To Us and the Generation to Come - Joshua 22:28

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 they answered among other words, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.  Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice. But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, You have no part in the LORD”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-eight of Joshua we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said, “therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come”, where we read, 

Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.

The verse reads, “Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “therefore said we” which means “wherefore, then and on this account uttered, declared and proclaimed we, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh”, “that it shall be” or “that the following will exist”, “when they should so say to us” which means “at the time and moment they, the people of Israel in the future, also and indeed ought to utter, declare and proclaim to us, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh” “or to our generations” or “or to our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’s, people groups and relatives” “in time to come” which means “within the future”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh uttered that it would exist at the time the future people of Israel utter to them or their future relatives, the following will occur. 

The verse continues, “… that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “that we may say again” which means “that we, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, might utter, declare and proclaim another time”, “Behold the pattern of the altar” or “lo, look and consider the pertaining to the sacrificial place” “of the LORD” which means “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”, “which our fathers made” or “that our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’s, male ancestors and progenitors fashioned and formed”, “not for burnt offerings” which means “not in any manner for smoking offerings”, “nor for sacrifices” or “”; “but it is a witness” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover it, the altar, exists as a testimony and evidence” “between us and you” or “among and in the midst of us, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, and you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh told the people of Israel that they did not erect the “altar” for making sacrificial offerings, but to be evidence to the people of Israel who were presently living and those in the future that the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh were part of them. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how it was important to the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh to assure the people of Israel both present and future. The “altar” they built was to be evidence that they were part of the people of “Israel”, and having this symbol was to be for the present population as well as the future. God wants all of us to be in a personal relationship with Him 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 and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live as His “witness” and evidence of salvation to the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:2)

Next time we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh say, “God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD”, 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".

A Witness Between Us - Joshua 22:27

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 they answered among other words, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.  Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-seven of Joshua we learn how they proposed how the altar, “may be a witness between us” where we read, 

But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, You have no part in the LORD.

The verse reads, “But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “but that it may be a witness” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover that it, the altar, might exist as a testimony evidence” “between us, and you” or “among and in the midst of us, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, and you, the people of Israel”, “and our generations after us” which means “and our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’s, relatives living at future periods”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh told Phineas and the ten princes that the “altar” they built was to be an evidence and testimony among them and the people of Israel including the ones in the future.

The verse goes on to say, “… that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “that we might do the service” which means “so we, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, can perform and produce the ministry, labor and work” “of the LORD before him” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God in front and in the presence of him, Jehovah God” “with our burnt offerings” which means “alongside and accompanied by our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’ smoking ascents and offerings”, “and with our sacrifices” or “and alongside and accompanied by our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’s, covenant and passover offerings”, “and with our peace offerings” which means “and alongside and accompanied by our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, requital, alliance and friendship offerings”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh said they would only use the “altar” as a witness and not for “separate burnt offerings, sacrifices or peace offerings”. 

Finally the verse says, “that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.” Joshua or the writer concluded this verse with the words, “that your children” which means “so your, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’s, offspring and progeny” “may not say to our children” or “might not utter, declare and proclaim to our, the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh’, offspring and progeny” “in time to come” which means “within the future”, “You have no part in the LORD” which means “you, Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, do not have a portion or share within Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God”. Joshua or the writer ended this verse by sharing how the offspring and progeny  of the people of Israel might not be able to declare in the future that the offspring and progeny belonging to the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh do not possess any possession or ownership in Jehovah God. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh continued to explain the reason for building the “altar” to Phinehas, the ten princes and the congregation of Israel. This was not an “altar” to replace or substitute for the sacrifices and offerings that were presented by the priests in Israel, but was to be a testament to those who observed it that the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh were also a part of Israel and would not alienate their children. 

Next time we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh say, “therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come”, 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".

Let Us Prepare to Build an Altar - Joshua 22:26

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 they answered among other words, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD””, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-six of Joshua we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, “said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar” where we read, 

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, 

not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

The verse reads, “Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “therefore we said” which means “wherefore, then and on this account we, the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh, uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “let us now prepare” or “allow and permit us, the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh, at this time fashion, accomplish, make and produce” “to build us an altar” which means “to erect and construct a sacrificial place of slaughter”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said they decided to construct a sacrificial place of slaughter in response to the idea that the future people of Israel might reject them.

