and punishment of

God.

Achan told Joshua and the people how he had seen a beautiful Babylonian

robe, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty

shekels. He confessed to the nation that he had coveted them and had taken

them for himself. Achan even told Joshua where he could find these

articles. He told him that he had hidden them under the floor of his tent

(verse 21).

When Joshua heard the confession of Achan, he sent his men to Achan’s

tent to gather the stolen articles. Notice in verse 22 that Joshua’s men ran to

Achan’s tent. There was urgency in this matter. God was angry with the

nation and there was no time to lose. When the men brought back the stolen

articles they spread them before the Lord (verse 23). The sin was exposed

to the entire nation. Now that everything was exposed, it could be dealt

with. Are their sins in your life that need to be exposed like those of Achan?

Hidden sin will only hinder us and keep us from the blessing of God. Achan

has the courage to confess and expose his sin. In doing so, he opened the

door for the entire nation to be blessed again. His exposure of sin and

submission to God’s punishment would release the nation from the curse he

had brought on it.

Notice that while Achan did confess his sin, he still had to suffer the

consequences of his actions. Achan and his entire family were taken into

the Valley of Achor along with the articles he had stolen (verse 24). There

in that valley, Israel stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies

(verse 25). Then they heaped up a large pile of rocks over their remains.

That pile of rocks was a powerful reminder of the danger of sin and its

consequences on the nation as a whole.

Confession of sin does not mean that we will not have to suffer the

consequences of our actions. It is possible to confess and be forgiven and

still have to face the consequences. Sometimes our lives will be changed

forever by the foolish and sinful decisions we make in life. God will not

always spare us from results of sin. We see in this chapter an example of a

man who openly and humbly confessed his sin. He gave glory to God in his

death but he and his family were cut off from Israel.

Achan's sins affected the entire nation. This is a very powerful reminder to

us. Consider the fact that your sin could be holding back your family or

your Christian fellowship group from the blessings of God. Only by

confession and repentance can that blessing be fully restored. Verse 26 tells

us that after these events the anger of the Lord was turned away from His

people. By his confession and death, Achan restored the blessing of God to

the entire nation.

For Consideration:

What do we learn from this passage about how sin affects

people around us? How have your sins affected others?

Can we hide anything from God? Are there any sins that you

are trying to hide from people today?

What do we learn in this chapter about the importance of

dealing with sin in our lives?

Have you ever been discouraged like Joshua? What were the

circumstances of that discouragement?

How did Achan glorify God in his confession and death?

Would you be willing to expose your sin so that blessing

could be restored?

Does confession mean that we will not have to face the

consequences of our sin? Would you be willing to face the

consequences of your sin in order to be right with God?

For Prayer:

Ask God to reveal any sin in you that holds you or others

back in their walk with God.

Thank God that He is willing to meet us in our

discouragements. Thank Him for how He exposed the sin of

Achan and restored hope to Joshua and the nation of Israel.

Ask God to give you the courage of Achan to confess your

sin so that God is glorified in you.

Thank the Lord God that because of the work of His son

Jesus, we can be forgiven of our sins. Thank Him that though

He was sinless He died in our place.

8 - THE DEFEAT OF AI

Read Joshua 8:1-35

srael's experience at Ai had taught them a powerful lesson. Achan's

sin was the cause of their humiliating defeat at this little town. While

they were defeated, it was not God's intention that they remain in that

defeat. Having dealt with the obstacle that stood in their way, God now calls

Joshua to return to Ai to conquer it. He told him not be afraid or

discouraged. He was to go up against the city with his whole army and this

time he would have victory (verse 1).

There is a very important challenge for us in this verse. God does not want

us to remain in our defeat. There are places of defeat in our lives that we

have to revisit. Sometimes those places have crippled us emotionally and

spiritually for years. I can imagine that Joshua would have gone to do battle

with Ai with great caution. He was not confident in his own strength. He

knew that he had already failed at Ai. With faith in God, however, Joshua

returned to Ai to defeat it. Maybe we need to do the same thing in those

places where we have been defeated in the past.

God told Joshua that he was to do to Ai as he had done to Jericho (verse 2).

That is to say, he was to completely kill all the inhabitants. This time,

however, there would be one exception. God permitted them to carry off

plunder and livestock for themselves. Again there is an important lesson for

us to see in this. We need to listen to God and follow His leading in each

new situation. In Jericho they were to take nothing. In Ai they could take

plunder. Notice also in verse 2 that God told Joshua that he was to set an

ambush for Ai behind the city.

Joshua chose his best fighting men and sent them out at night to set an

ambush behind the city. They were to wait in readiness for his signal (verse

4). He would take another group with him and attack the city from the front

as he they done the first time (verse 5). The group that attacked from the

front of the city would allow themselves to be pushed back by the soldiers

of Ai. The hope was that Ai would pursue them, leaving the city

defenceless. When they had lured Ai's soldiers from the city, those waiting

in ambush were to attack, take the city and set it on fire (verses 6-8). Those

who were going to ambush the city, set out during the night to find a place

to hide and wait to attack the city. They found a place between Bethel and

Ai and waited there.

Early the next morning Joshua gathered his men and marched against Ai.

They approached the city from the front. Unknown to the people of Ai,

about five thousand Israelite soldiers were waiting to attack from behind

(verse 12).

When the king of Ai saw Joshua approaching from the front, he gathered

his soldiers and set out to meet Israel in battle (verse 14). He had no idea

that Israel had set up an ambush behind the city. As planned, Joshua and his

army let themselves be driven back. Ai, thinking that they were winning the

battle pursued the Israelites toward the desert, leaving the city defenceless

(verse 15-16). Verse 17 tells us that not a single man was left in the city. All

of them went in pursuit of Israel.

When all the men had left the city, God told Joshua to hold out his javelin

(verse 18). As soon as he held out his javelin, the men waiting in ambush

left their positions and attacked the city. They captured it and set it on fire.

The soldiers of Ai looked back and saw the smoke of their city rising up.

The Israelites, who had been fleeing, turned around to attack Ai's soldiers

(verse 20). Ai had nowhere to go. The army they were pursuing turned

around and attacked them from the front and the men who had taken the

city came at them from behind (verses 21-22). Ai was caught in the middle.

Israel defeated the people of Ai and killed all the men. Verse 23 tells us that

they took the king alive and brought him to Joshua. Joshua hung the king

and threw his body at the entrance of the city where it was eventually

buried in a large pile of rocks (verse 29).

Israel returned to Ai and put to death all the inhabitants of the city (verse

24). Twelve thousand men and women were killed that day. This was the

entire population of Ai (verse 25). Joshua did not stop until he had

destroyed every living person in Ai (verse 26). Israel carried off livestock

and plundered the city as God had commanded Joshua (verse 27). The

defeat that day was total. The entire population of the city was wiped out.

Everything of value was stripped from it and the city left as an empty pile

of ruins.

Whether we like it or not God has absolute right over all things. As Job

discovered, God gives and He also takes away (Job 1:21). The city of Ai

disappeared from the earth. God judged them for their wickedness. The day

is coming when this entire earth will be burned up with fire (Revelation

21:1). Only those who know Christ will be safe on that day. The defeat of

Ai as tragic and horrible as it was, is a picture of what will happen one day

to this entire earth when God comes to judge and remove sin.

When the battle was over, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal (verse 30).

This altar was built according to the specifications that Moses had

commanded in the law. It was made with uncut stones without the use of an

iron tool (verse 31). On that altar Joshua burnt offerings to the Lord. Verse

32 tells us that, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua copied the Law of

Moses on stone. He also had half the people stand in front of Mount

Gerazim and the other half in front of Mount Ebal to listen to the reading of

the Law of Moses.

Moses encouraged the people to perform such a ceremony in Deuteronomy

27:2-5; 11-14:

When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the LORD your

God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with

plaster. Write on them all the words of this law when you have

crossed over to enter the land the LORD your God is giving

you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the

God of your fathers, promised you. And when you have crossed

the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command

you today, and coat them with plaster. Build there an altar to

the LORD your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron

tool upon them… "On the same day Moses commanded the

people: When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall

stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi,

Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. And these tribes shall

stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher,

Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali. The Levites shall recite to all the

people of Israel in a loud voice."

In obedience to the command of Moses, Joshua divided the people into two

groups. The Levites read aloud the words of the law. Those people who

stood before Mount Gerizim pronounced blessing on all who would follow

the commands of the Lord. Those who stood before Mount Ebal

pronounced curses on those who refused to obey His commands. God's

people had a choice to make. They could follow the way of blessing or they

could choose the way of cursing.

These events happened directly after Achan's sin and the defeat of the

nation at Ai. God's people had before them a powerful example of what

would happen if they turned from the Law of God.

As the Law of Moses was read that day, God's people were faced with an

important decision. Would they obey and be blessed or would they walk

away and be cursed like Achan and his family. The two stone before them

reminded them that their victory could only be obtained by living in

obedience to God and His Word. As they stood on the threshold of Canaan

with the remainder of the land before them, it was of utmost importance

that they understand that their victory did not lie in the strength of their

army but in the obedience of their hearts.

For Consideration:

Are there areas of your life where you have been living in

defeat? What are they? Do you believe that God wants you to

continue living in this defeat? What does this passage teach

us?

How important is it for us to seek the leading of the Lord in

each situation of our lives. What difference was there

between the command of God for Jericho and for Ai?

What does the defeat of Ai teach us about the judgment of

God to come?

How important is obedience to the Lord and His Word? Can

we have true victory in the Christian life if we are not

walking in obedience?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you victory in those areas of defeat in your

life. Ask Him to give you grace to face these areas again.

Thank the Lord that He wants to give you complete victory.

Ask God to help you to be more attentive to His leading. Ask

Him to forgive you for the times you did things in your own

way without consulting Him.

Ask God to give you a greater appreciation for His Word and

a greater desire live in absolute obedience to it.

9 - THE GIBEONITES

Read Joshua 9:1-27

oshua's victory at Ai was noticed by the kings in Canaan. When they

heard of his victory, the kings of the hill country in the western

foothills and along the coast decided to join forces to fight against

Israel (verse 1). They formed an alliance of nations comprised of Hittites,

Amorities, Canaanities, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. All these nations

united with one purpose in mind, to make war against Joshua and Israel

(verse 2). We will return to this alliance of nations at a later point.

Of immediate concern for us is a group of people from Gibeon. They did

not join this coalition force against Israel. They had another plan. Verse 4

tells us that they resorted to deceit. They decided to trick Israel into

protecting them.

In order to deceive Israel, the Gibeonites sent a delegation to Joshua. This

delegation brought with them donkeys loaded with worn-out sacks and old

wineskins that were cracked and mended (verse 4). The men wore patched

sandals on their feet and old clothes. Their bread and food was dry and

mouldy (verse 5). When they arrived at the camp of Israel, they said that

they had come from a distant land in order to make a treaty with Israel

(verse 6).

The Gibeonites knew that the Israelites would not make a treaty with any

nation in the region where they wanted to settle. Having heard of the power

of God at work through the people of Israel, the Gibeonites did not believe

they had any chance of overpowering them with their army. Their only

chance of survival was to deceive Israel into thinking that they had come

from a distant land that Israel had no interest in conquering. If they could

deceive Israel into a treaty of peace, they might be spared.

Israel was suspicious of this request for a peace treaty. "But perhaps you

live near us. How then can we make a treaty with you?" they told them in

verse 7. Joshua asked them where they came from in verse 8. They told him

that they came from a very distant country. They had heard of the wonderful

works of their God in their distant land. They mentioned particularly what

God had done in delivering Israel from Egypt and the kings east of the

Jordan (verse 10). The Gibeonites told Joshua that their elders suggested

that they take provisions with them and go to see Israel to make a peace

treaty with them (verse 11). They reassured Joshua that they were from a

distant land and that they also wanted to maintain friendly relations with

them.

To prove that they were from a distant land, they showed Joshua their

provisions. They told him that when they left home their bread was warm

but now it was hard and mouldy (verse 12). They also showed him their

cracked wineskins, worn-out clothes and sandals and told him that these

things had worn out on their journey (verse 13). All this was designed to

deceive the people of God.

Verse 14 tells us that the men of Israel sampled Gibeon's provisions, but did

not inquire of the Lord. This is the most important verse of chapter 9.

Joshua made his decision based on externals. He saw the bread, wineskins,

clothes and sandals of the Gibeonites and believed them. The decision he

would make was based on what he saw with his own eyes. He did not speak

to the Lord about this situation and so he was deceived.

The fact of the matter is that things are not always as they appear.

Something can make perfect sense from a human perspective but lead us

into great error and sin. We cannot always trust human logic or what our

eyes see. This is why we need to seek the Lord and His direction in our

lives and ministries. Satan is a master of deception and deceit. He can make

things look very good but in the end we will fall into his trap.

God's purpose for Jericho was that everything in the city be destroyed.

When it came time to conquer Ai, God permitted His people to loot the city

and take the livestock. In both cases God's purposes were different. Joshua

needed to listen to the leading of the Lord for each situation. He did not do

this in the case of the Gibeonites.

In the last chapter, Joshua wrote the Law of God on two tablets of stone.

The people stood before Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and pronounced

blessing on those who would obey the Law of God and curses on those who

disobeyed. It was clear that if God's people were going to be blessed they

would have to live in obedience to the written Word of God. What we see

here, however, takes us one step further. Not only did God's people need to

be obedient to His written Word but they also needed to be sensitive to His

particular leading in each situation they encountered.

Because Joshua did not seek the specific will of God here in this situation,

he was deceived by the Gibeonites and made a treaty with them (verse 15).

About three days later the Israelites discovered that they had been deceived.

The Gibeonites lived very near them (verse 16).

When Israel discovered this they set out for the cities of Gibeon Kephirah,

Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. They faced these cities, but they did not attack

them because their leaders had made a treaty with them before the Lord

(verse 18). While the assembly grumbled because of the deceit, the leaders

were bound to their treaty and could not harm the Gibeonites (verse 19).

In a day when promises are easily broken, we need to take a lesson from

these Israelite leaders. It is true that they had been deceived. Their treaty

was based on false information, but they had committed themselves to live

a peace with the Gibeonites. The Lord heard their promise and would hold

them to their commitment.

There are times in our lives when we make foolish promises. It is all too

easy for us to try to get out of those promises when we realize what we

have done. The reality, however, is that God expects us to be true to our

word. He expected Israel to be true to their promise to Gibeon. He expects

the husband to be true to his wife even though things did not turn out as he

had hoped. He expects businesses to be true to their commitment even

though they discover that they may lose money in the process. Israel is true

to her word even though it was not to her advantage. I believe God expects

the same from us today.

Israel’s leaders realized that they had made a commitment to Gibeon and

could not back out of it (verse 20). The only alternative for them now was

to let them live but to make them their servants. From that point on, the

Gibeonites would be woodcutters and water carriers for Israel (verse 21).

In verse 22, Joshua called Gibeon to give an account of their actions. He

told them that they would be under a curse for their deception and they

would have to live from that point on as Israel's servants (verse 23). The

Gibeonites told Joshua that they were afraid of the God of Israel because

they knew how He had promised the entire land to His people (verse 24).

They willingly submitted to be servants of Israel (verse 25). While their

lives were spared, the Gibeonites suffered the consequences of their actions.

This chapter reminds us of the importance of seeking the Lord's direction in

all we do. It is a reminder that our human logic can sometimes lead us

astray. It is also a powerful reminder to us of the importance of keeping our

promises even when that does not work out to our advantage.

For Consideration:

What do we learn in this chapter about how Satan seeks to

deceive God's people? How has Satan been deceiving people

today?

Can we always trust human logic and wisdom? Explain.

Why is it important for us to learn how to discern the leading

of the Lord in each situation of live?

What does this passage teach us about the importance of

keeping our promises even when it is not to our advantage?

What were the consequences of Gibeon's deception?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you greater discernment to see the deception

of the enemy.

Ask God to help you to trust less in your own wisdom and

logic and more in His leading.

Have you ever broken your promise to someone because it

was no longer convenient for you? Ask the Lord to forgive

you and give you grace to be true to your word even when it

hurts.

10 - GIBEON'S REQUEST

Read Joshua 10:1-43

The Gibeonites had deceived Israel into a treaty of peace.

Israel's leaders understood that though they had been deceived,

they were still accountable before God to be faithful to their

agreement. They made the Gibeonites their servants to chop

wood and carry water but spared their lives.

n this chapter their commitment to the peace treaty with Gibeon would

be put to the test. Adoni-Zedek was the king of Jerusalem. It should be

remembered that the city of Jerusalem did not belong to Israel at this

time. King Adoni-Zedek heard how the Gibeonites had made a treaty with

Israel. He also heard how Israel had defeated Jericho and Ai. He was

greatly disturbed by these events (verse 1). Verse 2 tells us that Gibeon was

an important city. All its men were good fighters. Adoni-Zedek may have

felt angry because Gibeon had joined forces with his enemy.

Adoni-Zedek felt he needed to do something about this new threat. He

spoke with the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon and asked

them to join forces with him to attack Gibeon because it had made a treaty

with Israel their enemy (verses 3-4). The kings agreed to attack Gibeon.

The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua at Gilgal asking him to come to their

aid (verse 6). It should be noted here that Joshua could have interpreted

these events as God's way of releasing him from the treaty with Gibeon and

punishing them for their deception. How careful we need to be about

drawing these kinds of conclusions. Satan also seeks to deceive God's

people by putting circumstances in their path that can justify their actions

and draw them away from God’s purpose.

How easy it is to justify sin by the circumstances that come our way. The

young man justifies marrying an unbeliever by saying, "surely the fact that

we love each other is God's way of telling us that it is okay to be 'unequally

yoked.'" It is like the business man justifying his dishonesty by saying,

"Surely if what I am doing was so wrong God would not allow me to be so

successful." From the very beginning of time the enemy has been

promoting this sort of logic. He will give us a measure of success and tell us

that success, not the Word of God is the measure of whether we are on the

right path.

Joshua did not fall for this trap of the enemy. He had made a promise to the

Gibeonites and he was going to be faithful to that promise. Joshua gathered

his army together and marched from Gilgal (verse 7). As he went to defend

the Gibeonites, the Lord spoke to him and told him not to be afraid because

this coalition of five nations would not be able to resist him (verse 8). The

attack of Gibeon was not a way out of a treaty made by deception but God's

means of giving Israel a great victory over their enemies.

Verse 9 tells us that Joshua marched all night from Gilgal and took the

enemy by surprise. The enemy was thrown into confusion before Israel.

Israel pursued them and defeated them (verse 10). Notice from verse 11 that

God demonstrated His presence that day by causing large hailstones to fall

from the sky. More enemies died from the hailstones than from the Israelite

sword. How could the enemy fight against this kind of power?

In verse 12 Joshua made a very strange request of God. He prayed that the

sun would remain still in the sky over Gibeon so that he could completely

defeat his enemies. God answered his request and the sun stood still

allowing Israel the light necessary to completely wipe out the alliance

formed against Gibeon (verse 13). Israel was empowered with the

supernatural power of God. Verse 14 makes it quite clear when it says,

"Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel."

The five kings had fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua was

informed of this and sent his men to roll large rocks up against the mouth of

the cave so they could not escape (verses 17-18).

With the enemy kings sealed in the cave, Joshua then commanded his men

to pursue the enemy. They were not to let them reach their cities (verse 19).

The Israelites completely destroyed the enemy. Only a very few fleeing

soldiers actually reached their fortified cities (verse 20). The Israelite army

returned safely to the camp Joshua had set up at Makkedah where the five

kings were sealed in the cave (verse 21).

When the enemy was completely destroyed, Joshua called for his men to

open the mouth of the cave where they kings had been held captive (verse

22). His men obeyed and brought the five kings before Joshua (verse 23).

Joshua commanded his army commanders to put their feet on the necks of

these kings so he could kill them. Joshua told his men that this is what the

Lord would do to all who resisted them (verse 25). He hung the bodies of

the kings in five trees until evening (verse 26). At sunset he commanded

that the bodies be taken down and thrown into the cave where they had

been held captive (verse 27). They piled rocks over the mouth of the cave to

seal.

Having defeated the alliance of five kings, Joshua than turned his attention

to the surrounding nations. In verses 28 he took the city of Makkedah and

totally destroyed everyone in it. From Makkedah Joshua moved to Libnah

(verse 29). God also gave them that city as well. As he did with Makkedah,

Joshua put everyone to death, leaving no survivor (verse 30).

The next town on this military campaign was the town of Lachish (verse

31). Joshua attacked Lachish. Horam, king of Gezer came to the aid of

Lachish but on the second day the city fell and all its inhabitants were put to

death (verse 32). Joshua also defeated Gezer who had come to aid Lachish

(verse 33).

From Lachish Joshua marched to Eglon (verse 34). They took up positions

and attacked the city. Eglon fell in a single day and was totally destroyed

(verse 35). After Eglon, Joshua attacked Hebron leaving no survivors (verse

37). Finally Israel turned its attention to Debir (verse 38). They took this

city as well killing all its inhabitants (verse 39).

On this great military campaign Israel conquered many cities. They killed

all the inhabitants of as the LORD had commanded them. Israel now

controlled the region from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to

Gibeon (verse 41). All this land was conquered in one campaign because

the LORD fought for Israel (verse 42). No nation could stand against Israel.

After this campaign, Joshua and his army returned to Gilgal (verse 43).

Let’s remember the context of this great campaign. Joshua had answered

Gibeon’s call for help. Though Gibeon had deceived Israel into a peace

treaty, Israel’s faithfulness to this treaty brought great blessing from God.

Surely this is a powerful challenge to us today. God expects us to be faithful

to our vows and promises. His blessing and enabling power will be ours if

we are faithful to Him.

For Consideration:

What does this passage teach us about being led by God's and

not deceived by circumstances?

How can Satan use circumstances to distract us and send us

down a wrong path?

How did God bless Joshua's faithfulness to his treaty of peace

with the Gibeonites?

God was willing to stop the sun from setting to give Joshua

complete victory. What does this tell us about God's desire

for our victory and the power at our disposal?

Israel's conquest of Canaan almost seems effortless in this

passage. Are all victories in the Christian life like this?

Explain.

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you not to be deceived by circumstances but

clearly led by His Word and His Spirit.

Ask God to help you to be faithful to the promises you have

made even when it is difficult and they do not work to your

advantage.

Thank the Lord for power that is at your disposal for victory

over the issues you wrestle with today.

Ask God for grace to persevere when the battle does not seem

as effortless as it does in this chapter. Thank Him that victory

is yours in Him.

11 - CANAAN IS

CONQUERED

Read Joshua 11:1-23

od gave Joshua and the people of Israel great victory over an

alliance of five nations that had attacked the Gibeonites. From

that initial battle, Joshua continued his conquest of Canaan,

conquering a series of nations and taking over their land. These victories

did not go unnoticed. King Jabin of Hazor heard what had happened and

sent word to a number of kings, calling them to join forces to deal with the

Israelite threat. Included in this alliance of nations were King Jobab of

Madon, the kings of Shimron and Acshaph, the northern kings of the

mountains, the Canaanites in the east and west, the Amorites, Hittites,

Perizzites, Jebusites and the Hivites (verses 2-3). Verse 4 describes the army

as being as numerous as the sand on the seashore. This army also had a

large number of horses and chariots. This great alliance of nations gathered

together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel (verse 5).

Obviously this army outnumbered Israel and posed a serious threat to them.

Humanly speaking, Israel was no match for this army. In verse 6, however,

the Lord spoke to Joshua and told him not to be afraid of them. He told

Joshua that by that time the next day he would hand the entire enemy army

over to him. Joshua was to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots

(verse 6). The hamstring is a tendon at the back of the knee. By cutting this

tendon they horse would become lame and useless for battle.

With the strength of those words from the Lord, Joshua and his army

attacked their enemy at the Waters of Merom (verse 7). As He promised,

the Lord gave Joshua great victory. Israel defeated this much larger army

and pursued them until there were no survivors (verse 8). Joshua hamstrung

the enemy horses and burned their chariots. It should be noted that by

hamstringing these horses and burning their chariots God was keeping

Israel from taking these things for themselves. Imagine, for a moment, that

God had allowed Israel to take the enemy horses and chariots. What would

likely be the result? Would Israel not have been tempted to trust in the

chariots and horses and not in the Lord? How often has this been the case

for believers? How often have we begun to trust in the gifts God has given

rather than in God Himself? How many servants of God have fallen

because their trust slowly turns to their experience and education rather than

in the Spirit of God? God did not want His people to be tempted in this way.

By asking Joshua to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots of the

enemy, He was protecting His people from trusting in anything other than

Himself. It would do us well to examine our lives and ministry to see if

there is any way we are trusting in anything other than God.

Verse 10 tells us that after this victory, Joshua captured Hazor and killed its

king. According to verse 1 it was Jabin, King of Hazor who had headed up

this revolt against Israel. Joshua captured his city and put everyone in it to

death, burning the city to the ground (verse 11).

In those days, God gave Joshua great success. He took all the royal cities of

the land and put their kings to death (verse 12). His practice was to

completely destroy all the inhabitants of the cities he conquered. He did this

as the Lord had commanded him through Moses.

However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is

giving you as an inheritance do not leave alive anything that

breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites,

Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the LORD

your God has commanded you. Otherwise, they will teach you

to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their

gods, and you will sin against the LORD your God.

(Deuteronomy 20:16-18)

Notice in these words of Moses the reason for slaughtering the nations.

Moses told his people that they were to slaughter all the people of these

nations because, if they didn't, they would be a temptation to the people of

God. By killing off all the inhabitants of each city they conquered, Joshua

was protecting his people from their evil ways. Sometimes we need to be

very serious with sin. If we allow it to remain we will soon find ourselves

falling into its trap.

While the inhabitants of the land were to be slaughtered Israel only burnt

certain cities (verse 13). God also allowed the Israelites to carry off large

quantities of livestock from the cities they conquered (verse 14).

One of the reasons for the success of Joshua in these battles was that he did

everything God commanded him to do (verse 15). Joshua realized that his

victory did not depend on military strength but on obedience to God. God is

not looking for people who are strong in themselves. He is looking for men

and women who are obedient to Him and do things in His way.

Because he was obedient, God gave Joshua tremendous victory. He

conquered the entire land (verse 16-17). He captured their kings and put

them to death as God commanded. There was no force that could stand

against Joshua because God was with him. Verse 18 reminds us, however,

that the conquest of Canaan did not take place over night. Joshua battled

these various kings for a long time. Perseverance and obedience were the

two essential ingredients in Joshua's battle against Canaan. God rewarded

him for this and gave him the land.

Except for the Gibeonites, Joshua did not make a peace treaty with any

nation living in Canaan (verse 19). His confidence was in the Lord God and

establishing a nation that walked in obedience to His Word. Notice how

God went before Joshua to harden the hearts of the nations against His

people so that they would wage war with them and not offer peace to them.

God did this so that the nations would be judged for their sin and so that

Israel would not be tempted to form alliances them. Everywhere Israel

turned, she had enemies. This was not a curse but a blessing. It was by this

means that God would establish His people in the land as His own people.

They could serve Him with no compromise. By hardening the hearts of the

nations, God was removing all obstacles to a deeper and more intimate

relationship with Him.

In verses 21-22 we read that Joshua also destroyed the Anakites from the

hill country. So complete was the destruction of these people that there were

no Anakites left in the territory of Israel (verse 22). Their influence was

removed so that when God's people settled in the land there was no

temptation.

All the land that Joshua conquered would be handed over to the various

tribes of Israel as Moses directed. Joshua accomplished everything the Lord

had called him to do and he did so in faithful obedience to His Word. As we

look at our lives and ministries, can we say that we have followed Joshua's

example? Have we been obedient and done things God's way? Have we

trusted from start to finish in God and His leading? May God give us more

men and women like Joshua in our day.

For Consideration:

Have you ever come up against an enemy that was bigger

than you? Does the size of a problem mean anything to God?

Why did God ask Joshua to hamstring the horses, burn the

enemy chariots and destroy the enemy cities they conquered?

Are there things in your life that keep you from fellowship

with God? What are they? What do you need to do about it

today?

What role did obedience and perseverance play in the life of

Joshua?

Is it possible for us to depend on our education, experience or

gifts rather than in the wisdom and strength God provides?

What will be the result?

Have you ever been tempted to form alliances with

unbelievers? Why do you suppose God wanted Israel to

completely destroy all the inhabitants of the land? What

would have been the temptation for Israel living beside

unbelieving nations? What is the temptation for us living and

working with unbelievers?

For Prayer:

Thank God that He is bigger than any particular problem you

are facing today.

Ask God to show you one thing that stands between Him and

greater fellowship. Ask Him to help you to remove that

obstacle.

Ask God to help you to persevere and be obedient as He

requires.

Ask God to help you to surround yourself with men and

women who will help and encourage you in your spiritual

walk. Are there any people in your life that hinder your walk

with God? Ask God to help you to know what to do with

these relationships.

12 - CONQUERED AND

DIVIDED

Read Joshua 12:1-13:33

hapters 12 and 13 of the book of Joshua give us a list of the kings

that Moses and Joshua defeated. They also begin to explain how

the Israelites settled in the various regions of the land God had

given them.

In Joshua 12:1-6 we have a list of the kings who were defeated east of the

Jordan River under the leadership of Moses. This list includes the names of

Sihon king of the Amorites (verses 2-3) and Og king of Bashan (verses 4-

5). We also have in these verses a description of their land which Israel

conquered. The land east of the Jordan was given by Moses to the

Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The men of these tribes

were required, however, to fight with their brothers to conquer the land west

of the Jordan before returning to their allotment (see Joshua 1:12-15).

Joshua 12:7-24 gives us a list of the kings that were conquered under the

leadership of Joshua to the west of the Jordan River. Joshua conquered the

lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites

and allotted this land to the various tribes of Israel (verses 7-8). Verses 9-24

list the thirty-one kings Joshua conquered in the land west of the Jordan.

This list is a powerful testimony to the power of God who was working

through Joshua and Israel in those days. Not a single king in the territory

west of the Jordan could stand up against the nation of Israel and their God

who stood with them.

By the time all these nations were conquered Joshua was an old man. We

are not told how long it took Joshua to conquer the land. In Joshua 13:1 the

Lord spoke to Joshua and reminded him of his age. "You are very old, and

there are still very large areas of land to be taken over," God told him.

Despite his age, God still had a work for him to do. We will discover that

Joshua's focus would now be to divide the land and settle his people in their

territories.

In verses 2-5 God spoke to Joshua about the land Israel still had to conquer.

The land of the Philistines and Geshurites remained unconquered. In

particular, there were five Philistine rulers in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon,

Gath and Ekron that needed to be overthrown (verse 3). Included in this list

also were the regions of the Sidonians, the Gebalites and Lebanon.

From Joshua 13:6 God reassured Joshua that He would drive out the

Sidonians of the mountainous regions of Lebanon. God wanted Joshua,

however, to allocate the land he had conquered to Israel and divide it among

the various tribes (verse 7). This word from God was a turning point in

Joshua's ministry. Up to this point, Joshua had been a military commander.

Now in his old age, God was giving him another task.

Sometimes it is difficult for us when God moves us from one ministry to

another. In his final years, God had another role for Joshua to play. It is

important for us to know God's leading even in our older years. Joshua had

completed the task God had given him to do in his younger years when he

had his full strength. Now that he was older God had another work for him.

Joshua willingly accepted this change and gave himself wholeheartedly to

this new task.

The remainder of chapter 13 describes for us the allotment of territory to the

tribes of Manasseh, Reuben and Gad, who settled on the east of the Jordan

River. This land had been assigned to these three tribes by Moses before the

people crossed the Jordan. Verses 9-12 describe the territory and its

boundaries reminding us that this had formerly been the territory of Sihon

king of the Amorites (verse 10) and Og king of Bashan. Moses defeated

these two kings and allotted their land to the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben

and Gad. Verse 13 tells us that the Israelites did not drive out the people of

Geshur and Maacah from this territory. These people would continue to live

among the Israelites. This was in direct violation of the will of God who did

not want these nations to be a stumbling block for His people.

Verse 14 reminds us that the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance of

land. Their inheritance was to be God's servants among the various tribes of

Israel.

From verses 15-23 we have a more detailed description of the territory

allotted by Moses to the tribe of Reuben on the east side of the Jordan.

Included in this is a list of towns and regions that were given to the tribe of

Reuben by Moses.

The allotment of the tribe of Gad on the east side of the Jordan is described

in verse 24-28. This description gives the names of the towns and regions

that were given to Gad as their inheritance.

The chapter concludes with a description of the towns and regions allocated

to the tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan (verses 29-31). Their territory

formerly belonged to Og king of Bashan.

In this portion of Scripture we see how the promise of God for His people

was being accomplished. It was the will of God to settle His people in the

land He had promised their ancestors. As the territory is allotted to each

tribe, God is fulfilling His promise. It would be up to Israel now to live in

the land their Lord had given them and possess it for His glory.

For Consideration:

What does the long list of conquered kings in this section

teach us about the power of God to work in His people? Take

a moment to consider the victories God has given you.

