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.
16:2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz), crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth.
Jews believed that Jacob had his dream of angels ascending and descending on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem (though we are told it was at Luz which Jacob renamed Bethel – house of God). Yet throughout these chapters in Joshua it seems to that Bethel is a very different place to Jerusalem.
Perhaps the Jews wanted to restrict God to one place in the world where heaven touched earth. One place that is truly holy.
However God will not be boxed in but meet us at any place which he makes holy by his presence.
16:2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz), crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth.
Jews believed that Jacob had his dream of angels ascending and descending on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem (though we are told it was at Luz which Jacob renamed Bethel – house of God). Yet throughout these chapters in Joshua it seems to that Bethel is a very different place to Jerusalem.
Perhaps the Jews wanted to restrict God to one place in the world where heaven touched earth. One place that is truly holy.
However God will not be boxed in but meet us at any place which he makes holy by his presence.
17:17 But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
The people of Joseph complain they can't possess their land because of the Canaanites iron chariots but Joshua tells them they are able. He knew God would help them.
In Judges 1:19 we again find these iron chariots were a problem. Seems like their caved into their fears.
17:17 But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
The people of Joseph complain they can't possess their land because of the Canaanites iron chariots but Joshua tells them they are able. He knew God would help them.
In Judges 1:19 we again find these iron chariots were a problem. Seems like their caved into their fears.
18:3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
Joshua empowers these tribes by getting them organised (v.4-6).
18:3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
Joshua empowers these tribes by getting them organised (v.4-6).
19:9 The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah’s portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah.
This fulfilled Jacob's prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7).
Judah had more than they needed so they were able to share with others. A lesson for us not to hoard what we cannot use.
19:9 The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah’s portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah.
This fulfilled Jacob's prophecy (Genesis 49:5-7).
Judah had more than they needed so they were able to share with others. A lesson for us not to hoard what we cannot use.
20:5 If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because the fugitive killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought.
There was not to be instant reprisal. God put in a place a process which meant justice could be administered calmly, fairly and thoughtfully not rashly in the heat of the moment.
20:5 If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because the fugitive killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought.
There was not to be instant reprisal. God put in a place a process which meant justice could be administered calmly, fairly and thoughtfully not rashly in the heat of the moment.