Land Divided for the Tribes of Israel

Joshua Chapter 12

This chapter is a summary of the first half of the book of Joshua. It lists the kings and nations conquered by Joshua to the east and west of the Jordan River. As long as the people trusted and obeyed God, one evil nation after another fell in defeat.
I hope you will read this chapter and follow the map shown in your Bible. It helps to see the strategic placement of the cities and regions.

Joshua Chapter 13

Joshua is now a very old man, probably between 85 and 100 years old, but God is not finished with him yet. God asks him to occupy the land of the Philistines and Geshurites- territory that belongs to the Canaanites as described in verses 2-6. And God tells Joshua he will drive the people out of the land for the Israelites. But be sure, God says, to give this land to Israel as a special possession, just as I have commanded you. Include it all when you divide the land among the tribes and half tribe of Manasseh.
Verses 8 through 32 show the land and to which tribe it was given. Please read this division of land yourselves.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: There is an interesting connection between the land a tribe received and the character of the tribe's founder. For example, because of Joseph's godly character, the tribes descended from him, Ephraim and Manasseh, were given the richest, most fertile land in all of Canaan. Judah, who offered himself in exchange for his brother Benjamin's safety, received the largest portion of land, which eventually became the southern kingdom and seat of David's dynasty. Reuben, who slept with one of his father's wives, was given desert land.

Remember that the tribe of Manasseh was divided into two half-tribes when people from the tribe wanted to settle east of the Jordan River in an area preferred for their flocks. The rest of the tribe preferred to settle west of the Jordan River in the land of Canaan.

The tribe of Levi was dedicated to service of God. They needed more time and mobility than a landowner. Giving them land would have hampered them from the responsibilities and loyalties that went with their service to God. So God arranged for the other tribes to meet the Levites needs, through donations.

Mistakes made by the Israelites were magnified by the fact that they failed to FULLY drive out all the inhabitants of the conquered lands. The pagan people left behind were like a cancer and caused unending difficulties for the Israelites.

How does this chapter relate to us today? Just as Israel suffered from pagan people, ask yourself if you are tolerating sinful practices or thoughts? Are you accepting half-measures as good enough. Do you condemn the faults of others but condone your own?

What has God asked you to conquer today? Maybe something like mission work, or helping a group or institution, or developing resources. Maybe something seemingly small, like showing someone at work that you are a Christian. Maybe encouraging prayer at the dinner table. What territory will be your inheritance? It certainly will be a new heaven and a new earth if we fulfill our mission.

God knows the future and as he leads you, he already knows the victories ahead, but we must still face the trials and fight the battles ourselves. Know that he is always on our side. He encourages us, watches over us. Our mission on earth is to spread his word. Don't let your light be hidden. Let it shine for the world to see!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family. Update on Stella: She has gained four ounces, but there is still concern for her lungs.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.