The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Making the Hearts Melt - Joshua 14:8

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, you know the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadeshbarnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart”, and in chapter fourteen and verse eight of Joshua we learn how Caleb said, “my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt” where we read,

Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt:

but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

The verse reads, “Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “nevertheless my brethren” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover my, Caleb’s, fellow Israelites” “that went up with me” or “who arose and ascended alongside me, Caleb” “made the heart of the people” which means “caused the soul and mind belonging to the human beings to” “melt” or “dissolve, vanish and be consumed and intimidated”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Caleb” said the fellow Israelite spies who went to spy on the “promise land” cause the souls and minds of the people of “Israel” to be fearful and intimidated. (See Numbers 13-14)

The verse goes on to say, “but I wholly followed the LORD my God.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “but I wholly followed” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover I, Caleb, abundantly, completely and fully came behind and walked after” “the LORD my God” or “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God, my, Caleb’s, Supreme Deity”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Caleb” said he completely walked after Jehovah God the Supreme Deity.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Caleb” continued to speak with “Joshua” about “Moses” sending him into the “promise land” to spy out the territory within it. He came back to “Moses” along with “Joshua” with a good report, however, the other ten spies returned with an evil report. (See Numbers 13:32; 14:37) Those “ten spies” intimidated the people of “Israel” and made them afraid, however, “Caleb” walked in the ways of Jehovah God. God wants us to “follow Him”, and when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who was crucified 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 equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and “follows” Him in whatever He instructs us to do.

Next time we learn how Caleb says, “Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance”, 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".

Caleb at Forty Years Old - Joshua 14:7

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, you know the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadeshbarnea”, and in chapter fourteen and verse seven of Joshua we learn how Caleb said, “forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea” where we read,

Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.

The verse reads, “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “forty years old was I” which means “forty years of age had I, Caleb” “when Moses” or “at the time and moment that Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “the servant of the LORD” which means “the bondman, slave and man of servile condition belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “sent me from Kadeshbarnea” or “dispatched and assigned me, Caleb, from the location of Kadeshbarnea whose name means ‘holy’ and was a city in the extreme south of Judah” “to espy out” which means “to spy, be a tale-bearer and explorer of” “the land” or “the territory, district, region and countryside”. Joshua or the writer shared how Caleb said he was “forty years of age” at the time and moment “Moses” dispatched him from “Kadeshbarnea” to spy on and explore the territory of the promise land.

The verse continues, “and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and I brought him word again” which means “and I, Caleb, returned, carried and gave him, “Moses”, speech, utterance and communication” “as it was in my heart” or “even and indeed like it existed within my, Caleb’s, soul and mind”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Caleb” said he returned and carried communication to “Moses” even according to the way it was within his soul and mind.

When we mediate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Caleb” told “Joshua” that he was “forty years old” at the time “Moses” dispatched him to spy out the area of the promise land. “Caleb” was dispatched from “Kadeshbarnea”, saw what was in the area of the promise land and returned to report to “Moses” about what he saw. We shall see how much older “Caleb” was at the time of this conversation with “Joshua” in our next few verses, but for now let us be mindful that Jehovah God is able to use us regardless of our age. God loves us, and He proved His love toward us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live according to that truth so we are able to serve him regardless of our age. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time learn how Caleb says, “my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Judah Came Unto Joshua - Joshua 14:6

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land”, and in chapter fourteen and verse six of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal” where we read,

Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, you know the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadeshbarnea.

The verse reads, “Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “then the children of Judah” which means “at that time the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was the son of Jacob by Leah” “came unto Joshua” or “arose and appeared to Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “in Gilgal” which means “within 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”: “and Caleb” whose name means “dog” and was “the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture” “the son of Jephunneh” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jephunneh whose name means ‘he will be facing’ and was the son of Jether and descendant of Asher” “the Kenezite” or Kenizzites whose name means “descendant of Kenaz” “said unto him” which means “uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, Joshua” the following words. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Judah” arose and appears to “Joshua” in the encampment of “Gilgal” and uttered the following words to him.

The verse goes on to say, “… you know the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadeshbarnea.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “you know the thing that the LORD” which means “you, Joshua, are aware of the speech, word and utterance that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “said unto Moses” or “uttered, declared and proclaimed to Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “the man of God” which means “the male servant and champion belonging to the Supreme Deity” “concerning me and you” or “in keeping with and about me, Caleb, and you, Joshua” “in Kadeshbarnea” which means “within Kadeshbarnea whose name means ‘holy’ and was a city in the extremes south of Judah”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Caleb” told “Joshua” that he was aware of the speech that Jehovah God told “Moses” about himself and “Joshua” within “Kadeshbarnea”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how the offspring of the tribe of Judah came to “Joshua” in “Gilgal” and “Caleb” came with them. When he stood before “Joshua”, “Caleb” reminded “Joshua” to recall what Jehovah God told “Moses” about himself and “Joshua”. (See Numbers 14:24,30) We shall see more of what “Caleb” told “Joshua” in our next verses, but for now, let us be aware that God spoke, and He would certainly fulfill His words. God is speaking today through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him as our personal “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 empower us to live according to that truth so our lives are pleasing to Him and we receive the inheritance He has in mind for us.

Next time we learn how Caleb says, “forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Moses Commanded, Israel Did - Joshua 14:5

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance”, and in chapter fourteen and verse five of Joshua we learn, “as the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did” where we read,

As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.

