In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel”, and in chapter eight and verse thirty-four of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua, “read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings” where we read,
And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings,
according to all that is written in the book of the law.
The verse reads, “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and afterward” which means “and following the time when Joshua divided the people of Israel into two groups and had them stand upon mount Garizim and mount Ebal” “he read all the words” or “he, Joshua, called out, recited and proclaimed each, every, the whole and every one of the utterances, declarations and proclamations” “of the law”, which means “belonging to the direction, instruction and legal codes”, “the blessings” or “the praises of prosperity, gifts and peace” “and cursings” which means “and vilifications, execrations and that which is accursed”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” proclaimed every declaration belonging to the instruction of God including all the praises of prosperity and peace and the vilification of acts which are accursed.
The verse continues, “… according to all that is written in the book of the law.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “according to all that is written” which means “in keeping with each, every, the whole and every one of the words which were inscribed and engraved” “in the book” or “within the missive, document or writing” “of the law” which means “pertaining to the direction, instruction and legal codes”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” proclaimed the “law of Moses” in keeping with everything that was inscribed within his document of instructions and legal codes.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua began to declare every “word” of Jehovah God’s “law” as given to “Moses”. Not only were the people of Israel to worship God by offering sacrifices on the alter and to know the “law of God” inscribed thereon, but they were also to know and obey “every word” of God given to them. God knows what is best for all our lives, and when we “read” the Bible, we are hearing from Him. God wants us to know Him and to have a personal relationship with Him 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 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 remind us of His “law” and ways, and to help us be obedient to His every command.
Next time we learn how, “there was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not”, 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".
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