Returning to the Camp - Joshua 10:21

In the book of Joshua, we learned about Israel fighting the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, “and it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities”, and in chapter ten and verse twenty-one of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace” where we read, 

And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: 

none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

The verse reads, “And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and all the people” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of the human beings of Israel”, “returned to the camp” or “went back to the encampment” “to Joshua” or “toward Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “at Makkedah” which means “in the location of Makkedah whose name means ‘place of shepherds’ and was the location of a cave in Judah where Joshua captured and executed five Canaanite kings during the conquest; located near Bethhoron and Libnah” “in peace” or “in complete soundness, welfare, safety, tranquility, contentment and quiet”. Joshua or the writer shared how the army of “Israel” went back to the encampment located in “Makkedah” in quietness, safety, tranquility and contentment where “Joshua” was waiting for them.

 

The verse goes on to say, “none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “none moved his tongue”  which means “not one person sharpened or stirred the wedge in their mouth used for speaking” “against any of the children of Israel” or “in opposition to a single one of the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer shared how not one person dared to sharpen the “tongue” in their “mouths” in opposition to the offspring belonging to “Israel”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the armies of “Israel” went back safely to the encampment located in “Makkedah” where “Joshua” was, and not one person spoke a word in opposition to “Israel”. God’s work had been accomplished through this mighty army, and now they were safe, secure and could live in tranquility because of Him. God wants to work on our behalf as well, and when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us be victorious and at peace when enemies rise up to destroy us. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 16:13; Romans 8:37; 1 John 1:9)

Next time we learn how Joshua said, “open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance". 

When the Slaying was Ended - Joshua 10:20

In the book of Joshua, we learned about Israel fighting the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, and “it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.  And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them. And stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand”, and in chapter ten and verse twenty of the book of Joshua, we learn what happened, “when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter” where we read, 

And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.

The verse reads, “And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and the following happened and occurred”, “when Joshua” or “at the time and moment Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “and the children of Israel” or “and the offering and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “had made an end of slaying them” which means “accomplished, finished and completed striking, smiting, hitting, beating and killing them, the armies of the Amorites” “with a very great slaughter” or “through the means of an exceedingly and abundantly massive and intense blow, wound and scourging” the following occurred. Joshua or the writer referred to the time “when Joshua” and the offspring of “Israel” completed their intense and massive wounding and scourging of the armies of the Amorites.

 

The verse continues, “… till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “till they were consumed”  which means “until such time that they, the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, existed as exhausted, spent and destroyed”, “that the rest which remained of them” or “that the remainder and residue pertaining to them, the armies of the Amorites” “entered into fenced cities” which means “came in, were enumerated and lead into fortified and defensed dwelling places, strongholds and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how the army of “Israel” fought the armies of the Amorites until they were completely destroyed, and whoever remained among the Amorite army went into fortified dwelling places and towns. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the people of Israel completely destroyed the armies of the Amorites, and although they were under the leadership of “five” Amorite kings, they still fell. Only a few of them remained, and they entered into fortified towns and dwelling places. God fought on behalf of the people of Israel, and He continues to fight for them and us today. God loves Israel, and He loves us. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of everyone, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us to be completely victorious over whatever He decides to conquer. (See John 16:13; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Pursue Your Enemies - Joshua 10:19

In the book of Joshua, we learned about Israel fighting the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, and “it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.  And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them”, and in chapter ten and verse nineteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua said, “stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them” where we read, 

And stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.

The verse reads, “And stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and stay you not” which means “and do not you, Joshua’s men, remain or endure”, “but pursue after” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover follow behind and run after to secure” “your enemies” or “your, the people of Israel’s, hating foes and adversaries”, “and smite the hindmost of them” which means “and cut off and attack the rear or tail of them, the hating foes and adversaries”. Joshua instructed his men not to remain where they were but to run after and attack their hated foes who were in the rear.

 

The verse goes on to say, “suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “suffer them not”  which means “do not allow or permit them, the hating foes or enemies” “to enter into their cities” or “to go into or attain their dwelling places and habitations”: “for the LORD your God” which means “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God your, the people of Israel’s, Supreme Deity” “has delivered them” or “has given, bestowed, put and set them, the five kings of the Amorites and their armies” “into your hand” which means “to your, the people of Israel’s, power, might and authority”. Joshua told his men not to allow their enemies to go in to or attain their dwelling places because Jehovah God, their Supreme Deity, has given their enemies into their power, strength and authority. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua wanted his men to be on the move against their “enemies”, to run after them and to kill those who were at the rear of their armies. They were not to allow them to go into their dwelling places because Jehovah God gave their enemies over to their power and authority. God was working on behalf of the people of Israel, and although He used the Israelite army to accomplish His will, He was behind their efforts and the ability to conquer them. God wants to work in our lives as well. He knows we have the enemy of sin in our lives which leads to death, (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) so He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the grave after three days. When we submit our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us into the battles for others’ souls in keeping with His perfect plan and will.

Next time we learn what happened, “when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Rolling Great Stones Upon the Cave - Joshua 10:18

In the book of Joshua, we learned about Israel fighting the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, and “it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah”, and in chapter ten and verse eighteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave” where we read, 

And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, 

and set men by it for to keep them:

The verse reads, “And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Joshua said” which means “and Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “Roll great stones” or “thrust in a rolling manner massive rocks” “upon the mouth of the cave” or “on the opening belonging to the hole or den”. Joshua instructed his men to “roll” massive rocks on the “opening” to the “cave” where the five kings of the Amorites were hiding.

