14 March

Bible In 365 Days                                  

Joshua 12-15

Joshua 12

This chapter contains no new matter. It is rather a detailed summary of the extent of the conquest. First the victories under Moses (Joshua 12:1-6) and then those under Joshua (Joshua 12:7-24). Thus ends the first section of this Book.

The chosen people are now seen in actual possession of the land. The destructive part of the divine work was accomplished. The constructive purposes of God might now go forward.

Joshua 13

The second half of the Book of Joshua deals with the settlement of the people in the promised land. In fact, in the Book of Joshua we have what may be truthfully termed "The Doomsday Book of the Conquest of Canaan". Ten chapters of that Book are devoted to a description of the country in which not only are its general features and boundaries laid down, but the names and situations of its towns and villages enumerated with the precision of geographical terms which encourages, and almost compels a minute investigation.

It is not within the purpose of this book to follow such minute investigation, but the student of the Book of Joshua will surely wish to, with the aid of maps. We must, however, observe the relation of all this to the general movement. Now about ninety years old, Joshua was reminded that the conquest was by no means over. There remained much land to be possessed. In order that the chosen people might be able to complete the conquest and perfectly possess the land, it was now to be divided among them, so that the whole area might be covered. In this connection the provision a already made for the two and a half tribes east of the Jordan was ratified.

Joshua 14

The matter of supreme interest here is, of course, the story of Caleb, who, after forty-five years of waiting, claimed and obtained a definite possession in the land.

His claim was made while there was much still to be done and he urged his unabated vigor as constituting his fitness for the work.

The whole history of Caleb is full of interest and instruction. While perhaps it cannot be positively proven, it is yet most probable that he was a proselyte and a descendant of Esau. His victory at Kadesh-barnea was that of a man who followed the Lord fully. He had seen what all the other spies had seen, but in company with Joshua he had seen more-the fact of the majesty and power of God. He had obtained that victory long ago because he had the courage of his convictions.

The joy of that victory had been his portion for forty-five years of waiting. His ultimate reward had been long postponed but had never been uncertain. Now he came in unabated vigor to its realization. During these long years he would seem to have continued to keep a quiet and retired position, while his friend Joshua had been brought into the place of conspicuous leadership. Joshua's recognition of the claim of his friend and of his right to a choice of possession was quick and generous. He granted him the mountain he asked and blessed him.

Joshua 15

In the settlement of the nine and a half tribes, Judah was the first dealt with as being the imperial and kingly tribe. The position allocated to it was the fighting front. It was touched by enemies on three sides; on the east, Moab; on the west, the Philistines; on the south, Edom. Away to the southwest were the Amalekites.

The tribe whose standard was that of the kingly line, and from which that line presently was to spring, was to have its fiber toughened by the sternest discipline--constant watchfulness against the foe and long-continued fighting.

Necessarily, the proximity of these enemies had its peril in another and more insidious source. And, alas, it was in this source that Judah eventually found the elements of her breakup. The fighting line remained loyal longer than the rest, but subsequently even Judah became contaminated with the abominations of the heathen.

God's hosts are never overcome in fair and open fighting with His foes. Friendship with the enemies of God is the enmity against God which brings about corruption and defeat.

Caleb appears once again in this narrative, this time as the man of generosity, readily giving to his daughter at her request the field containing the nether and the upper springs. It is ever remarkable how much that man can give who has found his all in God.