What was God's purpose for Joshua in his old age? Have you

seen your ministry change over the years? What does this

teach us about being sensitive to the Lord's leading?

What does this allotment of land to the different tribes teach

us about the faithfulness of God to His promises? How has

God been faithful to His promises in your life?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord for the fact that He is a powerful God who

stands with us. Take a moment to thank Him for some

particular victories He has given you in life.

Thank the Lord that He does not forget us in our old age.

Thank Him that while our ministry may change, He can still

use us.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for how He has been

faithful to His promises in your life. Be specific.

13 - CALEB'S REQUEST

Read Joshua 14:1-15

od had given Joshua the task of allotting the conquered land to

the people of Israel. In the last chapter we were given a

description of the land allotted by Moses to the tribes of

Manasseh, Reuben and Gad on the west side of the Jordan River. This next

section of the book describes the land given as an inheritance to Israel on

the western side of the Jordan River in the land of Canaan. These

inheritances were assigned to the nine and a half tribes living in Canaan by

casting lots.

The descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons formed twelve separate tribes

named after their fathers. Joseph, however, did not have a tribe directly

named after him. Genesis 48:5 tells us, however, that Jacob adopted

Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s sons) as his own children. While there

would be no tribe named after Joseph his inheritance was divided between

his two sons. Manasseh and Ephraim would be considered half-tribes

because they divided Joseph's inheritance. Moses allotted territory to

Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan.

Nine and a half tribes were still to receive their inheritance west of the

Jordan.

Verse 3 reminds us that the tribe of Levi, though considered a tribe of Israel,

was not to receive an inheritance of land. They were to live among the

various tribes and serve as priests of God on their behalf. Certain towns

would be allocated to the Levites among the tribes of Israel so they would

have a place to graze their flocks and herds (verse 3-4).

Of greatest concern in this chapter is the request of a man by the name of

Caleb. We read about him in Numbers 13. Moses sent spies into Canaan to

examine the land and bring back a report. The spies returned and told

Moses that the people were too numerous and strong for them to conquer.

Caleb disagreed with his brothers telling Moses that God was able to

deliver the inhabitants into their hands (see Numbers 13:30). The other

spies, however, discouraged the people so that they refused to enter the

land. God told Moses that, apart from Caleb and Joshua, none of those who

refused to enter Canaan at that time would enter the Promised Land

(Deuteronomy 1:34-36). God promised Caleb, however, a portion of the

land for his inheritance because of his trust and confidence in Him.

In verse 6 Caleb approached Joshua about the promise Moses had made to

him. He reminded Joshua of how, in Kadesh Barnea he had been sent into

Canaan to explore the land and bring back a report (verse 7). He told Joshua

how the brothers who went with him gave a report that caused the people's

hearts to melt with fear. Only he had the faith to believe that God could give

them the land (verse 8). That day, Moses told Caleb that the land on which

his feet had walked would be an inheritance for him and his children (verse

9).

For over forty years Caleb wandered through the wilderness with his fellow

Israelites not seeing the fulfilment of the promise of God. He watched as

every one of his fellow spies died in the wilderness. Now only he remained

of all those who had gone into the land from Kadesh Barnea. The time was

now right for him to inherit the land he had been promised.

A strong and vigorous eighty-five year old Caleb now stood before Joshua

asking him to grant the fulfilment of the promise made to him through

Moses (verses 10-11). That day Caleb asked Joshua for the hill country he

had walked on over forty years ago (verse 12). Notice from verse 11 that

Caleb did not expect that this country would be given to him without battle.

He reminded Joshua, however, that he was still strong and able to go to

battle for this land.

The country that Caleb asked for was a territory inhabited by a people

known as the Anakites. Verse 12 tells us that their cities were large and

fortified. They would not be easy to conquer. Caleb was not deterred by this

however. He still believed that the Lord his God was able to give him

victory. With God's help he would drive them out.

Caleb did not pretend that he had strength in himself. He was not depending

on his own resources. His confidence was in the Lord God and His

promises. With God helping him, he would drive out the Anakites and take

their land.

Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him Hebron as his inheritance (verse 13).

While we do not have the details of how it all happened, Caleb and his men

did conquer that land and passed it down to their children. The name of the

town that Caleb conquered used to be Kiriath Arba. It had been named after

Arba the greatest man among the Anakites.

The story of Caleb is a challenge to us all. Let me say a few things about

Caleb here in closing.

First, Caleb was a man of tremendous faith who was not afraid to be

different from the crowd. When all his companions believed that they could

not defeat the Canaanites, Caleb stood firm in his commitment to God and

His ability to give victory. He was not afraid to be different from the crowd.

He was a man of faith and sometimes that meant that he had to tread a

lonely path.

Second, Caleb was a man of tremendous perseverance. Notice that he

waited for forty-five years for the promise of God to be accomplished in his

life. He wandered through the wilderness and watched his companions die.

Throughout that time he trusted in the promise God had given him. He

believed he would see the Promised Land. How easy it would have been for

him to lose hope as the months passed into years and the years into decades.

He is an example of perseverance and trust in God's promise.

Third, Caleb was a man whose confidence was in God not in his own

strength and wisdom. Caleb believed from the very beginning that it did not

matter how strong the enemy was—God was stronger. As an eighty-five

year old man he stood before Joshua to ask for the hill country he had

walked on when he was a man in his forties. He knew that the Anakites

were powerful and lived in fortified cities but he was not looking to his own

strength. He knew that God was greater than anything the Anakites could

throw at him. He stood boldly before Joshua that day looking to God for the

victory.

Fourth, Caleb was a man who was willing to fight. He knew that his victory

was in the Lord but he was ready to use all his resources to see that the

promise of God was accomplished in his life. God had promised him this

land and he was ready to trust him for it but he also prepared himself to do

battle. He offered himself and all he had to the Lord for the accomplishment

of that promise. Not all of God's promises are handed to us without effort.

In fact, often we will have to work hard and do battle before we can see the

fulfilment of His promises in our life. Some people give up because the

effort is too much. Caleb was ready to fight to the very end. He was not

going to give up until God's promise was completely fulfilled in his life.

Caleb's request, "give me this hill country," is a powerful challenge to us

today. He knew that God had a purpose for him and his life and committed

himself fully to realizing that purpose in its entirety. What is the purpose of

God for your life? What is your "hill country?" Are you ready to persevere

for years and even decades as you wait for that promise to be fulfilled in

you? Are you ready to do battle against the Anakites that stand between you

and the fulfilment of that promise? May God raise up more men and women

like Caleb in our day.

For Consideration:

How does Caleb prove to be a man of faith in this passage?

Would you be willing to stand against all your companions

for the truth? How easy is it to "go with the flow?"

Are there any promises of God you have yet to see fulfilled in

your life? What are they? What do you learn from Caleb in

this passage?

In whom does Caleb put his confidence? Where is your

confidence?

Are God's promises always fulfilled without effort on our

part? Explain.

What is your personal "hill country" God wants you to

conquer?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you courage to be willing to stand firm in

faith even when others are wandering away.

Thank the Lord that we can have great confidence in Him and

his promises. Thank Him that there is no obstacle that He

cannot overcome.

Ask God to show you His purpose for your life and ministry.

Ask Him to give you grace to conquer the territory He has for

you to conquer.

14 - THE ALLOTMENT OF

LAND TO JUDAH,

MANASSEH AND

EPHRAIM

Read Joshua 15:1-17:18

e have already seen that the task God gave to Joshua toward

the end of his life was to allot the territory he had captured to

the various tribes of Israel. In this meditation we will examine

the allotment of territory to the tribes of Judah, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Judah's Allotment

Chapter 15 focuses on the allotment of territory to Judah. Generally the

territory of Judah extended to the territory of Edom and the Desert of Zin in

the south (verse 1). Verses 2-4 explain in more detail the southernmost

boundary of the Judah's territory. The eastern boundary extended to the Salt

Sea and the mouth of the Jordan River (verse 5). Details of the northern

boundary of Judah are found in verses 5-11. Finally, verse 12 gives us the

extent of the western boundary of the territory of Judah.

Verses 13-20 give us that account of Caleb and his territory. Caleb was from

the tribe of Judah but he particularly distinguished himself from all other

members of his tribe because of his faith in God.

Joshua gave to Caleb a portion of land in Judah. Caleb was to take the

region of Kiriath Arba. Kiriath Arba would be renamed Hebron (verse 13).

In order to occupy this land, Caleb had to drive out the Anakites (verse 14).

He also fought the people living in the town of Debir which was formerly

called Kiriath Sepher (verse 15).

Caleb told his men that he would give his daughter Acsah in marriage to

any man who would attack and capture the city of Kiriath Sepher (Debir).

Othniel, the son of Caleb's brother Kenaz took the city, so Caleb gave him

his daughter in marriage (verse 17). In verse 18 Caleb's daughter Acsah

asked her father for a spring in the Negev. Caleb granted her request and

gave her the upper and lower springs (verse 19).

Verses 21-62 list for us the various towns captured or allotted to Judah.

Verses 21-32 list the towns in the south of Judah's territory. Twenty-nine

towns are listed in these verses. Verses 33-47 list a series of villages allotted

to Judah in the western foothills. Verses 48-60 contain a list of villages in

the hill country of Judah. Finally verses 61-62 name six towns and villages

in the desert that were given to Judah. From verse 63 we see that Judah

could not dislodge the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem. The city was

well defended and Judah could not overpower them.

The Allotment Of Manasseh And Ephraim

The sons of Joseph were Manasseh and Ephraim. Some of the tribe of

Manasseh had been given territory on the east side of the Jordan by Moses.

The tribe of Manasseh, however, was a large tribe and needed more

territory than what was given to their brothers east of Jordan. The territory

allotted to Joseph's sons began at the Jordan and crossed through the region

of Bethel and Beth Horon to the Sea (16:1-3). This is a very general

description of the land allotted to Joseph's sons.

Joshua 16:5-9 describe in more detail the territory allotted to Ephraim.

Notice in verse 10 that the tribe of Ephraim was not able to dislodge the

Canaanites living in Gezer. These Canaanites lived among the Ephraimites.

They were not forced to be servants of Ephraim but were a free people

living among them.

Joshua 17 is a description of the territory allotted to Manasseh. Manasseh's

firstborn was Makir. Makir became the ancestor of the Makirites who were

known as great soldiers (verse 1). They were given the regions of Gilead

and Bashan east of the Jordan. The rest of Manasseh sons were the heads of

various clans. Six clans of Manasseh are listed in verse 2 (Abiezer, Helek,

Asriel, Shechem, Hepher and Shemida). The family of Zelophehad in the

clan of Hepher did not have any sons. He only had daughters (verse 3).

These daughters went to Eleazar the priest and Joshua and told them how

Moses had promised them land even though they had no male descendants

(see Numbers 27:1-7). Joshua listened to their request and gave them an

inheritance along with the males of the clan (verse 4). The inheritance of

these clans of Manasseh was west of the Jordan beside Gilead and Bashan

(verse 5).

The boundary description for the tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan

River is found in verses 7-10. They bordered the territory allotted to

Ephraim in the south. In the north, Manasseh's territory extended to the

allotment given to Issachar and Asher (verses 11).

Notice again in verses 11-12 that the Manassites were not able to occupy

certain towns of the Canaanites who were determined not to give up their

land to Manasseh. As the Israelites grew stronger, however, they subjected

the Canaanites in these towns to forced labour but they did not drive them

out completely (verse 13).

God's blessing was obvious on Joseph's sons. In verse 14, the people of

Ephraim and Manasseh approached Joshua for more land because they were

too numerous for the inheritance they had received (verse 14). Joshua told

them to clear land for themselves in the land of the Perizzites and the

Rephaites (verse 15). Joseph's descendants told Joshua, however, that this

was not enough for them. Notice that they also told him that the Canaanites

who lived in the surrounding country had iron chariots (verse 16). They

were afraid of these Canaanites. Joshua refused to give them any more

inheritance (verse 17). He told them that they were to clear the land they

had and that God would give them victory over the Canaanites if they were

willing to face them (verse 18). They would have to fight to obtain more

territory. This was not something they were really keen on doing. Joshua's

challenge to the descendants of Joseph is a challenge to us as well.

Sometimes victory only comes through hard work and perseverance.

For Consideration:

In chapter 16 we see how Caleb had to fight for his territory

even through it was promised to him by God. Are there

things in your life that God is calling you to work hard to

obtain?

Caleb's daughter only had to ask her father and he gave the

springs of water she asked for. Do we always have to fight to

obtain the promises of God? Are their things you have not

obtained from God simply because you have not ask Him?

Notice the number of Canaanites who were not dislodged

from the territory allotted to Israel. They did not have victory

all at once. In some cases they did not seem to have victory

over these enemies at all. Are there issues in your life that

you need more strength to overcome?

Joseph's descendants were afraid of the Canaanites and

hesitated to make the effort to clear the land to make more

room for their people. Have you ever found yourself in a

situation where you were not sure you wanted to put forth the

effort to gain the territory God had for you?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that His is able to strengthen you to

overcome the obstacles that stand between Him and His

purposes for your life.

Ask God to give you discipline and perseverance to fight the

battles He has called you to fight.

Ask God to reveal to you any obstacles in your life that need

to be overcome. Ask Him for strength to overcome those

obstacles.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for victories He has given

to you in your spiritual life.

15 - THE ALLOTMENT OF

THE LAST SEVEN TRIBES

Read Joshua 18:1-19:51

s we begin chapter 18 we see that the people of God set up the

Tabernacle in the town of Shiloh (verse 1). Verse 1 makes it quite

clear that the whole region of Canaan was now under Israel's

control. It is interesting to note in verse 2 that Joshua challenged his people

to take possession of the land the Lord had given them. There seems to be a

distinction between bringing the nation under their control and possessing

the land. This is an important distinction we need to note.

When the Lord Jesus died on the cross He conquered the power of sin and

brought to His people victory over its legal hold on their lives. He also

paved the way for all believers to live in the victory He had obtained for

them on the cross. Like Joshua, Jesus conquered the territory held by the

enemy and set us free from his power and control. This does not mean,

however, that sin will never again be a temptation. The victory is there for

us but we still have to trust God and wrestle against sin and its temptations.

This is what was happening with the people of God. They had conquered

the enemy but they still had to take possession of the land, settled in it and

bring it under submission to the purpose of God.

There was still a large amount of land that had not been possessed by God’s

people. Joshua proposed that they select three men from each of the seven

remaining tribes and send them throughout the land to survey it (verse 4).

This team of surveyors was to divide the remaining land into seven parts

and bring back the description of each lot to Joshua. Joshua told the people

that Judah was to remain in the southern region while the rest of the tribes

would live in the north (verse 5). When the land was divided into seven

lots, Joshua and the priests would cast lots to see which land God would

give to each of the seven remaining tribes (verse 6).

The men went out to survey and divide up the land God had given them.

Joshua instructed them to return to him at Shiloh when they had completed

their survey (verse 8). The men did exactly as Joshua commanded and

returned to Shiloah (verse 9). As Joshua promised, he cast lots for the land

that had been divided by the surveyors (verse 10). He did this in the

presence of the Lord. By casting lots, Joshua was removing any possibility

of discussion on this matter. The Lord would determine where each tribe

would live. The remainder of chapters 18 and 19 describe the allotment

given to each tribe by the casting of lots.

The first lot was for the tribe of Benjamin. Their lot was between Judah to

the south and Manasseh and Ephraim to the north (verse 11). A detailed

description of their boundaries can be found in verse 12-20. In verses 21-28

we have a list of twenty-six important cities and town that formed part of

Benjamin's inheritance.

In Joshua 19:1 we read that the second lot fell to the tribe of Simeon. What

is interesting about the inheritance of Simeon was that it fell within the

territory of Judah. Joshua 19:9 tells us that Judah's territory was too big for

them so Simeon was given part of their land. Verses 2-8 is a list of

important towns and cities allotted to the tribe of Simeon.

The third lot fell to the tribe of Zebulun. The allotment that fell to Zebulun

is described for us in verses 10-15. Their territory was north of that

allocated to Manasseh. Verse 15 gives us a list of some of the important

towns and villages located in Zebulun's territory.

The fourth lot fell to the tribe of Issachar. The boundaries of Issachar’s

territory are described in verses 18-23. Included in this description is a list

of sixteen important towns and villages.

Asher's lot fell next. Verses 24-31 describe the land allotted to them. Their

lot was on the sea in the northern region of the land God had given to his

people. It included twenty-two important towns and villages.

Naphtali's lot was sixth. Their boundaries are described in verses 33-34.

Verses 35-39 list nineteen fortified cities that fell to Naphtali as part of their

inheritance.

The seventh and final lot fell to the tribe of Dan. The boundaries of their

inheritance are detailed in verses 41-46 and included a list of important

cities and towns. The territory described for us in these verses was located

just north of the territory allotted to Judah in the south along the sea coast.

The tribe of Dan however had difficulty taking possession of their territory.

This may have been because of the people who were in the land when they

went to possess it. For this reason they went north to the region of Leshem

and took the city and occupied it as well (verse 47).

When Joshua had finished dividing up the land and allotting it to the

various tribes, the Israelites gave him his inheritance (verse 49). He was

given the town of Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He would

build up the town and settle there with his family (verse 50).

All these territories were assigned to the seven remaining tribes of Israel at

Shiloah by the casting of lots in the presence of the Lord (verse 51).

These two chapters, while filled with land descriptions and lists of towns,

are important for several reasons. First, it shows us that God is faithful to

His promises. He gave to each of the tribes an allotment for their families as

He had promised.

Second, these chapters teach us that it is God's purpose that we possess and

occupy the territory He has given us. God had conquered the territory

through Joshua but He expected his people to settle in and defend the land.

Through Jesus Christ we too have been given victory but God now calls us

to live in that victory.

Finally, these chapters show us that God has an assignment for each of us.

The allotment given to each tribe was different but God had a place for each

one. In a similar way God has a purpose for each of us. He expects us to

step out and live in that purpose. He expected each tribe to occupy the plot

of land He had given them but He also expected that they develop that land

for His glory. Whatever gifts God has given you are to be used for His glory

and purpose. Whatever territory God has given you to possess, He expects

that you will do your utmost to possess and defend. He has a very specific

place, purpose and ministry for each of us. May we find that purpose and

place and occupy it until He returns.

For Consideration:

What is the difference between conquering and possessing?

How has Christ conquered Satan? What do we need to do to

possess what Christ has conquered from Satan?

Is it possible for believers to live in defeat even though God

has given them victory? Explain. What victories do you need

in your life?

What does the casting of lots indicate to us about how Israel

felt about God purpose for each tribe? Does God have a

particular purpose for your life? What is it?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord Jesus that He has conquered Satan and sin.

Ask God to help you to possess what He has conquered for

you from Satan.

Are there areas of defeat in your life? What are they? Ask the

Lord to help you to take these areas back from Satan.

Thank the Lord that He has a very specific purpose and plan

for your life. Ask Him to help you to see His purpose for you

and walk in it.

16 - SPECIAL CITIES

Read Joshua 20:1-21:45

n the last few chapters we have seen how Joshua allotted territory to

the various tribes of Israel. Each tribe was given a special parcel of

land by God to possess. We learn from chapters 20 and 21 that Joshua

also set aside cities for the Levites. Included in these were a number of

cities where those who had unintentionally killed another person could flee.

God had instructed Moses to set aside these cities of refuge in Numbers

35:6-34. There are several things we need to understand about these special

cities.

Notice first in verse 3 that they were intended for the person who had

accidentally or unintentionally killed another person. There was no such

protection for those who murdered a brother or sister intentionally. This

person was stoned to death. The people sheltered in the cities of refuge

were people who did not have evil intent. The death they caused was by

accident or some carelessness on their part. Here in the city of refuge they

would be protected from anyone who wanted to avenge the killing.

Verse 4 tells us that when an Israelite was guilty of killing another person

unintentionally he or she was to flee to one of these cities of refuge. Before

gaining entrance to the city, however, they needed to present their case to

the elders of the city. These elders would examine each case and when it

was clear that the crime was unintentional, they would allow the person into

the city and protect them from anyone seeking revenge. According to verse

5, if an avenger of blood pursued these individual to the city, the elders

were not to surrender them over. They would be protected by the city

against harm.

Notice also that the person who fled to the city of refuge was to remain in

the city until he or she has stood trial and until the high priest had died

(verse 6). They were not to return to their town where the incident occurred.

It should be noted that the person who had accidentally killed another

human being still had to pay for his or her crime. These individuals were

not put to death but they were tried and imprisoned in the city of refuge. It

is important to note what Numbers 35:26-28 tells us about this:

"But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the city of

refuge to which he has fled and the avenger of blood finds him

outside the city, the avenger of blood may kill the accused

without being guilty of murder. The accused must stay in his

city of refuge until the death of the high priest; only after the

death of the high priest may he return to his own property."

Those guilty of unintentionally killing another human being were still held

accountable for their actions. They were not permitted to leave the cities of

refuge on pain of death. Only when the high priest died, could they return to

their families. Even unintentional sin was to be punished.

Verses 7-8 give us a list of towns and cities set aside as cities of refuge for

the Israelites. These cities were scattered throughout the various tribes of

Israel so that the person who unintentionally killed another person could

flee to them for protection from an avenger of blood (verse 9).

There were also other cities set aside in Israel for the Levites. It should be

remembered that the Levites who were the priests and servants of God in

Israel were not given a particular territory. They were scattered throughout

all the tribes of Israel so they could serve as God's representatives among

them. In Joshua 21 the Levites approached Joshua, Eleazar the priest and

the tribal heads to remind him of God's command through Moses that they

received an allotment of towns throughout Israel as their inheritance (verse

2). What follows is a description of the various towns and cities given over

to the Levites from each of the tribes of Israel.

It should be remembered that Levi had three sons, Gershon, Kohath and

Merari. The descendants of each of these three sons were given special

responsibilities before the Lord (see Numbers 3:21-37). Cities were given to

each of these sons of Levi.

The descendants of Kohath were known as the Kohathites. They were

allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin

(verse 4) and another ten towns from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan and

Manasseh (verse 5).

Gershon's descendants or the Gershonites were given thirteen towns from

the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh to the east of the

Jordan (verse 6).

Merari's descendants, the Merarites received twelve cities from the tribes of

Reuben, Gad and Zebulun (verse 7). The towns allotted to the Levites

included pastureland for their flocks (verse 8).

Verses 4-8 give us a general idea of where how each tribe gave cities and

towns to the Levites. What follows in the remainder of the chapter is a more

detailed account of the cities given to each Levitical family by tribe. The

following chart illustrates Joshua 21:9-39 showing what towns each tribe

gave to the individual clans of Levi as their possession.

Verses Given to From Cities Given

21:9-16 Aaron

(Priests)

Judah

Simeon

Hebron

Libnah

Jattir

Eshtemoa

Holon

Debir

Ain

Juttah

Beth Shemesh

21:17-

Benjamin Gibeon

Geba

Anbathoth

Almon

21:20-

Kohathite Ephraim Shechem

Gezer

Kibzaim

Beth Horon

21:23-

Dan Eltekeh

Gibbethon

Aijalon

Gath Rimmon

21:25-

Manasseh Taanach

Gath Rimmon

21:27 Gershonit

Manasseh Golan

Be Eshtarah

21:28-

Issachar Kishion

Daberath

Jarmuth

En Gannim

21:30-

Asher Mishal

Abdon

Helkath

Rehob

21:32 Naphtali Kedesh

Hammoth Dor

Kartan

21:34-

Merarite Zebulun Jokneam

Kartah

Dimnah

Nahalal

21:36-

Reuben Bezer

Jahaz

Kedemoth

Mephaath

21:38-

Gad Ramoth

Mahanaim

Heshbon

Jazer

Altogether there were forty-eight towns given over to the Levites

throughout Israel. Each of these towns included pastureland for their flocks

(verses 41-42).

With the allotment of cities of refuge and the cities for the Levites,

everyone in Israel was given a claim in the land. Israel separated and settled

each tribe in their land. Verse 44 tells us that God gave them rest on every

side. Not one of their enemies could stand against them. All their enemies

were subject to them (verse 44). All of God's promises to the people of

Israel came true. They had overcome tremendous obstacles, but through

them all, God had been faithful and now His people were settled in their

land.

What is significant in this section is that each tribe had a contribution to

make. The Levites were God's representatives and God expected that each

tribe do their part to welcome them into their land. By surrendering territory

to the Levites, God's people were opening their hearts to His servants. They

were to make room in their land for God and His servants the Levites. God

expects nothing less today. Do you have room in your business for God? Do

you have room in your personal life for God?

For Consideration:

What do we see in this passage about the compassion of God

for those who fall unintentionally into sin?

What is the difference between unintentional sin and

intentional sin? Are we guilty if we sin unintentionally?

How are the cities of refuge a picture of the Lord Jesus? Is

there hope outside of the Lord Jesus?

What do we learn about the obligation of each tribe in Israel

to return to the Lord a portion of what He had already given

them? Does God have part of your business or work? Does

God have part of your finances and your time?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He is gracious to us when we fall into

sin.

Thank the Lord that He wants to be part of our lives and

activities.

Ask the Lord to show you how you can devote a portion of

your work, your time, or your finances to Him.

17 -

MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Read Joshua 22:1-34

s human beings, because we do not always see the whole picture,

we can jump to the wrong conclusion. Sometimes those false

conclusions can lead to serious consequences. Joshua 22 is the

story about a misunderstanding between the tribes of Israel.

As we begin, Joshua summoned the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

Remember that these three tribes had an inheritance on the east side of the

Jordan. While they would not be living on the west side of the Jordan with

the rest of their brothers and sisters, they had fought with them for their

territory. They stood faithfully by their brothers through their battles until

all of the land had been conquered. Now it was time for them to return to

their families who had stayed on the other side of the river.

Joshua commended the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh for their

faithfulness to their brothers and sisters (verse 3). Notice that Joshua told

them that they had been faithful to the mission the Lord had given them. It

was God's purpose that they help their brothers conquer the land of Canaan.

Even though they would not inherit any part of that land, God still wanted

them to stand with the other tribes in its conquest.

The faithfulness of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh in standing with their

brothers is significant for a couple of reasons. First, they were given, by this

means, a deeper understanding of God's character. As the people of Israel

swept through the land of Canaan and took it over, they saw clear evidence

that God was with them and going before them. As they experienced the

failure at Ai when they were defeated because of Achan's sin, they gained a

new appreciation of God's holiness. When the sun stood still, they

understood how much God was willing to stand for them. Imagine that the

tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had missed these experiences. Their

understanding of God was strengthened by their experience with the other

tribes. They would return to their territory renewed in their relationship

with God. I’m sure they would have many wonderful stories to tell their

wives and children east of the Jordan River.

Second, these three tribes were geographically separated from the other

tribes of Israel. Had they remained on the east side of the Jordan and not

fought with the other tribes it would have been easy for them to feel like

they had no part with them. By crossing the Jordan and fighting with their

brothers for the land of Canaan they were establishing a strong bond with

them. They had fought and conquered the land together.

In verse 4 Joshua told the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh that they

were free now to return to their own land. Before they left for the other side

of the Jordan, however, Joshua challenged Reuben, Gad and Manasseh to

be faithful to the law that Moses had given them (verse 5). He reminded

them that they were called to love the Lord and walk in His ways with all

their heart and soul.

Having commended them for their faithfulness and challenged them to love

and obedience, Joshua blessed the three tribes and sent them back to their

homes (verse 6). Part of the blessing these tribes received from Joshua was

in the form of large herds of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron and

clothing. This was the plunder they had taken from their enemies (verse 8).

With this blessing, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh left their

brothers and began their journey home across the Jordan (verse 9). Before

returning home, however, they decided to build a large altar (verse 10).

When the other tribes of Israel heard that they had built this large altar by

the Jordan, they were very upset (verse 11). They were so upset that they

decided to declare war on them (verse 12). Obviously, they saw this large

altar as a pagan altar. It was obviously not constructed according to the

specifications of the Lord for an altar.

In verse 13 the Israelites sent Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest to

Gilead where Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had erected this altar. Along with

Phinehas were ten of the chief men of from each of the tribes of Israel

(verse 14).

When this delegation arrived at Gilead, they told the tribes of Reuben, Gad

and Manasseh what the others tribes thought of their altar. They saw the

altar as a way of breaking faith with the God of Israel. They saw this as an

act of rebellion against the Lord God (verse 16). They went as far as to

remind them of the sin of Peor. We read about this in Numbers 25:1-5. At

that time, the Israelites turned their back on the Lord God and began to

engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women. They also sacrificed to

the Baal of Peor. In doing this, they brought the wrath of God on

themselves. The delegation reminded the other three tribes that to that day

they had not completely cleansed themselves of the sins that took place that

day. There may still have been people who were tempted to follow the ways

of the gods of Moab.

Phinehas and the leaders of Israel reminded the three tribes that by turning

away from God they would bring His wrath on the whole nation (verse 18).

They pleaded with them not to rebel against the Lord God by building a

pagan altar. They even invited Reuben, Gad and Manasseh to live with

them if the land they were going to possess was defiled and was not

experiencing God's blessing (verse 19). They also reminded Reuben, Gad

and Manasseh of Achan who took the things that were devoted to God.

When Achan took these articles from the city of Jericho and hid them under

his tent, the curse of the Lord fell on the entire nation (verse 20). By acting

unfaithfully to the Lord, the health of the entire nation was as risk.

On the one hand, we have to admire the dedication of the people of God.

We see here an indication of their commitment and where they were

spiritually at that time in their lives. They did not want anything to stand in

the way of the blessing of God and were willing to deal with anything that

would separate them from that blessing. We could certainly use more

people like this in our day.

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh heard what the other tribes said. In response

they told them that the Lord God, "the Mighty One" knew their intentions.

In calling God the Mighty One, they are reaffirming that He was their God

and that they had no intention of turning from Him.

Notice also in verse 22 that they said: "If this has been in rebellion or

disobedience to the LORD, do not spare us this day." In other words, if we

have done wrong we are willing to be judged. They essentially gave their

brothers permission to kill them if they found them guilty of rebelling

against the Mighty God of Israel. "If we have built our own altar to turn

away from the LORD and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to

sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the LORD himself call us to

account," they said in verse 23.

This response is important. Reuben, Gad and Manasseh could have

responded very differently. They could have been insulted and became

angry with the other tribes of Israel. They could have reminded them of

how they stood faithfully with them in battle against their enemies. Who

among us has not done this when accused falsely?

The response of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh is a humble response. They

begin by telling their brothers that they were quite willing to submit to the

severest of judgment if they had done wrong. They had no intention of

hindering the blessing of God for their brothers and sisters. In fact they

would willingly lay down their lives rather than take their blessing from

them.

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh went on to explain their actions. They

explained that the altar they built was never intended for worship. Instead, it

was to be a reminder of their oneness with the rest of Israel. According to

verse 24, they feared that because they were geographically separated by

the Jordan River from the rest of their brothers their future generations

would say:

"What do you have to do with the LORD, the God of Israel?

The LORD has made the Jordan a boundary between us and

you—you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the

LORD."

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh did not want future generations to push them

aside. Though geographically divided from the rest of the nation, they

wanted them to know that they were all of the same blood and family. They

shared the same heritage and history. They feared that if the rest of Israel

pushed them aside and failed to recognize their children as part of the same

nation, this would be cause their future generations to turn to other gods

(verse 25).

It was because of this that the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh decided

to build an altar. The altar was not for offerings or sacrifices but as a

memorial (verse 26). It was to serve as a witness between them for

generations to follow that they were one nation under God (verse 27). They

built a memorial in the form of an altar because the altar represented the

worship of the God of Israel. By building this replica as a memorial, not for

sacrifice, they were saying that they would serve and worship the God of

Israel and honour Him alone (verse 28). Reuben, Gad and Manasseh

reassured their brothers that they had no intention of rebelling against the

Lord God by building an altar for worship (verse 29).

When Phinehas the priest and the other community leaders heard the

response of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh they were very pleased (verse 30).

They were reassured that the Lord God had not abandoned them nor was

His curse on them (verse 31). I am sure also that they felt reassured in their

bond with Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

Phinehas and the leaders returned home and reported their findings to the

Israelites (verse 32). The whole nation was glad to hear the report and

praised God. All talk of going to war with Reuben, Gad and Manasseh

ended and obviously the relationship between them was strengthened (verse

33). Reuben and Gad named the altar "A Witness Between Us that the

LORD is God."

This story is a warning to us about jumping to conclusions. None of us

really understand the motives and intentions of our brother or sister. It is all

too easy to draw false conclusions based on what we see. Notice in this

passage that before sending their army, Israel sent Phinehas and the

community leaders to talk with Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. Those talks

brought clarity and resolved the problem. Reuben, Gad and Manasseh also

are to be credited with humbly listening to the concerns of their brothers

and being patient with them in their misunderstanding. Many problems can

be avoided among believers today if we would only follow this example.

For Consideration:

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh were faithful in standing with

their brother and sisters in battle. How faithful are you to

stand with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

For Reuben, Gad and Manasseh the Jordan River was a

potential threat to unity with their brothers and sisters. What

issues have the potential for dividing believers today?

