The Word for Today with Ray

Friday, July 31, 2026

The Slayer May Flee - Joshua 20:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the LORD also spoke unto Joshua, saying, speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses”, and in chapter twenty and verse three of Joshua we learn how the LORD told Joshua, “that the slayer that kills any person unawares and unwittingly may flee” where we read,

That the slayer that kills any person unawares and unwittingly may flee there:

and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

The verse reads, “That the slayer that kills any person unawares and unwittingly may flee there:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “that the slayer” which means “so the killer, murderer or avenger” “that kills any person unawares” or “who strikes, hits, beats and slays a soul, life and human being” “and unwittingly” which means “and without knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding or wisdom” “may flee there” or “might run and escape there, to the city of asylum”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God told “Joshua” that the person who kills another human being without knowledge or understanding could run to the “city of refuge”.

The verse goes on to say, “and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and they shall be your refuge” which means “and they, the cities of refuge, will exist as your, the people of Israel’s, asylum” “from the avenger of blood” or “separate and apart from the next of kin who revenges or exacts punishment or inflicts harm in return for an injury or wrong”. Joshua or the writer said the “cities of refuge” would exist as the people of “Israel’s” protective location from the related person who exacts punishment for injury or wrong.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God made provision for the person who without knowledge, understanding or malicious intent kills another person. (See Numbers 35:15-24) According to the law, the person who was next of kin was to bring revenge upon a killer, and these “cities of refuge” would be a place where a person could run and seek mercy. These “cities of asylum” become a type of Jesus Christ 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 “flee” to Him and 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 not only guide us into all truth, but also lead us to His throne of mercy (His city of refuge) to find grace in our time of need. (See John 3:16; Hebrews 4:16)

Next time we learn how the LORD told Joshua what the person was to do, “that does flee unto one of those cities”, 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".

Appoint Cities of Refuge - Joshua 20:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the LORD also spoke unto Joshua, saying,”, and in chapter twenty and verse two of Joshua we learn how the LORD told Joshua, “appoint out for you cities of refuge” where we read,

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge,

whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses:

The verse reads, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “speak to the children of Israel” which means “utter, declare and proclaim to the offspring and progeny belonging to to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants belonging to Jacob”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “appoint out for you” which means “set, put, grant, bestow and assign on behalf of you, Joshua and the people of Israel” “cities of refuge” or “dwelling places or places of wakening pertaining to asylum”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God instructed “Joshua” to made a declaration to the offspring belonging to “Israel” to assign for themselves dwelling places of asylum.

The verse continues, “… whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “whereof I spoke unto you” which means “that which I, Jehovah God, uttered, declared and proclaimed to you, Joshua” “by the hand of Moses” or “through the hand of might, power and strength belonging to Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God made a proclamation to “Joshua” through the power and strength belonging to “Moses”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God instructed “Joshua” to made a proclamation to the offspring of “Israel” by telling them to assign dwelling places of asylum among them even as “Moses” in his might instructed them to do. We shall learn more about these places in our next verses, but for now, let us see these locations of dwelling places to be locations where mercy might be given. In like manner, God wants us to come to Him through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to follow His ways of mercy all the days of our lives. (See Matthew 5:7; John 3:16; Acts 1:8; 16:13; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the LORD told Joshua, “that the slayer that kills any person unawares and unwittingly may flee”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The LORD Speaks to Joshua - Joshua 20:1

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country”, and in chapter twenty and verse one of Joshua we learn how, “the LORD also spoke unto Joshua” where we read,

The LORD also spoke unto Joshua, saying,

The verse reads, “The LORD also spoke …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “the LORD” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “also spoke” or “even so and indeed uttered, declared and proclaimed” the following words. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God indeed uttered the following.

The verse goes on to say, “… unto Joshua, saying,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “unto Joshua” which means “to Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ and was son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel who led the conquest of Canaan”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the words in our next verse. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God directed His words to “Joshua”, and we shall see what He said in our next verse.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God began to speak to “Joshua” yet another time. God loves to engage with His people, and He made the way for us to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live in keeping with that truth so we not only listen to Him, but also obey what He tells us to do. (See Luke 11:28; John 3:16; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how the LORD told Joshua, “appoint out for you cities of refuge”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Inheritances Divided - Joshua 19:51

In the book of Joshua, we learned what happened, “When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them. According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein”, and in chapter nineteen and verse fifty-one of Joshua we learn how, “these are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun … divided for an inheritance” where we read,

These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

The verse reads, “These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “these are the inheritances” which means “the previously mentioned dwelling places existed as the possessions, properties, shares, portions and heritages”, “which Eleazar the priest” or “that Eleazar whose name means ‘God has helped’ and was the spiritual leader and chief ruler”, “and Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” and was “the successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel who led the conquest of Canaan”, “the son of Nun” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Nun whose name means ‘fish or posterity’”, “and the heads of the fathers of the tribes” which means “and the top, summit, chief and captains pertaining to the male progenitors and ancestors belonging to the clans or people groups” “of the children of Israel” or “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”, “divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh” which means “separated and assigned through the means of possession, property, share, portion and heritage within Shiloh whose name means ‘place of rest’ and was a city in Ephraim and the temporary home of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle which is the place where Samuel grew up” “before the LORD” or “in front and in the presence of Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how the above mentioned dwelling places were the properties and shares of the promise land that were distributed by “Eleazar the priest, Joshua and the heads of the fathers” of Israel, and they were distributed in portions within “Shiloh”, the place of rest, in the presence of Jehovah God.

