The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, June 20, 2026

From Aroer on the River Arnon - Joshua 13:16

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families”, and in chapter thirteen and verse sixteen of Joshua we learn how, “their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon” where we read,

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon,

and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

The verse reads, “And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and their coast” which means “and their, the tribe of Reuben’s, territory, region and border” “was from Aroer” which means “existed from Aroer whose name means ‘ruins’ and was a city on the north bank of the river Arnon, the southern point of the territory of Sihon the king of the Amorites and later of Reuben; modern 'Arair'”, “that is on the bank” or “that exists upon the shore, brink, brim, edge or border” “of the river Arnon” which means “belonging to the torrent, valley or wadi of Arnon whose name means ‘rushing stream’ and was a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine, forms the border between Moab and the Amorites”. Joshua or the writer shared how the territory of the “tribe of Reuben” was from the border of “Aroer” that existed upon the brim or edge of the “Arnon river”.

The verse continues, “… and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and the city” which means “and the dwelling place or town” “that is in the midst” or “that exists within the middle or center part” “of the river” which means “belonging to the torrent or flowing waters”, “and all the plain” or “and each, every and the whole of the level-country, table-land or elevated plateau” “by Medeba” which means “alongside of Medeba whose name means ‘water of rest’ and was a town in Moab assigned to Reuben and located four miles (6 km) southwest of Heshbon; still existent”. Joshua or the writer shared how the territory given to the “tribe of Reuben” included every portion of the dwelling place that existed within the middle of the flowing water and the level-country alongside of “Medeba”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn more about the territory that was allotted to the “tribe of Reuben” on the eastern side of the “Jordan River”. The land extended from the border of “Aroer” which was on the edge of the “Arnon” river and included the dwelling place that was within the middle of the “flowing waters” and the level-country that was beside “Medeba”. We may not recognize these places and their names today, but for now let us realize Jehovah God was giving the people of “Israel”, in this case the “tribe of Reuben”, their inheritance in keeping with His Divine purpose and will. God wants us to receive everything He has for us, and when we yield to His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord” 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 provide His Holy Spirit to us who will guide us into all truth and empower us to receive that which He has allotted as our portion in this life and in Heaven with Him. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we learn how Jehovah God shares about, “Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain”, 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".

Moses Gave Reuben Inheritance - Joshua 13:15

In the book of Joshua, we learned about Jehovah God, “Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them”, and in chapter thirteen and verse fifteen of Joshua we learn how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance” where we read,

And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

The verse reads, “And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Moses” whose name means “drawn out” and was “the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “gave unto the tribe” which means “granted, bestowed, assigned and apportioned to the clan or people group” “of the children of Reuben” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah” “inheritance” which means “heritage, possession, allotment, portion and share” in keeping with the following. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” granted to the offspring of the clan belonging to “Reuben” an allotment in keeping with the following.

The verse goes on to say, “… according to their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “according to” which means “in keeping with” “their families” or “their, the tribe of Reuben’s, clan, people and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” provided an inheritance to the “tribe of Reuben” in keeping with their people and relatives.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how “Moses” distributed an inheritance to the “tribe of Reuben”, and he did so in keeping with their people and relatives. Jehovah God knew the right apportionment that should be allotted to each tribe, and “Reuben”, being the first-born, was to receive his portion even as God directed. God loves the people of Israel, and we shall see how He provided for them tribe by tribe and family by family. He loves us too, and when He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to be crucified 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 provide for us in keeping with our families and needs both now and into eternity. (See John 16:13; Philippians 4:19)

Next time we learn how, “their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

No Inheritance for the Tribe of Levi - Joshua 13:14

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God told Joshua, “divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, with whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward” which among others included, , “All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out. Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day”, and in chapter thirteen and verse fourteen of Joshua we learn how Jehovah God said, “only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance” where we read,

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

The verse reads, “Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “only unto the tribe of Levi” which means “solely and alone to the people group or clan belonging to Levi whose name means ‘joined to” and was the third son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites” “he gave none inheritance” which means “he, Jehovah God, did not give or apportion a property, possession, heritage, portion or share”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God did not give a allotment or possession to the “tribe of Levi”.

