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” … and after they responded in an effective manner, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse one of Joshua we learn how, “Joshua waxed old and stricken in age”, where we read,
And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.
The verse reads, “And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and it happened and occurred” “a long time after” or “a great while of time following” “that the LORD had given rest” which means “that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God granted, bestowed and assigned repose and quiet” “unto Israel” or “to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails” and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “from all their enemies” which means “separate and apart from each, the whole and every one of their, Israel’s, hating foes and enemies” “round about” or “encircling and surrounding them”. Joshua or the writer shared how for quite a while Jehovah God provided quiet and repose on behalf of “Israel” separate and apart from their hating foes.
The verse goes on to say, “… that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “that Joshua” whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ and was “the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan” “waxed old” or “grew and became older and showed some age” “and stricken in age” which means “and entered into the fulfillment of life”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” grew older and entered into the completion of life.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Joshua” was getting old, and during that time Jehovah God provided rest and repose for “Israel” from their hating adversaries. God was in control, and even as we age, He continues to have our best interest in mind. 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, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him even as we grow older and age in this world. (See John 3:16)
Next time we learn how, “Joshua called for all Israel”, 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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