You can tell the relative size of each tribe by the size of their territory and the number of cities they received. In this passage, Issachar received 16 cities and Asher 22. Issachar's cities were largely unknown, but Asher's include cities that had future significance in the life of Israel. It included Carmel, which was … Continue reading Issachar and Asher (Joshua 19:17 – 31)
Simeon’s Inheritance with Judah (Joshua 19:1 – 16)
The inheritance of Simeon was found within the inheritance of Judah. The only reason given for this was that the share of Judah was too much for them. Sometimes, God gives individuals, families, or churches more than they need. When this happens, it could very well be for a purpose: that the one blessed be … Continue reading Simeon’s Inheritance with Judah (Joshua 19:1 – 16)
From a Dark Night to a Glorious Morning I. The Dark Night The Landscape Prior to Christ’s Birth Oppression by the Roman Government Oppression by the Jewish Leadership Bondage to Legalism and Works The Bondage of Sin The Things Which Bind Us The Practices that Keep Us The Sins That Haunt Us II. The Glorious … Continue reading
The Land of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11 – 28)
Benjamin ended up receiving his inheritance between Judah and the children of Joseph. The cities in this territory included many with significance, such as Jericho, Gibeon, and Jerusalem. Benjamin was younger brother to Joseph, so it is appropriate that Benjamin would be next to Joseph's children. It is important to notice that Judah, the first … Continue reading The Land of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11 – 28)
More on Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 17:14 – 18:10)
Ephraim and Manasseh asked Joshua to give them more land, because they were such a large people. He granted them the mountain country adjacent to them, and the valley of the Canaanites, even though it was inhabited with giants who drove iron chariots. The entire congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh, and they set up … Continue reading More on Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 17:14 – 18:10)
Situations Related to Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:5 – 17:13)
The Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer, but turned them into forced laborers. Manasseh did not drive out the Canaanites from Megiddo and its towns. Manasseh also had one grandson of Joseph who only had daughters. They were provided an inheritance as well, which was not normal procedure. God instructed … Continue reading Situations Related to Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:5 – 17:13)
Ephraim and West Manasseh (Joshua 16:1 – 4)
Joseph's two sons each took a share of the inheritance of Canaan. The two "half-tribes" basically took the share of Joseph and the share of Levi, who did not have an inheritance. It was only after Joseph was reunited with his family and the children of Israel left Israel that the two half-tribes were each … Continue reading Ephraim and West Manasseh (Joshua 16:1 – 4)
Caleb Occupies Hebron (Joshua 15:13 – 63)
Caleb moves to take the land of Hebron after receiving the rights to the land from Joshua. He drove out the Anakim, which were giant people, then proceeded to take Debir as well. He offered his daughter in marriage to anyone who would attack Kirjath Sephere and take it, so Othniel did so. She persuaded … Continue reading Caleb Occupies Hebron (Joshua 15:13 – 63)
How Do I Love Them? (Loving Souls)
There are lots of souls in the world in need of a Savior. We can ignore them, and remain comfortable in our normal lives. Or, we can change our perspective and see the world differently, and act accordingly. Soul-winning and loving souls demands change and sacrifice, and is not always easy, but it is pleasing … Continue reading How Do I Love Them? (Loving Souls)
Caleb in Hebron and Judah’s Inheritance (Joshua 14:6 – 15:12)
Caleb here stakes his claim to the land and the promise of God through Moses made 45 years earlier. After forty years wandering in the wilderness, a preparation time, and the battle for the land, Caleb is ready to take what was promised to him. He proclaims that he is just as strong as he … Continue reading Caleb in Hebron and Judah’s Inheritance (Joshua 14:6 – 15:12)