The verse continues, “the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “the sacrifices” which means “the burnt offerings” “of the LORD God” or “pertaining to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God and the Supreme Deity” “of Israel” which means “belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “made by fire” or “fashioned, accomplished and produced through the means of fiery fire” “are their inheritance” which means “exists as their, the tribe of Levi’s, property, possession, heritage, portion or share”, “as he said unto them” or “even so and in likeness to that which Jehovah God uttered, declared and proclaimed to them, the tribe of Levi”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God said the “burnt offerings” were to be the possession and inheritance of the “tribe of Levi” just as He told them. (See Numbers 18:20-24; Deuteronomy 10:9)

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God acknowledged how the “tribe of Levi” was not to receive a possession of land or territory, however, the “burnt offerings” were to serve as their “inheritance”. The “Levites” were the special ministers to Jehovah God on behalf of the people of Israel, and they were to partake of the peoples’ offerings to Him. God loves His ministers, and these “Levites” were to be provided for by the people. God loves ministers today, and although everyone who receives Jesus Christ who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days will be a minister, a servant, of some sort, there are those who are called into full-time ministry positions. Regardless of whether we are in ministry full-time or not, when we yield our lives to Jesus 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 lead us into whatever ministry and possession He desires for our lives.

Next time we learn how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Not Expelling the Geshurites nor the Maachathites - Joshua 13:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God told Joshua, “divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, with whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward” which among others included, “All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out” and in chapter thirteen and verse thirteen of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites” where we read,

Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites:

but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

The verse reads, “Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “nevertheless the children of Israel” which means “however, notwithstanding and moreover 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” “expelled not” which means “did not seize, dispossess, disinherit or occupy” “the Geshurites” whose name means “the proud-beholder” and was a tribe in south Palestine of or near the Philistines, “nor the Maachathites” which means “no and not in any manner the Maachathites whose name mean ‘pressure (literally she has pressed)’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan and probably descendants of Maachah”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God mentioned to “Joshua” that the offspring of “Israel” did not drive out and seize the territories of the “Geshurites nor the Maachiathites”.

The verse goes on to say, “but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “but the Geshurites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the Geshurites whose name means “the proud-beholder” and was a tribe in south Palestine of or near the Philistines” “and the Maachahites” whose name means ‘pressure (literally she has pressed)’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan and probably descendants of Maachah” “dwell among the Israelites” which means “abide and live in the midst of the Israelites or the people whose name means ‘God prevails’ and were the descendants and nation of the descendants of Jacob” “until this day” or “till the current sunrise to sunset or time period”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God told “Joshua” that the “Geshurites and the Maachathites” continued to live in the midst of the people of “Israel” to that current time period.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God continued to tell “Joshua” about the territories which were conquered and occupied by the people of “Israel”, however, he began to share how there were people, the “Geshurites and the Maachathites”, who were not completely defeated and overtaken. Among these people were huge individuals known as “giants”, and they continued to live in the midst of the people of “Israel” to that current day. God wanted “Israel” to drive out all their enemies, however, they did not. In the same manner, God wants us to drive out all enemies to our souls. These “giants” become a type of “sin” in our lives, and God wants to extinguish every area of sin in which we engage. When we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and 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 convict us of sinful areas within our lives that He desires to expel. We are to yield to Him and allow Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness as He identifies “enemies” to our souls that He desires to be removed. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8 and 1 John 1:9)

Next time we learn how Jehovah God says, “only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

All the Kingdom of Og - Joshua 13:12

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God told Joshua, “divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, with whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them. From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon. And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twelve of Joshua we discover how Jehovah God refers to how the inheritance included, “all the kingdom of Og in Bashan” where we read,

All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

The verse reads, “All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “all the kingdom of Og” which means “each, every and the whole portion of the dominion and royal reign belonging to Og whose name means ‘long-necked’ and was the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim” “in Bashan” or “within Bashan whose name means ‘fruitful’ and was a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh”, “which reigned in Ashtaroth” which means “that counseled, advised and ruled within Ashtaroth or Astaroth whose name means ‘star’ and was false goddesses in the Canaanite religion, usually related to fertility cult within a city in Bashan east of the Jordan and given to Manasseh” “and in Edrei” or “and within Edrei whose name means ‘goodly pasture’ and was a chief city of Bashan, north of Jabbok river” “who remained of the remnant” which means “that were left over, survived and continued to be alive pertaining to the remainder, rest and other part” “of the giants” or “belonging to the huge sized people”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God included the entire dominion which belonged to “Og” within “Bashan” who ruled within “Ashtaroth” and “Edrei” that continued to live and were among the survivors belonging to the huge sized people.

