The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Get Up to the Wood Country - Joshua 17:15

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD has blessed me until now?”, and in chapter seventeen and verse fifteen of Joshua we learn how, “Joshua answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself” where we read,

And Joshua answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for you.

The verse reads, “And Joshua answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Joshua answered them” or “and Joshua or Jehoshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is Salvation’ and was son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan, responded to them, the children of Joseph”, “if you be a great people” which means “whether and in case you, the children of Joseph, exist as a massive and exceedingly numerous group of human beings”, “then get you up to the wood country” or “therefore, wherefore and on this account you, the children of Joseph, arise and ascend to the forest, thicker or wooded height”, “and cut it down for yourself” which means “and fashion and transform it, the forest, on behalf of your, the children of Joseph’s, own selves”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” responded to the offspring of “Joseph” by telling them that since they were “a great people”, they should ascend to the forest to fashion and transform it for their own selves.

The verse goes on to say, “… there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for you.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “there in the land of the Perizzites” which means “within the territory, district and region belonging to the Perizzites whose name means ‘belonging to a village’ and were a people who inhabited southern Canaan prior to the conquest”, “and of the giants” ” or “and belonging to the huge and massive human beings”, “if mount Ephraim” which means “whether and in cast the rising above the plain or hill which belonged to Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap; I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh” “be too narrow for you” or “exists as pressed, exceedingly close and confined on behalf of you, the offspring of Joseph”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” stated if the hill country of “Ephraim” was too small for the children of “Joseph”, they should overtake the forest where the huge human beings and the “Perizzites” were located.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how “Joshua” told the offspring of “Joseph” that since they were such a numerous amount of “people”, they should arise from “mount Ephraim” which was too small and seize the forest area where the “giants” and the “Perrizites” lived. God knew where all of the tribes were to be located within the promise land, and He was attentive to their needs. He knows where we are as well, and He knows our needs. (See Philippians 4:19) 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, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to give us the ability to live wherever He desires in a way that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we see how, “the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us”, 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".

Why One Lot? - Joshua 17:14

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out”, and in chapter seventeen and verse fourteen of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit?” where we read,

And the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD has blessed me until now?

The verse reads, “And the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the children of Joseph” or “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Joseph whose name means ‘Jehovah has added’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel” “spoke unto Joshua” which means “uttered, declared and proclaimed to Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is Salvation’ and was son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring, proclaiming and asking”, “why have you given me but one lot” which means “for what reason have you, Joshua, granted, bestowed and assigned to me, the offspring of Joseph, only a single retribution, recompense or portion” “and one portion to inherit” or “and a single district, territory or region to possess and receive as a heritage or share”? Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring of “Joseph” asked “Joshua” for the reason that he assigned only a single territory and region to them.

The verse continues, “… seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD has blessed me until now?” Joshua or the writer added the words, “seeing I am a great people” which means “I, the children of Joseph, exist as a massive and exceedingly numerous group of human beings”, “forasmuch as the LORD” ” or “since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has blessed me until now” which means “has adored, congratulated and saluted me, the children of Joseph, till the current time”? Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring of “Joseph” declared themselves to be a massive amount of “people” because Jehovah God had exceedingly consecrated them unto the current time.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the offspring of “Joseph” were dissatisfied with the allotment of land they were given by “Joshua”, and they asked him the reason for giving them such a small portion since they were abundant in number. God had “blessed” and increased the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph’s offspring, and they were in need of more space in which to live. We shall see how “Joshua” responds in our next verses, but for now let us be mindful that the offspring of “Joseph” knew Jehovah God gave them their increase. God wants us to be aware of His provision for us as well. He so loves us that 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. When we yield our lives 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 to help us live in a manner that blesses Him and us for all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16; Psalm 1)

Next time we see how, “Joshua answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

When the Children of Israel were Strong - Joshua 17:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries. Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land”, and in chapter seventeen and verse thirteen of Joshua we learn what happened, “when the children of Israel were waxen strong” where we read,

Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong,

that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.