Have you ever been guilty of jumping to the wrong

conclusion? How does Israel deal with the misunderstanding

so as to avoid a war? What lesson do you take from this?

How do Reuben, Gad and Manasseh respond to the

misunderstandings of their brothers? How important is our

response to misunderstandings?

We see the commitment of Israel to the purity of their land

and the glory of God. What issues dishonour the Lord in your

land today? What do you feel needs to be done about this?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to stand with your brothers and sisters

in their time of need.

Ask God to show you the issues that cause division among

believers today. Ask him to help you to overcome those

barriers.

Ask God to help you to respond in a way that would glorify

His name when you are misunderstood.

Ask God to give you grace to listen to the opinions and

viewpoints of others before making a judgment about them.

Ask God to give you a deeper commitment to seeing His

name honoured in your land.

18 - JOSHUA'S WORDS TO

THE NATION

Read Joshua 23:1-16

ears had passed since the people of Israel had crossed the Jordan

River and conquered the land God had promised them. By this

time Joshua was an old man. He had lived a life faithful to God.

He had worked with Moses and been trained by him. When Moses died,

God called Joshua to lead His people in the conquest of the land of Canaan.

When the land was conquered, God asked him to be an administrator and

divide up the land among the people. Joshua was faithful in that

responsibility as well. God's purpose for Joshua was now coming to an end.

The day was approaching when the Lord would take him to be with

Himself. In this final period of his life, Joshua was used by God to

challenge his people to walk in faithfulness and obedience.

In this chapter Joshua called all of Israel to himself. The elders, leaders,

judges and officials stood before him and Joshua spoke to them (verse 2).

In verse 3 Joshua reminded his people of what the Lord had done for them.

He reminded them of how they had come into the land and conquered

mighty nations. They had not obtained this land because they were strong.

The Lord God of Israel had fought for them and given them the land they

now possessed.

Joshua challenged his people to remember what God had done. It is all too

easy for us to forget what the Lord God has done in our lives. How quickly

we forget the victories He has given. How easy it is to overlook the

blessings. We become discouraged and downcast when we see the

difficulties ahead. We wonder how we will ever be able to overcome.

Joshua calls us to take our eyes off the future long enough to look to the

past. As we look back, we see the hand of a faithful God who never once

abandoned us. We see His deliverance and victory. Our eyes move from our

circumstances to the God of our circumstances. Joshua challenged his

people to remember what God had done for them. In remembering what

God has done in the past we find courage to face the future.

Still on this theme of remembrance, Joshua told his people to remember

how he had allotted the land God had given them (verse 4). This land was

their land now. The enemy would try to claim it back from them but they

were to remember that this was the inheritance God had given them. The

God who gave them this land would enable them to possess it. He would

give them strength to keep that land and push back their enemies (verse 5).

I can imagine that Satan would have put some doubts in the minds of God's

people as they sought to possess their land. "Do you really thing you are

strong enough to drive these enemies out,” he would ask. “Do you really

have a right to take this land,” he would question. Satan will often try to

cause us to doubt our ability to walk in the victory God wants us to have.

You can almost hear him say, "You're going to fall; it's just a matter of time.

You don't have the strength to persevere." Have you ever felt those doubts?

Joshua knew that as the people of God possessed their land there would be

challenges. For this reason, he called them to remember that it was God's

will that they occupy this land. The God who gave them the land was also

able to keep them in it and drive back all who opposed them. The God who

calls us will give us all we need to be faithful to that call.

In verse 6 Joshua challenged the Israelites to be very strong. Joshua knew

that his people would require much strength if they were going to be

victorious over their enemies. Joshua tells his people in verse 6 how they

could be strong. They would be strong by being careful to obey all that was

written in the Book of the Law of Moses. They were not to turn aside from

the law but obey it with all their heart. The strength of God's people was

found in obedience.

Disobedience grieved the heart of God and drove His presence from them.

Obedience, on the other hand, brought blessing. If God's people wanted to

be strong, they needed to be obedient. An obedient and faithful people are a

strong people.

There would be many challenges to this obedience. Pagan nations

surrounded them with their evil ways. Joshua told his people that they were

not to associate with these nations. They were not to call on their gods or

swear oaths in the names of their gods (verse 7). Instead, they were to hold

fast to the Lord their god and remain true to Him. Any compromise with the

nations and their gods would weaken them as a nation. The secret to their

strength was to walk in obedience and faithfulness to the one true God of

Israel.

In verses 9-10 Joshua speaks of the strength that was at work in Israel

through their obedience. They had driven out great and powerful nations.

Not one of those nations was able to withstand them. Just one Israelite

could rout a thousand because God was fighting for him. How foolish it

would be to walk away from this great God who was the source of their

strength. How foolish it would be to turn their back on Him by choosing

instead to follow the path of lesser gods.

While obedience is vital if we are to experience the victory of the Lord,

Joshua told the people in verse 11 that they were also to be careful to love

the Lord their God. He was their strength. All their blessings flowed from

Him. He was the source of their life. They were to honour and walk with

Him in love. There is an external obedience that does not honour God. The

Pharisees of the New Testament obeyed the Law of Moses but they did not

love the Lord wholeheartedly. God expects obedience from a heart of love.

This is the kind of obedience that comes from the heart and delights in God

and His ways.

Joshua warned Israel that if they turned from God, allied with pagan nations

and adopted their ways they would suffer terrible consequences in their

nation. He makes these consequences very clear in verses 13-16. If they

allied themselves with the pagan nations around them, God would no longer

keep these nations out. Israel would find she was incapable of dealing with

the nations. God was more than willing to give His people victory. All he

required from them was obedience from a loving heart. Disobedience to

God would strip them of their power and authority and leave them helpless

before their enemies. The nations around them would become a snare to

them. They would be overcome by their enemy. The enemy's whip would

sting their backs as they forced them into subjection. Ultimately, they would

perish and the land the Lord had given them would be stripped from them.

They could lose everything through disobedience.

In verses 14-15 Joshua told the people clearly that just as God had been

faithful in all of His promises for their good, He would also bring the evil

He threatened on them if they turned their backs on Hm. God would not

hesitate to take away everything He had given them if they turned from

Him. His burning anger would flame up against them if they violated his

covenant by serving other gods. They would quickly perish in the land.

Sadly, God's people did not heed the warnings of Joshua. Because of their

disobedience to the Lord God, the descendants of the people who settled in

the land would be defeated by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. They

would be taken from the land the Lord had given them and sent into

captivity in Babylon. What keeps God from stripping His blessings from

our land today?

This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of wholehearted

obedience to God and His purposes. Obedience and faithfulness to the Lord

God are the secret of our strength. You can have all the spiritual gifts you

want but if you are not walking in obedience, God's blessing is stripped

from those gifts. May God show us the importance of walking in obedience.

For Consideration:

Consider for a moment the various ministries God gave

Joshua. What ministries has God given you? What is His

present call on your life?

How important is it for us to remember what God has done?

How does looking back give us strength to face the future?

Has the enemy ever caused you to doubt that you can

continue to walk in victory? What encouragement does this

chapter bring you?

What, according to Joshua, is the secret of strength?

How does disobedience strip us of strength?

What keeps God from stripping away the blessing He has

given us today?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to walk in His specific purpose for your

life and ministry today.

Take a moment to look back in time to remember the good

things God has done for you. Thank Him for these blessings

in your life.

Thank the Lord that He enables us to continue to walk in

victory. Thank Him for some specific victories. Ask Him to

give you grace to continue to walk in them.

Ask the Lord to help you to confess and deal with any

specific disobedience in your life.

Thank the Lord for His grace that continues to bless us even

when we do not deserve it. Ask Him to help you to not take

this grace for granted.

19 - THE COVENANT AT

SHECHEM

Read Joshua 24:1-33

e examined Joshua's challenge to Israel’s leaders in chapter 23.

The time of Joshua's death was fast approaching. Before he

died, however, he called for an assembly of the tribes of Israel.

When they had gathered before him at Shechem, Joshua spoke to them

(verse 2). These were possibly the last words Joshua spoke to the nation as

a whole.

Joshua began in verse 3 with a reminder to his people of their history as a

nation. Notice in verse 3 that the words Joshua spoke were from the Lord.

Joshua spoke as a prophet. This would be his final role as a servant of God

before he died.

Joshua reminded his people of their humble beginnings as a nation. Their

story began with Abraham who lived beyond the Euphrates River. Abraham

and his fathers did not know God. They worshiped other gods (verse 2).

One day God spoke to Abraham and led him out of his land to the land of

Canaan. He blessed him and promised him many descendants (verse 3).

Abraham had a son by the name of Isaac.

Isaac had two sons (Jacob and Esau). God gave Esau the hill country of Seir

but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt (verse 4). They became slaves

in Egypt. This was not because God did not care them. He had an even

greater purpose for them than he had for Esau and his descendants.

In time God rose up a servant by the name of Moses. Through Moses and

his brother Aaron, God punished the Egyptians and brought Jacob’s

descendants out of Egypt (verse 5). The Egyptians pursued the escaping

Israelites as far as the Red Sea (verse 6). When Israel cried out for help, the

Lord put darkness between them and the Egyptians. Pharaoh’s army could

not approach Israel. God separated the sea so that His people could cross on

dry land. When the Egyptians followed them into the sea the Lord caused it

to fall down on them so that they drowned (verse 7). They were all

witnesses to the great power and protection of the Lord their God in those

days.

From the Red Sea the people of Israel went into the desert. For forty years

the Lord protected, fed and kept them. He brought them through that desert

to the land of the Amorites east of the Jordan River (verse 8).

The Amorites fought against God's people but God gave them into their

hands. The Israelites defeated the Amorites and took possession of their

land (verse 8).

Amon was not the only nation east of the Jordan to oppose Israel. Balak

king of Moab lived in that region as well. He sent for Balaam the prophet to

put a curse on the Israelites (verse 9). Again, however God protected His

people. God blessed Israel again and again (verse 10). He delivered them

from the attack of Balak.

Joshua went on to remind Israel of how they crossed the Jordan and came to

the city of Jericho (verse 11). The citizens of Jericho fought against them as

did the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and

Jebusites. God gave Israel victory over every one of these nations. In verse

12 Joshua told his people that the victory over those nations was not the

result of their own bow and sword. The Lord sent a hornet ahead of them. It

is somewhat unclear what Joshua meant by this statement but we can

generally understand it to refer to the fear and turmoil that God put in the

hearts of the nations that Israel was to conquer. Imagine for a moment that

you stirred up a hornet's nest. As those stinging hornets come after you,

what is your response? You run as fast as you can, swinging your arms to

get rid of as many of these stinging insects as possible. This is what it was

like for the enemies of God's people. They ran, fearing for their lives and

the power of God that was with His people who pursued them.

God gave His people a cultivated land which they had not farmed. He gave

them cities they had not built. They ate from vineyards and olive groves

they did not plant. All this was a gift from God to His people (verse 13).

Having reminded his people of the grace of God in providing, caring,

protecting and blessing them, Joshua then challenged them to live as His

people. In verse 14, he told them to fear the Lord and serve Him with

faithfulness. The God who had made them into a powerful nation was

worthy of their service and worship. There was no god like the God of

Israel. Joshua commanded his people in verse 14 to throw away all other

gods. No other god was worthy of their worship.

Joshua called his people to make a choice that day (verse 15). He told them

that if serving the Lord God was undesirable to them then they were to

choose the god they would serve. He told them that he and his family had

made up their minds. They were going to serve the God who had brought

them out of Egypt. They were committing themselves to Him alone.

Joshua's call to his people was a call to commitment. He wanted them to

make their intentions clear. All too often we sit at the cross roads. We could

go either way. God is calling us to make our decision. In Revelation 3:16

Jesus rebuked the church of Laodicea because it was lukewarm. He told the

church that He wished that they were either cold or hot but because they

were lukewarm He would spit them out of His mouth. Joshua, speaking as a

prophet of God, told the people of his day that they were either for God or

against Him. They were either to serve Him with all their heart or not at all.

That day Joshua was calling for a decision. Were the people of Israel going

to follow God wholeheartedly or not? God wants to know the same thing

from us today.

In verse 16 the people made their decision. "Far be it from us to forsake the

LORD to serve other gods!" they said. They recognized the goodness of

God. They recognized that He had brought them out of Egypt and

performed many great signs before their eyes (verse 17). It was this God

who had protected them against their enemies, giving them the land they

possessed (verses 17-18). They committed themselves that day to serving

the Lord God of Israel.

Joshua heard their response but reminded them that they were not able to

serve the Lord as they said they would. It could be that Joshua saw

prophetically that Israel's commitment that day would not be kept. Later

generations would turn their backs on the Lord God. Ultimately, the land

God gave to His people would be stripped from them because of their

disobedience.

Notice in verse 19 that Joshua reminded his people that the God they were

committing themselves to was a holy and jealous God. If they turned from

God to serving other gods, God would turn His back on them. He would

bring disaster on them and destroy them (verses 19-20).

The choice the people had to make was between life and death. If they

chose God they would live and know His blessings. If they turned their

back on God they would perish without hope.

In verse 21 the people again make a firm commitment before Joshua that

they would serve the Lord their God. Joshua told them that they were

witnessed against themselves in the vow they had made (verse 22).

Making this promise to follow the Lord with their mouths was one thing.

Putting it in practice was another. In verse 23, Joshua told Israel that if they

were serious about their vow they were going to have to throw away the

foreign gods among them and yield their hearts to God alone. Was it

possible that even as they spoke, there were individuals with foreign gods in

their possession? Joshua is calling the people to move beyond words to

action. Words come quite easy. Joshua challenged his people to backup

their words by action. In verse 24 the people agreed to do as Joshua said.

To seal their engagement, the people made a covenant before God. Joshua

drew up the terms of this covenant (verse 25). The covenant was recorded

in the Book of the Law. Joshua then took a large stone and set it up under an

oak tree near the place where the tabernacle was set (verse 26). He told the

people that the stone was a witness against them and their promise to God

that day. The people agreed (verse 27). After sealing their commitment to

God, the people returned to their homes (verse 28).

Joshua died after these events. He was one hundred and ten years old when

he died (verse 29). He was buried in Timnath Serah in Ephraim, the land

that had been given to him as an inheritance (verse 30). Israel served the

Lord under his capable leadership and even during the lives of the elders

who served with Joshua (verse 31).

Verse 32 records the fulfilment of a promise Joseph called his sons to make.

While he was in Egypt, Joseph made his sons promise that they would take

his bones from Egypt and bury them in the land God promised (see Genesis

50:25). According to verse 32 Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem in a

plot of land Jacob had bought many years before (see Genesis 33:19). That

land was given as an inheritance to Joseph's descendants.

Also at this time Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest died. He had faithfully

served with Joshua. He was buried at Gibeah on a piece of land that had

been allotted to his son Phinehas (verse 33).

This period of Israel's history was a glorious one. God used Joshua as a

military leader, administrator and prophet. Under his capable leadership, the

land of Canaan was given over to the people of God. God accomplished His

wonderful purposes by giving Israel a land of their own. Now that Joshua

had died, the task of administrating and governing the land would fall into

the hands of a series of judges. The covenant commitment Israel made at

Shechem that day would be seriously put to the test in the years to come.

For Consideration:

How does Israel's history prove the blessings and faithfulness

of God in their lives? How has God's blessing and

faithfulness been proven in your life?

Esau's descendants were given the region of Seir but Jacob's

descendants, whom God wanted to bless, were held as slaves

in Egypt. What does this teach us about trials in life?

Joshua made it clear that Israel's victory was not because of

their great leadership or because of their military strength.

Israel was victorious only because God was with them. Is it

possible to trust in other things for victory today? Explain.

What do we learn in this passage about God's desire for us to

commit ourselves totally to Him? Have you made that

commitment? Have you been faithful to God?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the many ways He has

blessed you in this life.

Thank the Lord that He can use trials to accomplish His

purpose. Thank Him that in those trials we can see God in a

new way.

Ask God to show you if you have been trusting in anything

other than Him for victory.

Ask God to show you if there is anything in your life that

defiles your commitment to Him.

PREFACE TO JUDGES

hrough the capable leadership of Joshua, Israel was now settled in

Canaan. After his death, the nation was lead by a series of judges.

These judges were often military leaders who brought the

judgment of God on enemy nations and insured the security of His people.

God was still Israel’s King.

In this book we see the struggle of God’s people with the temptations

around them. They are a people prone to wander from Him and His

purposes. It is important to note the connection between Israel’s faithfulness

to God and His blessing on them as a nation. As they wander from God, His

people separate themselves from His blessing. Often this led to serious

consequences. We read of God’s people, oppressed by the enemy, living in

caves and hiding in mountains for fear of what their enemies might do.

In these times of despair, when Israel cried out to God, He would send a

deliverer to judge their oppressors and set them free. God’s blessing would

be restored when His people returned to Him. In their blessing, however,

they were quick to forget Him and the cycle was repeated. The reader

cannot help but be struck by Israel’s tendency to wander and God’s

incredible patience with her as a nation.

As you study the book of Judges, take note of how often God’s people fall

into sin. Notice also the wonderful patience of God with them and be

encouraged in your own spiritual walk. Consider the devastating effects of

sin, however, on the lives of God’s people. See how their sin and rebellion

only brought helplessness and despair. Victory, for God’s people, was not in

their military strength or careful administration but in obedience to the Lord

God their one true King.

My prayer for you as you begin this study is that the Lord God would give

you a deeper appreciation of His wonderful patience with us as a people

who are so easily distracted from His purpose. My prayer would also be

that the Lord reinforces the importance of obedience in the Christian life.

May this book inspire you to seek grace to walk more faithfully with Him.

F. Wayne Mac Leod

INTRODUCTION TO

JUDGES

Author:

raditionally, many Bible scholars believe that the book of Judges

was written by the prophet Samuel. There is no conclusive

evidence of this in the book, however.

Background:

The name of the book comes from the leaders who ruled in Israel in those

days. After Joshua, a series of leaders, known as judges, ruled in Israel.

There is some question as to why these rulers were called judges. Generally

we think of judges as those who make rulings in a court. This is not

necessarily the case with the judges of this period. These individuals were

used of God to bring His judgement on Israel and the nations who opposed

Israel. Many of these judges were military leaders who delivered Israel

from the oppression of foreign nations.

We have the record of thirteen judges in this book. The following chart lists

the names of the judges of this period.

Judge Passage

Othniel Judges 3:7-11

Ehud Judges 3:12-30

Shamgar Judges 3:31

Deborah (and Barak) Judges 4:1-5:31

Gideon Judges 6:1-8:32

Abimelech Judges 8:33-9:57

Tola Judges 10:1-2

Jair Judges 10:3-5

Jephthah Judges 10:6-12:7

Ibzan Judges 12:8-10

Elon Judges 12:11-12

Abdon Judges 12:13-15

Samson Judges 13:1-16:31

One of the key themes of the book of Judges is the cycle of disobedience

and deliverance. God’s people were quick to wander from Him. Whenever

they did, their enemies would oppress them. In their distress they would call

out to the Lord and He would send a judge to deliver them. When they were

comfortable, the people of God would once again wander and the enemy

would return. This cycle of disobedience and deliverance is repeated many

times in the book of Judges and shows something about the natural

inclination of the heart of God’s people to wander.

Importance Of The Book For Today:

The book of Judges has much to teach us about human nature. In this book

we see how the people of God were so prone to wander from God and His

purposes. We can see ourselves in these people.

We also see the devastating consequences of wandering from God. Every

time the people of God turned from Him and His purposes, the enemy was

given a foothold in their lives. There was a serious price to pay for

wandering. Sometimes their rebellion stripped God’s people of everything

they had and they were forced to hide in caves, fearful of their enemies.

While obedience to God leads to blessing, disobedience can only bring

devastation and pain.

One cannot read the book of Judges without seeing the patience and grace

of God toward a rebellious people. Over and over again the Lord forgives

and restores His repentant people. While there were certainly great

consequences to pay for rebellion and wandering from the truth, God’s

heart was always open to receiving all who would turn from their sin and

seek Him with all their heart.

At times in the book, we are left to wonder about the kind of people God

chose to use to deliver His people. We meet cowardly Barak, who refused

to take up arms unless Deborah went with him. Gideon doubts the will of

the Lord in calling him and demands a sign. Samson, breaks his vow as a

Nazirite, lives a life of questionable morals with unforgiving anger in his

heart all his life. Despite the sins of His servants, God used them to

accomplish His purposes. How much more can He do with those who seek

Him with all their heart?

The reader of the book of Judges cannot help but wonder why the Lord God

would continue to be patient with a rebellious people who continually

provoke Him. The book is a reminder of our own weaknesses. We see

ourselves in the nation of Israel and are encouraged to know that God is

willing to forgive us as well. Judges challenges us in our relationships with

brothers and sister in the faith. Seeing the patience of God toward His

people obligates us to forgive and demonstrate patience and loving kindness

toward each other in our differences.

20 - ENEMIES IN THE

LAND

Read Judges 1:1-36

o understand the book of Judges it is important that we know

something about the book of Joshua. Joshua led his people into the

Promised Land. Under his leadership, the people of God overcame

their enemies and settled in the land of Canaan. Toward the later part of

Joshua's ministry, the territory was allotted to each of the twelve tribes of

Israel. While Joshua had conquered the land, there were still pockets of

resistance. As each tribe moved to its allotted territory, they had to deal with

people who did not want to leave.

There is another important detail we need to understand. God commanded

Israel to destroy all the Canaanites living in the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).

They were not to intermarry with them. There was to be complete

separation between the people of the land and the people of God. This was

because the Lord knew that these nations would tempt His people to follow

their evil ways.

As we begin the book of Judges, Joshua has died. There was no national

leader chosen to replace him. Each tribe cared for its own affairs and the

nation, as a whole, was governed by the principles of God's law. Notice in

verse 1 that they consulted the Lord God when they needed to know His

particular will in a given situation. This was done through the prophets and

priests who were God's representatives and spokesmen for the nation. God

was their King, and the prophets and priests were His representatives.

While the land of Canaan now belonged to Israel, there were Canaanites

living there who refused to surrender to Israel’s domination. They needed to

be subdued.

As we reflect on this passage we see a picture of what the Lord Jesus has

done for us. Like Joshua, the Lord Jesus has broken the back of the enemy.

By His death on the cross He has provided the solution for our sins. Satan

has been defeated. This does not mean, however, that Satan has accepted

defeat. He and his demons still linger in the land, refusing to give up and

causing problems, tempting and seeking to hinder the furtherance of the

kingdom of God.

What is true of Satan is also true of our own sinful flesh. God gives all who

come to Him a new life. That does not mean that we will never struggle

with the old nature. That old nature does not want to admit defeat. We still

feel its pull and fall prey to its temptations. We still need to die to the pull of

our old nature on a daily basis.

While the land had been conquered, Israel still had to do battle with

enemies who did not want to leave. It was God's will that all these pockets

of resistance be defeated and rooted out. God wanted His people to live in

complete victory over their enemies. He did not want these nations to tempt

His people with their evil ways.

Israel realized that they needed to do something about the Canaanites living

in the land. While the people of God knew that they were to drive out the

Canaanites, they were still careful not to trust their own human wisdom in

this matter. They sought the Lord about how they were to conquer the

Canaanites.

It is quite possible for us to seek to advance the kingdom of God through

human wisdom. How easy it is to trust in our education and experience.

God expects us, however, to seek Him and His direction in all we do. This

is what Israel is doing in verse 1. They knew that that Lord wanted them to

drive out the inhabitants of the land. Now they sought His will regarding

how that was to be done. The written Word of God and the Spirit of God

walk hand in hand. God leads us through the clear principles of His written

word, but He also shows us through His Spirit how any given situation.

In verse 2 the Lord told Israel that Judah was to lead an attack against the

Canaanites who still lived in the land. He promised to give the land into

their hands.

With this clear word from the Lord, the tribe of Judah and their brothers, the

Simeonites, who were given an allotment in Judah's territory, set out to fight

the Canaanite resistance (verse 3). Judah was successful in defeating the

Perizzites. Verse 4 tells us that they struck down ten thousand men in the

region of Bezek.

While in the region of Bezek, Judah fought against a man by the name of

Adoni-Bezek. His name literally means "lord of Bezek." He was obviously

a very important and powerful individual in that region. Adoni-Bezek fled

from Judah's army. Judah pursued and captured him. When he was

captured, they cut off his thumbs and big toes (verse 6). While this seems to

be a strange thing for them to do, the context shows us why they did it.

According to verse 7, Adoni-Bezek had cut off the thumbs and big toes of

seventy kings. He knew now that the God of Israel was judging him for his

cruelty. Adoni-Bezek was taken captive and died in the city of Jerusalem.

The city of Jerusalem was also attacked and taken by Judah at that time.

They burnt the city and killed its inhabitants. It should be remembered that

Jerusalem was not yet the city it would become under David. It was merely

one of many cities that Judah needed to conquer. It would become in time,

however, the principle city of Judah.

After conquering Adoni-Bezek and the city of Jerusalem, Judah focused its

attention to the southern region of the Negev. Here they fought the

Canaanites living in the hill country. They advanced against the people of

Hebron and defeated the cities of Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai (verse 10).

From these victories, Judah advanced against the region of Debir (formerly

called Kiriath Sepher). As they advanced, Caleb put forth a challenge to his

men. He told them that he would give his daughter Acsah in marriage to the

man who captured Kiriath Sepher (verse 12). Caleb's younger brother

Othniel took up the challenge and defeated the city. Caleb gave Acsah to

him in marriage (verse 13). Othniel would become one of Israel's first

judges (see Judges 3:7-11).

Acsah, the new wife of Othniel urged him to ask her father Caleb for a

field. With his permission she went to see her father Caleb and asked for a

field with a spring of water. Caleb granted her requested (verses 14-15).

In verse 16 we read about a group known as the Kenites. They were the

descendants of Moses' father-in-law. It should be remembered that Moses'

father-in-law was not an Israelite. He admired the Israelites, but he was not

one of them. This created certain confusion in Judah. Israel lived with these

foreigners and had a healthy relationship and respect for them, but they

were not God’s people. We read that the Kenites would separate from the

people of God and move to the Desert of Judah where they would settle.

This would place a distance between Israel and the Kenites.

The tribes of Simeon and Judah also attacked the Canaanites living in the

city of Zephath. They destroyed this city completely (verse 17). They also

took the regions of Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron (verse 18).

Judah took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive out

the inhabitants of the plain because they had iron chariots (verse 19). We

should not see from this that God was unable to give His people victory.

What we do need to understand, however, is that some enemies are harder

to remove than others. Sometimes God allows certain enemies to linger to

keep us humble and reliant on Him.

The apostle Paul prayed that God would remove an enemy from his life.

Listen to his testimony in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9:

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these

surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in

my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I

pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to

me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made

perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

God chose not to remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh so he would not become

proud.

The city of Hebron was given to Caleb (verse 20). He drove out three of the

sons of Anak from that region.

In the first 20 verses we have seen Judah's efforts to drive out the

inhabitants of the land. The remaining verses of this chapter tell us

something about the other nations of Israel.

Verse 21 tells us that the tribe of Benjamin failed to dislodge the Jebusites

who lived in their region. These people lived among the Benjamites for

many years.

Ephraim and Manasseh attacked the city of Bethel and the Lord was with

them (verse 22). They sent spies into Bethel to discover how to attack. The

spies saw a man coming out Bethel and demanded that he show them how

to get into the city. They promised to treat him well if he told them what

they needed to know (verses 23-24). The man showed them how to get into

the city and Ephraim and Manasseh entered, taking possession of it. As

agreed, they spared the man and his family (verse 25). That man went to the

land of the Hittites and built a city which he called Luz which was the

former name for Bethel (verse 26).

The tribe of Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan, Taanach,

Dor, Ibleam or Megiddo. The inhabitants of these regions were determined

to live in these regions (verse 27). Israel would eventually press these

people into forced labour but they never drove them out completely (verse

28). Let me say a word here about this.

It is possible for us to bring our attitudes or sins into submission. Even the

unbeliever can change his or her sinful attitude or stop a harmful habit. We

can suppress these sins and not let them control us for a time but they are

still in our lives tempting us. Submitting the enemies to force labour was

like this. God's people were in control but the enemy still lived in the land.

God is willing not only to help us control our sin but also to give us

complete victory over it. You might be able to live in victory over lust but

you know that it is constantly tempting you. God is willing to remove that

temptation completely. All too often we settle for something less than what

God desires. Like Israel, we are content to subject our enemies to forced

labour when God wants us to remove them completely.

Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. These people

lived among the Ephraimites (verse 29).

Zebulun did not drive out the Canaanites in Kitron and Naholol. While they

did subject them to forced labour they let them remain in the land (verse

30).

Asher did not drive out the people living in Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib,

Helbah, Aphek or Rehob. All these people lived in the region of Asher

(verses 31-32).

Naphtali did not drive out the people living in Beth Shemesh and Beth

Anath. They were subjected to forced labour but remained in the territory of

Naphtali (verse 33).

Verse 34 tells us that the Amorites confined Dan to the hill country not

allowing them to come down to the plains. We are left with the impression

that the tribe of Dan was being held hostage to the Amorites. Dan seemed to

be powerless against their enemy and was not able to advance.

The Amorites put up a strong resistance to Israel. They were determined to

hold on to several regions (verse 35). As the tribes of Joseph became

stronger, however, they forced the Amorites into forced labour.

As we examine this chapter there are several important spiritual lessons for

us. We see here that God wanted His people to live in victory over their

enemies. He wanted them to conquer the land and the inhabitants that

would only lead them away from the truth of His law. Each tribe had its

challenges. Some of these tribes were more victorious than others. Judah

had great victories. Dan seemed to be overcome by the enemy. Judah did

not seem to be able to overcome the people of the plain. Other tribes simply

did not seem to make the effort to get rid of the people in their territory.

Notice that not one of the tribes was completely successful in getting rid of

every foreign influence in their territory.

This is a picture of the church today. All of us are at various stages in our

relationship with God. All of us have areas in our lives that need to be

surrendered more fully to the Lord. There are habits, attitudes or issues in

our lives that need to be conquered in Jesus' name so His work is

unhindered in our lives. What is important for us is to realize that while

Christ has already conquered the enemy on the cross, it now remains for us

to drive them out and occupy their territory. Are you willing to do this? Are

you willing to allow the Spirit of God to identify those areas of your live

that need to be surrendered to Him? Will you make it your priority to trust

God for victory in those areas of your life?

For Consideration:

If Jesus has conquered sin and the devil, why do we still

wrestle with it in our lives today?

What areas of your life need to be more fully surrendered to

the Lord God?

It is possible for us to do the work of the kingdom in human

strength and wisdom? Why do we need to seek the direction

and leading of the Lord in the work of His kingdom?

Does God allow us to wrestle with some of our enemies for

life? Do you have some enemies in your life that you have

not been able to conquer? How can God use those enemies

for His glory in your life? Consider the example of Paul

mentioned in this chapter

What is the difference between being in control of our sin and

having complete victory over our sin? Are there some areas

of your life where God wants to give you a more complete

victory?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He has already conquered sin and the

devil. Thank Him that they have no ultimate power to keep us

from God today.

Ask the Lord to show you an area of your life where He

wants you to have a more complete victory. Ask Him to lead

you into that victory.

Ask God to give you grace to walk in victory over the

enemies He has chosen to remain in your life for your good.

21 - ISRAEL IS TESTED

Read Judges 2:1-23

s we begin chapter 2, an angel of the Lord has come to God's

people with an important message from God. The angel reminded

the people how God had led them out of Egypt and into the land

He had promised their fathers (verse 1). In bringing this to their minds, the

angel was reminding Israel of the faithfulness and grace of God toward

them as a nation. They had not deserved such favour, but God blessed them

anyway. All the way through the wilderness the children of Israel grumbled

and complained about God's leading. God judged their fathers and mothers,

allowing them all to die in the wilderness because of their sin, but He

renewed His grace and favour to their children.

Notice in verse 1 that the angel also reminded the Israelites that God had

made a covenant with His people. He told them that He would never break

that covenant with them. Their relationship with Him was sure and

guaranteed in this covenant. All God asked in return was faithfulness and

devotion. He asked that they devote their hearts to Him, turning from all

other gods to serve and love Him alone. They were not to make a covenant

with the people of the land He was giving them to possess. They were to

break down their altars and worship God alone in the land He had given

them.

As the angel of the Lord stood before the people of Israel that day, he

accused them of breaking their covenant vows to the Lord. He reminded the

people that they had not been faithful to God, their husband. They had

turned a lustful eye to the gods of other nations. They had allowed these

gods and the practices of these nations to distract them and cause them to be

unfaithful in their covenant with their own God.

The angel told the people that God would not drive out these nations (verse

3). Under Joshua God's people experienced great victories. There was no

nation or people who could stand against Israel, but now things would

change. These nations would be a thorn in their side. They would irritate

them and be a curse and snare to them. This brings up several questions.