The verse continues, “for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “for these” which means “because, since and on account that these, the people of Og and the giants” “did Moses smite” or “Moses, whose name means drawn out and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus, struck, hit, beat and killed”, “and cast them out” which means “and seized, dispossessed, disinherited and took possession of them, the people of Og and the giants”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God reminded “Joshua” about “Moses” striking and killing the people of “Og” and the “giants” and possessing their lands.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God was enumerating the places on the eastern side of the “Jordan River” that were inherited by the “Reubenites, Gadites and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh”. “Og” and his territory in “Bashan” were overtaken by “Moses” and the people of Israel even though there were “giants” among them. (See Deuteronomy 3:10-11) Compared to God Almighty, no man is a “giant”, and He easily defeated what may have been a great obstacle for “Israel”. God’s provision and protection for “Israel” was manifested over and over again as they traveled through the wilderness, and He protected and provided for them again in the promise land. God will also be our provision and protection when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in 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 help us live according to that truth so that our ways are pleasing to Him and we receive all the inheritance that He has won in advance for us.

Next time we learn how, “the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, June 19, 2026

Gilead, Geshurites and Maachathites - Joshua 13:11

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God told Joshua, “divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, with whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them. From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon”, and in chapter thirteen and verse eleven of Joshua we discover how Jehovah God said the inheritance included, “Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites” where we read,

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites,

and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

The verse reads, “And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Gilead” whose name means “rocky region” and was “a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead, “and the border” or “and the edge or boundary” “of the Geshurites” which means “belonging to the Geshurites whose name means ‘proud-beholder’ and were the inhabitants of Geshur located in south Palestine or near the Philistines” “and Maachahites” or “and the Maachabites whose name means ‘pressure (literally she has pressed)’ and were a people dwelling in Transjordan, probably descendants of Maachah”. Joshua or the writer referred to how Jehovah God also recognized “Gilead” and the boundary belonging to the “Geshurites and Maachathites” to be among the territory that was possessed by the tribes of “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and all mount Hermon” which means “and each, every and the whole belonging to the rising above the plain known as Hermon whose name means ‘a sanctuary’ and was a mountain on the northeastern border of Palestine and Lebanon and overlooking the border city of Dan”, “and all Bashan” or “and each, every and the whole portion belonging to Bashan whose name means ‘fruitful’ and was a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh” “unto Salcah” which means “to Salcah or Salchah whose name means ‘migration’ and was a town or district at the extreme eastern limit of Bashan and allocated to the tribe of Gad; modern 'Sulkhad' which is fifty-six miles (90 km) east of the Jordan at the southern extremity of the Hauran mountain range”. Joshua or the writer also shared how Jehovah God referred to “Gilead”, the boundary of the “Geshurites” and the “Maachathites”, every part of “mount Hermon” and “Bashan” to “Salcah” as territories that were occupied by the tribes of “Reuben, Gad and the one-half tribe of Manasseh” on the eastern side of the “Jordan River”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how all of these places were conquered by “Moses” through the help of Jehovah God, and because He loves the people of Israel and us, He will provide for and protect both of us. God gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to His ways so that our lives will be pleasing to Him forever and ever. (See John 3:16; 16:13: Acts 1:8)

Next time we see how Jehovah God refers to how the inheritance included, “all the kingdom of Og in Bashan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Cities of the Amorites - Joshua 13:10

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God told Joshua, “divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, with whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them. From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon”, and in chapter thirteen and verse ten of Joshua we discover how Jehovah God said the inheritance included, “all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites” where we read,

And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon,

unto the border of the children of Ammon;

The verse reads, “And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and all the cities” which means “and each, every and the whole of the dwelling places and towns” “of Sihon” or “belonging to Sihon whose name means ‘warrior’ and was the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan” “king of the Amorites” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to the Amorites whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “which reigned in Heshbon” or “who ruled and had dominion within Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad”. Joshua or the writer shared how the tribes of “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” inherited the territory and dwelling places that were previously ruled by “Sihon” who was the royal leader of the “Amorites” and exercised dominion from “Heshbon”.

The verse continues, “… unto the border of the children of Ammon;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “unto the border” which means “to the edge or boundary” “of the children of Ammon” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God included the boundary of the offspring belonging to “Ammon” as the territory that “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” inherited on the eastern side of the Jordan River. (See Numbers 21:24-26)

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of the lands which were given to “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” by Jehovah God through “Moses” on the eastern side of the “Jordan River”. Each of these places were fulfillments of Jehovah God’s promise to “Israel”, and although “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” desired to have their inheritance on the east side of “Jordan”, they continued to be committed to helping the other tribes to obtain their allotments. God wants us all to inherit His forgiveness of sins and eternal life, and when we put our faith 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, 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 that we too receive all that He desires to give to us. (See John 3:16; 16:10; Acts 1:8)

Next time we see how Jehovah God refers to how the inheritance included, “Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…