The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Joshua Took the Whole Land - Joshua 11:23

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “there was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-three of Joshua we learn how, “Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses” where we read,

So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses;

and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

The verse reads, “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “so Joshua” which means “therefore Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “took the whole land” or “seized, captured and occupied the entire territory, region and county”, “according to all that the LORD” which means “in keeping with each, every, the whole and everything 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 lawgiver, prophet and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” seized and captured the entire territory in keeping with everything Jehovah God told “Moses” to do.

The verse goes on to say, “and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” “gave it for an inheritance” or “granted, bestowed, ascribed and consecrated it, the territory, on behalf of a possession, heritage or share” “unto Israel” which means “to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants or the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “according to their divisions” or “in keeping with their, Israel’s, courses, allotments and parts” “by their tribes” which means “through their, Israel’s, clans or people groups”. “And the land” or “and the territory, region and country” “rested from war” which means “was quiet, tranquil and at peace separate and apart from fighting and battle”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” granted the territory in the promise land to the people of “Israel” in keeping with their groups and clans, and the territory was at peace from fighting and battle.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua seized and possessed the entire territory in keeping with everything Jehovah God told them. “Joshua” distributed the “inherited” territory to the “divisions” and clans of “Israel”. God was giving “Israel” their promise land, and the territory was free and at peace from battles. God gave“Israel” the promise land, and in like manner, He desires to give us His promise of salvation and eternal life with Him. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us His Kingdom in keeping with His perfect will and plan for our lives. (See Luke 12:32; John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we begin a new chapter and discover how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote”, 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".

None of the Anakims Left - Joshua 11:22

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “there was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty two of Joshua, we learn how, "there was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel” where we read,

There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel:

only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

The verse reads, “There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “there was none of the Anakims” which means “there existed not a single person belonging to the Anakims whose name means ‘long-necked’ and was a tribe of giants, descendants of Anak, which dwelled in southern Canaan” “left in the land” or “remaining and enduring within the territory, region and country” “of the children of Israel” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer shared how there did not exist any of the “Anakims” within the territory belonging to the progeny of “Israel”.

The verse continues, “only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “only in Gaza” which means “solely and alone within Gaza or Azzah whose name means ‘the strong’ and was another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean”, “in Gath” or “within Gath whose name means ‘winepress’ and was one of the five royal or chief cities of the Philistines and the native city of Goliath”, “and in Ashdod” which means “and within Ashdod whose name means ‘powerful’ and was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean Sea west from Jerusalem, modern Esdud”, “there remained” or “there continued and were left survivors”. Joshua or the writer said that solely within the cities of “Gaza, Gath and Ashdod” were their survivors.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how the “Anakims” were completely eliminated from the territory of “Israel”, and solely within the cities of “Gaza, Gath and Ashdod” were there any survivors. God removed these people from the presence of “Israel”, and because He told the people of “Israel” they would inherit the promise land, one by one these pagan people were being removed. God has given us a promise through His Son Jesus who said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (See John 3:16), and when He came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was 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 given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to remove all sins and enemies to God from our lives. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Cutting Off the Anakims - Joshua 11:21

And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

The verse reads, “And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and at that time” which means “at that experience, occurrence and event” “came Joshua” or “went in and entered Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation”, “and cut off the Anakims” which means “and eliminate and kill the Anakims whose name means ‘long-necked’ and was a tribe of giants, descendants of Anak, which dwelled in southern Canaan” “from the mountains” or “apart from the risings above the plain”, “from Hebron” which means “apart from Hebron whose name means ‘association’ and was a city in south Judah approximately twenty south of Jerusalem and approximately twenty miles (30 km) north of Beersheba and near where Abraham built an altar”, “from Debir” or “apart from Debir whose name means ‘sanctuary’ and was a town in the mountains of Judah west of Hebron and given to the priests and a city of refuge”, “from Anab” which means “apart from Anab whose name means ‘fruit’ and was a city in the mountains of southern Judah, eighteen miles southwest of Hebron”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” eliminated the “Anakims” from the risings above the plains named “Hermon, Debir and Anab”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and from all the mountains” which means “and apart from each, every and the whole of the risings above the plain” “of Judah” or “belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon”, “and from all the mountains” which means “and apart from each, every and the whole of the risings above the plain” “of Israel” or “belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”: “Joshua destroyed them utterly” which means “Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation completely and utterly eliminated, exterminated, annihilated and mutilated them, the Anakims” “with their cities” or “alongside their, the Anakim’s, dwelling places and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” completely annihilated every one of the “Anakims” and their territories within the mountainous areas.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God gave “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” complete victory over the “Anakims” who were the next people group to defeat within the promise land. One by one these pagan people groups were being removed, and because they were opposed to “Israel”, they were opposed to Jehovah God. God wants everyone to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through belief and trust in Him as “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth and in a victorious manner over every adversary and foe who rises up against us and Him in keeping with His perfect will and plan.

Next time we learn how, “there was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The LORD Hardened Their Hearts - Joshua 11:20

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “there was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty of the book of Joshua we learn, “it was of the LORD to harden their hearts” where we read,

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

The verse reads, “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for it was of the LORD” which means “because, since and on account that it, the following, existed from Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “to harden their hearts” or “to make strong, firm and resolute their, the people of the cities who were conquered by Israel’s, inner man, will, understanding and soul, ”, “that they should come against Israel” which means “so they, the people of the cities who were conquered by Israel, might encounter, befall and rise up in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “in battle” or “within fighting and war”. Joshua or the writer said Jehovah God was responsible for the resolute souls of the people who rose up in opposition to Israel which caused them to go to war with them.