Had God given up on His people? By no means. God's love and devotion to

His people was as strong as it had always been. The problem was the

attitude of God's people. Have you ever tried to get someone to love you

when they were not ready to do so? You can't force people to love. Forced

love is not really love at all. There are times when all we can do is to back

off and let time and circumstances heal a broken relationship. God's heart

was broken because of His people's wandering hearts. In this verse, he

backs off because His people are not ready to receive Him. He does not

give up on them. Instead He waits patiently for them to return.

Did God's plan change for His people? Again the answer is, "no." God still

wanted His people to remove all the foreign gods in the land. He still

wanted them to drive out all the pagan influence. He was willing to help

them do this if they were willing to receive His aid. The problem, however,

was that the people of God were captivated by the evil of the land. They did

not want God's help in driving out these people. Their hearts were not

devoted to Him alone. They lusted in their hearts after the evil of the land.

God saw their hearts. He decided that he would give them up to their evil

ways.

God did not give them up because He no longer loved them. He gave them

up because it was the only way they would truly appreciate His love. He

gave them up so they would see that these gods had nothing to offer them.

He gave them up so that they would see how empty the world and its

attractions were and come back to Him with a whole heart.

Why did God not give Israel victory? The answer is quite simple. God's

people did not want that victory. They were quite content to have these

nations living with them. They were attracted to their gods and their sinful

ways. Could it be that the reason we don't have victory in our lives is

because we do not want that victory. We know that God wants us to have

victory but we don't want what God wants. We are too attracted to the

enemy and his evil ways.

Notice particularly in verse 3 that these nations would be a thorn in the side

of Israel. They would be a snare to them. In other words, Israel would soon

find out that the gods and the evil ways she was attracted to would prove to

be empty. What she lusted after would become a burden to her. Her love for

these foreign gods and sinful ways would turn to frustration. There would

be no satisfaction in the end.

Notice the response of the people to the message of the angel in verse 4.

They wept aloud. Verse 5 tells us that they called the place Bokim meaning

"weepers." There at Bokim they offered sacrifices to the Lord God. While

all this seems to be quite sincere, the remainder of the chapter tells us that it

wasn't. God's people were certainly grieved to hear the news that they were

going to be disciplined by God. They were saddened to hear that God

would remove His blessing from them. The question we need to ask

ourselves, however, is whether this did anything to break their attraction to

the gods of the nations around them. Obviously, from the remainder of this

chapter, we see that the people's love for other gods was not diminished by

the words of the angel of the Lord. They grieved not because they had hurt

God but because He was withdrawing His blessing.

Verses 6-9 give us the background to this period of time in Israel. When

Joshua was alive, he sent each of the tribes to take possession of the land he

had given them. As long as Joshua and the elders who served Joshua lived,

the people served the Lord (verse 7). When Joshua died, however, things

were very different. A whole generation grew up not knowing the Lord God

of Israel (verse 10). They were not taught the ways of the Lord and His

deeds of favour toward Israel. This resulted in the nation turning its back on

God. Instead of worshiping the Lord God of Israel, they turned to the gods

of the Canaanite people (verse 11). They forsook the Lord God to worship

the gods of the nations around them (verse 12). This provoked the Lord to

anger.

God handed His people over to raiders who plundered them (verse 14).

They had been a powerful nation under Joshua. That great nation was no

more. The enemies they once conquered now plundered and captured them.

Notice that at this time in Israel's history they were being sold to enemies as

slaves (verse 14). They could not resist their enemies. Verse 15 tells us that

wherever Israel went, the hand of the Lord was against them so they were

defeated. The nation was in great distress. The Lord was showing His

people what it was like to live without His protection and favour, because

they had turned their backs on the only true God.

In their distress, the people of God would cry out to Him. In response God

raised up a series of judges. He empowered these judges to help His people

and deliver them from the hand of their enemy (verse 16), but God's people

rejected these judges. They wanted out of their distress, but they were not

willing to commit themselves to the Lord God. The people would not listen

to the judges God sent, but chose to prostitute themselves with other gods

(verse 17). As soon as the judge would die, the people would return to their

evil ways and become even more corrupt than before (verse 19). God's

people were interested in God's blessings but they were not interested in

God Himself.

All this made God very angry with Israel. They rejected His love. They

refused to acknowledge their obligation to Him and the covenant they had

made with Him (verse 20). Because of this, God gave them over to the

nations around them. Israel became powerless against these nations. God

allowed His people to pursue their evil ways and chase after other gods. He

did not stop them. God did not give up on them. As we will see in this

book, He would consistently send judges to them in their time of need. His

ear still listened to their cries for help. They were never completely

destroyed, but they grieved and groaned under the heavy and oppressive

hand of the foreign nations around them.

Notice from verse 22 that God chose to use the nations to test His people.

God did not abandon His people to the nations. These nations, however,

were God's means of disciplining Israel so that they would return to Him

and see the evil of their ways.

Consider for a moment that you were in Israel at this time. All you can see

is that the nations are oppressing you. They have raided and looted your

land. They have taken some of your people with them as captives and sold

them as slaves. You do not see the hand of God in this. All you can see is

that God's blessing is no longer on you as a nation. From God's perspective,

however, things were very different. God gave the nations permission to

oppress His people but He did not remove His hand from them. They were

under His watchful eye. These nations could only do what God allowed

them to do. God was using everything these nations were doing to refine

and test His people. He was disciplining them because He loved them and

wanted them to return to Him. He was teaching them lessons through these

days of trial. Verse 23 is quite clear about this when it says that "the Lord

had allowed those nations to remain." All this had a purpose. God was still

in control. His purpose was to break the stubborn resistance of His people

and restore them to Himself.

Have you been feeling the hand of God’s discipline? Has He been trying to

refine you? Will you let Him accomplish His work and draw you to

Himself?

For Consideration:

How has God been faithful to you? Give some examples of

this faithfulness in your life.

Have you been faithful to God? What things keep you from

God? What distracts you from God and His purpose for your

life?

Are there sins you still long for in your life? Do you still find

yourself attracted to those sins? Can you expect real victory

in this area of your life if you really don't want it deep down

in your heart?

What is the difference between grieving because you lose

God's blessing and grieving because your sin has offended a

holy God you love?

What has God been using in your life to test and refine you?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Be

specific in your thanksgiving.

Ask the Lord to remove all distractions in your life that keep

you from being all He wants you to be.

Ask God to remove your love for a particular sin and give

you victory over it.

Ask the Lord to give you a greater love for Him. Ask Him to

forgive you for thinking more of His blessings than of Him.

Thank the Lord for the trials He has allowed in your life to

refine you and draw you closer to Himself.

22 - OTHNIEL, EHUD AND

SHAMGAR

Read Judges 3:1-31

uring this period in Israel's history, God raised up a series of

judges to lead His people. These judges acted often as military

commanders to give God's people victory over their enemies.

God's people need to know how to do battle with the enemy. While today

the battle is more spiritual in nature, we still need to know how to fight the

enemy. Satan will not let up in the battle for the souls of men and women.

He is constantly seeking to destroy the work of the church. As believers, it

is important that we understand that we are in the midst of a battle. A

believer who does not know how to fight the temptations and arrows of

Satan is at a serious disadvantage. While it is not the place here to speak

about how to do this battle, let me simply remind the reader that the apostle

Paul often challenged believers to fight the good fight of faith (see 1

Corinthians 9:26; 1 Timothy 1:8; 6:12). Ephesians 6:11-18 is a detailed

description of how believers are to put on the armour of God in order to

fight off the attacks of the enemy.

As we seek to advance the kingdom of God, we can be sure that we will be

opposed. Every believer needs to know how to stand against the enemy. In

verses 1-2 God wanted to teach the Israelites how to have victory over their

enemy.

God left the enemy in the land in order to teach His people how to do battle.

Verses 3-4 tell us, however, that there was a second reason for leaving the

enemy in the land. These nations were left also to see whether God's people

would obey His commands (verse 4). It is important that we understand

what is happening here.

It is the desire of the Lord God that we obey Him wholeheartedly.

Sometimes He will test that obedience. While God already knows what the

outcome will be, these tests are often very helpful for us. They show us the

condition of our hearts. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son on

the altar, it showed Abraham and all those around him the condition of his

heart. He proved that he was ready to surrender even his only son to the

Lord. There have been times in my life when I have compromised in my

obedience to the Lord when confronted with a test. These times have shown

me the condition of my heart and challenged me to do something about it.

While God will never tempt us to do evil, He does want us to recognize the

condition of our heart. There are times when He will allow temptations to

come our way to show us where we stand with Him and how easily we

could fall.

From verses 5-6 we see that Israel failed the test. They lived among the

various nations and took the women of these heathen nations as their wives.

They allowed their children to intermarry with those who worshiped foreign

gods. This was in direct violation of the command of God forbidding

intermarriage with these nations.

Notice that not only did the Israelites marry these foreign wives, but they

also turned from the Lord God to serve the gods of these nations. This

clearly revealed the condition of their hearts. They were not wholeheartedly

devoted to the Lord their God. They lustfully looked after other gods.

God was angry with His people. He punished them by delivering them into

the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim the king of Aram (verse 8). For eight

years, Israel was subject to him and his rule. The oppression under the reign

of Cushan-Rishathaim was so great that Israel cried out to the Lord God.

This is exactly what the Lord wanted. He wanted His people to see their

need of Him and return to Him as their God and King.

God's ear was open to the cry of His people. He had not abandoned them in

their sin and rebellion. When they cried out to Him God answered their cry.

He raised up a deliverer for them by the name of Othniel (verse 9). Othniel

had already distinguished himself as a leader by attacking and conquering

the city of Debir (see Judges 1:11-13).

God was with Othniel and empowered him. Othniel went to war with Aram

and God gave him victory (verse 10). As a result of this battle, Israel was

freed from the oppression of Cushan-Rishathaim. For forty years Israel

would enjoy peace and security.

After the death of Othniel, however, Israel turned away from God (verse

12). Their commitment to Him did not last. Again they did evil in the eyes

of the Lord. Because they turned their back on Him, God gave them over to

Eglon, king of Moab (verse 12). Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites

and the Amalekites and attacked Israel, taking them captive (verse 13). This

time Israel was subject to Moab and his rule for a period of eighteen years

(verse 14).

In their despair Israel cried out to the Lord God for help. Once again the

Lord raised up another judge by the name of Ehud to be their deliverer

(verse 15). Ehud went to Eglon, king of Moab to present him with a gift

from Israel. Unknown to the king of Moab, Ehud had strapped a sword

about a foot and a half long to his right thigh under his clothing (verse 16).

Ehud presented his gift to Eglon (verse 18). Ehud told the king that he had a

secret message for him. King Eglon sent his men away so that he was alone

with Ehud (verse 19). The king rose from his seat and approached Ehud. As

he approached, Ehud reached out with his left hand, drew his sword and

plunged it into the King's belly (verse 21). King Eglon was so fat that the

handle of the sword was covered over (verse 22). Ehud slipped out of the

room through the porch and locked the door behind him, leaving the king to

die by himself (verse 23).

King Eglon's servants found the door locked. They initially did not thing

too much of the matter believing that the king was possibly relieving

himself (verse 24). The servants waited for some time and began to realize

that something was wrong when the king did not come out. Taking the key

they opened the door and found the king dead on the floor (verse 25).

As the servants were waiting at the door, Ehud escaped to Seirah. When he

arrived there he blew a trumpet calling his army to prepare for battle (verse

27). Leading his army, they took possession of the fords of Jordan allowing

no one to cross (verse 28). During the course of that battle, Israel struck

down ten thousand vigorous and strong Moabites (verse 29). After these

events, Israel experienced peace for eighty years (verse 30).

When Ehud died, God gave Israel another judge by the name of Shamgar.

He struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, saving Israel

(verse 31). The ox goad was a pointed stick made of hard wood. It could

measure sometimes up to ten feet in length. The end of the stick was

sharpened to a point and was used to poke an ox to get him to go in a

certain direction. The other end of the goad had a blunt metal piece that was

used to scrape off the blades of the plough the ox was pulling.

Despite Israel's rebellion, God had not rejected her. When she cried out to

Him for help, He heard her cry and raised up a judge to deliver her from her

oppression. This passage shows us clearly that God is very patient with His

people. He is faithful even when we are faithless.

For Consideration:

What does this chapter teach us about the need of every

believer to know how to do battle with the enemy? What

weapons do we use as believer against the enemy?

What enemies or temptations do you face in your Christian

life?

Have you ever been tested by God through trials? What did

this test teach you about yourself?

What do we learn here in this chapter about the patience of

God with us and our failures?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to teach you to be a valiant warrior for Him.

Ask the Lord to show you how to overcome the particular

temptations you struggle with personally.

Thank the Lord for His patience with you in times of failure.

Ask God to help you to learn the lessons He wants you to

learn through suffering and struggle.

23 - DEBORAH

Read Judges 4:1-5:31

fter the death of Ehud, the Israelites fell into evil and turned their

backs on the Lord God. As a result, that Lord allowed Jabin, king

of Canaan and his military commander to conquer them (verse

2). Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots and cruelly oppressed the nation of

Israel for a period of twenty years. In their despair, Israel cried out to the

Lord for help (verse 3).

Verse 4 tells us that a prophetess by the name of Deborah served in Israel at

that time (verse 4). Notice from verse 5 that she would hold court at a

specific location between Ramah and Bethel in the territory of Ephraim.

When there was a matter of dispute between them, the Israelites would

come to Deborah at this location to have their disputes settled. Obviously,

Deborah would consult the Lord and bring back His decision for the people

(verse 5). While there were individuals in the nation who were seeking God

and His purpose, the vast majority of the nation had turned their back on

God.

On this particular occasion, Deborah sent for a man by the name of Barak,

the son of Abinoam of the tribe of Naphtali. God had heard the cries of His

people for deliverance from Jabin and was going to answer those cries. The

answer would come in the person of Barak.

Deborah told Barak that the Lord God of Israel had commanded him to take

ten thousand men and lead them to Mount Tabor. God would lure Sisera,

the commander of King Jabin's army to the Kishon River. (verses 6-7).

Here, God would to give His people victory over their enemies through

Barak.

When Barak heard the command of the Lord through Deborah, he told her

that he would only fight Sisera and Jabin if she went with him. His faith

was not in God but in Deborah. Deborah told him that she would go with

him but because of his lack of faith in God, the honour for the victory

would go to a woman (verse 9). The impact of this statement can be lost in

some cultures. Women in those days were not trained as soldiers. In many

cases, they were not even educated. For Barak to lose the honour to a

woman was a shame he would have to bear for the rest of his life. With

Deborah’s commitment to be at his side, however, Barak summoned ten

thousand men to follow them into battle.

While there is no shame in working with others for the expansion of the

kingdom of God, we are left to wonder here if there are things God has

called us to do but we lack faith to obey. There are times when God will call

us out from the crowd to stand alone. Sometimes our dependence on other

people is a hindrance. Here in this passage God was asking Barak to stand

alone with Him and watch what He would do. Barak could not do this, so

that honour would go to another. More than this, however, Barak would

lose an opportunity to know the power of God in his life personally. How

often do we find our strength in other people and not in God? Are we

willing to stand alone in the strength God provides even when we are

separated from the support of friends and loved ones?

Verse 11 is important to the story but seems somewhat out of context. It

speaks of a man by the name of Heber who was a Kenite. The Kenites were

the descendants of the wife of Moses who lived in the land with Israel (see

Judges 1:16). Heber had left the other Kenites and pitched his tent near the

region of Kedesh. Unknown to him at that time, this was part of the plan of

God for the deliverance of Israel from Sisera and Jabin.

We return to the story of Barak in verse 12. When Sisera heard that Barak

had gone to Mount Tabor, he gathered his nine hundred chariots and his

men and went to the Kishon River as God had told Deborah. This would

have been a confirmation to Barak that the word of God through Deborah

was true.

When everything was in place, Deborah commanded Barak to attack Sisera,

telling him that God had given the commander into his hands (verse 14). In

obedience to the Lord, Barak and his men came down from Mount Tabor

and attacked Sisera. God was faithful to His word and Barak routed Sisera

and his chariots. Fearing for his life, Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled

on foot (verse 15). Barak continued the fight and pursued the Canaanites

and their chariots to Harosheth Haggoyim. All of Sisera's troops fell. Verse

16 tells us that not a man was left. God give great victory that day.

Sisera fled on foot to the home of Heber that Kenite. At that time, there

were friendly relations between King Jabin and the Kenites (verse 17).

Sisera sought refuge in Heber's tent.

Jael, the wife of Heber invited Sisera into their tent. She provided for his

comfort and hid him under a covering (verse 18-19).

Fearful of being discovered, Sisera asked Jael to stand at the doorway of the

tent and say, "no" to anyone who asked her if anyone was there (verse 20).

Jael's allegiance, however, was not to Sisera. As he slept under the covering

in her tent, Jael picked up a tent peg and hammer and drove it through his

head and into the ground, killing him (verse 21). The great enemy of God's

people died at the hands of a Gentile woman.

When Barak came in pursuit of Sisera, Jael told him to come into her tent

and she would show him the man he was looking for (verse 22). Barak

found his enemy with a tent peg through his skull. The word of the Lord

through Deborah came true. The defeat of Sisera would not go to Barak but

to a woman.

That day, the Canaanite oppression stopped. Israel defeated Jabin's army

and Jael gave them victory over Sisera the military commander. King Jabin

and his forces were defeated (verse 24).

Great praise went to the God of Israel that day. Deborah and Barak sang a

song of deliverance and victory. That song is recorded for us in chapter 5.

The song is a statement of what happened when Israel's leaders took their

responsibility seriously and the people offered themselves willingly to obey.

Notice that Deborah and Barak sang this song to the Lord in the presence of

the nations. They realized that the victory they had received was not their

own but the result of the Lord's working in their midst. The song pictures

the Lord going out from Seir (verse 4). As He marches the earth shakes

before Him, the heavens pour down water, the mountains quake in His

presence (verse 5). Who can stand against such a God? Barak and Deborah

do not take the credit for this great victory. They understood that the victory

was the Lord's.

Verse 6 shows us what life was like in Israel at that time. In the days of

Shamgar, the last judge before Deborah, the roads were abandoned as

travellers took to winding paths. In other words, the not roads in Israel were

safe to walk on. Travellers had to find secret ways to travel from one place

to another. Verse 7 tells us that village life in Israel had ceased. There was

no community life. They could not go out to work and talk with friends and

neighbours. They feared for their lives and closed themselves up in their

homes.

In the midst of all this terror, God raised up a woman by the name of

Deborah. She became a mother to the nation.

In Deborah's day, Israel was following the gods of the nations around them

(verse 8). They had abandoned the one true God. In punishment, God

brought war to their gates. Israel was defenceless against their enemy.

Israel’s streets were unsafe. People were afraid to leave their homes. They

were defenceless against the enemy attack. They had abandoned the Lord

God their only source of strength.

In verse 9 Deborah and Barak sing their praises to the leaders of Israel and

the willing volunteers among the people who were willing to do something

about Israel's situation. The situation looked helpless, but among the people

of Israel, there were men and women who were willing to trust in their Lord

and make a difference. These men and women are powerful examples to us

in our day. The situation may look very hopeless, but those who trust in

God can make a difference.

Notice in verse 10 the warning to those who were riding their white

donkeys and sitting on saddle blankets. The white donkey was ridden by

those who had conquered. At this time in Israel's history, their enemies were

riding those white donkeys. The song calls these enemies to consider the

voice of the singers at the watering places in the land. These singers sang of

the righteous acts of the Lord and the great deeds He did through the

warriors of Israel (verse 11). God would give Israel victory over their

enemies. Israel would recount the wonderful deeds of the Lord in the

presence of their enemies.

The call goes out in verse 12 for Deborah and Barak to wake up and break

out in song. Barak was to arise and take his enemy captive. The men of

Israel, who had survived the terror of Jabin and Sisera, were summoned to

come to Deborah and Barak (verse 13). Not everyone responded to that call

to battle. Some came from the tribe of Ephraim. The tribe of Benjamin

joined forces against the enemy as did the people of Zebulun (verse 14).

The tribe of Issachar joined Deborah and Barak and attacked Sisera in the

valley as they ran down the slopes of Mount Tabor (verse 15).

In the tribe of Reuben there was much searching of heart. They did not have

the faith of the other tribes. Many of them refused to take a stand against

Sisera and Jabin, choosing to stay by the safety of their campfires (verse

16). Gilead also chose to remain in the safety of the region beyond the

Jordan. Dan did not join with the forces of Deborah and Barak, nor did

Asher. Zebulun, however, was willing to risk their lives and so was the tribe

of Naphtali (verse 18).

Those who were willing fought the kings of Canaan. God was with them.

Verse 20 tells us that the stars of heaven fought against Sisera. This is

simply to say that God moved His hand in favour of His people. Those who

were willing to take the risk experienced the presence of God and

overcame. There at the Kishon River God strengthened His willing people

so that the enemy was defeated (verse 21).

The sound of horse hoofs could be heard galloping away. This may be the

sound of the enemy escaping in fear of their lives (verse 22). As the

enemies fled for their lives, the voice of the angel of the Lord is heard,

"Curse Meroz, Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help

the Lord against the mighty." Meroz was an Israelite town in the tribe of

Naphtali. The angel of the Lord is not cursing the enemy here but rather the

people of God who refused to believe in God and trust His Word. These

people, along with the others who refused to stand up for righteousness and

defend the land God had given to them were all cursed by the Lord.

By not fighting the enemy these tribes of Israel were part of the problem.

They were lazy and unwilling to risk their lives for the cause of

righteousness. Instead of standing up for the truth, they chose to remain in

the warmth of their campfires and the safety of their coves. God was angry

with them for this. God is looking for people who are willing to risk

everything for Him. When we chose the comforts of our home and the

security of what we know over His leading, we sin and fall under His curse.

Jael, who killed Sisera is blessed (verse 24). Sisera asked for water and she

gave him milk. Notice the poetry of verse 25. Jael brought Sisera curdled

milk in a bowl fit for nobles. The bowl and the curdled milk are symbols of

what happened to Sisera. The milk was presented to him in a bowl fit for

nobles. Jael welcomed him into her tent as a great man, receiving him with

respect and reverence. The milk she served him, however, was curdled and

sour. When Sisera came into her tent she drove a tent peg through his head

(see verse 26-27).

The song goes on in verse 28 to describe what might have happened at

Sisera's home town. Sisera's mother, unaware of his death, waits for his

return. She looks out the window behind the luxury of the lattice work of

her home, wondering why her son is taking so long to return. A wise

woman comforts her saying that her son was likely delayed because they

were dividing the spoils of war after their victory (verse 30). This comfort's

Sisera's mother for a time, though the comfort is false.

The song ends with a curse on the enemies of God and a blessing on those

who will love Him and follow His ways.

"So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who

love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength" (verse 31).

After the defeat of Sisera, Israel enjoyed peace for forty years. This was

twice as long as they had been oppressed. God's grace is abundant.

These two chapters tell us a lot about the condition of the land of Israel at

that time of Barak and Deborah. There was a general lack of faith in God's

ability to deliver His people. When the call went forth for men to fight

Sisera, not every man responded. Whole tribes refused to take up the

challenge. Even Barak lacked faith and demanded that Deborah go with

him. The nation was weak spiritually. God was able to use those who took

up the challenge to stand up against the enemy, however. Their faith may

not have been big, but it was enough. God gave victory through those who

took a stand and the nation was blessed with forty years of peace.

For Consideration:

What do chapters 4 and 5 teach us about the state of faith in

the nation of Israel at the time of Barak and Deborah? What

is the state of faith in your town or village today?

What do we learn in this passage about Barak's faith? What

comfort do you find here to see that God can even use people

with weak faith if they are willing to obey?

While Barak's lack of faith does not hinder God's overall plan

for Israel's victory, it does mean great shame for him

personally. How does our lack of faith bring shame on us?

By giving victory over Sisera through a woman who had

never been trained in military tactics, what does God say to

the nation about the kind of person He can use to bring

victory for His people? Notice here that Jael, who killed

Commander Sisera was not even an Israelite.

God cursed those who refused to take a stand with His people

against the enemy. Have you taken a stand? What role has

God given you to play? Are you taking that role seriously?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord for His great patience with us even when we

have failed Him so often.

Thank the Lord that He is still able to use us even when our

faith is very small.

Ask the Lord to remove the shame your lack of faith has

brought to yourself and the church.

Ask the Lord to give you a greater boldness to stand up for

the truth and to walk in His ways.

24 - GIDEON'S CALL TO

MINISTRY

Read Judges 6:1-40

fter the defeat of Sisera and Jabin of Canaan, the people of God

lived in peace for forty years. During that time of peace,

however, they began to sink back into their sinful ways. Israel’s

victory over sin never seemed to last, but God's patience with them as a

nation never seemed to end. Though they were severely punished for their

wandering hearts, they were not rejected by their heavenly Father.

Because they turned their backs on God, He gave them over to the

Midianites for a period of seven years (verse 1). It is important that we

understand the conditions of the land during those seven years of

oppression under the Midianites.

Verse 2 tells us that the Midianites were so oppressive that the Israelites

"prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and

strongholds." The Israelites were not safe in their homes. They had to leave

their homes and find hiding places in the mountains and caves to protect

themselves from the oppressive Midianites soldiers.

Notice from verses 3-4 what the Midianites were doing. Whenever the

Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites would

invade their land. They would ruin their crops leaving them nothing to eat.

Notice also that they ravaged the land, killing Israelite sheep, cattle and

donkeys. These Midianites and Amalekites came in great numbers, helping

themselves to all the produce of the Israelite countryside (verse 5). Israel

was left hungry and destitute. The Midianites so impoverished the people of

Israel that they had nowhere else to turn but to God. They cried out to Him

and he send a prophet to speak to them (verse 7).

The prophet reminded the people of the compassion of God He told them of

how the God of their ancestors had delivered them from the oppressive

hand of Egypt, the most powerful nation on the earth at that time. There in

Egypt, their fathers and mothers were also oppressed and beaten, but God

set them free and gave them their own land (verse 9). All God expected in

return was that His people serve and worship Him alone. They did not do

this, however, and so they found themselves in the situation they were in

that day (verse 10).

This prophet had a very important role to play. He reminded the Israelites of

the reason for the condition of their land. They were oppressed because they

had turned their backs on the Lord God. As long as they continued to walk

away from God, they would always have problems. The prophet called the

people to repent of their sins and return to God.

It was vital that the people of Israel understand that it was sin that stripped

them of their blessings. How often have we wanted blessing while holding

on to our sins. God was showing His people that they could not have both.

Their sins would remove their blessing. They could never have ultimate

victory over their enemies if they did not recognize and deal with their sin.

Having reminded the people of the reason for the oppression in their land,

God then send His angel to minister to them (verse 11). It is interesting to

note that we have no record of the people repenting of their sin. In the

period of the judges we see a people who continually fell into sin. In His

mercy, God would give them a period of rest from their oppression but

Israel's attraction to sin would ultimately bring defeat again. The fact that

God sent His angel to this rebellious people is an act of tremendous grace

on His part.

The angel of the Lord sat down under an oak tree in the region of Ophrah.

This piece of land belonged to a man by the name of Joash the Abiezrite

(verse 11). The Abiezrites were a clan in the tribe of Manasseh (see Joshua

17:2).

When the angel appeared, Joash's son Gideon was threshing wheat in a

winepress. We immediately ask the question, why was Gideon threshing

wheat in a winepress? Verse 11 tells us that they were threshing the wheat

secretly in this winepress so that the Midianites did not see them. This again

shows us the conditions of the land in those days.

The angel of the Lord had a word for Gideon. In verse 12 the angel called

Gideon a mighty warrior and told him that the Lord God was with him. All

this was news to Gideon. He did not likely see himself as a mighty warrior.

Gideon did not understand what the angel was saying. "If the LORD is with

us, why has all this happened to us?" he asked the angel. Obviously this was

something Gideon had been struggling with for some time. He did not see

evidence of God's presence with His people.

Notice also in verse 12 that Gideon asked the angel about the wonders of

God in the past. "Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about

when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?'" It would

seem to me that Gideon has been thinking long and hard about these things.

Could it be that he had been praying to God and seeking God about these

things? He had heard about the great things God had done in the lives of his

ancestors and wondered why those great signs and wonders were not being

repeated in his day. Obviously, he longed to see the Lord God move in

power over His enemies as He had done in the past. Could it be that God

chose Gideon because he longed to see these things again?

While Gideon longed to see the power of God revealed again in his day, his

faith that this would happen was quite small. He believed God had

abandoned His people.

That day the Lord spoke to Gideon and challenged him to go in the strength

he had to save his people (verse 14). This verse is significant. It shows us

that there was something in Gideon that God wanted to use. There was

strength in him that could save the nation. What was that strength? It is

obvious that the strength spoken of here was not a human strength, for this

Gideon did not have. Notice two things about Gideon here.

First, Gideon's heart was crying out for God to do something. He looked to

the past, saw the great things God had done and wondered why God was

not doing them in his day. “Where are the wonders our fathers told us

about?” he asked in verse 13.

The second thing we discover about Gideon in this chapter is that his heart

was broken because God had abandoned the nation. There are many people

that don't even notice that God is no longer in their midst. Gideon longed to

see God return and bless His people again.

These qualities in Gideon could have been the strength God was referring to

in verse 14. Gideon's strength was not human and physical. Could it be that

his strength was in his desire to see God work again and his grief over the

absence of God's presence in the land? Here was a man that God could use.

With even this much of Gideon's heart in tune with Him, God could save

the nation.

Gideon knew his personal weakness. "How can I save Israel?" he asked in

verse 15. Gideon reminded the Lord that his clan was the weakest clan in

the tribe of Manasseh. He also reminded God that he was the least in his

whole family. Gideon did not understand that the source of his strength was

not his physical or mental abilities but his heart for God. God told him that

day that He would be with him and in His strength he would strike down

the Midianites (verse 16). We can only imagine what Gideon was thinking

that day. The oppression of the Midianites was so great that Israel was

hiding away in the mountains and caves. They were threshing their grain in

the winepresses in order to hide it from their enemies. The thought of being

the one God would use to give victory to His people would have been

overwhelming for Gideon.

Gideon heard the words of the Lord, but wanted to be sure that he had heard

right. He asked the angel to give him a sign. What the Lord was asking of

him was significant. Gideon needed to be sure that what he was hearing was

truly from God. We should not necessarily see this asking for a sign as a

weakness on Gideon's part. God often gave signs in the Scripture to confirm

or seal what He was saying to His people.

It is also worth noting that while Gideon asked for a sign, he also went to

get an offering for the angel of the Lord. The word used for "offering" in

the Hebrew can refer to a donation, a tribute or a sacrificial offering. It

would seem best to see what Gideon was doing here as an act of hospitality.

He was offering the angel of the Lord something to eat. It may have been

his intention to speak more about this matter to the angel. While some

people believe Gideon was bringing a sacrifice to the Lord here, verse 19

seems to indicate that the meat was intended to be eaten. We get this

impression from the fact that Gideon put the meat in a basket and took

along some broth in a separate pot. The broth would not have been required

if what he was offering the angel was intended as a worship sacrifice.

When Gideon returned with the food, the angel of the Lord told him to put

the meat and the unleavened bread on a rock (verse 20). He was also to

pour out the broth. While not clearly stated here, it is likely that the broth

was poured over the meat and unleavened bread on the rock. When Gideon

obeyed, the angel of the Lord took the tip of the staff that was in his hand

and touched the meat and unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock and

consumed the meat and the bread. When that happened, the angel of the

Lord disappeared (verse 21).

Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord who had appeared to him

that day (verses 21-22). This realization brought fear to his heart. He feared

that he would die because he had seen the angel of the Lord. God told him

not to be afraid and replaced his fear with peace (verse 23). In response to

what had happened that day, Gideon built an altar to the Lord and called it

“the Lord is Peace” (verse 24).

This encounter with the angel of the Lord would have been life-

transforming for Gideon. He knew now that God has not abandoned His

people. He had seen a great sign confirming that he had been called to be

God's instrument in delivering Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.

God did not ask Gideon to go to battle right away. He did give him an

assignment, however, that was very close to home. That night God spoke to

Gideon and asked him to take a bull from his father's herd. The bull was to

be seven years old, or fully mature. He was then to tear down his father's

altar to Baal and cut down the pagan Asherah pole that was beside it (verse

25). In its place, Gideon was to build an altar to the Lord God. Using the

wood of the Asherah pole he was to build a fire on the altar and sacrifice

the bull he had taken from his father’s herd (verse 26). By doing this,

Gideon was taking a stand. He needed to be willing to clean out his own

house before he could be used of God to deal with the sins of the nation.

This act also would have settled in his mind and in the minds of the people

of Israel that Gideon stood against Baal and the gods of the Canaanites.

Gideon was, by this act, taking a public stand for the God of Israel.

Gideon obeyed the Lord. He took ten of his servants and, because he was

afraid of his family and the men of his town, he did the deed at night when

no one could see him. Gideon was timid and fearful, but God was willing to

use him. It should be noted that by this act, God was dealing with Gideon's

fears.

