Be Courageous, Keep and Do the Law - Joshua 23:6

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Joshua was old and told the people of Israel, “Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward. And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and you shall possess their land, as the LORD your God has promised unto you”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse six of Joshua, Joshua said, “Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses”, where we read, 

Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;

The verse reads, “Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “be you therefore very courageous” which means “exist as extremely brave, encouraged and strong” “to keep and do” or “to guard, observe and give heed and to perform and produce” “all that is written” or “each, the whole and everything that is inscribed, engraved and recorded” “in the book of the law of Moses” which means “within the missive and document pertaining to the direction and instruction belonging to Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” charged the people of Israel to be bold and strong and to observe and perform the instructions within the missive belonging to “Moses”. 

The verse continues, “… that you turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “that you turn not aside therefrom” which means “so you, the people of Israel, do not depart, be removed and made separate from the law of Moses” “to the right hand” or “toward the right hand side or direction” “or to the left” which means “or the the left hand side or direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” told the people of Israel not to vary their straight path according to God’s law by moving to the right or left side direction. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua passed along the directive given to him when he first began leading the people of Israel. (See Joshua 1:7-8) The people of Israel were to observe and take heed to “God’s law” or direction for their lives, and God wants us to do the same. God loves us, and He has the best plan for our lives. When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave 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 to guide us into all truth and to help us live according to His direction and instruction for our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time Joshua says, “come not among these nations”, 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".

The LORD God Shall Expel Them - Joshua 23:5

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age. And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that has fought for you. Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse five of Joshua said, “the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you”, where we read, 

And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and you shall possess their land, as the LORD your God has promised unto you.

The verse reads, “And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the LORD your God” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”, “he shall expel them” or “he, Jehovah God, will thrust, push and cast away them, the Gentile nations” “from before you” which means “separate and apart from the front and presence of you, the people of Israel”, “and drive them from out of your sight” or “and seize, dispossess, disinherit and occupy them, the territories of the Gentile nations”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” said Jehovah God would trust out and dispossess the Gentile nations from their presence within the promise land.

The verse goes on to say, “and you shall possess their land, as the LORD your God has promised unto you. ” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and you shall possess their land” which means “and you, the people of Israel, will  seize, dispossess, disinherit and occupy their, the Gentile nations', territory, region, district and countries”, “as the LORD your God” or “even and indeed in likeness to the way Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God your, the people of Israel's, Supreme Deity” “has promised unto you” which means “has spoken, declared, commanded and taken an oath toward you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” told the people of Israel they would seize the Gentile territories just like Jehovah God said and took an other toward them. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how “Joshua” encourage the people of “Israel” to continue seizing the Gentile nations that had not been dispossessed within the promise land. Although “Joshua” was very successful at his conquests, there was still more territory to obtain. The key for his success was Jehovah God driving out the foes of Israel, and because He was in charge, they would be successful in the future. God wants us to know this same victory in our salvation. Because He loves us and wants to live with us forever, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins and to be 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to have the ability to live according to that truth so we possess all that He intends for us to have. (See John 3:16; Colossians 1:12)

Next time Joshua says, “Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law ”, 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".

I Have Divided by Lot These Nations - Joshua 23:4

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age. And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that has fought for you”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse four of Joshua, Joshua said, “I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain”, where we read, 

Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.

The verse reads, “Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “behold, I have divided unto you by lot” which means “lo, look and consider, I, Joshua, have separated and apportioned to you, the people of Israel, through the means of throwing, dropping and assigning” “these nations that remain” or “the people groups or Gentiles that are left over and behind”, “to be an inheritance for your tribes” which means “to exist as a possession, property and heritage on behalf of your, the people of Israel’s, clans and people groups”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” told the people of Israel that the Gentile people groups that continued were also to exist as a possession for their clans.

The verse continues, “… from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “from Jordan” which means “separate and apart from 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)”, “with all the nations” or “alongside and accompanied by each, the whole and everyone of the people groups and Gentiles” “that I have cut off” which means “that I, Joshua, have eliminated, killed and beheaded”, “even unto the great sea westward” or “to the Mediterranean Sea in the western direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the possession of the people of Israel was to stretch from the “Jordan River” accompanied by each and every Gentile people group that he eliminated until they reach the Mediterranean Sea. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua continued to inspire and motivate the people of Israel to possess the promise land. Although they had made great strides in their efforts, Joshua told them there was more territory to be obtained. God wants us to have this type of mentality, (See Ephesians 3:20) and because He loves us, He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. He was raised 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to walk in that truth so we are continually seeking to receive all God has provided for us. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12)

Next time Joshua says, “the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you”, 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".

You Have Seen What the LORD has Done - Joshua 23:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age. And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that has fought for you”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse four of Joshua said, “I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain”, where we read, 

Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.

The verse reads, “Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “behold, I have divided unto you by lot” which means “lo, look and consider, I, Joshua, have separated and apportioned to you, the people of Israel, through the means of throwing, dropping and assigning” “these nations that remain” or “the people groups or Gentiles that are left over and behind”, “to be an inheritance for your tribes” which means “to exist as a possession, property and heritage on behalf of your, the people of Israel’s, clans and people groups”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” told the people of Israel that the Gentile people groups that continued were also to exist as a possession for their clans.