The verse reads, “Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “yet it came to pass” or “thus and still the following happened and occurred”, “when the children of Israel” which means “at the time and moment 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” “were waxen strong” or “existed as hardened, courageous, firm and resolute” the following happened. Joshua or the writer shared how the following happened at the time the offspring of “Israel” became firm and courageous.

The verse goes on to say, “… that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “that they put the Canaanites to tribute” which means “that they, the offspring of Israel, set, bestowed, appointed and designated labor, tasks, tributary and forced service on the Canaanites whose name means ‘zealous’ and were the descendants of the inhabitants of Canaan”: “but did not utterly drive them out” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover were unable to completely and with finality seize, dispossess, disinherit and occupy the Canaanites”. Joshua or the writer said the people of “Israel” caused the “Canaanites” to labor in forced service, however, they were unable to remove them from their land.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the people of “Israel” became firm and resolute which caused them to force the “Canaanites” into servile labor, however, they were not able to completely remove them from the land. We shall see how this would later cause them great difficulties, but for now we can use this act as a reminder that God wants all pagan means and activities to be removed from our lives. (See 2 Chronicles 8:7-8) God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the grave after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and purify us from all sinful and unrighteous activities that He exposes within in us. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; 1 John 1:9)

Next time we see how, “the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Manasseh Not Driving Pagans Out - Joshua 17:12

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries”, and in chapter seventeen and verse twelve of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities” where we read,

Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities;

but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

The verse reads, “Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “yet the children” or “thus and still the offspring and progeny” “of Manasseh” which means “belonging to Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh” “could not drive out” or “were unable to seize, dispossess, disinherit and occupy” “the inhabitants” whose name means “the dwellers, abiders and ones who remain” “of those cities” which means “belonging to those dwelling places and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring belonging to Manasseh were unable to remove the people who lived within the above mentioned dwelling places.

The verse continues, “but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but the Canaanites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the Canaanites whose name means ‘zealous’ and were the descendants of the inhabitants of Canaan” “would dwell in that land” ” or “were to begin, show willingness and undertake living within that territory, region and district”. Joshua or the writer shared how the pagan descendants of “Canaan” were to live within the territory given to “Manasseh”.

When we mediate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the offspring belonging to “Manasseh” were unable to remove the pagan people of “Canaan” from the “cities” provided to them. Because of this, the “Canaanites” would live among them. This was not God’s original intent, and we see how this caused troubles for the people of “Manasseh” in the future. God wants us to come to Him completely, and this is possible when we receive His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead as our “Savior and Lord”. When we believe and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth in keeping with His ways and without the influences of the world living among us. (See John 3:16; 16;13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

Next time we discover what happened, “when the children of Israel were waxen strong”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Manasseh Had Bethshean and Her Towns - Joshua 17:11

In the book of Joshua, we learned about the territory given in which, “Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east”, and in chapter seventeen and verse eleven of Joshua we learn how, “Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns” where we read,

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.

The verse reads, “And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Manasseh” whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was “the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh” “had in Issachar” which means “arose, appeared and came into being within Issachar whose name means ‘there is recompense’ and was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name” “and in Asher” or “and within Asher whose name means ‘happy’ and was the son of Jacob and Zilpah and the progenitor of a tribe by his name” “Bethshean” whose name means “house of ease” and was “a place in Manasseh which was west of Jordan”, “and her towns” which means “and her, Bethshean’s, settled abodes and villages”, “and Ibleam” whose name means “devouring the people” and was “a city of Manasseh apparently located in the territory of either Issachar or Asher” “and her towns” or “and her, Ibleam’s, settled abodes and villages”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Manasseh” possessed land within “Asher, Bethshean and Ibleam” along with their settled abodes and villages.