In the morning when the deed was discovered, the people investigated the

matter and found that Gideon was responsible (verse 29). The men of the

town demanded his father bring out his son so that they could kill him for

such blasphemy (verse 30).

Joash responded by asking the crowd why they were trying to deal with this

problem themselves. He told them to let Baal deal with the matter since it

was his altar that had been torn down. "If Baal really is a god, he can defend

himself when someone breaks down his altar," he told the angry crowd.

Leaving the matter in the hands of their god Baal, the people left. From that

day on they called Gideon "Jerub-Baal" meaning "let Baal contend" (verse

32). Through this incident, God was showing Gideon that he was fully able

to protect and keep him if he would walk in obedience to His will.

These verses show us something more of the spiritual condition of the land

at the time. The men of the town where Gideon lived were angry because an

altar of God had been built on top of the ruined altar of Baal. There can be

no doubt about their allegiance. They did not want the God of Israel. They

wanted Baal. This was the people that Gideon was going to deliver from the

hands of the enemies. They were not ready to repent of their sin. They were

not willing to commit themselves to the Lord God. They still wanted Baal

and their pagan gods. Despite their unworthiness, God still reached out to

them through His servant Gideon.

The time for war came soon enough. The Midianites and the Amalekites,

along with some other peoples from the east joined forces, crossed the

Jordan and camped at the Valley of Jezreel (verse 33). The Spirit of the

Lord filled Gideon. In response, he blew a trumpet summoning the

Abiezrites from his own clan to follow him (verse 34). He also sent

messengers throughout the tribe of Manasseh, calling them to arms. The

call to battle went to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali. All these

tribes were asked to stand with Gideon against the enemy.

As Gideon prepared for battle, he went to the Lord God to ask Him if He

would give him victory over his enemies. While it is true that Gideon does

seem to struggle with faith, it should be understood that it was the custom

of the kings of Israel to seek the will and blessing of God before going into

any battle. This is what Gideon is doing here. Gideon asked God to show

him a sign assuring them of victory over the Midianites and the Amalekites

(verse 36).

Gideon asked for a very particular sign from God that day. He set out a

wool fleece on the ground and told God that if the morning dew was on the

fleece and not on the ground he would know that God would save Israel and

give them victory. When Gideon rose in the morning he squeezed a bowlful

of water out of the fleece, while the ground was dry (verse 38).

Again that day, Gideon asked for one more confirmation. He asked God to

make the fleece dry the next morning when the ground was covered with

dew (verse 39). When he awoke the next morning, it was exactly as he had

asked (verse 40). By this Gideon knew that God would certainly give him

victory.

The nation of Israel had turned from God. In the midst of this land,

however, there was a man who grieved over the fact that God's presence

was no longer evident in their midst. This man longed to see the wonders he

heard about in the history of the nation. He was not a strong individual. He

struggled with fear and timidity, but he was willing to obey. This is all God

needed. He would take this man and use him to bring deliverance for His

people.

For Consideration:

Describe the state of the nation of Israel in the days of

Gideon.

What strength did Gideon demonstrate?

What were Gideon's weaknesses? What kind of person can

God use?

Is it wrong to ask God for a confirmation of what you believe

He has been saying to you?

Gideon was called to take a stand and clean out his own

house first. What stands in the way of you being used of

God? Have you taken a clear stand for the Lord in your

community?

For Prayer:

Ask God to reveal any sin that keeps you from experiencing

His victory.

Thank the Lord that even though we are unworthy of His

grace He still showers it on us.

Thank the Lord that despite our weaknesses and

shortcomings, He is able to use us for the expansion of His

kingdom.

Ask the Lord to give you a burden, like Gideon, to see Him

work again in our day.

25 - GIDEON DEFEATS

THE MIDIANITES

Read Judges 7:1-25

e saw in the last meditation that Gideon was a simple man

who came from a small family in the tribe of Manasseh. He

did have a seed of faith in his heart that God was quite willing

to use for His glory. We will see in this chapter that God wanted His people

to know that He would give them victory over the Midianite. God planned

the events of this chapter so that there could be no doubt as to who was

giving them the victory.

From chapter 6 we learn that Gideon had gathered a large army to fight the

Midianites. Gideon and his army were camped at the spring of Harod. The

Midianite army was north of them near the hill of Moreh (verse 1).

Everything was set up for the battle.

From a human point of view, the bigger Gideon's army, the better the

chance of defeating the Midianites. God's victory, however, does not

depend on numbers. As they were camped by the spring, God spoke to

Gideon and told him that his army was too big. Notice in verse 2 the reason

God wanted to reduce the size of Gideon's army. God did not want the

people of Israel to think that it was their own strength that delivered them

from Midian. God wanted to weaken His people so that they would know

that the victory came from Him.

Does it surprise you that God sometimes delights in weakening us? Listen

to what the apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 about the "thorn" in

his flesh.

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these

surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in

my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I

pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to

me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made

perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in

insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I

am weak, then I am strong."

Paul understood what Gideon had to learn in this battle. God sometimes

allows weaknesses to remain in our lives so that we will realize that the

victories we obtain are from Him and not due to our own abilities. God

wanted to reduce the size of Gideon's army so that they would know that

the victory he gave them was from Him. To reduce the size of Gideon's

army, God told him to allow anyone who was afraid to go home (verse 3).

That day twenty-two thousand men left Gideon's army, leaving him with

only ten thousand to fight the cruel Midianites.

As Gideon watched twenty-two thousand men leave, God spoke to him a

second time. In verse 4 He again told him that there were still too many

men in his army. He told Gideon that He would sift through the remaining

ten thousand soldiers. Gideon was to let go all that God told him to let go.

It is important to see that Gideon’s faith is being tested here. Gideon is often

portrayed as a man who did not have much faith. What we need to see,

however, is that Gideon continued to obey the Lord. Even when his army

was being thinned out, he continued to trust the Lord. The secret to his

strength seems to be his willingness to trust and obey the Lord.

God asked Gideon to take his men down to the water. He told Gideon then

to watch the men as they drank water from the spring. He was to separate

those who lapped the water with their tongues from those who kneeled

down to drink (verse 5). We should not try to interpret this verse to say

more than it is saying. There was nothing special about how one group

drank the water over the other. God's purpose here was to reduce the size of

Gideon's army so that such a small group remained that there would be no

question that He alone had given them victory.

Out of the ten thousand men that went down to the spring to drink water,

only three hundred lapped the water with their hands to their mouths. All

the others got down on their knees to drink (verse 6). God told Gideon that

He would save the nation with these three hundred men. Gideon was to

send the other soldiers home (verse 7). Gideon did exactly as the Lord

commanded. Nine thousand seven hundred more soldiers were sent home

that day.

Notice in verse 9 that God appeared to Gideon the night after he had sent

the men home. God told Gideon that He was to go down against the

Midianite camp. God promised to give Gideon and his small army victory

over their enemy. Notice also, however, in verse 10 that God told Gideon

that if he was afraid to attack, he was to take his servant Purah with him to

the Midianite camp and listen to what they were saying. God knew Gideon's

fear and wanted to give him a sign that would encourage him in his

obedience.

Revealing his fear, Gideon took his servant down to the enemy camp (verse

11). There they discovered that the Midianites, Amalekites and some other

eastern people had settled in the valley. They were so numerous that verse

12 describes them as being as "thick as locusts" and their "camels could no

more be counted than the sand on the seashore." Seeing this would have

been enough to discourage Gideon but God had specifically told Gideon

that his encouragement would come from what he heard not from what he

saw.

As Gideon was arriving at the camp he heard a man telling his friend about

a dream he had. He told his friend that in his dream he saw a round loaf of

barley bread tumbling into the Midianite camp. The loaf struck with such

force that it overturned a tent so that it collapsed (verse 13).

As Gideon listened, the friend interpreted the dream. "This can be nothing

other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given

the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands" (verse 14).

When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God

(verse 15). He knew that God was going to give him victory over the

Midianites. When he returned to his own camp, he called out to his men:

"Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands" (verse

15).

I find it interesting that the Lord would use the dream of the enemy to bring

an encouragement to Gideon. God is not limited to speaking to us through

those who love Him and are specifically gifted by Him. God can use even

the enemy to speak to our hearts and encourage us.

That night Gideon divided his three hundred men into three companies.

Each group was given trumpets and empty jars with torches inside them

(verse 16). The jars would likely have been made of clay and when the

torches were put inside them they would have concealed the light of the

torches. We should remember that it was night time and an army of three

hundred men each carrying a torch would have awakened the enemy and

prepared them for battle. Concealing the lighted torches under the clay jar

would have kept their presence a secret.

Gideon told his men to watch him and do exactly as he did (verse 17).

When he and those who were with him blew their trumpets, all the others

were to do the same. As they blew their trumpets they were also to shout,

"For the Lord and for Gideon" (verse 18).

The Jews had three watches in the night. The first watch was from sunset to

10 p.m. The second watch was from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. The final watch was

from 12 a.m. to sunrise. Gideon arrived at that middle watch just as the

guards had changed (verse 19). This would have placed the time just after

midnight. When they arrived at the enemy camp Gideon blew his trumpet

and broke the jar that was in his hands. All the others followed his lead. We

can only imagine the response of the enemy. All of a sudden they heard the

blast of up to three hundred trumpets sounding in the night. After that loud

blast, there was a crashing sound as at least three hundred jars were

smashed. With the smashing of the three hundred jars, the light of over

three hundred torches was seen shining around them. Then there came the

shout of three hundred soldiers crying out, "A sword for the LORD and for

Gideon!" (verse 20).

The noise so startled the enemy that they began to run from their tents in

fear, screaming as they fled. They turned on each other with their swords in

the dark (verse 22). The Midianite army fled from the valley.

Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and Manasseh were called to pursue the

escaping and fearful army of Midian (verse 23). Gideon sent messengers to

Ephraim asking them to come down against the Midianites (verse 24). The

Ephraimites responded to the call and took possession of the waters of the

Jordan as far as the region of Beth Barah (verse 24). They also captured two

Midianite leaders by the names of Oreb and Zeeb. Both leaders were killed

and their heads brought to Gideon (verse 25).

While Gideon experienced fear and sometimes questioned what God was

doing, he still chose to obey. God blessed his obedience and brought great

victories through him. There will be times when we too are afraid and

uncertain of what is ahead. This passage challenges us to obey nonetheless.

God will honour those who obey and walk in His commands.

For Consideration:

What are your personal weaknesses?

In what things, apart from God, are you tempted to put your

confidence?

How was God glorified in the weakness of the apostle Paul?

How was God glorified in the weakness of Gideon and his

army? How is God glorified in your weakness?

How does God minister to Gideon's fear? What

encouragement do you find in the fact that God does not

condemn Gideon for his fear as long as he was willing to face

it in faith?

Does fear always have to keep us from obedience? What does

Gideon teach us about this? What are your personal fears?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He is able to use you with all your

weaknesses for His glory?

Ask the Lord for forgive you for the times you have placed

your confidence in other things.

Ask the Lord to give you victory over your personal fears.

Thank the Lord for Gideon's example of obedience despite

his fears and insecurities. Ask the Lord to make you more

like Gideon.

26 - GIDEON DIES

Read Judges 8:1-35

hrough the efforts of Gideon and his three hundred men, God

routed the massive Midianite and Amalekite army. Gideon called

on his fellow Israelites to join him in defeating them completely.

Israel’s army pursued the enemy, killing many.

As we begin chapter 8, Gideon is faced with a problem. In verse 1 the

Ephraimites criticized him for not asking them to go into battle when he

went to fight the Midianites. It is clear from Judges 7:24 that Gideon sent

his messengers to Ephraim inviting them to join him in battle. The

Ephraimites responded to that call and took control of the waters of Jordan

in an attempt to block the escaping enemies crossing the Jordan River. They

also killed two key Midianite leaders (see Judges 7:24-25). The problem the

Ephraimites had with Gideon was that he had not invited them on this final

assault with his three hundred men.

Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh who was the son of Joseph.

Ephraim was also a son of Joseph. Both tribes were descendants of Joseph.

It may have been that the Ephraimites felt that they should have had special

attention from Gideon in this battle. This would have been especially true

now that Gideon had successfully routed the Midianites. Ephraim wanted to

share in the glory. As things turned out the glory did not go to them. This is

exactly why God had led Gideon to reduce the size of his army to three

hundred. He knew that if there was any way the people of Israel could take

the glory for this victory they would do so.

Notice Gideon's response to the Ephraimites in verse 2. He reminded them

of how great a tribe they were compared to his small clan. "Aren't the

gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?

he asked them. In other words, what is my little tribe compared to the great

tribe of Ephraim. He told them that what was left over after the vines were

harvested in Ephraim was greater than the full harvest of his little tribe of

Manasseh.

Gideon also reminded Ephraim that they had captured and killed two very

important Midianite leaders. "What was I able to do compared to you?" he

asked them in verse 3. In saying this Gideon recognized their valuable

contribution in the effort to defeat the Midianites. When Ephraim heard his

response, their resentment subsided and they calmed down.

While it is somewhat difficult to understand what is behind this reaction of

Ephraim, we may assume that they were jealous and wanted some of the

glory for themselves. When Gideon reminded them that their names would

go down in history for the defeat of these two important Midianite leaders,

their lust for glory was satisfied. How easy it is for us to be jealous of the

victories of others. Ephraim appears to have a problem we all have to deal

with in ministry, the lust for glory.

Gideon's problems did not end with Ephraim. He and his three hundred men

were exhausted as they continued their pursuit of the enemy. In their pursuit

of the enemy, they crossed the Jordan River and came to the town of

Succoth in the region of land allotted to the tribe of Gad.

When Gideon arrived in Succoth he asked the inhabitants to give him and

his troops some bread because they were weary from pursuing Zebah and

Zalmunna, the kings of Midian (verse 5). The officials of Succoth, however,

refused to give them provisions, saying:

"Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in

your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?"

(verse 6).

This response from Succoth made Gideon angry. He told them that when he

had captured the kings of Midian, he would return and tear their flesh with

desert thorns and briers (verse 7).

Gideon left the region of Succoth and travelled with his army to Peniel. He

asked them for provisions for his men but they also refused to help (verse

8). There was a tower in Peniel. Gideon told the inhabitants of this town

that when he returned in triumph over the Midianite kings, he would tear

down their tower (verse 9).

The Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, were hiding in Karkor with a

force of about fifteen thousand men. This was all that was left of an army of

one hundred and twenty thousand (verse 10). We see the tremendous

victory God was giving His people. When Gideon discovered their location,

he followed a back road to the city and took the enemy by surprise (verse

11). Zebah and Zalmunna fled, but Gideon captured them (verse 12).

As he returned from his victory, Gideon captured a young man from the city

of Succoth and questioned him. Through this young man Gideon obtained a

list of the names of seventy-seven officials in the city of Succoth (verse 14).

Gideon and his men then went to the city of Succoth and showed them the

kings of Midian. After reminding them of how they had refused to offer

hospitality to him and his men, he took the elders of the city and punished

them by tearing their flesh with desert thorns and briars (verse 16). From

Succoth, Gideon and his men returned to Peniel where he pulled down their

tower to punish them also for their lack of hospitality and compassion for

his men.

Gideon then turned his attention to the Midianite kings, Zebah and

Zalmunna. In verse 18 he asked them about the people they had killed in the

region of Tabor. We do not have a record of this event in the Bible. It seems

that these kings, however, had been responsible for the massacre of

Gideon's brothers (see verse 19). The kings of Midian do not deny that they

had killed these individuals (verse 18).

Gideon asked his oldest son Jether to kill the two Midianite kings because

of what they had done. Jether, however, was still a boy and afraid to draw

his sword to kill the Midianite kings (verse 20). Zebah and Zalmunna told

Gideon to kill them himself. Notice in verse 21 what they told Gideon, "As

is the man, so is his strength." These words could have been taken as an

insult to Gideon's son. In reality, they were saying that his son was not man

enough to take up a sword to kill them so Gideon was going to have to do it

himself. Gideon stepped forward and killed them (verse 21).

With the death of the Midianite kings and the defeat of their army, Israel

was freed from an oppression that had lasted for seven years (Judges 6:1).

They had seen the capable leadership of Gideon during the battle against

the Midianites and asked him and his sons to be their leader (verse 22).

Gideon was not interested in being their leader. He felt he had done what

God had called him to do. Besides this, he knew that it was not his place to

rule over Israel. Israel already had a leader. The Lord God was their leader

(verse 23).

Gideon would not go beyond what God had called him to do. There is an

important lesson for us in this. Earlier in this chapter we saw how the

Ephraimites were looking for glory for themselves. Gideon could have

basked in the glory of the victory. He could have become king and had the

admiration of the people of Israel, but that is not what God had called him

to do. The rest of his life would be, for the most part, out of public view. He

would return home and be an ordinary person from that moment on. He

seemed quite content to do this. There are times when we go beyond what

God has called us to do. Sometimes we are so intent on getting glory for

ourselves that we will push our way to the top to get it. Gideon chose to

walk away from the position offered him because it was not God's purpose

for him, nor did he want to take the glory that was due to the Lord.

Gideon did, however, have one request. In verse 24 he asked the people to

give him an earring from their share of the plunder. The Israelites were only

too happy to give him such a token of their appreciation. A garment was

spread out on the ground and each man threw a ring from his plunder in a

pile on the garment. The weight of the gold rings that were put on that pile

was seventeen hundred shekels (43 pounds or 19.5 kilograms). Gideon also

had the ornaments, pendants and purple garments that had been worn by the

kings of Midian as well as the chains that were on the necks of their camels

(verse 26).

From that gold Gideon made an ephod which he placed in his hometown of

Ophrah (verse 27). The ephod was part of the garment the priest would

wear (Leviticus 8:7). We are not sure why Gideon made this ephod. It

obviously had some spiritual significance to him. It might have been as a

remembrance of the way the Lord had given him victory over the

Midianites. Gideon's intentions are unclear.

What is quite clear in verse 27, however, is that this ephod would become a

snare for Israel as well as for Gideon and his family. Israel began to worship

Gideon’s ephod.

Israel enjoyed peace for forty years. Midian was completely subdued and

did not threaten Israel again (verse 28). Gideon had seventy sons and many

wives (verse 30). One of Gideon’s sons was named Abimelech. His mother

was one of Gideon's concubines (verse 31). Gideon died at an old age and

was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah (verse 32).

After the death of Gideon, the Israelites again turned from the Lord and

worshipped other gods. They set up Baal-Berith as their god (verse 33).

Israel did not remember the Lord who had rescued them from the hands of

the Midianites (verse 34). Not only did Israel forget the Lord God and His

victory but they also failed to respect and show kindness to Gideon's family

for their part in bringing them victory (verse 35). God’s blessings were

quickly forgotten.

For Consideration:

What do we learn about Ephraim's desire for glory? How

tempting is it for us to want to receive glory? Who alone is

worthy of glory?

The inhabitants of Succoth and Peniel refused to stand behind

Gideon in his effort to defeat the enemy. They were punished

for this. How important is it that we stand behind the servants

God has called into ministry? How have you been using your

resources to encourage those God has called into ministry?

Gideon refused to become leader of Israel because God was

their leader. He knew that this was not the will of God for his

life. How content are you with God's purpose? Have you ever

found yourself wanting more than God's purpose for your

life?

Gideon's ephod became an object of worship. What kind of

things can take the place of God in the church of our day?

For Prayer:

Ask God to forgive you for the times when you wanted

people to see you more than Him.

Ask God to help you to desire His glory more than anything

else.

Ask the Lord to show you how He would have you to stand

behind His servants in ministry. Ask Him to open your eyes

to the needs among Christian workers around you today.

Ask God to help you to be content with His will for your life.

Ask forgiveness for the times when you failed to submit to

His purpose.

Ask God to show you anything in your church or personal

life that takes glory away from Him.

27 - ABIMELECH

Read Judges 9:1-57

rior to Gideon's death, the people of Israel offered to make him and

his sons leaders. Gideon refused this on the basis that God alone

was their leader. One of Gideon's sons was a man by the name of

Abimelech. He was the son to one of Gideon’s concubines. Abimelech

decided to profit from his father's service to the country. He wanted to be

leader in Israel. In order to become leader of the nation, however, there

were two obstacles to overcome. First, Abimelech needed to gain the

general support of the people. Second, he needed to do something about his

brothers.

In verse 1, Abimelech went to his mother's brothers in Shechem.

Remember, his mother was one of Gideon's concubines. Obviously she was

from the region of Shechem and her brothers (Abimelech's uncles) lived in

that region. He knew that if there was any place he could get support it

would be in Shechem among his mother's family.

When he arrived in Shechem, Abimelech asked them a question:

"Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal's

sons rule over you, or just one man? Remember, I am your flesh

and blood" (verse 2).

Remember that the name Jerub-Baal here was another name for Gideon (see

Judges 6:32). It is obvious what the intentions of Abimelech are here. He

was trying to convince the citizens of Shechem that he would be a better

leader for them than his brothers because he was one of them. His efforts

paid off and in verse 3 we discover that the inhabitants of Shechem were

inclined to follow him.

With the support of the people of Shechem, Abimelech now had to deal

with the second obstacle to his leadership—his brothers. From verse 4 we

discover that the people of Shechem gave Abimelech seventy shekels of

silver from the temple of Baal-Berith. Abimelech used this money to hire

some men. With these men he went to his father’s hometown of Ophrah,

gathered his seventy brothers together and murdered them. Only Jotham,

the youngest brother escaped (verse 5). With the other sons of Gideon out

of the way, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered together to

crown Abimelech as king (verse 6).

It should be understood here that Abimelech was not chosen by God to be

king. This was his idea. He wanted to be leader and would stop at nothing

to get his desire. His father recognized God as leader but Abimelech did

not. He dared to take the place of God in Israel.

When Gideon's youngest son Jotham heard that Abimelech was crowned

king, he felt he needed to say something. He climbed to the top of Mount

Gerizim and shouting down to the citizens of Shechem, he told them a

parable.

Jotham told the story of some trees that went out to anoint a king. They

asked the olive tree to be their king (verse 8). The olive tree refused to be

king because it did not want to give up its oil by which both the gods and

men were honoured (verse 9).

When the olive tree refused, the trees asked the fig tree to become their king

(verse 10). The fig tree also refused saying that it was not willing to give up

its fruit to rule over the other trees (verse 11).

The trees then turned to a vine and asked it to become their king (verse 12).

The vine refused to give up its wine that cheered both men and the gods to

rule over the other trees (verse 13).

The trees finally asked the thorn bush if it would be their king (verse 14).

The thorn bush told them that if they really wanted it to be their king they

were to take refuge under its shade. If they did not take refuge under its

shade, it would send fire on them to consume them. Even the majestic

cedars of Lebanon would not be spared from the wrath of the thorn bush

(verse 15).

It is important that we note a few facts about this parable before considering

further what Jotham was saying. First, notice that the olive tree, the fig tree

and the vine were all productive trees. They produced olives, olive oil, figs,

grapes and wine. These trees were the first choice because they had

something to offer the other trees. Notice, however, that these trees refused

to do what was not natural to them. They understood that if they were to

lead the other trees they would have to give up what God had designed

them to do. The olive tree would have to stop producing its olive oil. The

fig tree would have to stop producing figs. The vine would have to stop

giving grapes for wine. God had a purpose for these trees. Like Gideon

these trees were not willing to leave that purpose to do something they were

not called to do. What has God called you to do? Remain true to that

calling. Don't let the enemy distract you.

The second thing we need to see is that the thorn bush was the least of all

the trees. It had nothing to offer. It did not produce any useful fruit. The

thorn bush was usually pulled out by the roots and burned because not only

was it unfruitful but it also hindered the production of good fruit by taking

the nutrients from the soil and choking out the good plants.

Notice how the thorn bush demanded that all other trees come under his

shade. If they did not come under his shade they would be killed. This is

what Abimelech did to his own brothers. Because they stood in his way of

success he killed them. If he was willing to do this with his own brothers,

what would he do to anyone else who stood in his way? Jotham is

comparing Abimelech to a useless thorn bush that demanded submission by

force.

Having told the people of Shechem this parable, Jotham wished the

inhabitants of Shechem well if they had acted in good faith and treated

Gideon's family with the respect it deserved. “May Abimelech be your joy,

and may you be his, too!” he told them (verse 19).

Having said this, however, Jotham reminded the followers of Abimilech

that his father had risked his life for them (verse 17). He reminded them that

they had repaid his father's kindness by murdering his sons. They had made

Abimelech king over them only because he was related to them through his

mother (verse 18). In verse 20 Jotham pronounced a curse on all followers

of Abimelech if they had done wrong.

Let fire come out from Abimelech and consume you, citizens of

Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from you,

citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelech!

Jotham knew what he believed about the actions of Abimilech and his

followers, but he left the matter in the hands of the Lord. He offers both a

blessing and a curse. God would apply either one as He saw fit. After

speaking his mind, Jotham fled to the city of Beer to escape his brother

Abimelech (verse 21). Why were the sons of Gideon killed and cruel

Abimelech allowed to live? Why did Jotham have to live in hiding? While

we cannot understand the purpose of God, we can be sure of His justice. In

the verses the follow, we will see how God works out His purpose in the

life of Abimilech.

After Abimelech had governed Israel for three years, God sent an evil spirit

between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem (verse 22-23). The good

relationship between them did not last. We should not necessarily assume

that the "evil spirit" spoken of here was a demon. The word could just as

easily refer to an attitude of distrust or anger. What is clear in this passage is

the response of the people to Abimelech. They acted treacherously toward

him. They no longer wanted him to be their leader. Perhaps they saw him

for who he really was. Did God open their eyes to see what he was doing?

Verse 24 makes it clear that God allowed this division between Shechem

and Abimelech to punish him for the crime of killing Gideon's (Jerub-Baal)

sons.

We also need to remember the curse of Jotham in verse 20. There Jotham

called for a fire from Abimelech to consume the citizens of Shechem and

Beth-Millo and another fire from Shechem and Beth-Millo to consume

Abimelech. The curse of Jotham is about to come true. Verse 25 tells us that

the citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob the

people who passed by. In doing this they were thorns in the side of

Abimelech.

God also raised up a man by the name of Gaal. Gaal moved to the town of

Shechem. He gained the confidence of the inhabitants of the city (verse 26).

One day, after the people had gathered grapes and pressed them, they were

eating and drinking in the temple. In the course of their conversation that

day they cursed Abimelech (verse 27). Gaal heard them cursing Abimelech

and asked them why they had to be subject to him (verse 28). He told the

people that if he were in command he would get rid of Abimelech. He

challenged them to call out their army in revolt against their leader (verse

29).

The governor of the city, Zebul, was faithful to Abimelech. When he heard

that Gaal had been stirring up the people against Abimelech, he was angry

(verse 30). He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech telling him what Gaal

was doing, suggesting that Abimelech and his men advance against

Shechem (verses 31-33).

Abimelech listened to the counsel of Zebul and sent his troops out at night.

They took up concealed positions in a field in four companies (verse 34).

When Abimelech's troops came out of hiding, Gaal was standing at the city

gate (verse 35). When he saw them coming, he announced their presence to

Zebul. Pretending not to know anything about the attack, Zebul told Gaal

that what he saw was only the shadows of the mountains.

Gaal continued to watch in the distance and again went to Zebul telling him

that he was sure that an army was approaching (verse 37). This time Zebul

admitted that he knew about the army. "Where is your big talk now?" he

said to him, reminding him of his talk about defeating Abimelech. He

challenged him to gather his people and fight.

Gaal called the citizens of Shechem to stand against the approaching army.

They were no match for Abimelech, however, and many were wounded in

the battle that followed (verses 39-40). Abimelech was successful in driving

Gaal and his brothers out of the city of Shechem (verse 41).

When the gates of the city were opened in the morning, the people of

Shechem went out to the fields to work. Abimelech divided his army into

three companies (verse 43). Abimelech took one company and rushed

forward to the gates of the city and attacked. The other two companies

attacked those who had gone out to the fields, killing them (verse 44). All

day long, Abimelech attacked the city of Shechem. When he finally

captured it, he scattered salt all over it so it would never produce crops

again (verse 45).

Some of the people fled to the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith (verse

46). Abimelech followed them to the temple. He took an axe, cut branches

and carried them on his shoulders to the stronghold. He told his soldiers to

do the same (verse 48). Piling the branches against the stronghold, they set

it on fire. One thousand men and women died in the fire (verse 49). The

first part of Jotham's curse had come true. A fire had come from Abimelech

and consumed the cities of Shechem and Beth-Millo. The second part of the

curse was about to be fulfilled.

Abimelech went to the region of Thebez and captured it (verse 50). Inside

the city of Thebez was a strong tower. The inhabitants of the city locked

themselves inside this tower for safety.

Abimelech and his army stormed the tower in an attempt to capture it and

set it on fire (verse 52). As Abimelech approached the tower, however, a

woman dropped a millstone on his head and cracked his skull (verse 53).

Abimelech quickly called his armour-bearer to draw his sword and kill him

so it could not be said that he died at the hands of a woman (verse 54). His

armour-bearer obeyed and killed him with his sword. When the army saw

that Abimelech was dead, they returned home (verse 55). The second part

of Jotham's curse had come to pass. A fire had gone out from Shechem and

Beth-Millo and consumed Abimelech.

Verse 56 makes it quite clear that these things happened as a judgment of

God to punish Abimelech and the people of Shechem for their wickedness.

Jotham's curse had come true. God had judged Abimelech. It is true that

evil-doers can prosper for a time. They may become wealthy and powerful,

but there is a judgment coming. We will all account for our deeds.

For Consideration:

Abimelech sought a position that was not his to have. God

had not chosen him to be king but he wanted the position

anyway. Have you ever sought a position or ministry that

God has not called you to? What is God's calling on your

life?

Abimelech sought to manipulate the people of Shechem into

accepting him as their leader. How did this work out for him

in the end? Why is it important for us to let God move

people? What difference does it make when God moves

people?

Jotham, although angry with Abimelech, left the matter in the

hands of the Lord. Abimilech actively pursued his interests

and goals. Who won in the end? What does this teach us

about trusting the Lord?

What does this chapter teach us about the justice of God?

We meet a man by the name of Gaal in this chapter who

seemed to be raised up by God for a single purpose, to stir up

both Shechem and Abimelech. Though Gaal was sent away,

he was a vital part of the chain of events that led to Abilelech

and Shechem being brought to justice. How important was

Gaal's role in this story? What does this teach us about the

importance of every person in the work of God?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to be content with the role He has given

you. Commit yourself to be the best you can be in that role.

Ask God to help you to trust Him like Jotham. Thank Him

that He will work out all the details for our good and His

glory.

Thank the Lord that He is a God of justice. Thank Him that

justice and righteousness will triumph in the end.

Take a moment to consider the many people around you with

seemingly unimportant roles play. Thank the Lord for how

each of them is a link in the chain of God's purpose. Thank

Him that each person’s role is important.

28 - TOLA, JAIR AND

JEPHTHAH

Read Judges 10:1-11:40

fter the death of Abimelech a man from the tribe of Issachar by

the name of Tola rose up as a leader in Israel. He lived in Shamir

in the hill country of Ephraim and led Israel for twenty-three

years (verses 1-2). Nothing of any significance is recorded during his

leadership.

When Tola died the leadership was handed over to Jair of Gilead who led

Israel for twenty-two years (verse 3). Jair had thirty sons who all rode

donkeys. Each of his sons ruled over a town (verse 4).

Spiritually, the nation of Israel continued to wander from the Lord God.

Verse 6 tells us that they served Baal, the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, the

gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods

of the Philistines. Clearly Israel's heart was given to the gods of the foreign

nations. Israel’s heart was not faithful to the God of Israel. Verse 6 is quite

clear that Israel had forsaken the Lord God and no longer served Him.

The spiritual condition of the people angered the Lord God. He punished

them by giving them over to their enemies, the Philistines and the

Ammonites (verse 7). For eighteen years, these two enemies "shattered and

crushed" Israel (verse 8).

In verse 9 we read how the Ammonites, who lived to the east of the Jordan

River, crossed over to fight against Judah, Benjamin and Ephraim. Israel

was in such a weakened condition that verse 9 tells us that they were in

great distress. In other words, they had been brought to the end of their

physical resources. They were absolutely helpless against the Ammonites

who were invading their territory. They had nowhere to go but to the Lord

God of Israel.

In their distress the Israelites cried out to God. "We have sinned against

you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals," they cried (verse 10).

God reminded His people of His faithfulness in times past. He brought to

their attention how He had delivered them from the Egyptians, the

Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites

and the Maonites (verses 11-12). Despite this, however, His people had still

forsaken Him to serve the gods of these nations.

Notice in verse 13 that God refused to come to the aid of His people:

I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have

chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!

Let's take a moment to consider what God is doing here.

Israel had recognized that she had sinned against God. They came to the

Lord God asking Him to help them in their time of need. God listened to

their prayer but, for the moment, refused to give them what they requested.

Israel had one of two options here. First, they could say, “God does not

want to help us so we will have to go to our foreign gods.” In fact, this is

what they had been doing all along. Israel did not choose this option.