 

The verse continues, “… and set men by it for to keep them:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and set men by it” which means “and put, position and establish male human beings beside it, the cave” “for to keep them” or “for the purpose of guarding, watching over and keeping surveillance upon them, the five kings”. Joshua instructed his men to establish guards outside of the cave to surveil and watch over the kings. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how “Joshua” was not going to allow the “five kings of the Amorites” escape the cave in which they were hiding. He instructed his men to “roll” huge rocks over the opening of the “cave” and afterward to establish guards to watch over it. We can only imagine the thoughts of these “five kings” while this happened, but escaping the power of Almighty God was a mute venture at this point. God was aware of all these things, and He gave Joshua and those with Him the wisdom to correctly manage them. God knows us as well, and because we have sin in our lives that leads to death, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16-18) When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to be aware of His wise ways to manage our lives in keeping with His purpose and will. (See John 16:13; Psalm 23)

Next time we learn how Joshua says to the armies of Israel, “stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Joshua Hears About the Five Kings Hiding - Joshua 10:17

In the book of Joshua, we learned about the people of Israel in battle against the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, and “the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah”, and in chapter ten and verse seventeen of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave” where we read, 

And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.

The verse reads, “And it was told Joshua, saying, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it was told Joshua” which means “and it, the following, was made known, reported, declared and announced to Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words”. Joshua or the writer shared how the following information was made known to “Joshua”.

 

The verse goes on to say, “… the five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “the five kings” which means “the five royal rulers or leaders” “are found hid in a cave” or “exist as secured, encountered and discovered concealed and made secret within a hole or den” “at Makkedah” or “located at Makkedah whose name means ‘place of shepherds’ and was the location of a cave in Judah where Joshua captured and executed five Canaanite kings during the conquest; located near Bethhoron and Libnah”. Joshua or the writer shared how it was made known to “Joshua” that the “five” royal rulers belonging to the Amorites were concealed within a den which was located at “Makkedah”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the “five kings of the Amorites” not only ran away to escape, but they concealed themselves within a den or “cave” which was located at “Makkedah”. Joshua was informed about this, and we shall see how he responds to that information in our next verses, but for now, let us be mindful that Jehovah God knows the whereabouts of everyone. In other words, there is no hiding from Him. God sees us, and He loves us. He knows we are separated from Him by our sins which lead to death, and for this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16-18) When we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and remind us that He loves us and sees us at all times. (See John 16:13)

Next time we learn how, “Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Five Kings Flee and Hide Themselves - Joshua 10:16

In the book of Joshua, we learned about the people of Israel in battle against the five kings of the Amorites and their armies, and “the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal”, and in chapter ten and verse sixteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “these five kings fled, and hid themselves” where we read, 

But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

The verse reads, “But these five kings fled, and hid themselves …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “but these five kings fled” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the five royal rulers and leaders belonging to the Amorites departed and escaped”, “and hid themselves” or “and withdrew, concealed and made secret their own selves”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “five” royal rulers ran away to escape and concealed “themselves” within the following place. 

 

The verse continues, “… in a cave at Makkedah.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “in a cave” which means “within a den or hole” “at Makkedah” whose name means “place of shepherds and was the location of a cave in Judah where Joshua captured and executed five Canaanite kings during the conquest; located near Bethhoron and Libnah”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “five kings of the Amorites” “hid themselves” within a den located at “Makkedah”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we can imagine these “five kings”, “Adonizedek, Hoham, Piram, Japhia and Debir”, running away and hiding from the battle that they started with the people of “Gibeon”. Their armies were defeated by Jehovah God and “Israel”, and now they were just wanting to hide. God dealt with the foes of “Israel”, and He will deal with our foes as well. He knows our enemy, Satan, desires to conquer us and lead us to destruction, and because He loves us, He will come to our rescue when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our enemies are defeated as they attempt to escape and hide away from the power of Almighty God. (See John 10:10)

Next time we learn how, “it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Joshua and All Israel Return - Joshua 10:15

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel”, and in chapter ten and verse fifteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “Joshua returned, and all Israel with him” where we read, 

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

The verse reads, “And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Joshua returned” which means “and Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation turned and went back”, “and all Israel with him ” or “and each, every, the whole and everyone in Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob went back alongside him, Joshua”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” and everyone of the warriors of “Israel” went back to the following location. 

 

The verse goes on to say, “… unto the camp to Gilgal.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “unto the camp” which means “to the encampment” “to Gilgal” or “in Gilgal whose name means a wheel or rolling and was the first site of an Israelite camp west of the Jordan, east of Jericho, here Samuel was judge, and Saul was made king; later used for illicit worship”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” went back to their encampment which was located in “Gilgal”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” went back to their “encampment in Gilgal” after defeating the “five kings of the Amorites” and their armies. We shall see more to this story in our next verse, but for now let us consider that Jehovah God went to battle on behalf of the people of “Israel”, and because He was going to give them the promise land, this enemy and foe would be defeated. God will go before us in spiritual battle when we give our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. As we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and lead us in keeping with His Divine purpose and will for our lives. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 29:11)

Next time we learn how, “these five kings fled, and hid themselves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".