The verse continues, “… from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “from Jordan” which means “separate and apart from 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)”, “with all the nations” or “alongside and accompanied by each, the whole and everyone of the people groups and Gentiles” “that I have cut off” which means “that I, Joshua, have eliminated, killed and beheaded”, “even unto the great sea westward” or “to the Mediterranean Sea in the western direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the possession of the people of Israel was to stretch from the “Jordan River” accompanied by each and every Gentile people group that he eliminated until they reach the Mediterranean Sea. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua continued to inspire and motivate the people of Israel to possess the promise land. Although they had made great strides in their efforts, Joshua told them there was more territory to be obtained. God wants us to have this type of mentality, and because He loves us, He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. He was raised 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to walk in that truth so we are continually seeking to receive all God has provided for us. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12)

Next time Joshua says, “the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you”, 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 Calls for All Israel - Joshua 23:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse two of Joshua we learn how, “Joshua called for all Israel”, where we read, 

And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:

The verse reads, “And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” and was the "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” “called for all Israel” or “uttered a loud cry, invited and summoned each, the whole and everyone within Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “and for their elders” which means “and for their, the people of Israel’s, older and aged men”, “and for their heads” or “and for their, the people of Israel’s, chiefs, chieftains, rulers and leaders”, “and for their judges” which means “and for their, the people of Israel’s, governors who execute judgment”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” summoned everyone within “Israel” including their “elders, heads and judges”.

The verse continues, “… and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and for their officers” which means “and for their, the people of Israel’s, overseers, superintendents and magistrates”, “and said unto them” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to them, all the people and rulers of Israel”, “I am old” which means “I, Joshua, exist as aged and become decrepit” “and stricken in age” which means “and have entered into the fulfillment of life”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” also summoned the overseers and superintendents of Israel and told them that he was aged and had entered into the fulfillment of life. 

When we meditate upon words in this verse, we discover how “Joshua” summoned the people of “Israel” and their leaders, and he told them he was aged and had entered into the completion period of his life. We shall see more of what he tells them in our next verses, but for now let us realize how “Joshua” understood his position in life. God was with “Joshua” and had led him for many years, now at the close of his life, we shall see how he continued to be faithful to God and His work. God loves people, and when He 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 dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to continue in our faith in Him for all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16; 1 Peter 4:19)

Next time Joshua says, “you have seen all that the LORD your God has done”, 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 Old and Stricken in Age - Joshua 23:1

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Eleazar’s son Phinehas and ten princes asked the tribe of Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh, “What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD” … and after they responded in an effective manner, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse one of Joshua we learn how, “Joshua waxed old and stricken in age”, where we read, 

And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.

The verse reads, “And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and it happened and occurred” “a long time after” or “a great while of time following” “that the LORD had given rest” which means “that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God granted, bestowed and assigned repose and quiet” “unto Israel” or “to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails” and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “from all their enemies” which means “separate and apart from each, the whole and every one of their, Israel’s, hating foes and enemies” “round about” or “encircling and surrounding them”. Joshua or the writer shared how for quite a while Jehovah God provided quiet and repose on behalf of “Israel” separate and apart from their hating foes. 

The verse goes on to say, “… that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “that Joshua” whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ and was “the 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” “waxed old” or “grew and became older and showed some age” “and stricken in age” which means “and entered into the fulfillment of life”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” grew older and entered into the completion of life. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Joshua” was getting old, and during that time Jehovah God provided rest and repose for “Israel” from their hating adversaries. God was in control, and even as we age, He continues to have our best interest in mind. When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and 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 provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him even as we grow older and age in this world. (See John 3:16)

Next time we learn how, “Joshua called for all Israel”, 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".

Ed - Joshua 22:34

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Eleazar’s son Phinehas and ten princes asked the tribe of Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh, “What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD” … and after they responded in an effective manner, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse thirty-four of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed”, where we read, 

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: 

for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

The verse reads, “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the children of Reuben” whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah and the progenitor of the tribe Reuben” “and the children of Gad” or “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Gad whose name means ‘troop’ and was the seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher and the progenitor of the tribe of Gad” “called the altar” which means “proclaimed, appointed and named the sacrificial place” “Ed” or “witness”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring and progeny belonging to “Reuben and Gad” named the sacrificial “altar” “Ed” which means “witness”. 

The verse continues, “for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “for it shall be a witness” which means “because, since and on account that it, the altar, will exist as testimony and evidence” “between us” or “among and in the midst of us, the children of Israel and the Reubenites, Gadites and one-half tribe of Manasseh” “that the LORD is God” which means “that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God exists as the Supreme Deity”. Joshua or the writer said the Reubenites, Gadites and one-half tribe of Manasseh declared that the “altar” was to stand as a testimony in the midst of them and the offspring of Israel that Jehovah God is the Supreme Deity. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the “Reubenites and Gadites” decided to name the “altar” “Ed” or witness because they agreed that Jehovah God was in the midst of them and Israel. This idea of “witness” should be in all our lives when we surrender to God’s Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we trust in, rely upon and cling 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 empower us to live according to that truth so our lives become a “witness” that God is among us wherever we are in the world. (See Matthew 5:14; John 8:12; 9:5)

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “Joshua waxed old and stricken in age”, 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".