The verse goes on to say, “… not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “not for burnt offering” which means “no and not in any way on behalf of ascending burning sacrifices”, “nor for sacrifice” or “no and not in any way on behalf of passover, annual or covenant thank offerings”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said the purpose of the “altar” was not to be for substituting the “burnt offerings or sacrifices”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover more of the reason the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh constructed the “altar” which brought about this entire story. They were not building it to make sacred “offerings or sacrifices” upon, but for the reason given in our next verse. It is interesting to note how quickly the people of Israel judged the motive and purpose for this sacrificial location being built. God knew, and He allowed this event to occur. He also knows us and others and is well aware of our and their motives for what is done. He knows sin exists within our lives that leads to death, and for this reason 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. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) When we yield 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 help us live with clean and pure motives toward Him and others. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh proposed that the altar, “may be a witness between us”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Jordan in Between - Joshua 22:25

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 they answered among other words, “And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have you to do with the LORD God of Israel?”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-five of Joshua we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh said, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you” where we read, 

For the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

The verse reads, “For the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad;, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for the LORD” which means “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has made Jordan” or “has caused 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)” “a border between us and you” which means “an edge, circuit or boundary among and in the midst of us ”, “and you” or “and the following people”, “you children of Reuben” or “you offspring and progeny belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah and the tribe that descended from Reuben” “and children of Gad” which means “and offspring and progeny belonging to Gad whose name means ‘troop’ and was seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh concluded that Jehovah God caused the “River Jordan” to be in the middle of them and the people of Israel.

The verse continues, “… you have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “you have no part” which means “you, Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh, do not own or possess a share, portion of allotment of territory“in the LORD” or “within Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”: “so shall your children” which means “even so and thus will your offspring and progeny” “make our children cease” or “cause and fashion our, the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh’s, offspring and progeny to desist, be exterminated and cause to be removed and put to an end” “from fearing the LORD” which means “separate and apart from having awe, reverence and honor toward Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer said the offspring of Israel would conclude that the offspring of the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh do not possess any relationship with Jehovah God, and this would cause them to be cast away and put to an end. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn why the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh built the altar before they entered their promised land. They were concerned that the offering of Israel would forget them and cause them to be put to an end because they had no portion in Jehovah God. In other words, they did not relate to Him at all. This is the opposite of God’s desire for everyone. God loves people, and He proved His love 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. When we yield 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 equip us to live according to His purpose and will for our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and one half tribe of Manasseh answered, “therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar”, 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".

 

Not Done for Fear - Joshua 22:24

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, … Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity, then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, the LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knows, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,) That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-four of Joshua we learn how the Reubenites, Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh said, “if we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering” where we read, 

And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have you to do with the LORD God of Israel?

The verse reads, “And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and if we have not rather done it” which means “and whether and in case we, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh, have in no way or manner performed, erected and built the altar” “for fear of this thing” or “on behalf of anxiety, anxious care, heaviness or sorrow”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh presented the idea that they built the altar on behalf of anxiety and sorrow, the following would happen.

The verse goes on to say, “… In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have you to do with the LORD God of Israel?” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “in time to come” which means “within the future or tomorrow” “your children might speak unto our children” or “your, Phinehas, the ten princes and the congregation of Israel’s, offspring and progeny could utter, declare and proclaim to our, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh’s, offspring and progeny”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “what have you to do with the LORD God” or “whatsoever purpose and cause have you, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh, with Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God 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”? Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh were concerned that the offspring of “Israel” might wonder what cause the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh have with Jehovah God.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn more about why the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh erected the altar before they entered and possessed their inheritance. They said in the future the offspring of Israel might question what reason or cause they have with Jehovah God. We shall see more about this in our next verses, but for now let us be mindful that the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh’s intentions and concerns were valid. God alone knows our true relationship with Him, and because He knew we all have sin in our lives which separates us from Him, (See Romans 3:23; 6;23) He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the grave after three days. When we believe 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 to live our lives as an “altar” of witness to others who observe us. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how they answered, “the LORD has made Jordan a border between us and 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".

Not an Altar Against God - Joshua 22:23

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, … Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity, then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, the LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knows, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-three of Joshua we learn how, “we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering” where we read, 

That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;

The verse reads, “That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “that we have built us an altar” which means “that we, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh, have constructed and erected for ourselves a sacrificial structure and location” “to turn from following the LORD  or “to apostatize, forsake, lead away and relinquish coming after and behind Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh referred to the possibility that they erected the “altar” to apostatize from coming after Jehovah God.  

The verse continues, “… or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “or if to offer thereon burnt offerings” which means “or whether and in case to bring and carry up on the altar smoking sacrifices” “or meat offering” or “tribute, present, oblation and sacrifice”, “or if to offer peace offerings thereon” which means “or whether and in case to bring and carry up requital, alliance or friendship sacrifices on the altar”, “let the LORD himself” or “allow and permit Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God his own self” “require it” which means “desire, exact, demand or request the offerings”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh said whether and in case there was to be a burnt, meat or peace sacrifice made upon the altar they built, allow Jehovah God to request it. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh were defending their reason for building the “altar”. They presented the idea that the reason they built the “altar” was for making sacrifices to Jehovah God, and if that was the case, then Jehovah God could request the “burnt, meal or peace offering” from them. We shall see more of their explanation in our next verses, but for now let us admire the determination of these tribes to explain why they made this “altar”. God wants us to have a personal intimate relationship with Him, and this was made available to us through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how they answered, “if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing”, 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".