The verse reads, “As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “as the LORD” which means “in the same manner and way Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God” “commanded Moses” or “charged and ordered Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”, “so the children of Israel” which means “also and indeed the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and was the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “did” or “acted upon and performed”. Joshua or the writer said the offspring belonging to “Israel” performed in the same manner that “Jehovah God” ordered “Moses”. (See Numbers 34)

The verse continues, “… and they divided the land.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and they” which means “and they, the children of Israel” “divided the land” or “allotted, apportioned and assigned the country, territory, district and region”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring of “Israel” apportioned the territory even as Jehovah God ordered “Moses”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how “Eliezer, Joshua and the leaders of Israel” apportioned the territory within the promise land in keeping with Jehovah God’s orders to “Moses”. A large portion of the promise land had been conquered, and even though there was more land to be taken, now was the time to distribute the land on the western side of the Jordan River among the nine and one-half tribes. Obedience to God’s command was necessary, and compliance with His ways was essential. God has one way for people to be saved from their sins, and that way is through belief and trust in 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 equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and receives His inheritance in keeping with His purpose and will. (See John 14:6)

Next time learn how, “the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Two Tribes of Joseph - Joshua 14:4

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them”, and in chapter fourteen and verse four of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim” where we read,

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim:

therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

The verse reads, “For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for the children of Joseph” which means “because, since and on account that the offspring and progeny belonging to Joseph whose name means ‘Jehovah has added’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel” “were two tribes” or “existed as two people groups or clans”, “Manasseh” whose name means “causing to forget” and was “the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh “and Ephraim” 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 first son, Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Joseph” comprised “two” of the “tribes” or clans of “Israel”.

The verse goes on to say, “therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “therefore they gave not part” which means “wherefore, then and on this account they, Eliezer, Joshua and the leaders of Israel, did not grant, bestow or assign any portion or share of the inheritance” “unto the Levites” or “to the descendants of Levi whose name means ‘joined to’ and was the third son of Jacob by Leah” “in the land” which means “within the territory, region, district and country”, “save cities to dwell in” or “except for dwelling places and towns to abide, inhabit and live within”, “with their suburbs” which means “alongside and accompanied by their, the cities’, places of wakening, encampments and towns” “for their cattle” or “on behalf of their, the Levites’, domestic animals or livestock such as sheep, goats and herds” “and for their substance” which means “and on behalf of their, the Levites’, possessions, wealth, goods and things acquired”. Joshua or the writer shared how the leaders of “Israel” did not give any property as an inheritance to the “Levites” within “Canaan” with the exception of their dwelling places and some nearby land for their livestock and belongings.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn that because the “tribe of Joseph” was divided into “two tribes”, Manasseh and Ephraim, the “Levites” did not receive any land as an inheritance with the exception of the locations where they lived and kept their belongings and livestock. Jehovah God made Himself to be the inheritance of the “tribe of Levi”, and they were to serve Him in worship on behalf of the people of “Israel”. God has His ministers today, and He gives to them according to His perfect will and plan. He wants all of us to be of service in His Kingdom and this begins when we receive 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 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 who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and will receive His eternal inheritance according to His perfect will and plan. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12)

Next time learn, “as the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Inheritance to Tribes but Not the Levites - Joshua 14:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them. By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe”, and in chapter fourteen and verse three of Joshua we learn how, “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance” where we read,

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan:

but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

The verse reads, “For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for Moses” which means “because, since and on account that Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “had given the inheritance” or “granted, bestowed, allotted and assigned the possession, property, heritage, portion and share” “of two tribes” which means “pertaining to the two people groups or clans” “and an half tribe” or “and one-half people group or clan” “on the other side Jordan” which means “upon the opposite bank belonging to the Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” granted the portion and share of territories to the two and one-half clans, “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh”, which were on the opposite or eastern side of the “Jordan River”.

The verse continues, “but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but unto the Levites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover to the Levites who were the descendants of Levi whose name means ‘joined to’ and was the third son of Jacob by Leah and the tribe specially set aside by God for His service” “he gave none inheritance” or “he, Moses, did not grant, bestow, allot or assign any property” “among them” which means “in the midst and middle of them, the Levites”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” did not assign any territory to the “tribe of Levi”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn once again how “Moses” distributed territories to the tribe of “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” on the opposite side of or eastern side of the “Jordan River”. He did not, however, provide any property to the “tribe of Levites” as Jehovah God was to be their inheritance. Jehovah God was fulfilling His word to provide the “promise land” to the people of Israel, and as we see each of these tribes receive their “inheritance”, we should be mindful that God desires to give all of us forgiveness of sins, eternal life and His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross and resurrected from the dead after three days. God loves His people, and whosoever relies upon, trusts in and clings to His Son Jesus will receive blessings and rewards in this life and in the eternal life to come. (See John 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:19)

Next time learn how, “the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

By Lot was Levi’s Inheritance - Joshua 14:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them”, and in chapter fourteen and verse two of Joshua we learn, “by lot was their inheritance” where we read,

By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses,

for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

The verse reads, “By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “by lot” which means “with a systematic way of making decisions” “was their inheritance” or “existed their, the children of Israel who comprised the nine and one-half tribes left over’s, possession, property, heritage, portion and share”, “as the LORD” which means “even and indeed like Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “commanded by the hand of Moses” or “charged and ordered through the means of the powerful, mighty and authoritative hand belonging to Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer shared how there was a systematic way that the nine and one-half remaining tribes of “Israel” were given their possessions and shares through the orders belonging to “Moses”.

The verse goes on to say, “… for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “for the nine tribes” which means “on behalf of the nine people groups or clans”, “and for the half tribe” or “and on behalf of the one-half additional people group or clan”. Joshua or the writer referred to the remaining nine and one-half “tribes of Israel” who were to receive their inheritance on the western side of the “Jordan River”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel” in keeping with “Moses’” orders divided the territories within the promise land to the remaining “nine and one-half tribes of Israel”. God fulfilled His word to the people of Israel, and He will do the same for us when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. As we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, God 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 we are able receive everything He has determined for our eternal lives. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8: Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time learn how, “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…