In today's reading we reach the end of the allotments of the promised land.
A few verses stood out to me:
"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.” Joshua 19:9
The tribe of Judah had to share some of their inheritance because, when planning out the allotments for each tribe, an error was made as to exactly how much land was available & they had run out at that point. Probably a bit tough to swallow for the tribe of Judah, but we don't hear of any grumbling or complaining about it even though it would have been within their right to keep it all to themselves.
We can be reminded to be generous with what we have & willing to give of our abundance (even to those who are maybe less than deserving).
“ (When the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it. They settled in Leshem and named it Dan after their ancestor.)” Joshua 19:47
After all that they had conquered, they still did not trust God completely. The tribe of Dan found that some of their land was difficult to conquer, so they chose to migrate to where they knew the victory was easier.
Anyone can trust God when things are easy. The real test in our faith comes when the going is difficult.
“When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.”
Joshua 19:49&50
After all was said & done, Joshua received his inheritance. His choice was some land in the same country as his own tribe.
What a great reminder to keep our humility no matter our position. No only did Joshua wait until after everyone had been “served,” but he also chose the “common” land of his family rather than looking for something more deserving of a great leader.
“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” Joshua 21:45
In the end, after all of the Israelites shortcomings, after many years & many trials all of God’s promises are fulfilled.
God is faithful. Sometimes it may take longer than we would like, our patience may be tried, we may be tested & go through more than we think we can take, but God will go with us, carry us when necessary & lead us to our promised land.
3 comments:
Joshua 21:45 also stood out to me.
God is good. All the time. A good reminder to trust God until the end.
Joshua 21:45 stood out to me as well.
Joshua 21:44b also stood out to me:
None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies.
Love Joshua 21:45!
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