Instead, in verse 15 Israel returned to the Lord God again, recognizing their

sin and casting themselves on Him. "We have sinned, Do with us whatever

you think best, but please rescue us now," they prayed. Notice also in verse

16 that they got rid of their foreign gods and served the Lord.

Israel had told God that they had sinned but what good was that when their

homes were filled with foreign gods. What would you think of an unfaithful

husband who said he was sorry for being unfaithful to his wife but refused

to stop seeing his mistress? The true test of whether we are sorry for our sin

is not in what we say but in what we do with the sin we say we are sorry

about. If an unfaithful husband is truly sorry for being unfaithful to his wife,

than he will no longer see his mistress. If Israel was sorry for being

unfaithful to God, she would get rid of her false gods.

God heard Israel's words but He also saw her land. The words said one

thing but what He saw in the land said another. The words said, "We're

sorry" but the idols and gods that filled their land said “not really.” Israel

could not expect God to answer their prayer if they were not willing to do

something about their sins.

Notice in verse 16 that when Israel got rid of their foreign gods, the Lord

could not bear their misery any longer. When the obstacles to His blessing

were removed, God's heart was moved in compassion. Are you sorry for

your sin? Then you will do something about it. Are you asking God to draw

you closer? Then you will do all you can to remove every obstacle that

keeps you from Him. Prayer and action must walk hand in hand.

There is a second thing we need to notice in the prayer of God's people.

They refused to give up seeking God's help. Notice that they told God that

He could do whatever He wanted with them. In saying this, they were

accepting full responsibility for their sin. They were telling God that they

would accept punishment for their sin.

Israel cast themselves on God for His mercy and gathered their army to face

the much superior Ammonite army (verse 17). Their lives were in the

Lord’s hands. They knew that if He chose to turn from them they would

perish for their sin. If He reached out to them they would know victory.

They committed themselves to God and waited for His response.

Notice in verse 18 that they found themselves with an army ready to fight,

but no one to lead them against their enemy. In Judges 11:1 we meet a man

by the name of Jephthah. He was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead

and his mother was a prostitute (11:1). Gilead also had other sons through

his wife. When these sons were grown up they drove Jephthah away. They

told him that he was not going to have an inheritance with their family

because he was the son of a prostitute (verse 2). They rejected him as a

brother.

Jephthah was forced to leave his family. He settled in the land of Tob where

he gathered a group of fighting men around him (verse 3). He and his men

gained quite a reputation as warriors.

When the Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight Israel, the elders of Israel

found themselves in a real problem. They did not have anyone to lead them

into battle. It was at that point that they thought of Jephthah. The elders of

the land went to find Jephthah in Tob and asked him if he would lead them

against the Ammonites (verses 5-6).

Jephthah reminded his brothers how they had driven him away from their

family. "Why do you come to me now, when you're in trouble?" he asked

(verse 7).

The elders of Gilead recognized that they had rejected him but they were

now turning to him for help. They offered to make him leader if he would

come to their aid and help them face their enemy (verse 8). While Jephthah

was suspicious of their offer, when the elders promised before God that they

would respect him and honour him as their leader, he accepted the challenge

(verses 9-11). Jephthah returned to Gilead with the leaders and they made

him their commander.

It may be significant that God had His people deal with this matter of

Jephthah before sending them into battle. Not only did Israel have to deal

with their foreign gods, but they were required to also deal with a broken

relationship with a brother. This broken relationship needed to be mended

before Israel could experience the blessing of God in the battle before them.

Scripture is quite clear that broken relationships with our brothers and

sisters in Christ can hinder us. God is preparing Israel for battle by

removing the obstacles that stand in the way of His blessing. The

destruction of foreign gods and the mending of broken relationship were

essential elements in the victory that God would give His people.

As leader and commander of the army of Israel, Jephthah sent a message to

the king of Ammon. He asked him what he had against Israel that he would

invade their land (verse 12).

The king of Ammon answered Jephthah by telling him that when Israel

came out of Egypt they took his land from him. He demanded that Israel

give this land back to him peacefully (verse 13).

Jephthah again sent his messenger to the Ammonite king with a reply. He

told him that Israel did not take the land of Moab or Ammon. In fact, they

had asked permission to travel peacefully through their land but that

permission was denied (verses 16-19). King Sihon, king of the region at

that time, gathered his army and attacked Israel when they asked permission

to go through his land (verse 20). The result of that battle was that Sihon

was defeated and the whole territory came under Israelite control (verses

21-22).

Jephthah went on to remind the King of Ammon that Israel did not take this

territory, it was given to them by the Lord God of Israel. Israel was the

rightful owner of the land. Jephthah asked the king of Ammon in return

what right he had to take it from Israel seeing that God had given it to them

(verse 23). He reminded him that even the Ammonites would possess any

land their god Chemosh gave them (verse 25).

Jephthah told the king of Ammon that Israel had occupied that land to the

east of the Jordan for three hundred years (verse 26). This shows us how

much time had passed from the time of Moses to Jephthah. During those

three hundred years, the Ammonites did not retake the land (verse 26).

Jephthah made it quite clear to the king of Ammon that if anyone was in the

wrong it was him. He wanted to take a land that was not his to take.

Jephthah committed the matter into the hands of the Lord God of Israel to

judge (verse 27). Verse 28 tells us that the king of Ammon did not pay any

attention to the legal claim of Israel over the land east of the Jordan.

After these events, verse 29 tells us that the Spirit of the Lord came on

Jephthah. We are not told how this came about, but we do see the result of

this outpouring of the Spirit. Jephthah was given courage to lead his army

against the Ammonites (verse 29).

Before going out against the Ammonites, Jephthah made a vow to the Lord.

He promised that if the Lord gave him victory he would give whatever

came out of the door of his house to meet him when he returned as a burnt

offering to the Lord (verse 31).

This vow was intended to gain the favour of the Lord God in the battle.

Remember that for many years the people of God had been worshiping

false gods. It is not likely that the Law of God was being faithfully taught in

the land. Jephthah's vow is not the vow a faithful believer in the God of

Israel would make. There were strict rules about the kind of sacrifices that

were to be made in Israel. No true Israelite wishing to honour God would

make such a vow. Jephthah had no way of knowing what might come to

meet him when he returned home.

It is true that the Spirit of God had come on Jephthah and was empowering

him to do battle against Ammon. Jephthah, however, was not well

instructed in the Word of God and fell into serious error here for which he

would ultimately pay a great price.

What is important for us to understand in this context is the connection

between the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Jephthah is an example of

a man, who is led by the Spirit, but who does not know the Word of God.

The Spirit of God obviously did not lead Jephthah to make this vow. He

made it on his own. He did so, however, without a complete understanding

of the requirements of God in His Law. A better understanding of the Law

of Moses would have protected him from making such a vow.

Jephthah's problem exists in our day as well. God leads us both by His

Spirit and His Word. There are many who are being led by the Spirit who

do not have a good grasp of the Word of God. There are those who say that

because we have the Spirit of God we no longer need to be students of the

Word. This could not be further from the truth. God has given us both the

Spirit and the Word to be our guide. We must learn to walk in the power of

God's Spirit but we must also learn to walk in the truth of His Word. Ignore

either one and you will find yourself in serious error. Jephthah was being

empowered by the Spirit but did not have enough maturity in the Word to

keep from falling into error.

After making his vow to the Lord, Jephthah took his stand against the

Ammonites. The Lord gave him victory (verse 32). Twenty towns in

Ammon were devastated (verse 33).

When Jephthah returned home his only child, a daughter, came running out

of his home to meet him dancing to the sound of the tambourine (verse 34).

Very conscious of his vow, Jephthah's heart was broken. He tore his clothes

and cried:

"Oh! My daughter! You have made me miserable and wretched,

because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break"

(verse 35).

Jephthah's daughter asked him to give her two months to roam in the hills

and weep with her friends because she would never marry (verse 37).

Jephthah granted her permission (verse 38). After the two months were over

Jephthah's daughter returned to her father and he sacrificed her on an altar

(verse 39).

We need to understand that this vow was not from the Lord. God did not

accept human sacrifice. Jephthah acted out of his own cultural upbringing.

He lived in a culture where human sacrifice was practiced. The pagan

religion of the day had influenced his thinking. If anything, this story shows

us that God is able to use all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes.

The son of a prostitute, heavily influenced by pagan religion becomes an

instrument in the hands of God to free Israel from the oppression of the

enemy.

Notice in verse 39-40 that from that day there was an Israelite custom in the

land. Each year the young women of Israel would go out for four days to

commemorate what had happened to the daughter of Jephthah.

For Consideration:

What do we learn about the spiritual condition of the nation

of Israel in the days of Jephthah? How did this affect their

way of thinking? To what extent has our mentality been

affected by the culture in which we live?

When Israel was weak it turned to God. How does the Lord

use our weakness to draw us to Himself? What has God used

in your life to draw you to Himself?

What is the difference between saying you are sorry and

demonstrating this by your actions? Are you truly sorry for

your sin? How is this evident in your actions?

How important was it for Israel to deal with their sin before

facing the enemy?

What is the connection between being led and empowered by

the Spirit of God and being led by the truth of God's Word?

What does this passage teach us about the importance of

both?

What kind of man was Jephthah? What does this tell us about

the kind of person God can use?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to separate the evil influences of your

culture from your faith in God.

Thank the Lord that He does not give up on us even when we

wander from Him.

Ask God to search your heart to see if your repentance and

desire for Him goes deeper than just words. Ask Him to help

you to demonstrate your love for Him by your actions.

Ask God to help you to be a person who is not only led and

empowered by His Spirit but one who is also guided daily by

the truth of His Word.

29 - IBZAN, ELON, ABDON

AND SAMSON

Read Judges 12:1-13:25

n the last chapter we saw that the Ammonites crossed the Jordan to

attack Ephraim and Benjamin (Judges 10:9). The inhabitants of Gilead

asked Jephthah to be their leader. God gave him victory over the

Ammonites and Israel was set free from their oppression.

One would have thought that the nation would have been overjoyed and

grateful to Jephthah for his efforts. This was not the case. In response to this

great victory, the men of Ephraim gathered their forces to meet Jephthah

asking why he had gone to battle without them. They even threatened to

burn his house down with him in it (verse 1).

We need to understand that this was not the first time Ephraim had

threatened one of their leaders in this way. In Judges 8:1 after Gideon had

routed the Midianites the Ephraimites threaten him in a similar way.

"Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us

like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight

Midian?" And they criticized him sharply."

Ephraim seemed to be insulted very easily. She seemed to want the glory

and was upset when she was not invited to participate in great battles.

Jephthah told the Ephraimites that he had called them but they did not come

to his aid (verse 2). He told them that when he saw they were not going to

help him, he risked his life and that of his men to fight the Ammonites on

their behalf. Jephthah was quite puzzled to see the Ephraimites looking for

a fight. Verse 4 tells us that the men of Ephraim insulted Jephthah's men

calling them renegades (verse 4).

Jephthah decided to give Ephraim the fight they were looking for. In verse 4

he called the men of Gilead together and fought Ephraim. Jephthah and his

men captured the fords of Jordan leading to Ephraim. Whenever a survivor

from Ephraim tried to return home on the other side of the ford, Jephthah's

men would ask them if they were Ephraimites. If they denied being an

Ephraimite they would make them say the word "Shibboleth." Because the

people of Ephraim had a problem pronouncing the word. Instead of saying

"Shibboleth" they would say "Sibboleth." If the individual could not

pronounce the word correctly Jephthah’s men would seize and kill him.

During the battle between Jephthah and the Ephraimites, forty-two

thousand Ephraimites were killed. This would have been devastating to

Ephraim. Ephraim's jealousy and desire for glory and Jephthah's

unwillingness to forgive them for their lack of gratitude resulted in the

death of over forty-two thousand men. This shows us the devastation that

jealousy and an unwillingness to forgive can create.

Jephthah led Israel for six years. When he died, he was buried in Gilead, the

town he was cast out of many years before because he was the son of a

prostitute.

After the death of Jephthah there was a series of judges in Israel. Their

names are mentioned here in chapter 12 but nothing a great significance

took place during their leadership.

Ibzan became leader in Israel after the death of Jephthah. He was from

Bethlehem. God blessed him with thirty sons and thirty daughters (verse 8).

All his sons and daughters married Israelites outside their clan (verse 9).

Ibzan led Israel for seven years. When he died, he was buried in Bethlehem.

After Ibzan's death, Elon became leader in his place. He led Israel for ten

years and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun (verse 11).

Abdon was the next leader. He came from the region of Pirathon (verse 13).

He had forty sons and thirty grandsons who each rode on donkeys. This

would indicate that there was a certain measure of prosperity in the land at

that time. He led the nation for eight years (verse 14). When he died, he was

buried in his hometown of Pirathon in Ephraim.

During the years of Jephthah, God's people cried out to God for deliverance

from their enemies. In Jephthah's day the people of God confessed their sin

and destroyed their pagan idols (see Judges 10:15-16). In the years that

followed Jephthah, however, the people quickly forgot their commitment to

the Lord. By the time Abdon had died, about twenty five years after

Jephthah, the Israelites were again doing evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Because of this, God delivered them into the hands of the Philistines. For

forty years, the Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines (13:1).

While we have no record in Judges 13 that God's people actually cried out

to Him in their distress, He was still watching over them. While punishing

His people for their disobedience, God was also preparing a deliverance for

them. That deliverance would come from an unlikely source.

In Judges 13:2 we meet Manoah from the tribe of Dan. He had a wife who

could not have children. One day the angel of the Lord appeared to

Manoah's wife and told her that she would give birth to a son (verse 3). This

son would not be an ordinary child. He would have a special role to play in

the nation. For that reason, the angel told Manoah's wife that she was not to

drink wine or any fermented drink or eat anything unclean (verse 4). This

was to protect the son she would bear from any defilement. The angel went

on to tell Manoah's wife that she was not to cut her boy's hair. He was to be

a Nazirite, set apart for God from birth. This child would be used of God to

deliver his people from the oppression of the Philistines (verse 5). We can

only imagine the joy Manoah's wife would have experienced in hearing this

news.

When she heard the words of the angel, Manoah's wife told her husband

what had happened (verse 6). This angel of God told her that she would

conceive and give birth to a son. She told Manoah how the angel told her

not to drink wine or fermented drink because the boy would be a Nazirite

from his birth (verse 7).

We read about the requirements for anyone taking a Nazirite vow in

Numbers 6:2-21. These vows were taken for various reasons. During the

time of their vow, the individual was required to observe three particular

practices. First, they were not to drink wine or other fermented drink.

Second, they were to cut their hair. Finally, they were to refrain from

touching any dead body. The child born to Manoah and his wife was to

observe these restrictions all his life (verse 7).

When Manoah heard what his wife had told him, he pleaded with the Lord

to bring the man of God back so he could teach them how to raise the boy

(verse 8). Manoah does not question what his wife told him. His concern is

to raise this boy as God required. He knew that while this boy would one

day deliver Israel from the Philistines, he was going to be responsible to

bring him up and train him in the way he was to go. For this he needed

God's wisdom and guidance. We have to admire Manoah and his desire to

raise his son for the Lord. We can be sure that if our children belong to the

Lord God they have a particular calling in life. Like Manoah we need to

take this matter seriously. What an awesome responsibility is ours to raise

up men and women of God who will minister to the next generation. Like

Manoah, we need great wisdom in raising our children to be leaders of the

next generation.

God heard the prayer of Manoah and saw his heart to do what was right.

The angel of the Lord returned to Manoah's wife. At the time, Manoah was

working in the field (verse 9). When the angel appeared, Manoah's wife

hurried out to tell her husband that he had come to see them (verse 10).

Manoah left his work and ran to meet the angel (verse 11).

When Manoah saw the angel he asked him when the prophetic word about

their son would come to pass. He also asked the angel what was to be "the

rule for the boy's life and work" (verse 12). Manoah seems to be genuinely

concerned about doing what is right.

The angel of the Lord told Manoah that his wife was to do exactly what he

had told her. She was not to eat anything that came from the grapevine,

drink any wine or fermented drink or eat anything unclean (verse 14).

Not realizing that the man of God was an angel, Manoah offered to prepare

a young goat for him to eat (verse 15). The angel agreed to stay with him

but told them that he would not eat any of his food. Instead, he asked

Manoah to prepare a burnt offering for the Lord (verse 16).

As Manoah left to prepare the offering, he asked the angel what his name

was so that he could honour him when the word he prophesied came true

(verse 17). He wanted to have further contact with this man. By asking for

his name, he was trying to identify him and find out how he could get in

touch with him when the child was born. The angel told Manoah that his

name was beyond understanding (verse 18). The word translated "beyond

understanding" in the NIV Bible is an interesting one. It can refer to

something that is wonderful or even hidden and secret. It comes from a

word meaning marvellous or distinguished.

It should be remembered that a name represented the character of the

person who bore the name. When the angel refused to give Manoah his

name he was telling him something about his character. He was telling him

that he was wonderful and awesome. He was greater than Manoah and his

character could not be grasped.

Manoah did not fully understand what the angel of the Lord was saying. He

did not understand him to be an angel. When he returned with his goat and

grain offering, he placed it on a rock as a sacrifice to the Lord (verse 19). In

verse 20 we discover that as the flame blazed from the rock altar, the angel

of the Lord ascended to heaven in the flame.

When Manoah and his wife saw this they understood that the person who

had met with them was no ordinary person. Both of them fell to with their

faces to the ground (verse 20). They knew that they had been in the

presence of the angel of the Lord (verse 21).

Manoah was afraid. In verse 22 he told his wife, "We are doomed to die!

We have seen God!" A similar thing happened when an angel of the Lord

appeared to Gideon, calling him to deliver his people from the Midianites.

He, too, was afraid he was going to die when he understood that it was the

angel of the Lord (see Judges 6:22-23).

Notice that Manoah said that he had seen God. Some commentators believe

that the angel of the Lord was the Lord Jesus. What is evident is that the

presence of God was clearly demonstrated that day to Manoah and his wife.

They feared for their lives.

Manoah's wife comforted her husband who seemed to be overwhelmed. She

told him that if the Lord had intended on killing them He would not have

accepted their offering or told them about the son that would be born to

them (verse 23).

As God promised, Manoah's wife gave birth to a boy. They named him

Samson. The hand of the Lord was on him from the time of his birth. God's

Spirit began to stir within him (verses 24-25). God has a very particular

plan for Samson. He would be the deliverer of his people. God had allowed

the Philistines to oppress His people because of their sin, but He was also

preparing a way out for them. God had not abandoned His people.

For Consideration:

Ephraim seems to seek glory. They appeared to be jealous of

anyone who was successful in battle. Have you ever been

jealous of those who were successful in ministry? What was

the result of Ephraim's jealousy?

What is a Nazirite? For what purpose was young Samson set

aside? What purpose or plan does God have for your life?

How does Manoah show us that he was very concerned about

raising his son for God? How important is it that we raise our

children for the glory of God? What impact will good

parenting have on the next generation?

Consider the fear of Manoah and his wife when they

understood that God had met them. How do we see God in

our day? Have we lost something of the sense of the

awesome holiness of God?

What do we learn here about how God is working out His

purposes? Samson was being raised up by God to be a

deliverer to a people caught in rebellion. How does this

encourage you?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to give you grace to rejoice in the success of

others in ministry. Ask Him to help you not to compare

yourself to others, but rather be content with His plan for

your life.

Ask God to show you what His purpose is for you.

If you are a parent or grandparent, ask the Lord to give you

grace and wisdom to raise your children well. If not, ask God

to help you to be a godly example and encouragement to the

next generation.

Thank the Lord that He has not abandoned you. Thank Him

that He is working out His purposes in your life. Thank Him

that even before we cry out to Him He already has the answer

to our cry.

30 - SAMSON'S RIDDLE

Read Judges 14:1-20

ears have passed and Samson is now a young man in search of a

bride. At this time Samson went to the region of Timnath and met

a young Philistine woman (verse 1). When Samson returned, he

spoke to his parents about the young girl, telling them that he wanted her as

his wife (verse 2).

There are two important details we need to understand here. First, the Law

of God was clear when it came to the marriage of an Israelite with someone

from a pagan nation. God did not want these nations causing His people to

turn from Him. Second, at this point in history, the Philistines were

oppressing the people of God. What Samson was asking was not something

his parents could, with a good conscience, give him permission to do.

We learn from Judges 13:8 that Manoah, Samson's father, was very keen on

raising Samson for the Lord. His parents knew that God had set their son

apart for a special purpose. The angel of the Lord had told them that

Samson would one day deliver Israel from the Philistine oppression (Judges

13:2-5). Imagine for a moment that you were Samson's parents. How would

you have felt if your son came home announcing that he wanted to marry a

woman from the people you knew God had set him apart to destroy? From

their perspective, Samson was making friends with the enemy. He was

compromising his call and disobeying the direct command of God not to

marry foreign women who did not serve the God of Israel.

Samson's father and mother were not pleased with his request. "Isn't there

an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must

you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" they asked him.

Obviously, they felt an obligation before God to do what was right for their

son. They did not want him to stray from God’s purpose for his life.

Samson was not persuaded by his parent's arguments. Those of us who have

been parents know that there are times when our children simply do not

want to listen to our advice. Samson insisted that this woman was the right

one for him.

As the head of the family, it was Manoah’s responsibility, to take the steps

necessary for his son to get a wife. In that culture, it would not have been

possible for Samson to proceed with a marriage without his parent’s

approval.

What Samson's parents did not know was that God was in this matter. He

was preparing Samson for the work He had for him. Through this proposed

marriage, God would stir up in him a heart for His purpose. We should not

take from this that it was the purpose of God that Samson marry an

unbelieving wife. As the story unfolds, we will see that God actually kept

Samson from doing this. God would use Samson's desire for this woman,

however, to prepare him for the work He had for him.

From verse 5 we understand that Samson's parents agreed to go down with

him to Timnah. As they approached the vineyards of Timnah a young lion

came roaring toward Samson. God's Spirit came on him and he tore the lion

apart with his bare hands (verse 6). We understand from verse 6 that his

father and mother did not know about this.

There are several things we need to see in verse 6. First, Samson was a

Nazirite and was not permitted to eat the fruit of the vine. Second,

Samson's parents were not with him at the time. In verse 6 we have a

picture of a young man, weary from travel, approaching a forbidden

vineyard without any supervision or accountability. He was putting himself

in a place where he could be tempted. No one was around to see what he

was doing. What would stop him from breaking his vow by taking the

delicious and refreshing fruit of the vine? It is interesting that as Samson

approached the vineyard, a lion came out and attacked him. Was this God's

way of protecting him? One thing is sure, God does watch out for those He

calls.

After killing the lion, Samson continued on his way to Timnah with his

parents. There they met the woman and spoke to her. It is quite possible that

arrangements were being made for a wedding. After speaking to the woman

and possibly her parents, Samson and his parents returned home.

Sometime later Samson went back with his parents to marry the Philistine

woman (verse 8). As he travelled on the same road he had taken on his

previous journey, Samson remembered the lion he had killed. He turned

aside to look for the body. Again, it is important that we remember that as a

Nazirite, Samson was not to touch a dead body. Had he been wise he would

have resisted this temptation to look for the body of the dead lion, but

Samson does not seem to have the spiritual and moral strength necessary to

do so. Instead, he finds himself taking a detour to find a dead body that he

was forbidden to touch. Have we not all found ourselves tempted just to

look at those things we are forbidden to touch?

When Samson found the body of the lion he noticed that bees had made a

hive in it. There in the carcass of that dead lion was a hive filled with sweet

honey. Satan made what Samson was forbidden to touch almost impossible

not to touch. That sweet honey called out to him. He reached out his hand,

scooped the honey from the lion's body and continued his journey. In doing

so he broke his vow to God.

What a powerful warning this is to us today. Like sweet honey in a dead

carcass on a long journey, Satan will tempt us and make forbidden sin look

very appealing. We need to be constantly on guard against his temptations.

Notice in verse 9 that Samson did not tells his parents where he found the

honey. This shows us that he knew he had broken his vow. Together they

travelled the road to Timnah eating the defiled honey.

When they arrived in Timnah, Samson’s father went down to see the

woman Samson was to marry, likely to make arrangements for the wedding.

Verse 11 tells us that Samson was given thirty companions to celebrate with

him. In the course of the celebrations, Samson decided to present these

companions with a riddle. He told them that he would give a set of linen

garments to each of them if they answered his riddle. If they could not

answer, however, they were each to give him a set linen garments (verses

12-13). Samson's companions agreed and so he told them his riddle: "Out of

the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet" (verse 14).

The riddle referred to his experience of finding honey in the corpse of the

lion he had killed.

Samson's companions wrestled with that riddle for three days but could not

come up with the answer. On the fourth day, they decided to speak to

Samson's wife-to-be. They told her that if she did not get the answer from

Samson and give it to them, they would burn her and her family to death

(verse 15). This shows us something of the character of Samson's

companions. They appealed to her sense of hospitality by saying: "Did you

invite us here to rob us?" In other words, they were blaming her and her

family for their loss. They would have to buy Samson a set of clothes if

they did not answer correctly.

Samson's wife, threatened by his companions, threw herself on him

sobbing. She told him that he couldn't love her because he had given her

people a riddle they could not answer. She accused him of keeping secrets

from her and her family. She told him that if he really loved her he wouldn't

be keeping secrets from her (verse 16). Samson told her that he had not

even told the answer to this riddle to his own parents. If discovered, the

answer to this riddle would expose his sin and reveal his broken vow before

God. Samson did not want this to be revealed.

Samson's fiancée continued to question him about the answer to the riddle.

She had reason to do this, as her life and the lives of her entire family were

at stake. Finally on the seventh day of the feast, Samson told her his secret

(verse 17).

On the seventh and final day of the feast Samson's companions returned to

him with the answer to his riddle. "What is sweeter than honey? What is

stronger than a lion?"

Samson knew that the only way these men could have answered his riddle

was by threatening his fiancée. "If you had not ploughed with my heifer,

you would not have solved my riddle" he told them. In other words, they

had taken what was his and used it for their own purposes. They used his

fiancée to get the solution to his riddle.

Samson was very angry about what happened that day. The Spirit of God

fell on him in power. He went down to Ashkelon, a principle city of the

Philistines and struck down thirty men. He took these men's clothes and

brought them back to Timnah and gave them to his companions to pay off

his debt (verse 19). Burning with anger over what had happened, Samson

left his fiancée and returned home to his father's house. His wife was given

in marriage to one of the “friends”.

For Consideration:

What do we learn in this chapter about the moral and spiritual

weakness of Samson?

How did Samson break two of the conditions of his vow in

this chapter?

How did Satan make sin attractive to Samson? Consider a

time when you fell into a particular sin. How did Satan make

sin look attractive to you?

How did God expose Samson's sin of breaking his vow?

What warning do you take from this?

How did God use Samson's failed engagement to prepare him

to do battle with the enemy? How has God used your past

failures to teach you lessons?

For Prayer:

Ask God to protect you from the ongoing attacks of the

enemy. Are there any areas of your life where Satan tempts

you? Ask God to strengthen you in those areas.

Ask God to help you not to be deceived by the attractiveness

of sin.

Have you experienced failures in your life? Ask God to teach

you the lessons He wants you to learn from these failures.

Ask Him to help you to use those lessons for His glory in the

future.

31 - THREE HUNDRED

FOXES AND A DONKEY'S

JAW BONE

Read Judges 15:1-20

n chapter 14 we saw the Philistines threatened to kill Samson's fiancée

and family if she did not give them the answer to his riddle. Samson

was very angry over this incident and left Timnah during the wedding

preparations. God would use what happened that day to prepare Samson to

be the deliverer of his people. To this point, Samson's contact with the

Philistines had been a positive one. He had visited Timnah and fallen in

love with a Philistine woman there. He wanted to marry her and this

marriage would have made him one of the Philistines. When he went to

Timnah for the wedding celebration, he was given thirty Philistine

companions to celebrate this joyous event. After his thirty companions

deceived him and threatened his fiancée and her family, however, Samson's

attitude toward them began to change.

Samson could not deliver God's people from their enemy, the Philistines,

until his attitude changed. He had to see them as the enemy in order to

fulfil God's plan of deliverance. The same principle is true for us today.

Until we see the horribleness of sin and rebellion against God, we will not

be effective in dealing with it in our lives. As long as we are befriending the

world, we will not have victory over it. God needed to open Samson's eyes

to the truth about these Philistines. It was only when Samson saw the

Philistines as the enemy, that he could he be useful in God's hands to deliver

His people.

In chapter 15 Samson's anger over the incident in Timnah had subsided. He

decided to return to Timnah and make things right with his Philistine family

and friends. He took a young goat, likely as a peace offering, and went to

visit his fiancée and her family. Obviously, Samson was not yet ready to be

the deliverer of his people. He is still not convinced that God's people truly

needed to be delivered from these Philistines. He is still courting his

Philistine fiancée and seeking to gain the good favour of her family.

When he arrived in Timnah, Samson told his father-in-law that he wanted to

see his fiancée, but her father refused to let him in (verse 1). He told

Samson that after the events that had taken place at the wedding

celebrations, he was sure that Samson hated her so he gave her to one of his

companions as a wife. He offered her sister to Samson in her place (verse

2).

When Samson heard what had happened, he was even more angry. "This

time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them"

he said in verse 3. Notice that his intention is to get even with the

Philistines because of what they had done to him. His thoughts are not for

his people and the oppression of his nation by the Philistines. He seems to

be only thinking of his own personal problems with them. He also now

feels justified in his intentions because of what they had done to him.

To "get even" with the Philistines, Samson caught three hundred foxes. We

are not told how long this took him, but we can assume that it took some

time. When he had captured these foxes he tied them tail to tail in pairs,

fastening a torch to every pair of foxes (verse 4). Samson then lit the

torches and set the foxes loose in the standing grain (verse 5). This resulted

in significant damage to the grain, vineyards and olive groves, not to

mention the foxes.

When the Philistines saw what had happened, they inquired to see who had

done this terrible thing. When they discovered the circumstances behind

this tragedy, they immediately went to the house of Samson's fiancée and

burned her and her father to death (verse 6).

Samson's hatred of the Philistines only grew in intensity because of what

they had done to his fiancée and her father. That day, he made a

commitment not to stop until he had his revenge on them (verse 7). It is

quite clear now that Samson no longer desired to maintain any kind or

friendly relationship with the Philistines. He had gone to Timnah to be

reconciled but now all hope of reconciliation is gone. The Philistines were

no longer his friends, they were his enemies. Samson was so angry with the

Philistines now that he attacked and slaughtered many of them. He then

found a cave in the rock of Etam and stayed there.

Samson's actions were a declaration of war between him and the Philistine

nation. They pursued him. The Philistines camped in Judan and spread out

near the region of Lehi (verse 9). When the people of Judah saw this they

asked why the Philistines had come to fight them (verse 10). The Philistines

told them that they had come to take Samson prisoner.

When they heard this, three thousand man from Judah went down to the

cave where Samson was hiding. When the found Samson, they asked him

why he had stirred up the Philistines against them. He told them that it was

to get even for the things they had done to him (verse 11).

The men of Judah, realizing that their own lives were at stake, told Samson

that they were going to hand him over to the Philistines. Samson made them

promise that they would not kill him themselves (verse 12). They agreed to

this and told him that they would simply tie him up and hand him over

(verse 13).

Not many people want to be handed over to the enemy. One would have

thought it better for Samson to be killed quickly by his own people rather

than suffer at the hands of the enemy. Samson did not want this. He wanted

to be handed over to the enemies. Being handed over to them in this way

would give Samson the opportunity to kill as many Philistines as possible.

There is a clear shift in Samson's attitude toward the Philistines. His heart is

set now on killing all he could. Knowing that he was going to die in their

hands, did not distract him from his intention. He allowed himself to be

handed over so that he could do as much damage to them as possible.

When the Philistines saw Samson, they came running out after him. Their

hatred of Samson was very intense. The Spirit of the Lord fell on Samson as

the Philistines came out after him. He broke the ropes on his arms, found

the jawbone of a donkey and, using that as a weapon, defended himself

against his enemy. That day Samson struck down one thousand men (verse

15). Samson declared his victory over the Philistines reminding them that

with this one jawbone he had made donkeys of them all (verse 16). The

place where Samson killed the Philistines was called Ramath Lehi meaning

"jawbone hill."

Samson's victory over the Philistines came at a cost. While God's Spirit had

come on him and given him strength to fight, his body and mind were

weary when everything was accomplished. In verse 18 he cried out to the

Lord, "You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of

thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?"

There are two things that we need to see in verse 18. First, notice the cost of

being used by God. While God's Spirit was the power behind the victory

Samson had that day, his human body could only handle so much. At the

end of the day, Samson was weary and thirsty. His body was exhausted and

his mind weary. Notice second, how easy it was for Samson to fall into

doubt and question God even when he had seen such a great victory. He

wondered now if he would die of thirst. How could someone who had

experienced God's power in this way question His ability to give Him

something to drink? While it is hard to imagine how this could be, we know

it to be true in our own lives. How many times have we seen the provision

of God and yet still find doubt in our hearts? How often has God given us

victory over the enemy and still we wonder if He will do it again?

