Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
11:19-20 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
"Not one city made a treaty of peace" though they all had opportunity to do so. They had seen clear evidence of God working on behalf of the Israelites. Because they did not take the opportunity God gave them, their hearts became hard.
11:19-20 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
"Not one city made a treaty of peace" though they all had opportunity to do so. They had seen clear evidence of God working on behalf of the Israelites. Because they did not take the opportunity God gave them, their hearts became hard.
12:1 These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of the Arabah.
12:7 Here is a list of the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak.
Joshua removed all the significant military threats to the Israelites. Each tribe is then responsible for removing localized threats. Likewise God has conquered our major threat, the devil. It is up to us to enforce God's victory in all areas of our lives.
12:1 These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of the Arabah.
12:7 Here is a list of the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak.
Joshua removed all the significant military threats to the Israelites. Each tribe is then responsible for removing localized threats. Likewise God has conquered our major threat, the devil. It is up to us to enforce God's victory in all areas of our lives.
13:33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
Likewise Christians are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession" (1 Peter 2:9). God has not given us land but we have God himself as our inheritance.
13:33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
Likewise Christians are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession" (1 Peter 2:9). God has not given us land but we have God himself as our inheritance.
14:12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
Caleb never forgot God's promise to him not even after 45 years. And he asked for the part of the country that had been the source of discouragement for the other 10 spies (the Anakites – giants).
God doesn't forget his promises but we also need faith and courage to walk in them.
14:12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
Caleb never forgot God's promise to him not even after 45 years. And he asked for the part of the country that had been the source of discouragement for the other 10 spies (the Anakites – giants).
God doesn't forget his promises but we also need faith and courage to walk in them.
15:19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
Caleb seemed to know his daughter wanted something (v.18) but he made her ask. God wants us to ask too, even though he knows what we want. Asking lessens our self-dependence and makes us acknowledge our inadequacy.
15:19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
Caleb seemed to know his daughter wanted something (v.18) but he made her ask. God wants us to ask too, even though he knows what we want. Asking lessens our self-dependence and makes us acknowledge our inadequacy.
11:19 not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites
Interesting to read this in light of Deuteronomy 20:10-11 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.
God didn't just wipe people out, they could have chosen to work for the Israelites. God had also instructed the Israelites to treat their slaves well and not abuse them.
11:19 not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites
Interesting to read this in light of Deuteronomy 20:10-11 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.
God didn't just wipe people out, they could have chosen to work for the Israelites. God had also instructed the Israelites to treat their slaves well and not abuse them.