Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel - Joshua 15:38

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages, and in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, and Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam, Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, and Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages: Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-eight of Joshua we learn about, “Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel” where we read,

And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel

The verse reads, “and Dilean, and Mizpeh, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Dilean" whose name means “gourd” and was “one of the cities in the lowlands of Judah, site uncertain”, “and Mizpeh” whose name means “watchtower” and was “a city in the district of the Shephelah or lowlands of Judah”. Joshua or the writer added “Dillan and Mizpeh” to the “cities” which were assigned to the “tribe of Judah” within the promise land. 

 

The verse continues, “… and Joktheel”. Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Joktheel” whose name means “the blessedness of God” and was “a city in the low country of Judah named next to Lachish”. Joshua or the writer included “Joktheel” to the list of “cities” which were granted to the “tribe of Judah” within the land of promise.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how “Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel” were among the dwelling places which were given by Jehovah God through Joshua to the people of “Judah”. These were places which were occupied by pagan Gentiles who had been defeated by the army of Israel, and their homes, businesses and buildings were left for the “tribe of Judah” to occupy. Jehovah God suppled these blessing to “Judah” to be used for their living and worship of Him. God gives and provides for us as well, and because everything belongs to Him (See Psalm 24:1), He is able to distribute according to His purpose and will. This much we know, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (See John 3:16), and His desire is for everyone to believe and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit 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 to empower us to live according to that truth so that our lives become a witness of His “saving power” that is available to everyone. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; 1 Timothy 2:4)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon”, 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".