The verse continues, “… that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “that he might destroy them” which means “so he, Jehovah God, could exterminate and mutilate them, the people of the cities who were conquered by Israel” “utterly” or “thoroughly and completely”, “and that they” which means “and so they, the people of the cities who were conquered by Israel” “might have no favor” or “would be unable to possess supplication or grace”, “but that he might destroy them” which means “so he, Jehovah God, could exterminate and mutilate them, the people of the cities who were conquered by Israel”, “as the LORD” or “even and indeed like Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “commanded Moses” which means “charged and ordered Moses whose name means ‘drawn from’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer said the people who opposed Israel had resolute souls as they rose up against “Israel” so Jehovah God would exterminate them completely even as He ordered Moses to do.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how Jehovah God caused the souls and minds of the people who rose up in opposition to “Israel” to be firm and resolute against them. This gave God the opportunity to completely exterminate them, and He gave “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” to carry out His will. God is a Holy God who hates sin because sins separates us from a personal relationship with Him and destroys our lives. (See Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16) For this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him 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 given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and cleanse us from all unrighteousness as we confess our sins to Him. (See John 16:13; 1 John 1:9)

Next time we learn, “at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

No City Who Made Peace with Israel - Joshua 11:19

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua made war a long time with all those kings”and in chapter eleven and verse nineteen of Joshua, we learn how, “there was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel” where we read,

There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel,

save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.

The verse reads, “There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “there was not a city” which means “there did not exist one dwelling place or town” “that made peace” or “that fashioned, accomplished and produced calm, tranquility and quietness” “with the children of Israel” which means “alongside, unto and toward the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer shared how there did not exist a dwelling place or town who formed calm, tranquility or a peace-treaty with the offspring belonging to “Israel”.

The verse goes on to say, “… save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “save the Hivites” which means “except for the Hivites whose name means ‘villagers’ and was the sixth generation of descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, who were living in northern Canaan near Mount Hermon at the time of the conquest” “the inhabitants of Gibeon” or “the dwellers, abiders and inhabitants belonging to Gibeon whose name means ‘hill city’ and was a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies five miles or eight km from Jerusalem”: “all other they took in battle” which means “each, every and the whole of the additional people they, the offspring of Israel, seized, captured and over took while warring and fighting against them”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “Hivites” from “Gibeon” formed a peace-treaty with Israel, and every other group “Israel” conquered in war.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how there did not exist a single dwelling place who formed a “peace-treaty” with the offspring of “Israel” other than the “Hivites” from “Gibeon”. (See Joshua 9:3-27) God instructed “Joshua” to completely destroy these places and their leadership, and only because the “Hivites” from “Gibeon” deliberately deceived them, “Israel” formed a peace-treaty with them. God desires to make a “peace-treaty” with us 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 “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life, equip us with His Holy Spirit and empower us to live in a peaceful manner within His presence for all the days of our lives.

Next time we learn how, “it was of the LORD to harden their hearts”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Joshua Making War for a Long Time - Joshua 11:18

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same, even from the mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon. Even from the mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them”, and in chapter eleven and verse eighteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how “Joshua made war a long time” where we read,

Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

The verse reads, “Joshua made war a long time …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “Joshua made war” which means “Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ fashioned, accomplished and produced fighting and battle” “a long time” or “for a great, abundant and numerous amount of time”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” engaged in fighting and battle for a lengthy amount of “time”.

The verse continues, “… with all those kings.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “with all” which means “among and near each, the whole and every one of” “those kings” or “the royal rulers who were in the various territories in the promise land”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” continued in battle with the royal rulers from the areas within the promise land.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Joshua” continued to fight and battle with the royal rulers from the various regions throughout the promise land. Endurance was necessary at this point, and sometimes, we must endure as well. (See Matthew 10:22) God wants us to put our faith and trust in 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 to 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 endure even as He requires and according to His perfect plan, will and timing. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “there was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Halak, Seir and Baalgad - Joshua 11:17

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same”, and in chapter eleven and verse seventeen of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua also took, “from the mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon” where we read,

Even from the mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.

The verse reads, “Even from the mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “even from the mount Halak” which means “indeed and also from the rising of the plain known as Halak whose name means ‘smooth’ and was a mountain in southern Judah which is the southern limit of Joshua's conquest; site unknown”, “that goes up to Seir” or “that rises and ascends toward Seir whose name means ‘hairy or shaggy’ and was the land of Edom, south of the Dead Sea”, “even unto Baalgad” which means “toward Baalgad whose name means ‘lord of fortune’ and was a city noted for Baal-worship, located at the most northern or northwestern point to which Joshua's victories extended” “in the valley” or “within the lowland or low country” “of Lebanon” which means “belonging to Lebanon whose name means ‘whiteness’ and was a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel” “under mount Hermon” or “beneath the rising of 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”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” also possessed the territory of the rising above the plain known as “Halak” that ascends to “Seir” and toward “Baalgad” which was located within the lowland belonging to “Lebanon” which was beneath the rising of the plain known as “Hermon”.

The verse goes on to say, “and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and all their kings” which means “and each, every and the whole of the royal rulers and leaders” “he took” or “he, Joshua, seized, overtook and captured”, “and smote them” which means “and struck, hit, beat and killed them, the kings”, “and slew them” or “and executed, killed and put them, the kings, to death”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” struck, killed and executed every one of the royal rulers in those areas.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how “Joshua” continued to overtake territories the promise land. God gave him the rising above the plain known as “Halak” that rose toward “Seir” and toward “Baalgad” which was located within the low country beneath the rising of the plain known as “Hermon”. He also captured their royal rulers and struck, killed and executed them. One by one “Joshua” and the people of “Israel” were gaining territory within the promise land just the way God said they would, and because He was with them, they were victorious. God wants us to be victorious as well, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone and raised Him 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 provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we also may be victorious in this world and the next. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “Joshua made war a long time with all those kings”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…