The Word for Today with Ray

Friday, June 12, 2026

Reigning in Hermon - Joshua 12:5

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east, Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon. And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah: And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei”, and in chapter twelve and verse five of Joshua we discover how Og “reigned in mount Hermon” where we read,

And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

The verse reads, “And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and reigned” which means “and ruled and had dominion” “in mount Hermon” or “in the rising above the plain known as Hermon whose name means ‘a sanctuary’ and was a mountain on the northeastern border of Palestine and Lebanon and overlooking the border city of Dan”, “and in Salcah” which means “and within Salcah whose name means ‘migration’ and was a town or district at the extreme eastern limit of Bashan and allocated to the tribe of Gad; modern ‘Sulkhad’ which is fifty-six miles (90 km) east of the Jordan the southern extremity of the Huron mountain range”, “and in all Bashan” or “and in each, every and the whole part of Bashan whose name means ‘fruitful’ and is a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was Gien to the half-tribe of Manasseh”, “unto the border” which means “to the limit or territory” “of the Geshurites” or “belonging to the Geshurites whose name means ‘proud beholders’ and were the inhabitants of Gesher” “and the Maachathites” which means “and the Maachathites whose name means ‘pressure or literally she has pressed’ who were a people dwelling in Transjordan who were probably descendants of Maachah”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Israel” also possessed the land where “Og” the ruler was in “mount Hermon”, “Salcah", every part of “Bashan”.

The verse continues, “… and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and half Gilead” which means “and one-half of Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region” and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called ‘Mount Gilead’ or the ‘land of Gilead’ or just ‘Gilead’ and was divided into north and south Gilead”, “the border of Sihon” or “the edge or territory belonging to Sihon whose name means ‘warrior’ and was the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan”, “king of Heshbon” which means “royal ruler and leader belonging to Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the wester border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad”. Joshua or the writer shared how one-half of the city of “Gilead” which was on the edge of the location of “Sihon” who was the royal ruler and leader in “Heshbon” was also captured by “Israel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how the area of “Mount Hermon, Salcah and Bashan” as well as the edge of the “Gesherites, the Maachathites, the half of Gilead and the edge of “Sihon” who was the royal ruler of “Heshbon” were also overtaken by “Israel”. One by one Jehovah God gave these areas to the people of “Israel”, and He fulfilled His promise to give them the promise land. God will also fulfill His word to us to provide His salvation from sins and everlasting life when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. God loves Israel, and He loves us. He will attend to all the foes, territories and areas of our lives in keeping with His Divine purpose and will.

Next time we discover how, “them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite”, 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 Coast of Og - Joshua 12:4

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east, Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon. And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:”, and in chapter twelve and verse four of Joshua we discover how Israel defeated their foes from, “the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants” where we read,

And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants,

that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

The verse reads, “And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the coast of Og” which means “and the border or enclosed boundary belonging to Og whose name means ‘long-necked’ and was the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim" “king of Bashan” or “royal ruler and leader belonging to Bashan whose name means ‘fruitful’ and was a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh” “which was of the remnant” which means “that existed pertaining to the rest, remainder and other part” “of the giants” or “belonging to the colossus, behemoth or superhuman men”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” and “Israel” also capture the territory at the border pertaining to “Og” who ruled over “Bashan” that existed as the remainder of the colossus and superhuman men.

The verse goes on to say, “… that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “that dwelt at Ashtaroth” which means “who inhabited and lived in the location of Ashtaroth whose name means ‘star’ and was a city in Bashan east of the Jordan given to Manasseh” “and at Edrei” or “and in the location known as Edrei whose name means ‘goodly pasture’ and was a chief city of Bashan which was north of the Jabbok river”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “giants” lived in “Ashtaroth and Edrei”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of the territories that “Israel” overtook in the promise land. “Og” was the region in which the super human “giants” lived within the cities of “Ashtaroth and Edrei”, and these places were conquered. God gave these territories to “Israel” because He loves “Israel” and promised to provide for them. God loves us as well, and when He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live and receive from Him according to that truth in a way and manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time we discover how “Og” also, “reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From Chinneroth to the Sea - Joshua 12:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east, Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon”, and in chapter twelve and verse three of Joshua we discover how Israel defeated their foes, “from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain” where we read,

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

The verse reads, “And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and from the plain” which means “and apart from the desert steppe or wilderness” “to the sea of Chinneroth” or “unto the large body of water known as Chinneroth, Cinneroth or Chinnereth whose name means ‘harps’ and was the early name of the Sea of Galilee” “on the east” which means “in the eastward direction” , “and unto the sea” or “and to the large body of water” “of the plain” which means “belonging to the desert steppe or wilderness”. Joshua or the writer said “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” defeated their enemies from the desert wilderness to the “Chinneroth Sea” in the eastward direction to the large body of water belonging to the desert wilderness.