At best, we are weak and frail instruments in the hands of an almighty God.

Our bodies and minds grow weary. What we learn here is that Samson was

not some great super hero. He grew weary and questioned the will and

purpose of God. It is a reminder that God can powerfully use us just as we

are.

God heard Samson's cry for help and opened up a source of water to him.

Right there under his feet was the answer to his prayer. When Samson

drank from that spring his strength returned and he was revived. The spring

from which Samson drank that day was called En Hakkore literally

meaning "caller's spring."

There is a similar spring available to all who will call out to God in their

need. God is more than willing to minister to us in our weariness if we will

call out to Him. Our bodies and minds are weak and frail at best. We often

need His refreshing like Samson. Samson was refreshed by the spring of

water that God provided. If you are weary you too can call out for the

refreshing and God will provide it for you too.

Notice in verse 20 that Samson would lead Israel against the Philistines for

a period of twenty years. God gave Samson victory over his enemies that

day. Judah handed Samson over to the Philistines but God overruled. This

was not the day of Samson's death. For twenty years Samson would be a

thorn in the side of the Philistines. God had not finished what He had begun

in the life of Samson so no army would be successful. What a wonderful

hope this gives us today. God has a purpose for us as well. Maybe you have

felt betrayed by your friends like Samson in this chapter. Maybe the enemy

has surrounded you. There is no reason for despair. God is able to give you

victory.

In the beginning of this chapter Samson's only concern was that he get even

because of what the Philistines had done to him personally. God expanded

his vision. Now his heart is to set his whole nation free from the oppression

of the Philistines. Samson has come a long way in this chapter. The chapter

began with him bringing a young goat to be reconciled with his Philistine

family. It begins with Samson not understanding that the Philistines were

enemies of God's people. As the chapter closes, Samson now has a vision to

defeat the enemies of God. God has opened his eyes and changed his

perspective. God takes a man who sought to befriend the enemy and makes

him into a mighty warrior to defend his people against them.

I like to imagine Samson's parents in all this. They wrestled with his

befriending the enemy but could do nothing about it. Now they see their son

as a leader of his people standing firm against their foes and accomplishing

the purpose of God for his life. What hope this give us as parents for our

own children. What hope this gives us today for those who are wandering

from God and befriending the world. God is able to accomplish His

purposes and bring them back.

For Consideration:

What is your attitude toward sin and the world? Have you

ever found yourself being attracted to it like Samson?

Can we really be effective in accomplishing God's purpose

for our lives if we don't see the enemy for what it is?

How did God open Samson's eyes to the need of his people

for deliverance from the Philistine oppression?

How does God move Samson from a personal focus to

leading a national movement?

What do we learn here about Samson's human nature? What

does this show us about the kind of person God uses?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to see the world and sin for what it

really is.

Thank the Lord for the way He has been working in your life

to mature you and bring you to the place of more effective

ministry.

Do you have a friend or loved one who, like Samson, is

befriending the world? Ask God to minister to them and draw

them closer to Himself.

Thank God that He refreshes us in our weakness and

weariness.

32 - SAMSON'S FINAL

VICTORY

Read Judges 16:1-31

amson was far from perfect in his walk with the Lord God. As we

begin chapter 16, we see that he went down to Gaza where he met a

prostitute. Unable to resist the temptation, Samson spent the night

with her (verse 1). It should be noted that Gaza was a Philistine town. It is

unclear why Samson was in this enemy town sleeping with a Philistine

prostitute.

When the people of Gaza heard that Samson had come to the town and was

with the prostitute, they decided to wait for him at the city gate. At night the

gates of the city were locked so no one could come in or out of the city. The

intention was to wait until the gates were opened at dawn to attack and kill

Samson. They knew he could not leave the city until the gates were opened.

Samson got up in the middle of the night and took hold of the doors of the

city gate and tore them loose. Carrying them on his shoulders, he brought

them to the top of a hill that faced Hebron (verse 3). In this way, he escaped

his enemy. We can also imagine that the inhabitants of Gaza would have

been humiliated by the removal of their gates by a single man.

Sometime later Samson fell in love with a woman by the name of Delilah.

She lived in the Valley of Sorek. When the rulers of the Philistines

discovered that Samson was in love with Delilah they asked her to discover

the secret of his strength so that they could overpower him. They promised

her eleven hundred shekels of silver each if she would cooperate with them

in this matter. This amounted to approximately 28 pounds of silver (13

kilograms) from each leader. History tells us that there were five principle

Philistine leaders. Delilah would have profited greatly from this offer. In

order to do so, however, she would have to betray the one who loved her.

Delilah's love for Samson was obviously not as strong as her love for the

silver she would get by betraying him. In verse 6 she set out to discover the

secret to his strength. She is very direct with Samson, "Tell me the secret of

your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued." This question

would have caused anyone to become suspicious, but Samson doesn't seem

to clue in to what she is doing. Notice that she asked him how he could be

tied up and subdued.

In verse 7 Samson told her that if he was bound with seven fresh bowstrings

that had not been dried, he would be as weak as any other man. Delilah

reported this to the Philistine rulers and they who brought her seven

bowstrings to tie his arms so they could take him captive (verse 8-9).

Samson snapped the strings easily, however, and defended himself against

the Philistines.

Delilah complained to Samson saying, "You have made a fool of me; you

lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied" (verse 10). Samson told

her this time that if he was tied with new rope that had never been used he

would become as weak as any other man (verse 11). It is quite possible that

Samson is playing with the Philistines. He knew he could defeat them and

that they were no match for him. At the same time, however, his confidence

seems to be in his gift and not in the Lord.

Believing what Samson told her, Delilah took new ropes and tied his hands

with them. Again the Philistines attacked and she called out for the second

time, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" (verse 12). Samson snapped

the ropes as if they were threads and no harm came to him.

Delilah did not give up trying. Once again she asked him to tell her the

secret of his strength. This time Samson told her that if she were to weave

seven braids of his head into a fabric on a loom and tighten it with a pin he

would be as weak as any other man. Delilah listened to him again and while

he was sleeping he took his long hair, braided it, and wove the seven braids

into the fabric on the loom. She tightened the whole thing with a pin.

When she had woven the hair of his head, Delilah cried out again as she had

done in times past, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" Samson woke

from his sleep, pulled out the pin from the loom and defended himself.

What is significant about the third attempt is that Samson mentions his hair

to Delilah. His hair was the secret of his strength. Samson is becoming

more arrogant and careless with his game.

Delilah again complained to Samson,

"How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?

This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't

told me the secret of your great strength" (verse 15).

Verse 16 tells us that Delilah prodded Samson day after day until he was

"tired to death" of her nagging. Finally, Samson told her that no razor had

ever been used on his head because he was a Nazirite from birth. He finally

admitted, that if she were to shave his head he would be as weak as any

other man. This time Delilah knew that she had discovered the secret to his

strength. She sent word to the Philistines to come back again.

Delilah put Samson to sleep on her lap. She then called for a man to shave

his head as he slept (verse 19). That day Samson's strength left him. Once

again, she called out, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" Samson woke

up thinking that he would be able to defend himself as he had done the

other times. Because his strength had left him, however, he was taken

captive.

The Philistines gouged out Samson's eyes and took him to Gaza. Binding

him with bronze shackles they put him in prison where they forced him to

grind grain (verse 21). It should be noted that the work of grinding grain

was considered to be beneath the dignity of a man. This was usually a task

done by woman. In reality the enemy was humiliating Samson. The great

Samson who had often humiliated them by his acts of strength was now

blinded, weak and grinding grain in a prison. Obviously, this gave the

Philistines great delight. What the Philistines did not take into account,

however, was the fact that during this time of captivity Samson’s hair began

to grow back (verse 22). As his hair grew so did his strength.

On one particular occasion, the Philistine leaders were assembled for a

great celebration. They came together to offer a sacrifice to their god,

Dagon. As they celebrated, they praised Dagon for giving them victory over

Samson (verse 23-24).

As the celebration went on, the leaders called for Samson to be brought out

to entertain them. As Samson was taken from prison (verse 25), he asked

one of the servants who led him out to put him where he could feel the

pillars that supported the temple (verse 26). Verse 27 tells us that the temple

was crowded with people. The rulers of the Philistines were present, as

were about three thousand people on the roof watching Samson perform

(verse 27).

As Samson stood between the two supporting pillars of the temple, he

prayed to God. He asked that God would strengthen him for one last great

feat of strength to get revenge on the Philistines for taking out his eyes

(verse 28).Notice that his focus in on what these enemies had done to him.

He wants personal revenge. Despite his self-centeredness, God used

Samson to judge His enemies and bring justice to the land.

After committing the matter to the Lord, Samson leaned against the pillars

of the temple. With one hand on the pillar to his right and the other hand on

the pillar to his left, Samson pushed with all his might. God answered

Samson's prayer, and the pillars gave way, causing the roof to collapse on

top of the people in the temple. Samson died in the disaster, but so did a

great number of Philistines. Verse 30 tells us that Samson killed more

Philistines in his death than he did while he was living. Samson's family

took his body to his homeland and buried him in the tomb of his father

(verse 31).

While Samson is known as a man of great physical strength, he was in fact

a very weak man in other ways. His weakness for women led him into

trouble. His self-confidence also led him to make decisions that would

ultimately lead to his defeat. He seemed to put his confidence in his God-

given gift of physical strength rather than in God Himself. God would use

him, despite his many weaknesses, to give victory to His people.

For Consideration:

What were Samson's weaknesses? What role did the women

of his life play in his downfall?

How do you suppose things would have worked out had

Samson been able to resist temptation? What temptations do

you find particularly hard to resist?

Samson seems to enjoy playing with the enemy. How did this

prove to be his downfall?

Do you think Samson was blinded to what Delilah was

doing? Why do you suppose he stayed with Delilah if he

knew what she was doing? What keeps us from fleeing

temptation?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to show you your weakness. Ask Him to

strengthen you in these weaknesses.

What temptations are you facing now? Ask God to give you

victory over these temptations.

Ask God to give you strength to flee the temptations of the

enemy. Ask Him to help you to keep away from those places

or people that can lead you into temptation.

Thank the Lord that despite your failures, He is still able to

use you.

33 - DAN AND THE IDOLS

OF MICAH

Read Judges 17:1-18:31

hapters 17 and 18 of Judges give us a picture of the state of

Israel's faith. As we begin, we meet a man by the name of Micah,

from the territory of Ephraim. Micah had stolen eleven hundred

shekels of silver from his mother (about 28 pounds or 13 kilograms). When

Micah heard his mother utter a curse on the silver that had been taken, he

brought it back to her and confessed his sin (verse 2). There is something

we need to understand about Micah. Verse 5 tells us that he had a shrine

with an ephod and some idols. The ephod was generally a piece of clothing

worn by the priest. The fact that this ephod was in Micah's shrine with other

images and idols shows us that this ephod was not used in the true worship

of God. Notice from verse 5 that Micah had installed one of his sons as

priests in his shrine.

What we discover from these verses is that Micah is a religious man. His

faith, however, is not the faith of his ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

His faith is influenced by the pagan nations around him. Notice that his

faith did not stop him from taking 1100 shekels from his own mother.

Micah, as a religious man, was quite concerned about the curse his mother

put on the money he had stolen. He understood and believed in curses and

was doing all he could to get out from under the curse on the money he had

taken.

We learn about Micah's mother in verse 2. We do not know her name, but

she too was a religious person. When she saw that Micah had confessed to

taking away that money, she said, "The LORD bless you, my son!" She

speaks here very likely of the God of Israel, and blessed her son in His

name. Notice from verse 3 that Micah's mother "solemnly consecrated" this

silver to the Lord. This too shows us that Micah's mother was a religious

lady. She blessed her son in the name of the Lord and consecrated her silver

to Him.

What is important for us to realize here, however, is that Micah's mother's

faith had also been seriously compromised. Notice in verse 3 that she

consecrated the silver her son returned to her to the Lord for her son to

make a carved image and a cast idol. No Israelite knowledgeable in the law

of God would have ever consecrated silver to the Lord God to make an

image and an idol. Again this shows us the religious condition of Israel at

this time. People were mixing the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with

that of the nations around them.

Micah's mother took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a

silversmith to make an image and an idol. These articles were put in

Micah's house (verse 4).

“In those days Israel had no king and everyone did as they saw fit” (verse

6). This is an important verse, again telling us something of the condition of

Israel at this time. The nation was not unified either under a king or under

the law of God. People did whatever they saw fit to do. This led to all kinds

of ungodly practices. We have an example of this in the case of Micah and

his mother, who spoke about the Lord God but also worshiped the images

and idols of the nations around them.

In verse 7 we meet a young man from the priestly tribe of Levi. He had

been living in Bethlehem in Judah. This young priest, however, decided to

leave Bethlehem to find another place to live and serve the Lord. In his

travels, he arrived at the home of Micah in Ephraim (verse 8).

When Micah met him, he asked him where he was from and where he was

going. The young man explained that he was a Levite from Bethlehem and

was searching for a place to live (verse 9). Micah offered the young priest a

position in his home. He told him he would provide him with clothing and

food as well as ten shekels of silver a year for his services as a priest (verse

10). This offer pleased the young Levite who agreed to the conditions and

stayed with Micah. Micah treated him like one of his sons and installed him

as priest over his home (verse 12). Micah was very pleased to have the

young Levite, and felt that the Lord would be good to him now that he had

a true priest over his house (verse 13). Micah’s concern here is not for God

but for his own blessing and security.

Before moving on in this story it is important that we understand something

about this young Levite. Remember that Micah had a shrine with idols and

images. Micah's faith was not in line with the law of God. This does not

seem to bother the young Levite, who was simply happy to have a job. He

would become priest over a shrine of idols and images. He was from a

priestly tribe in Israel, but he did not have a true commitment to God's laws

and purposes. Again this is an indication of the state of the nation's spiritual

leaders.

As the story continues in chapter 18, it moves from Micah to the tribe of

Dan. At this time, the tribe of Dan was looking for a place of their own.

Judges 18:1 tells us that they had not yet come into their inheritance. This is

very likely because they had not been able to deal with the people who had

lived in the land allotted to them (see Judges 1:34).

Because they were not able to deal with the people in their tribal allotment,

Dan decided to look for another piece of land where they could settle. To do

this they sent five warriors from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and

bring a report to them (verse 2).

These five Danite warriors travelled northward and arrived in the territory

of Ephraim at the home of Micah, where they were offered hospitality and

stayed the night (verse 2). While there, they noticed the young Levite who

served a priest in Micah's home. They asked him where he was from and

what had brought him to the home of Micah (verse 3). The young Levite

explained to them how he had come to live and serve as priest in the home

of Micah.

Realizing that he was a priest, the Danite warriors asked the young Levite

to inquire of God for them. They wanted to know if their journey would be

successful (verse 5). The Levite told them that they could continue their

journey in peace because they had the Lord's approval (verse 6).

Encouraged by those words, the Danite warriors travelled to the region of

Laish. There they discovered that the people in this remote area lived at

peace in a land that seemed to be quite prosperous. They were unsuspecting

and secure (verse 7). The warrior spies returned to Zorah and Eshtaol to

bring their report (verse 8). They recommended to their brothers that they

attack these unsuspecting people and take their land (verses 9-10). Six

hundred fighting men from Dan immediately prepared for battle and set out

for the town of Laish (verse 11).

The Danite army set up camp near Kiriath Jearim in Judah (verse 12). From

there they travelled to the hill country of Ephraim where Micah lived (verse

13). As they approached the home of Micah, the five spies told their

brothers about Micah and his idols (verse 14). They soldiers decided to steal

Micah's idols and keep them for themselves.

Turing aside to go to Micah’s house, they me the young Levite (verse 15).

After greeting him, the five Danite spies went inside the house took the

carved image, the ephod and other household gods from Micah (verse 17).

The young Levite questioned them about this (verse 18).

The Danites told the Levite to be quiet. He was not to say a word about this

to his master. They also invited him to come with them and be their priest.

They reminded him that it would be better for him to be a priest for a whole

tribe then for just one man (verse 19).

Micah had treated this young Levite as a son. This, however, was the

chance of a lifetime for the young Levite. He saw here an opportunity to

advance his personal position and was quite willing to leave. We also read

in verse 20 that "he took the ephod, the other household gods and the

carved image and went along with the people.

When the Danites had gone some distance, Micah called the men who were

living by him to chase after them, obviously with the intention of getting his

idols back (verse 22). They chased after the Danites, shouting as they went.

Hearing the commotion behind them, the Danites turned around and asked

Micah what he wanted and why he had come out to fight them (verse 23).

Micah explained that they had taken his gods and his priest (verse 24).

The Danites stood their ground and told Micah and his men that if they

persisted in this matter they would not hesitate to attack and kill them. They

even threatened to kill their families (verse 25). Micah did not want to risk

the lives of his men and their families, so he returned home without his

gods (verse 26).

Again we see the sad state of the nation at this time. The tribe of Dan stole

from their fellow Israelite and threatened to wipe out an entire family if an

issue was made of it. It is clear from this that the moral condition of the

land was very low.

The Danites continued their journey to Laish. They attacked and burned

down the city, killing the inhabitants (verse 27), who were defenceless and

had no one to come to their aid (verse 28).

The tribe of Dan rebuilt the city and called it Dan after their forefather

(verse 28-29). They then set up the idols of Micah in the city. These idols

would be worshiped for as long as the house of God was in Shiloh (verse

31). This meant that they would worship these gods at least until the days of

Samuel the prophet.

Verse 30 gives us the identity of the young Levite. From this verse we

understand that his name was Jonathan. He was the son of Gershom, the son

of Moses. Jonathan and his sons would serve the tribe of Dan until they

went into captivity.

It is not hard to see from these two chapters that the faith of God's people

has been seriously compromised. While the people living in Israel at this

time were religious in nature, they did not follow the Lord God and His

ways. The faith of their ancestors was mixed with the pagan religions of the

day. Spiritual leaders were no longer leading people into the truth of God's

law, but were serving as priest to pagan idols, motivated by profit and

selfish intentions rather than a desire for God's glory. Sons stole from their

mothers; Brother threatened brother. These were not good days for Israel.

They had wandered far from God.

For Consideration:

What do these two chapters teach us about the spiritual

condition of the land of Israel at this time? What evidence is

there that the law of God was not being taught in the land?

What evidence is there in your land that people need to be

taught the Word of God?

What was the result of not having an authority on which to

base their live and decisions in Israel? Why do we need an

authority? How is God’s Word an authority for life and

doctrine?

Micah's mother offered what she had consecrated to the Lord

to make an idol. Is it possible for us to take what belongs to

the Lord and offer it to other gods? How have you used what

God has given you?

Consider how the Levite of these chapters compromised his

faith in the one true God. Consider also how he was

motivated for his own glory. Have spiritual leaders of our day

compromised their faith in any way?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to pray about the spiritual condition of your

land. Ask God to renew His people and bring them back to

the teaching of His Word.

Ask God to help you to be true to Him alone. Recommit your

life and all you have to Him. Ask Him to forgive you for

times you have failed to use all He has given you for His

glory.

Ask God to give you grace to walk faithfully with Him

without compromise. Ask Him to help you to serve Him, not

for what you can get, but out of love and devotion to Him.

34 - THE HORRIBLENESS

OF SIN

Read Judges 19:1-20:48

n the last meditation we saw something of the spiritual condition of

the nation of Israel. The tribe of Dan had set up idols they had stolen

from Micah and bowed down to them. In so doing, they turned their

back on the Lord God. Here in chapters 19 and 20 we see the moral and

spiritual decline in the tribe of Benjamin. We can only imagine how much

the heart of the Lord God was grieved as He looked down on the condition

of His people in those days.

Judges 19:1 begins with a statement that Israel had no king. In other words,

there was no one to guide and direct the people in the land. They did as they

saw fit. There was no authority. No one was leading the people in the ways

of the Lord God. While God was literally their king, they had rejected Him

and refused His headship.

As our story unfolds, we meet a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill

country of Ephraim (verse 1). The Levite took a concubine from the region

of Bethlehem in Judah. This concubine was unfaithful to him and went back

to her father's house (verse 2).

After four months, the Levite decided to persuade her to return to him

(verses 2-3). Taking his servant and two donkeys, he went to see her at her

father's house. Her father was happy to see the Levite and welcomed him

gladly. Likely, he wanted the relationship between them mended. He

pleaded with the Levite to stay with him for three days and treated him with

great hospitality during those days (verse 4).

On the fourth day, the Levite decided to return home with his concubine. He

rose early in the morning and prepared to leave. The girl's father, however,

persuaded him to have something to eat before he left. The Levite agreed

and the two sat down to a meal. After the meal, the father-in-law persuaded

him to stay another night (verse 6-7).

On the morning of the fifth day the same thing was repeated. The Levite ate

with his father-in-law who again tried to persuade him to stay another day.

By the time the meal was over, it was late in the day. When his father-in-

law again suggested he stay another night, however, the Levite was

unwilling to do so. Taking his concubine, he left and travelled toward the

city of Jebus (Jerusalem).

Jebus or Jerusalem was a fortified city. At this point it did not belong to

Israel. It was getting quite late in the day when the Levite left his father-in-

law. As they approached the city of Jebus, the servant suggested they spend

the night in the city (verse 11). The Levite, however, did not want to stay in

an "alien city." The people of Jebus were not Israelites. He preferred to go

on to the city of Gibeah or Ramah where he could at least be among

brothers (verses 12-13).

It was getting late when they finally arrived in Gibeah, in the territory of

Benjamin. They stopped in the city square. We need to remember that there

was not likely an inn for the Levite to stay. Travellers depended on the

hospitality of the people of a region for a place to stay. The city square was

a place where the traveller could go to inquire about a place to stay. Verse

15 tells us, however, that no one from the city offered to take them into their

home for the night.

An old man from the tribe of Ephraim was living in Gibeah. When he saw

the travellers in the city square on his way home from work, he offered

them a place to stay (verses 17-19). When the Levite said that he was

prepared to stay in the square, the old man insisted that they come to stay

with him (verses 19-20). Obviously the man knew it would not be safe for

them to stay there all night.

Accepting to his offer, the Levite followed the man to his home. After they

had fed their donkeys and washed their feet, the group sat down for a meal

with the Ephraimite.

During the course of the meal, some men from the city surrounded the

house and began pounding at that door (verse 22). They demanded that the

old man bring out his guest so that they could have sex with him. This is an

indication of the moral state of the city of Gibeah. The men did not hide

their intentions. They were very bold in their sin.

The old man refused to surrender his guest to the men outside. Instead, he

offered to give them his virgin daughter and the Levite’s concubine to do

with as they pleased. The men outside the house would not listen so the

Levite took his concubine and sent her outside to them and closed the door

behind her. Verse 25 tells us that throughout the night the men raped and

abused her.

After a good night's rest, the Levite got up in the morning and prepared for

his journey. When he opened the door of the house and stepped outside, he

discovered his concubine lying on the ground in front of the door. Her

hands were on the threshold (verse 27). The Levite looked down at her and

told her to get up but there was no response. He picked her up and put her

on his donkey and continued his way home.

This incident not only tells us something about the evil that existed in the

tribe of Benjamin but also about the Levite. Here was a man of God,

willingly to sacrifice his concubine to protect himself. He pushed her out

the door for the men of the city to abuse all night long. There is no respect

or love for his concubine. There is no record of the Levite getting up at

night to see if she was alright. He simply left her out all night long to be

abused.

When he returned home, the Levite took a knife and cut his concubine into

twelve pieces. He sent these pieces throughout the various regions of Israel

(verse 29). He did this to draw attention to what had happened.

When the people of Israel heard what had happened, they were angry and

decided to do something about the situation. We see from Judges 20:1 that

the whole nation was so stirred up by this incident that they gathered their

armies and assembled before the Lord at Mizpah. Four hundred thousand

soldiers gathered at Mizpah with sword in hand ready to do battle. They

demanded to know how this awful thing had happened (Judges 20:3).

The Levite explained how he and his concubine had come to the city of

Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. He told them how the men surrounded

the house intent on having sex with him. He went on to explain how they

had raped his concubine so that she died (verses 4-5). He told them that he

cut up her body and sent the pieces to the various regions of Israel to show

them what a horrible thing had happened in their land (verse 6). The

Levite's testimony of what had happened stirred the whole nation. They

were angry with the tribe of Benjamin and decided to attack them (verse 8).

The people of Israel were legitimately angry and horrified by what had

happened that day. They sincerely believed that something needed to be

done to punish such a crime so it would not be repeated in the land.

Have we lost a sense of the horribleness of sin in our land? The response of

the nation to the raping of the Levite’s concubine may appear to be extreme

but the Israelites were legitimately angry and offended by this crime. The

guilt had to be removed from the land.

In verse 12 Israel sent men to the tribe of Benjamin, demanding that those

who had raped the Levite's concubine be surrendered and put them to death

so the land would be cleansed of evil (verses 12-13). Benjamin refused to

surrender the men. In fact, various towns of Benjamin came together at

Gibeah to stand with them against the threat of their brothers. In so doing

they stood behind their actions and defended their sin.

Twenty-six thousand swordsmen and seven hundred chosen men from

Gibeah were mobilized by Benjamin to fight their brothers and defend the

evil doers. Verse 16 tells us that among the men that Benjamin had gathered

that day were seven hundred left-handed men who could sling a stone at a

hair and not miss (verse 16).

While Benjamin had fewer than thirty thousand men to defend themselves,

the remainder of the tribes of Israel had four hundred thousand men (verse

17). Benjamin was seriously outnumbered.

Before going into battle against Benjamin, Israel went up to Bethel and

inquired of the Lord as to who should go into battle first (verse 18). The

Lord told them that Judah was to go first. With this instruction from the

Lord, the next morning the Israelites went out to fight Benjamin near

Gibeah (verse 19). Benjamin cut down twenty-two thousand Israelites that

day on the battle field (verse 21). Israel was defeated.

After their humiliating defeat, Israel wept before the Lord until evening. In

verse 23 they returned to the Lord and asked Him if they should go up

against the Benjamites. The Lord told them to go again.

For the second time Israel faced Benjamin in battle. During that second

battle Benjamin again inflicted heavy losses on Israel. Another eighteen

thousand men were cut down (verse 25).

After this second loss, the army of Israel returned to Bethel where they sat

weeping and fasting before the Lord. In the evening they offered burnt

offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord (verse 26). Again, they

inquired of the Lord before the Ark of the Covenant, "Shall we go up again

to battle with Benjamin our brother, or not?" (verse 28). The Lord told them

that they were to attack Benjamin and that he would give them victory.

This time Israel set an ambush around Gibeah (verse 29). They took up

positions against Benjamin as they had done previously (verse 30).

Benjamin came out for the third time to meet them in battle, leaving the city

open. As they had done previously, Benjamin began to inflict heavy

casualties on Israel (verse 31). God, however, turned the battle and that day,

25,100 Benjamite soldiers were struck down (verse 35). Benjamin's total

army was less than thirty thousand so the losses were very serious for

Benjamin.

Verse 36 tells us that Israel gave way to Benjamin to draw them from the

city so that they could ambush them. At the right time, soldiers hiding

around the city made a sudden dash and took the city. Then the Israelites

stopped their retreat and attacked Benjamin (verse 41).

Benjamin fled before Israel into the desert. The men of the various towns of

Israel cut them off as they fled (verse 42). Eighteen thousand Benjamites

fell in battle (verse 43-44). Another five thousand fell along the road toward

to the desert. Israel kept pressing them and another two thousand were

struck down as far away as Gidom (verse 45). Altogether twenty-five

thousand Benjamite soldiers fell (verses 35, 46). Six hundred men were left.

They fled to the desert and remained there for a period of four months

(verse 47). After this defeat, Israel returned to the towns of Benjamin

burning them and putting to death both people and animals (verse 48).

There are several things we need to see in this story. Notice first that victory

did not come easy for Israel. They were defeated twice and suffered heavy

casualties. We are left wondering why God told Israel to go into battle

against their brothers and allowed them to suffer the loss of many lives.

How easy it would have been for Israel to believe that their victory came as

a result of their superior numbers. By allowing Benjamin to kill large

numbers of Israelites, God was humbling them. Israel pleaded with God for

victory through prayer and fasting. Israel knew that ultimately the victory

was from God and not a result of their superior numbers. They too needed

to be humbled as they dealt with Benjamin’s sin.

How easy it is for us to puff ourselves up and look down on a brother or

sister who has sinned. Sometimes the Lord has to humble us before He can

use us to deal with the sin we see in someone else.

Note also that there are some victories in life that come at great cost. All too

often we give up when we encounter problems in life and ministry. Israel

did not give up. She persevered until the sin was removed. There is a lesson

in this for us as well. We should not be discouraged and give up. God is

calling us to face the enemy but sometimes there will be casualties and

struggles along the way. Not all victories come without struggle.

Finally, we should recognize that sin is a horrible thing in the eyes of God.

It is too easy to lose the sense of how terrible it really is. Israel was

horrified at the low moral and spiritual standard in the tribe of Benjamin.

They could not sit by and do nothing about this. They took a firm stand and

did all they could to remove sin from their land. We would do well to

seriously consider what we need to do with the sin in our own lives and

land.

For Consideration:

As we begin this chapter we understand that the nation of

Israel has been worshiping idols and the law of God is not

being carefully taught or observed. Despite this fact, Israel is

horrified at the sin of Benjamin. Are there certain sins that

offend us more than others?

Consider for a moment the Levite in this story. How would

you describe him as a spiritual leader in Israel?

How does this Levite use his concubine to protect himself?

How does this attitude compare with the attitude of Christ as

a leader?

How does God humble Israel as He uses them to judge

Benjamin for their sin? Why is it important that we be

humble as we deal with the sins of others?

Do you believe that we see sin as God sees it today? Have we

become so accustomed to sin today that we no longer see it

for what it really is?

For Prayer:

Ask God to open your eyes to see sin as He sees it.

Ask God to give you greater humility as you deal with others

who have fallen into sin.

Take a moment to pray for the spiritual leaders of your

church and country. Ask God to give them a conviction of sin

and a willingness to follow Him completely without

compromise.

35 - RECONCILIATION

WITH BENJAMIN

Read Judges 21:1-25

n the last meditation we saw how the tribe of Benjamin was nearly

wiped out because of the sin of the men who raped the Levite's

concubine. Instead of handing these evil men over to the rest of Israel

to be punished for their crime, Benjamin defended them. This led to a battle

that saw the death of over twenty-five thousand soldiers. We also learn from

verse 1 that the men of the other tribes of Israel took an oath not to give

their daughters in marriage to a Benjamite. This vow would prove to be

very heavy burden on the tribe of Benjamin.

When the battle with Benjamin was over, the tribes of Israel returned to

Bethel where they had time to reflect on what had happened. Verse 2 tells

us that they were grieved to see such devastation in a tribe of Israel. They

wept bitterly, crying out to God (verse 3):

"Why has this happened to Israel? Why should one tribe be

missing from Israel today?"

The next day they built and altar and presented burnt offerings and

fellowship offerings to the Lord. They had been guilty of nearly wiping out

the tribe of Benjamin and so they came to God in repentance. We need to

admire the attitude of Israel here. They had been used of God to deal with

the sin of Benjamin, but they took no delight in the pain they had inflicted

on their brothers and sisters. Their hearts ached for them.

It is not our purpose here to discuss whether Israel was right or wrong in

what they did to Benjamin. The fact is that it happened and now nothing

could change it. Israel responded to the harm caused to Benjamin by doing

two things. First, the people came to God and repented by offering a

sacrifice to God. Second, they did everything they could to be reconciled

with their brothers and sisters. Let’s consider the process of reconciliation

with Benjamin.

In verse 5 we discover that the tribes of Israel had made an oath to the Lord

that if anyone refused to assemble to fight Benjamin they would be put to

death. This shows us how seriously Israel took the sin of Benjamin. If any

Israelite did not do everything in his power to rid the nation of this sin, he

was to be put to death. When we sit back and do nothing about sin and evil,

when we have the power to do so, we become guilty before God. God is

calling us to be a people of action. To refuse to do something when it is in

our power to do so is sin. In this particular case, it was a sin worthy of

death.

As the Israelites grieved over Benjamin's situation now, however, they

asked the question:

"How can we provide wives for those who are left, since we

have taken an oath by the LORD not to give them any of our

daughters in marriage?" (verse 7).

Israel's concern is that the tribe of Benjamin be restored and prosper. Right

now the problem was that no Israelite could give his daughter in marriage to

a man of the tribe of Benjamin because of the vow they had made before

the Lord. Unless they could find women for this tribe, they could not grow

in number and be restored to their former glory.

As Israel reflected on this, they discovered that the people of Jabesh Gilead

had not assembled at Mizpah to fight the Benjamites (verse 8). Because

they had not assembled they had not taken the oath to refuse their daughters

in marriage to Benjamin. The problem, however, was that Israel had also

made an oath before God that if anyone did not come to Mizpah to fight

Benjamin they would be put to death.

