The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, August 15, 2026

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…

The LORD Knows - Joshua 22:22

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,)

The verse reads, “The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knows, and Israel he shall know;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “the LORD God of gods” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God who is the Supreme Deity of deities” “the LORD God of gods” or “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God who is the Supreme Deity of deities”, “he knows” which means “he, Jehovah God, perceives, discerns, distinguishes and discriminates”,“and Israel” whose name means “God prevails” and “is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “and Israel he shall know” which means “and Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ will perceive, discern, distinguish and discriminate”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of “Reuben, Gad and the one-half tribe of Manasseh” declared that Jehovah God is aware of what they were doing and the people of “Israel” would discern as well.

The verse goes on to say, “if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “if it be in rebellion” which means “whether and in case it, the erecting of the altar, exists in revolt”,“or if in transgression” or “whether and in case the building of the altar is an unfaithful and treacherous act” “against the LORD” which means “in opposition to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God”, “(save us not this day)” or “do not liberate or deliver us, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh, upon this particular sunrise to sunset”. Joshua or the writer shared how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the one half tribe of Manasseh said in case they built the altar as an act of revolt and treachery, they should not be spared on that “day”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how the people of the Reuben, Gad and the one half tribe of Manasseh responded to “Phinehas and the ten princes’” charges against them. They made their appeal to Jehovah God’s knowledge concerning their motives for building the sacrificial place. They even said they should not be “saved” if their act was in revolt or treachery in opposition to God. God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts, and because we all have sin in our lives that leads to death, (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we surrender 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 help us to live in a manner that is in alignment with Him and His purposes. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how they answered, “we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Answer - Joshua 22:21

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 verse reads, “Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “then the children of Reuben” which means “at that time the offspring and progeny belonging to Reuben whose name lands ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah and the male progenitor who descended from Reuben” “and the children of Gad” or “and the 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 and the tribe who descended from Gad” “and the half tribe of Manasseh” which refers to “the one-half clan or people group belonging to Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh” “answered” which means “responded, testified and spoke loudly”. Joshua or the write shared how the offspring belonging to “Reuben, Gad and one half of the tribe of Manasseh” responded to the charges made by “Phinehas and the ten princes”.

The verse continues, “… and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and said unto the heads” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed toward the chiefs, captains, rulers and leaders” “of thousands of Israel” or “belonging to thousands of people from 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 said the “Reubenites, Gadites and one half of the tribe of Manasseh” began to speak to the leaders and rulers.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the people from “Reuben, Gad and one half tribe of Manasseh” responded to “Phinehas and the ten princes” who were the leaders of “thousands of” the people of “Israel”. We shall see what they say in the next few verses, but for now let us be reminded that the “Reubenites, Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh” were to continue in their mission work to the world. God wants us to be involved in His Kingdom, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to manage our lives in keeping with His perfect and holy way that blesses and pleases Him. (See John 3:15; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knows, and Israel he shall know”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, August 14, 2026

Did Not Achan Trespass? - Joshua 22:20

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, in that you have builded you an altar, that you might rebel this day against the LORD? Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD. But that you must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing you rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel. Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty of Joshua we learn how Phinehas and the priests say, “if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over unto the land of the possession of the LORD” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “did not Achan the son of Zerah” which means “was it not so that Achan whose name means ‘troubler’ and was a Judaite who violated God's specific ban on taking any loot from the captured city of Jericho and was stoned to death along with his family for this violation who was the male offspring belonging to Zerah or Zarah whose name means ‘rising’ and was a son of Reuel and grandson of Esau, one of the dukes of the Edomites”, “commit a trespass” or “act unfaithfully, treacherously and against God” “in the accursed thing” which means “within the devoted, dedicated and banned act and deed”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Phinehas and the ten princes” questioned the people of “Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh” by referring to the unfaithful and treacherous act performed by “Achan”. (See Joshua 7:1)

The verse goes on to say, “and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and wrath fell on the all the congregation of Israel” which means “and anger, rage, strife and indignation came upon and happened to each, the whole and everyone belonging to the assembly belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”? “and that man perished” or “and that male human being, Achan, expired, died and gave up the ghost” “not alone in his iniquity” which means “not by himself within his, Achan’s, perversity, depravity, guilt and consequence”. Joshua or the writer shared how “anger and indignation” came upon everyone in “Israel”, and “Achan” died, but not by himself in his transgression. (Achan’s family also died in the incident.)

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how “Phinehas and the ten princes” questioned whether the people of “Reuben, Gad and one half tribe of Manasseh” recalled how “Achan” acted treacherously by taking items that were not to be taken in Jericho. His deed caused all of “Israel” to be penalized and thirty men lost their lives because of it. Sometimes remembering consequences from the past may keep us from repeating offenses, however because we “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. (See Romans 3:23) God’s saving grace is given to us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of everyone, and He was resurrected 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 o our sins, granted everlasting life and

Next time we learn how, “the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Pass Over to the Land of Possession - Joshua 22:19

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, in that you have builded you an altar, that you might rebel this day against the LORD? Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD. But that you must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing you rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse nineteen of Joshua we learn how Phinehas and the priests say, “if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over unto the land of the possession of the LORD” where we read,

Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

The verse reads, “Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over unto the land of the possession of the LORD,” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “notwithstanding in the land of your possession be unclean” which means “however, nevertheless and moreover whether and in case the territory and property pertaining to your, the Reubenites, Gadites and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh’s, inheritance exists as impure both ethically and religiously”, “then pass you over” or “at this time alienate, do away with and traverse you, Reubenites, Gadites and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” “unto the land” which means “to the territory and property” “of the possession of the LORD” or “pertaining to the territory and property belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Phinehas and the ten princes” said whether the territory they were occupying existed as impure, they should cross the Jordan River and take ownership of the territory Jehovah God provided to them within the promise land.

The verse continues, “wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “wherein the LORD’S tabernacle dwells” which means “in which place the sacred dwelling place and habitation belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God is settled, continues and abides”, “and take possession among us” or “and seize, own and take ownership in the midst and middle of us, the people of Israel”: “but rebel not against the LORD” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover do not in opposition to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name of the One True God”, “nor rebel against us” or “no and not in any way revolt or be in rebellion in opposition to us, the people of Israel”, “in building you an altar” which means “in constructing and erecting a sacrificial place or location” “beside the altar of the LORD our God” or “alongside and accompanying the sacrificial place or location belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how Phinehas and the ten princes told the Reubenites, Gadites and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh to seize property within the promise land and not to revolt in opposition to the people of Israel or Jehovah God.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how “Phinehas and the ten princes” offered to allow the Reubenites, Gadites and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh take an inheritance within the promise land rather than cause a revolt in opposition to Jehovah God by erecting their “altar”. We can see how they attempted to intercede on their behalf, and we shall see what becomes of their suggestion. For now let us consider that Jehovah God interceded on our behalf when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live in keeping with that truth so we align with Him so we are never in rebellion against Him. (See John 3:16;16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the congregation asks, “Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…