The verse continues, “… even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “even the salt sea” which means “also and indeed to the large body of water with powdery, pulverized and dissolved salt” “on the east” or “in the eastward direction”, “the way to Bethjeshimoth” which means “the road, distance, journey and direction toward Bethjeshimoth whose name means ‘house of desolation’ and was a place in Moab given to the tribe of Reuben”; “and from the south” or “and apart from the southern direction”, “under Ashdothpisgah” which means “beneath Ashdothpisgah whose name means foundation or slope”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” and the army of “Israel” also seized the territory toward the large body of water filled with salt and on the traveled road toward “Bethjeshimoth” and from the southern direction beneath “Ashdothpisgah”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more of the territory that “Joshua” and the people of “Israel” possessed within the promise land. From the desert wilderness to the “Chinneroth Sea” in the eastward direction, to the large body of water in the desert wilderness which was the large body of water filled with dissolved “salt” in the eastern direction to the traveled road toward “Bethjeshimoth” and beneath “Ashdothpisgah” in the southern direction. This wide area of territory was captured and overtaken by “Joshua” and the army of “Israel”, and city by city and land by land were overtaken by them. God gave “Israel” this promise land, and because He loves them, He provided for them. 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 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 give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in victory over foes and territories that are in opposition to Him.

Next time we discover how Israel defeated their foes from, “the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Kings Israel Defeated - Joshua 12:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east”, and in chapter twelve and verse two of Joshua we discover the names of the kings who were defeated where we read,

Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

The verse reads, “Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, …” Joshua or the writer began with the word, “Sihon” whose name means “warrior” “king of the Amorites” or “the royal ruler and leader belonging to the Amorites whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “who dwelt in Heshbon” which means “that inhabited and lived within Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad” , “and ruled from Aroer” or “and reigned, had dominion and governed from Aroer whose name means ‘ruins’ and was a city on the north bank of the river Arnon, the southern point of the territory of Sihon the king of the Amorites and later of Reuben; modern 'Arair'”, “which is upon the bank of the river Arnon” which means “that exists on the side or edge belonging to the flowing waters of Arnon whose name means ‘rushing stream’ and was a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine which forms the border between Moab and the Amorites”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Sihon”, who ruled over the “Amorites” and lived within “Heshbon” and governed from “Aroer” that was at the edge of the flowing waters of the “Arnon” was the first name of the people of the promise land that Joshua and the people of Israel defeated.

The verse goes on to say, “… and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and from the middle of the river” which means “and apart from the midst and center part belonging to the flowing water”, “and from half Gilead” or “and apart from one-half of Gilead whose name means rocky region and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead”, “even unto the river Jabbok” which means “indeed to the flowing waters named Jabbok whose name means emptying and was a stream which intersects the mountain range of Gilead and falls into the Jordan on the east about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea”, “which is the border” or “that exists as the territory, region and boundary” “of the children of Ammon” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan who descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. Joshua or the writer shared how the location of “Sihon” was also from the center of the flowing water, apart from one-half of “Gilead”, toward the flowing river named “Jabbok” which was the edge pertaining to the offspring belonging to “Ammon”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how“Sihon” was the name of the first royal ruler who was defeated by “Joshua” and the army of “Israel”. As we go through these names, let us be reminded that Jehovah God gave “Israel” these victories, and all glory should be given unto Him. God wants all of us to be under His Divine rule, and when we surrender to His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Sprit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in victory according to that truth and in keeping with His purpose, plan and will for our lives.

Next time we discover how Israel defeated their foes, “from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Kings that Israel Smote - Joshua 12:1

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. 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”, and in chapter twelve and verse one of Joshua we discover how, “these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote” where we read,

Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

The verse reads, “Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “now these are the kings” which means “the following exist as the royal rulers and leaders” “of the land” or “belonging to the territory, region, district and country”, “which the children of Israel” which means “that 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” “smote” or “struck, hit, beat and killed”. Joshua or the writer shared how the following is a list of the royal rulers belonging to the territories that the offspring of “Israel” struck and killed.

The verse continues, “and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and possessed their land” which means “seized, dispossessed and occupied their, the royal rulers’, territory, region, district and country” “on the other side Jordan” or “upon the opposite side of the 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)” “toward the rising of the sun” which means “in the direction of the sunrise or east”, “from the river Arnon” or “separate and apart from the flowing waters belonging to Arnon whose name means ‘rushing stream’ and was a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine which forms the border between Moab and the Amorites” “unto mount Hermon” which means “to the rising above the plain known as Hermon whose name means ‘a sanctuary’ and was a mountain on the northeastern border of Palestine and Lebanon and overlooking the border city of Dan”, “and all the plain on the east” or “and each, every and the whole desert steppe and wilderness in the eastward direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of “Israel” seized and occupied the territories belonging to the following royal rulers that were on the opposite side of the “Jordan” river where the sun rises and apart from the “Arnon” river, to the rising above the plain known as “Hermon” and every part of the desert wilderness in the eastward direction.

When we think through the words in this verse, we begin to see the “names” of the royal rulers who governed over the territories across the “Jordan” river that Joshua and the people of “Israel”conquered. “Israel’s” expansion was vast in the promise land, and because God gave these territories to them, many royal rulers and their people were exterminated. God is able to defeat any foe, and because He loves Israel and us so much, He sent His Only Begotten 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 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 follow His lead as He conquers all enemies that war against our souls.

Next time we discover the names of the kings who were defeated, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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…