The verse goes on to say, “… and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and the inhabitants of Dor” which means “and the dwellers, abiders and ones who remained belonging to Dor whose name means ‘generation’ and was a coastal city in Manasseh which was south of Carmel”, “and her towns” or “and her, Dor’s, settled abodes and villages”, “and the inhabitants of Endor” which means “and the dwellers, abiders and ones who remained belonging to Endor whose name means ‘fountain of Dor’ and was a place in the territory of Issachar yet possessed by Manasseh; located four miles (6.5 km) north of Tabor” “and her towns” or “and her, Endor’s, settled abodes and villages”, “and the inhabitants which means “the dwellers, abiders and ones who remained” “of Taanach” “belonging to Taanach or Tanach whose name means ‘sandy’ and was an ancient Canaanite city conquered by Joshua and allotted to the half tribe of Manasseh although in the territory of Issachar; given to the Kohathite Levites; located on the west of the Jordan and near the waters of Megiddo” “and her towns” which means “and her, Taanach’s, settled abodes and villages”, “and the inhabitants of Megiddo” or “and the dwellers, abiders and ones who remained belonging to Megiddo or Megiddon whose name means ‘place of crowds’ and was ancient city of Canaan assigned to Manasseh and located on the southern rim of the plain of Esdraelon six miles (10 km) from Mount Carmel and 11 miles (18 km) from Nazareth” “and her towns” which means “and her, Megiddo’s, settled abodes and villages”, “even three countries” or “also and indeed three lofty places, sieves and heights”. Joshua or the writer shared how the property gained by “Manasseh” also included the people who lived in “Dor, Endor, Taanach and Megiddo” along with their settled abodes and villages.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer more about the territory obtained by the people of “Manasseh”. Land within “Issachar, Asher Bethshean, Dor, Endor, Taanach and Megiddo” along with their settled abodes became the places where the people of “Manasseh” would live. God provided these territories to the “tribe of Manasseh”, and because He loves all of us, He has provided His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. He raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we put our faith and trust in 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 give us the ability to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him wherever we are to be in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 17:28; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, July 13, 2026

Southward Ephraim’s, Northward Manasseh’s - Joshua 17:10

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim, and the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea”, and in chapter seventeen and verse ten of Joshua we learn how, “Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's” where we read,

Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border;

and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

The verse reads, “Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “Southward it was Ephraim’s” or “in a southern direction it, the territory, existed as Ephraim’s whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was the “second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over his first son, Manasseh”, “and northward it was Manasseh’s” which means “and in a northern direction it, the territory, existed as Manasseh’s whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”, “and the sea” or “and the large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea” “is his border” which means “exists as his, Manasseh’s, edge, circuit and boundary”. Joshua or the writer shared how the territory allowed to “Manasseh” existed as the dwelling place of “Ephraim”, and in the northern direction the land was “Manasseh’s” to the border of the Mediterranean Sea.

The verse continues, “and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and they met together” which means “and they, Manasseh and Ephraim, encountered, joined and entreated one another” “in Asher” or “within Asher whose name means ‘happy’ and was the son of Jacob and Zilpah and was over the tribe which descended from Asher” “on the north” which means “in the northern direction”, “and in Issachar” or “and within Issachar whose name means ‘there is recompense’ and was the ninth son of Jacob and the 5th by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name” “on the east” which means “in the eastern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Manasseh and Ephraim” joined with one another with “Asher” in the northern direction and “Issachar” in the eastern direction.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover the territory provided in the southern, northern and eastern direction. The south was “Ephraim’s”, and the north was “Manasseh’s” and the land had the Mediterranean Sea as it’s boundary. “Manasseh and Ephraim” encountered one another within “Asher” in the north and “Issachar” in the east. All of this land was given to these tribes by Jehovah God, and they were to use them to raise their families and to worship Him. God loves people, and His desire is to have a personal intimate relationship with all of us through 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 yield 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 empower us to live in a manner that is in keeping with that truth and pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…