To fulfil their commitment, Israel sent twelve thousand fighting men to

Jabesh Gilead to put them to death (verse 10). They gave the soldiers

instructions to kill every man, child and woman who was not a virgin. The

soldiers found four hundred young virgin women living in Jabesh Gilead.

They captured these women and brought them back to a camp in Shiloah

(verse 12).

In verse 13 Israel sent an offer of peace to Benjamin. Part of this offer was

the gift of these four hundred virgin women. While this was a noble gesture,

there were not enough virgins for the men of Benjamin (verse 14).

The elders of Israel gathered together again to discuss what to do about the

shortage of women in Benjamin. They realized that it was because they had

killed the women in their battle with Benjamin that this tribe was in such a

difficult position now. How could they find more women for Benjamin so

the tribe would be not put under undue hardship (verse 16). They did not

want to see the tribe wiped out (verse 17). The men of Israel knew they

could not break this vow without being cursed (verse 18). This meant that

they had to find another solution.

The solution to the problem came in verse 19. The elders reminded

Benjamin of the annual festival of the Lord that took place in Shiloah. We

are not told which festival this was but is was a yearly tradition for Israel.

The elders instructed the men of Benjamin to hide in the vineyards in the

region of Shiloah and when the girls of Shiloah came out to join in the

dancing they were to rush from the vineyards and seize them, taking them

home as their wives (verse 21). The elders promised that when their

brothers complained about this to them they would act in Benjamin's favour

by telling them to be compassionate to their brothers because of their need

(verse 22).

The reasoning behind this was quite simple. While they could not give their

daughters in marriage to Benjamin, the girls could be taken by force. If

Benjamin took their daughters by force then no one could say that Israel

gave them in marriage to the tribe of Benjamin. This way Israel would be

free from any curse related to the breaking of their vow and Benjamin could

have enough wives to continue their family line. Israel decided simply to

close their eyes and forgive anything that Benjamin might do in this regard.

Benjamin was pleased with the counsel of the elders and did exactly what

they recommended. They captured a number of young women and brought

them back to Benjamin as their wives. Verse 23 tells us that they rebuilt the

towns of Benjamin that Israel had destroyed.

The story of this final chapter in Judges is one of reconciliation. Israel was

an instrument in God's hands to judge the sin of Benjamin, but there was

also reconciliation and blessing. Are there people in your life that you have

offended? Are their people in your fellowship who have been disciplined?

May God give us the grace to do our part to see that each one is restored.

For Consideration:

What evidence do we have in this passage that Israel grieved

over what had to be done to Benjamin? What does this teach

us about what our attitude should be in regards to church

discipline today?

Have you ever been guilty of hurting a brother or sister in

Christ? What can you do to help them be restored to blessing

and victory?

What are some of the sins around you today? What do you

think God would have you to do about this?

What do we learn about keeping the promises we make?

Have you made promises? Have you been keeping those

promises?

The challenge for Israel in this chapter was to balance

keeping their oaths with showing compassion. Are there ever

times when we should break our promises because by

keeping them they create undo hardship and difficulty for

others?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you grace to grieve with those who struggle

in the body of Christ.

Ask God to show you how you can help those who are in

need today. Ask him to show you particular needs you can

help with today.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for the times you have not taken

your promises seriously.

Thank the Lord that He is a God of compassion. Ask Him to

give you a greater heart of compassion for those around you.

PREFACE TO RUTH

he book of Ruth tells the tragic story of a family, affected by a

famine in Israel, who moved to the land of Moab in the hope of

finding a better life. There in Moab, however, the men in the

family die leaving behind three widows with no children and no way of

providing for themselves. Returning to Israel, two of these widows cast

themselves on God for their basic needs.

Ruth is the story of God’s provision for these women. As you read, take

note of how God works in their lives, carefully timing events and leading

them into the fullness of His provision. Notice how God uses them to be a

link in a chain that will ultimately bring salvation to the world.

The book reminds us that God is in control of the events of our lives. He

can use what appears to be a tragic circumstance to accomplish His greater

glory and our good. It reminds us that God reaches out in compassion and

cares for us in our need.

My prayer for the reader is that this short story of Ruth and Naomi will

encourage you in the struggles you face. I trust that the book will point you

to a sovereign and compassionate God who reaches out to us in our time of

need.

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH

Authorship

here is no indication in the book of Ruth as to its authorship.

There is, however, some indication as to when the book could have

been written. In Ruth 4:17 we have the record of the birth of a

child to Ruth and Boaz by the name was Obed. Ruth 4:18-22 then traces

the line of Obed down to David. This indicates that the book would have

been written several generations after Ruth, likely in the time of David.

Background

Ruth was the wife of Mahon, the son of Elimelech and Naomi. Elimelech

and Naomi left Bethlehem likely because of a famine at that time (Ruth

1:1). They settled in the land of Moab. While in Moab, Mahon married

Ruth, a Moabitess. Eventually, both Elimelech and Mahon died in Moab

leaving Naomi and Ruth widows. The book of Ruth tells the story of how

these two widows returned to Bethlehem and how God provided for them

and used them in a mighty way.

The book was originally part of the book of Judges but later separated to

form its own book. The story takes place during the period of Israel’s

history when judges ruled the land (see Ruth 1:1).

It is interesting to note that David had a good relationship with the king of

Moab. 1 Samuel 22:3-5 tells us that when David was running from Saul, he

asked the king of Moab to take care of his family until he could understand

the purpose of God. As David and his soldiers ran from Saul, his family

was protected in the land of Moab by their king. Some Bible scholars

believe that the book of Ruth was written in celebration of this relationship

between David and the king of Moab.

Importance Of The Book For Today

Ruth is an important book for a number of reasons. First it shows the

concern of God for two widows in need. It brings comfort to those who

struggle in life and reminds us that God cares for us in our time of need.

Ruth also has some important things to say about the concern of God for the

nations. In this book we find God reaching out to a widow from Moab. She

was not born in the Jewish nation but was used by God to accomplish His

purpose for His people. Ruth would become the ancestor of one of Israel’s

greatest kings. More importantly, however, she would become an ancestor

of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:5). It is quite amazing that the Lord

would use a foreigner to the nation of Israel to accomplish His great

purposes in bringing the Saviour to the world. God has always had a heart

for the nations. The book gives us a picture of that heart.

God answers the needs of Ruth and Naomi through a man by the name of

Boaz. He is moved by God to be generous and compassionate to them in

their time of need. Again this shows us the compassion of God for widows

and those in physical need. Boaz is an example of God’s love in action. He

reaches out to Ruth and Naomi in their need and sets an example for us in

our day.

In the book of Ruth, we have the story of two destitute widows who were

alone in life. Their husbands had died and the family line was going to die

with them. God raised up a redeemer who would restore their honour and

inheritance in the nation. In a very real way, this is what the Lord Jesus

came to do for us. Sin has stripped us of our honour and inheritance. We

were left destitute with no hope. The Lord Jesus came as our Redeemer to

restore our position and inheritance. Through his work on our behalf, we

are now given a place of honour before the Father in heaven. Through

Jesus’ death, we have become sons and daughters of God and inheritors of

his kingdom and all His blessings. Ruth reminds us of the work that Christ

did on our behalf.

36 - NAOMI'S GRIEF

Read Ruth 1:1-22

he events of the book of Ruth took place during the time of the

judges (verse 1). We are not told what judge was ruling at that

time. We do know, however, that there was a famine in the land.

Verse 1 tells us that a man from Bethlehem in the tribe of Judah took his

wife and two sons and moved from Israel to the country of Moab. The

move from Israel to Moab was not meant to be permanent. Verse 1 tells us

that it was "for a while," likely until the famine in Israel had passed. We

learn from verse 2 that the name of the man was Elimelech and his wife was

Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion.

While the family was living in Moab, Elimelech died and Naomi had to

raise her two sons by herself (verse 3). Eventually, these two sons married

Moabite women. Under normal circumstances it was forbidden for an

Israelite to marry a foreign wife. Had the family not moved to Moab, this

may not have been a temptation for these young men. This shows us that

there are times when we can place ourselves and our families in situations

that encourage them to wander from the path of God.

The Moabite women that Naomi's sons married were Orpah and Ruth (verse

4). After the family had lived in Moab for a period of ten years, both of

Naomi's sons also died. It is interesting to see that the intention of

Elimelech was to stay temporarily in Moab because of the famine in Israel.

This temporary move ended up being ten years. In that period of time,

Naomi lost her husband. Her sons married foreign wives and settled down

with them. Their roots were sinking deeper into Moabite ways. We need to

understand from this that we can very quickly become comfortable in

circumstances that God does not desire for us to remain in. The longer we

put off doing what God tells us to do, the more difficult it will become to be

obedient.

It was the purpose of God that Naomi return to Israel. The death of her

husband and two sons reminded her that Moab was not her home. When she

heard that God had come to the aid of his people in Israel, Naomi decided

that it was time for her to return (verse 6). Taking her two daughters-in-law,

she set out for Israel (verse 7).

As she began her journey, Naomi turned to her daughters-in-law and said,

"Go back, each of you, to your mother's home" (verse 8). She blessed them

and prayed that they would find new husbands (verses 8-9). Kissing them,

she said good-bye and told them to return to their own people (verse 10).

Obviously, Naomi's daughters-in-law hesitated to return so she reminded

them that there was no future for them with her. She was a widow and could

not have any more children to give them as husbands (verses 11-12). Naomi

also told her daughters-in-law that the hand of the Lord had turned against

her (verse 13). She believed her situation proved that God’s favour was no

longer on her. In reality, the favour of the Lord was very much on Naomi.

She was not yet able to see how that was possible, but God was even now

working out His purpose for her and future generations.

Orpah wept when she heard what Naomi said. This was not an easy parting

for Orpah. Kissing her mother-in-law, however, she returned home to her

people (verse 14).

Ruth did not want to return to her people. She clung to Naomi (verse 14).

Naomi told her that Orpah had returned to her people and encouraged her to

do the same (verse 15).

Ruth refused to return to her people. She set her mind to go with Naomi.

Not only did she chose to go with Naomi, but also committed herself to

worship and follow Naomi's God. "Your people will be my people and your

God will be my God," she told her mother-in-law. In saying this, Ruth

renounced her Moabite roots. From now on she would be a follower of the

God of Israel. Turning her back on her own people and former gods, Ruth

committed herself to stand with Naomi in her trial. She would let nothing

but death separate them (verse 17).

That day, on the road to Israel, Ruth and Orpah had a decision to make.

Orpah chose to return to her roots. Ruth turned her back on Moab to follow

the one true God of Israel. We read nothing more about Orpah. Ruth,

however, would go on to produce the line from which King David would be

born. From that same line would come the Lord Jesus Himself. The

decision made that day on the road to Israel, was one of the most important

decisions Ruth ever made.

There are many people like Ruth and Orpah on the road of life today. Each

of them has an important decision to make. Will they turn back to what they

know, or will they make a commitment to the God of Israel and serve Him.

Ruth's decision would have a lasting impact on the whole world.

Seeing that Ruth was absolutely committed to following her and her God,

Naomi allowed her to come along to Israel (verse 18). Together, the two

women travelled to Bethlehem in Judah, arriving just as the barley harvest

was about to begin (verse 22). When they arrived, the whole town was

stirred. They remembered Naomi and said, "Can this be Naomi?"

Naomi told her friends in Bethlehem not to call her Naomi anymore.

Instead, they were to call her Mara. Naomi means "pleasant." Mara, on the

other hand means "bitter." This reveals something of Naomi's attitude at this

point in life. She struggled deeply with her lot in life. Even with Ruth

beside her, she was still not able to see the blessing of God. She told her

friends how she had gone down from Israel full but came back empty-

handed. God had afflicted her. She was a childless widow. From her

perspective things could not have been any worse.

The reality of the matter was that God was about to do something

wonderful in Naomi's life. At this point in time, however, Naomi could not

see this. She was depressed and overwhelmed by the pain she had

experienced over the last ten years in Moab. Her future was uncertain in her

eyes. She didn't know what kind of future she could provide for Ruth.

Naomi's eyes were focused on her problems.

What kind of witness do you suppose Naomi was for Ruth, who had just

committed herself to follow Naomi's God? Naomi's witness was not a very

strong one. She spoke of a God who had abandoned her and left her as a

widow, taking away her children and leaving her without hope. Somehow in

the midst of all this, Ruth was still attracted to Naomi's God. How often

have we failed as parents with our children, as workers in our work place or

as witnesses to our neighbours? God is able, however, to work through us to

accomplish His purposes. Naomi was not in a good place spiritually, but

God still chose to accomplish His purposes through her. Praise God, He

uses us even in our times of weakness.

For Consideration:

Elimelech and his family moved for "a while" to Moab. The

family stayed for a period of ten years. Their two sons were

married during this ten year period. How easy is it for us to

become comfortable in our situations? Why is this not always

a good thing?

By moving to Moab, Elimelech put his sons in a situation

where they would choose to marry Moabite women (which

was against the Law of Moses). How important is it that we

carefully consider the situations we place our families into?

How does our environment influence us and our walk with

God?

What decision did Ruth make on the road to Israel? How

would that decision change the rest of her life? Have you

made a similar decision?

Consider Naomi's attitude toward her situation in life. Have

you ever had a similar attitude? Explain.

Can God still accomplish His purposes even if we are not

where we should be spiritually?

For Prayer:

Ask God to open your eyes to any place in your life where

you have become too comfortable. Ask Him to give your

grace to do something about it.

Take a moment to recommit yourself to God and His

purposes like Ruth did here in this chapter.

Take a moment to examine your attitude toward your

situation in life. Ask God to give you a positive and expectant

hope in Him and His purposes.

Thank the Lord that while you have not always been what

you need to be, He has still been able to use you for His

glory.

37 - BOAZ

Read Ruth 2:1-23

hile Naomi's husband and sons had died, she did have a

relative on her husband's side in the region of Bethlehem. His

name was Boaz. He was a man of good standing in the

community and would prove to be an important figure in the story of Naomi

and Ruth.

One day, Ruth spoke to her mother-in-law and asked for permission to go

into the fields to pick leftover grain. Moses had commanded the Israelites

that when they were harvesting their land, they were to leave grain for the

poor and the foreigner. In Leviticus 23:22 we read:

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very

edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.

Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your

God.

Ruth knew about this custom in Israel and suggested to Naomi that she

allow her to find a field so she could gather grain for them to eat. Naomi

gave her permission.

The hand of the Lord God was on Ruth and Naomi at this time. From Ruth

1:22 we understand that they had arrived in Bethlehem just as the barley

harvest was beginning. God's timing was perfect. God was caring for them.

Ruth chose a field and began to gather what was left behind the harvesters.

What she did not know at the time was that she was gleaning barley in the

field of Boaz, Naomi's relative (verse 3). Again we see clear evidence of the

hand of God leading Ruth to the right field.

There is another evidence of God's working in Ruth's life in verse 4. As

Ruth was gathering barley, Boaz arrived from town. We don't know why

Boaz decided to visit the men in his field that particular day. What we do

know is that Boaz noticed Ruth in the field and asked his foreman about her

(verse 5). The foreman explained that she was from Moab and had come

back with Naomi (verse 6). She had asked permission to glean behind the

harvesters. The foreman told Boaz that she had been working steadily since

the morning. She had only taken a short rest in the shelter (verse 7).

Obviously Ruth was very hard worker.

Hearing this, Boaz went to speak personally to Ruth. He told her to stay in

his fields to harvest her grain. She was to follow his servant girls wherever

they went. He also told her that he had instructed his men not to touch or

hinder her in any way. If she was thirsty, she was to drink from the water

jars the men had filled (verses 8-9).

Ruth was overwhelmed by the generosity of Boaz. In verse 10 she bowed

down with her face to the ground and asked:

"Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me

—a foreigner?"

Boaz told Ruth that he had heard all about what she had done for her

mother-in-law, Naomi, since the death of her husband. He knew how she

had left her own country to live with Naomi in Israel. There is no indication

of him telling her that he was related to Naomi. Ruth thanked Boaz and

blessed him for his generosity (verse 13). In this encounter Ruth is getting a

better picture of the Lord God of Israel. While Naomi seemed to be telling

her that the Lord God had abandoned them, Ruth was beginning to see a

God who was providing in miraculous ways for their every need.

At mealtime, Boaz invited Ruth to join him. He offered her bread and told

her to dip it in the wine vinegar that had been prepared (verse 14). When

she agreed and sat down with the harvesters to eat, she ate all she wanted

and had some left over (verse 14). She kept what was left over for her

mother-in-law (see verse 18). This shows us that Ruth was a very

thoughtful person who was concerned about her Naomi’s well-being.

After the meal, Ruth returned to gathering barley. Boaz gave instructions to

his men not to embarrass her or stop her even if she gathered among the

sheaves where they had not harvested (verse 15). He told them to pull out

some of the stalks and leave them behind for her to pick up (verse 16). They

were to do all they could to help Ruth.

Ruth gathered barley until the evening. Before returning home she took

what she had gathered and threshed it to separate the straw from the grain.

When she finished threshing she had about three fifth of a bushel or 22

litres of grain. She carried this back to her mother-in-law.

When Naomi saw the quantity of barley Ruth had brought home that day

she asked her where she had gleaned and blessed the man that had taken

notice of her (verse 19).

Ruth told Naomi about the man who had treated her so kindly. When

Naomi found out that his name was Boaz, she was very happy. She told

Ruth that not only was he a close relative, but he was also one of their

kinsman redeemers (verse 20).

A kinsman redeemer was responsible to take care of the extended family

when they were in need. This involved providing an heir for a widow who

had no children (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), buying back a family member sold

into slavery (Leviticus 25:25-28) or avenging the killing of a family

member (Numbers 35:19-21). In this case, Naomi was a widow without

children. Her husband's family line would end with her. This was a very

serious matter. It would fall on the kinsman redeemer to see that her

husband’s line did not end. Naomi knew that Boaz would do everything in

his power to protect Ruth (verse 22). This was a safe place for her to glean.

She encouraged her to return.

In chapter 1 we saw how discouraged Naomi was. Now she sees the hand of

God in what had happened to Ruth that day. Verse 23 tells us that Ruth

stayed close to the servant girls and gathered barley in the field of Boaz

until the harvest was over.

God wonderfully cares for His children. His timing is perfect. He led Ruth

to the right field at the right time. He led Boaz to visit the field at the right

time. He led both women back from Moab at the right time. He led Boaz to

hear what Ruth had done for her mother-in-law. All these circumstances

show us the hand of God working in favour of these two widows. We ought

to take great comfort in how God is able to lead and direct His people. We

ought to be encouraged at how He so tenderly cares for those He loves.

For Consideration:

What do we learn in this chapter about the character of Ruth?

What does this chapter teach us about the Lord's care?

How does this chapter teach us about God's timing and how

He perfectly plans the events of our lives? Was Ruth aware

that she was being led of God in the events of this chapter?

What do we learn about our responsibilities to care for the

members of our extended family?

Have you ever felt discouraged like Naomi in chapter 1?

What encouragement do you take now from chapter 2? Do

you see how God has been providing and caring for you

today?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He is a God of compassion and mercy

who cares deeply for you in your time of need.

Thank the Lord for the way He so wonderfully leads. Thank

Him that His timing is perfect.

Ask the Lord to open your eyes to any needs in your

extended family. Ask Him to help you to know what He

would have you to do about those needs. Thank Him for the

example of Ruth in caring for her mother-in-law.

38 - NAOMI'S PLAN

Read Ruth 3:1-18

n the last chapter we saw how God gave Ruth favour with Boaz.

Naomi was encouraged to see that Boaz, one of her kinsmen

redeemers, appeared willing to provide for them in their time of need.

Naomi also realized, however, that she was getting older and needed to

provide for Ruth's future.

One day Naomi spoke to Ruth and told her that she wanted to provide a

home for her where she would be well provided for (verse 1). She reminded

Ruth that Boaz was a relative and that she had hopes that he could provide

Ruth with the home she needed. For that to take place, however, Ruth

needed to take the initiative.

Naomi told Ruth that Boaz would be at the threshing floor that night with

his men, working and celebrating the harvest. Naomi told Ruth to wash and

perfume herself, putting on her best clothes. She was then to go to the

threshing floor, but she was to remain in hiding until everyone was finished

eating and drinking (verse 3).

Naomi told Ruth to take note of where Boaz was sleeping. She was then to

go over to him, uncover his feet, and lie down (verse 4). Ruth did exactly

what Naomi told her to do (verses 5-6). It is unclear why Naomi took this

particular approach. Her intention was to have Boaz act on his role as

kinsmen redeemer. She wanted him to provide a home for Ruth by marrying

her and carrying on the family line.

We will learn from chapter 4 that Boaz was not the only kinsmen redeemer.

There was another man who was even closer to whom the responsibility of

helping the family would fall. Naomi, likely knew this, but saw Boaz as a

better provider for Ruth. She respected him and knew him to be an

honourable man. It may be that she wanted this matter dealt with in secret

because she really wanted Boaz to marry Ruth and not the other man to

whom the right first fell.

The uncovering and laying at Boaz's feet seems to serve several purposes.

First, it would wake him up as his feet would get cold. Second, it was a

symbol of Ruth's submission to him. Third by uncovering his feet as he

slept, Ruth was making a quiet gesture toward Boaz asking him to take her

as his wife.

When Boaz was sleeping that night, Ruth went secretly over to him,

uncovered his feet, and laid down (verse 7). Something startled Boaz in the

middle of the night. He woke up and found a woman lying at his feet (verse

8).

"Who are you?" Boaz asked (verse 9). Ruth answered, telling him who she

was. She then told him to spread the corner of his garment over her because

he was a kinsman-redeemer.

Boaz knew exactly what Ruth was asking him. She was asking him to

marry her. To spread the corner of one’s garment over another was to take

them under your wing, protect and provide for them. This is what Ruth was

asking Boaz to do. This appears to be quite aggressive for Ruth in this

particular culture.

Naomi and Ruth are taking action to provide for their future. To this point,

God had always provided for them. Here, however, they are more

aggressive in their approach. They literally ask Boaz to take on his

responsibility and provide for their needs.

We know that God is able to provide for our needs without us having to ask

other people. There are times, however, when God's people do need to be

challenged to act. Because Ruth asked, Boaz was stirred to do something.

Notice the response of Boaz in verse 10. He was overwhelmed by the

request. "You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor," he

responded. He saw himself as an old man. He knew that Ruth could have

married a much younger man, but she had set her heart on him. This

appears to please Boaz. Maybe he hesitated to ask Ruth to marry him for

fear of her response.

That night Boaz told Ruth that he would do all he could to provide for her

(verse 11). He assured her that everyone knew that she was a very

respectable person of noble character. He also told her that there was a

relative nearer to them that had the first right to act as kinsman-redeemer.

He had to consult this man first before he could marry her (verse 12). He

promised, however, that he would do all he could to provide for them as she

had requested (verse 13).

Early the next morning, while it was still dark and no one could be

recognized, Ruth woke up and left. Before leaving, Boaz told her not to let

anyone know that she had been there (verse 14). This would not have been

good for their reputation and would have only stirred up false notions of

what had happened. Boaz also told Ruth to bring her shawl. As she held out

her shawl he poured six measures of barley into it sent her on her way. He

went into town, obviously to deal with the matter that Ruth had brought up

that night (verse 15).

Ruth returned to Naomi to report on what had happened (verse 16). Ruth

also told her that he had given them six measures of barley. The barley was

a symbol of Boaz's commitment to do all he could to provide for them.

When she heard what had happened, Naomi told Ruth to wait quietly to see

what would happen. She knew that Boaz would not give himself any rest

until the matter was settled with the other kinsman-redeemer (verse 18).

While Boaz did provide, to some extent, for the women, it took the direct

action of Ruth and Naomi to stir him to make the final plans for their future

security. God can move people Himself, but there are also times when He

asks us to be the instrument through which He stirs His people to action.

This simple gesture of Ruth stirred Boaz to action. Sometimes people need

to be challenged and encouraged to do what is right.

For Consideration:

What was Naomi's concern for Ruth?

Why do you suppose Naomi used this particular method to

communicate to Boaz?

Note the response of Boaz to Ruth's request and the passion

he had in answering her request. Why do you suppose he

hesitated to do this before she asked him?

What keeps you from doing what God has given you the

responsibility to do?

Are there people around you that need to be stirred up like

Boaz? What can you do to be an encouragement to them?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to help you to be a good provider for your

family.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for not taking a more active role

in doing what He has put on your heart to do.

Ask God to remove any obstacles that hinder you from doing

what He wants you to do today.

Ask God to help you to be an encouragement, like Ruth and

Naomi, to the people around you so that they are stirred up in

their commitment to do God's will.

39 - NAOMI'S SHAME IS

REMOVED

Read Ruth 4:1-22

e saw in the last meditation how Ruth had gone to see Boaz to

ask him to take her as his wife and provide for her and Naomi.

Boaz was stirred by this request and went to town the next

morning to work out the details. While Boaz was a near relative, he was not

the closest. There was another man who had first responsibility toward

Naomi. If Boaz was going to take on this responsibility, he first needed the

approval of this other kinsman-redeemer.

When Boaz arrived in town, he sat at the gate and waited for the other

kinsman-redeemer to arrive (verse 1). This was the normal location for

business dealings to take place.

When the kinsman-redeemer arrived, Boaz called him over. Boaz then

called for ten elders of the town to come and listen to the transaction that

was about to take place (verse 2). These elders would judge between the

two parties and seal any business transaction that might take place between

them.

When everyone had arrived, Boaz bought the matter before the kinsman-

redeemer and the town elders. Speaking to the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz told

him that Naomi had returned from Moab and was selling the piece of land

that belonged to her husband Elimelech (verse 3). Boaz told the kinsman-

redeemer that because he was first of the relatives, he had first chance to

purchase the land so that it remained in the family’s possession. Boaz made

it clear that if the kinsman-redeemer did not purchase the land then he

would purchase it himself (verse 4). When the kinsman-redeemer heard that

the property was for sale, he showed interest and said, "I will redeem it"

(verse 4).

Boaz then told him that when he purchased the land he would also acquire

Elimelech's wife Naomi in order to maintain Elimelech's name with his

property. The Law of Moses stated that when a man died without a son, his

brother was to marry the widow and provide her with a son. The first son

born of their union was to carry the name of the wife's first husband and

inherit his possessions. In this way the name of the dead husband would be

carried on in Israel (see Deuteronomy 25:5-6).

In Ruth 1:12 Naomi told her daughters-in-law that she was too old to have a

husband and have children. It was likely understood here that because

Naomi was too old to have children then the kinsman-redeemer was to

marry Ruth and provide her with a son. That son would then belong to

Naomi to carry on the name of her husband Elimelech. We will speak more

on this later.

When the first kinsman-redeemer heard that he would also have to take on

the responsibility of these two widows, he changed his mind. He feared

endangering his own estate by purchasing a land that would ultimately not

be part of his inheritance to his own children. The problem for this

kinsman-redeemer was not in purchasing the land but in acquiring Naomi

and Ruth. If a son was born to him through Ruth and Naomi, the land would

automatically be given to that son and considered part of Elimelech's

(Naomi's husband) property. In the event that all of this kinsmen-redeemer's

own sons died without an heir, the potential was that the son of Naomi and

Ruth would inherit all his land. This kinsman-redeemer was unwilling to

take that risk and gave Boaz the right to redeem the property himself (verse

6).

It was the custom in those days in Israel that in order for the transfer of

property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the

other. This was how the transaction was legalized (verse 7). The kinsman-

redeemer removed his sandal and gave it to Boaz in order to seal the deal

(verse 8). Boaz then called the ten elders present that day to be witnesses to

the transaction. He reminded them that he had just acquired the property of

Elimelech and his sons Kilion and Mahlon (verse 9). He also reminded

them that he had also acquired Ruth, the widow of Mahlon as his wife in

order to maintain the name of their former husbands with the property so

that Elimelech's name would not disappear from the town records (verse

10).

The elders declared that they were witnesses to the whole transaction, and

they blessed Boaz. Their blessing of Boaz was a three-fold blessing.

First they said, "May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your

home like Rachel and Leah who together built up the house of Israel" (verse

11). The sons of Jacob through Rachel and Leah were the leaders of the

twelve tribes of Israel. The blessing of the elders is significant in that they

were giving Ruth, a foreigner a position with the greatest women in Israel.

The second blessing of the elders in verse 11 is this: "May you have

standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem." Again this is a

significant blessing. The elders seem to sense here that this union between

Ruth and Boaz was significant. They did not know how significant it would

be at this point, but they sensed that Boaz and his descendants through Ruth

would be famous in Israel.

The final blessing is in verse 12, when the elders say, "May your family be

like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah." Boaz came from the line of

Perez. Obviously, Perez and his family line were well respected in Israel. In

reality, the elders were saying, "may your line be like the respectable and

honourable line of Perez your ancestor." Again, they sense that this union

between Boaz and Ruth was going to be significant and produce a very

respectable line in Israel.

When the transactions were completed, Boaz returned and took Ruth as his

wife. God gave Ruth a son (verse 13). His name was Obed (verse 17).

Notice the response of the women of Bethlehem to the birth of Obed. They

praised the Lord that He had not left her without a kinsman-redeemer.

Notice how they also blessed this son, saying, "May he be famous

throughout Israel (verse 14). There is a general sense that this young child

was recognized as one who would be significant in the history of their

nation.

The women of Bethlehem also knew that the curse had been lifted from

Naomi that day. This child born to Ruth would be the heir of her husband's

property and carry on his name. He would also provide for her and care for

her in her old age. All this had taken place because of the faithfulness of

Ruth, who willingly left her own land to minister to her mother-in-law in

her time of need. According to the women of Israel, Ruth was better to

Naomi than seven sons.

Notice also in verse 16 that it was Naomi who cared for the child. While

Ruth was the biological mother, Naomi would take Obed and raise him as

her own son. She would adopt him and he would inherit all that belonged to

her husband Elimelech. He would carry on Elimelech's name. Notice in

verse 17 what the women in Bethlehem said: "Naomi has a son." This

shows us beyond a doubt that Obed (born to Ruth and Boaz) was

considered to be the son of Naomi and she raised him as her own child.

We can only imagine the joy that Naomi felt as she took this young child,

given to her by Ruth and Boaz, and raised him to be the inheritor of her

husband's land and property. Her shame was removed. God had provided

her with an heir.

Obed, the son of Naomi, would grow up and have his own children. One of

those children was Jesse. Jesse would become the father of David, the

greatest king in Israel. David would become the ancestor of an even greater

king—the Lord Jesus. In verses 18-22 the line of Perez the ancestor of Boaz

is traced to King David.

The story of Ruth is the story of a foreign Moabite woman who committed

herself to her mother-in-law and to her God. It is that story of the landowner

Boaz who came to their rescue and redeemed both Naomi and Ruth. It is the

story of Ruth and Boaz who willingly surrendered their first child to Naomi

to raise as her own. It is ultimately the story of how God provided for and

cared for two widows in their need.

The story of Ruth is the story of how God saved the line of David through a

foreigner. There is Moabite blood in the line of Christ. It shows us that God,

from the very beginning, was concerned not only for Israel, but for the

whole world. It is the story of how God took two empty-handed widows

and did a powerful work through them that would impact the whole world.

These two widows were a vital link in the chain of salvation through Jesus

Christ. They remind us that God can use every one of us to accomplish His

purposes if we will commit ourselves to Him and do not lose hope.

For Consideration:

What do we learn here about the commitment of Boaz to do

things honestly and legally? What does this say about his

character?

How was God's purpose for Boaz worked out in the business

meeting that took place in the town that day?

What do the blessings of the elders reveal to us about their

sense of the importance of the marriage between Boaz and

Ruth? How did God fulfil those blessings?

Consider the situation of Ruth and Naomi when they first

came to Bethlehem? How does God take a tragic situation

and bring great victory through it for these widows. Can God

do the same in your situation?

Consider the sacrifices in this book. How did God use the

willing sacrifices of His people to accomplish His purposes?

What sacrifices are you willing to make today?

What significance is there in the fact that there is Moabite

blood in the line of Christ?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you grace to walk with Him in honesty and

faithfulness like Boaz and Ruth.

Thank the Lord that He works out His purposes even in the

most tragic of circumstances. Commit your circumstances to

Him today.

Ask God to enable you to make the sacrifices required for the

expansion of His kingdom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Light To My Path Book Distribution

Light To My Path (LTMP) is a book writing,

publishing and distribution ministry reaching out

to needy Christian workers in Asia, Latin

America, and Africa. Many Christian workers in

developing countries do not have the resources

necessary to obtain Bible training or purchase

Bible study materials for their ministries and

personal encouragement.

F. Wayne Mac Leod is a member of Action

International Ministries and has been writing

books with a goal to distribute them freely to needy pastors and Christian

workers around the world. To date tens of thousands of books are being

used in preaching, teaching, evangelism and encouragement of local

believers in over sixty countries. Books have now been translated into a

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believers as possible.

The ministry of LTMP is a faith based ministry and we trust the Lord for

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