The verse continues, “… at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “at the door of the tabernacle” which means “at the opening, doorway and entrance belonging to the sacred dwelling, home and habitation” “of the congregation” or “belonging to the appointed meeting place”. “So they made an end” or “therefore, then and on this account they, the leaders of Israel, accomplished, ceased, completed and finished” “of dividing the country” which means “apportioning, assigning, distributing and imparting the region, district, territory and land”. Joshua or the writer shared how the apportioning of the promise land was performed at the entrance to the sacred meeting place, and this completed the “dividing” of the territory within the promise land.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the apportioning of the promise land was completed with “Eleazar the priest, Joshua and the heads of the fathers” overseeing all the portions. They performed their work at the entrance of the sacred meeting place within “Shiloh”, and thereby fulfilled the task of assigning the land. God loves the people of Israel, and when the territories were given to the “tribes”, they were to raise their families within the in the nurture, admonition and worship of Him. God loves us, and His desire is to have a personal relationship 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 to 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 empower us to live according to that truth so that He takes pleasure in us and we enjoy Him as we live within His presence. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; 17:28; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “the LORD also spoke unto Joshua”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Joshua Receiving His City - Joshua 19:50

In the book of Joshua, we learned what happened, “When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them”, and in chapter nineteen and verse fifty of Joshua we learn how, “according to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked” where we read,

According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

The verse reads, “According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “according to the word of the LORD” which means “in keeping with the sentence and commandment belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “they gave him the city” or “they, the people of Israel, granted, bestowed and assigned to him, Joshua, the dwelling place and place of waking” “which he asked” which means “that he, Joshua, inquired of and requested”, “even Timnathserah” or “also and indeed Tiimnatserah or Timnath-heres whose name means ‘portion of the sun’ and was a city given to Joshua as a inheritance in the mountains of Ephraim on the north of the hill of Gaash where he was buried” “in mount Ephraim” which means “within the rising above the plain, hill country or range of mountains named Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap or I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was the mountain country of Ephraim”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of Israel granted “Joshua” “Timnathserah” which was the property he requested that was located in mountain called “Ephraim”.

The verse goes on to say, “and he built the city, and dwelt therein.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and he built the city” which means “and he, Joshua, erected and constructed the dwelling place or place of waking”, “and dwelt therein” or “and abode or lived within the dwelling place”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” constructed the dwelling place in “Timnathserah” and lived there.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the people of Israel obeyed Jehovah God’s commandment and granted “Timnathserah” within the mountain known as “Ephraim” to “Joshua”, and he constructed a dwelling place in which to live. In a similar manner, God wants us to trust in Him for our salvation through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to help us live, wherever we are, in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; 17:28; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “these are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun … divided for an inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thursday, July 30, 2026

At the End of Dividing the Land - Joshua 19:49

In the book of Joshua, we learned how,” this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse forty-nine of Joshua we learn what happened, “when they had made an end of dividing the land” where we read,

When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts,

the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:

The verse reads, “When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “when they had made an end” which means “at the time and moment they, Joshua and the leaders of Israel ceased, finished and completed” “of dividing the land” or “pertaining to the separating, allotting and distributing of the country, territory, region and country” “for inheritance” which means “on behalf of possession, property, share and portion” “by their coasts” or “through the means of their, the people of Israel’s, edges, circuits and boundaries”. Joshua or the writer referred to the time that the completion of the allotting of the portions and boundaries of the promise “land”.

The verse continues, “… the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “the children of Israel” which means “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” “gave an inheritance” or “granted, bestowed, assigned and allotted a possession, property, share, portion and heritage” “to Joshua the son of Nun among them” which means “to Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is Salvation’ who was the male offspring belonging to Nun whose name means ‘fish or posterity’ in the midst and middle of them, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” bestowed a portion of land in the midst of them to “Joshua” who was “Nun’s” male offspring.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how the people of “Israel” provided a property to “Joshua” after the completion of the division of the promise land. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He and “Israel” had been well served by “Joshua”, and now a provision of land was to be given to him. God wants us to serve Him well, and because He loves us, 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. 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 to serve Him as we receive His provision for our lives. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:12)

Next time we learn how, “according to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Inheritance of Dan - Joshua 19:48

In the book of Joshua, we learned how,” the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father”, and in chapter nineteen and verse forty-eight of Joshua we learn how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan” where we read,

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families,

these cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “the above mentioned cities exists as the property, possession, share, portion and heritage” “of the tribe” or “belonging to the clan or people group” “of the children of Dan” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Dan whose name means ‘a judge’ and was the fifth son of Jacob, the first of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid” “according to their families” or “in keeping with and accompanied by their, the tribe of Dan’s, kinsmen, kindred and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the above mentioned “cities” were the allotment given to the offspring of “Dan” and their relatives.

The verse goes on to say, “these cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “these cities” which means “the above mentioned dwelling places or places of wakening” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the tribe of Dan’s, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer added that the dwelling places and settled abodes previously listed were provided to the “tribe of Dan”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how it was reiterated that the names of the “cities” listed above became the territory that was provided to the people of “Dan”. God said He would give the people of Israel places to live within the promise land, and tribe by tribe and people group by people group God was keeping His word. God loves people, and He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “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 help us know how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn what happened, “when they had made an end of dividing the land”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…