March 27, 2023
We read today a great deal of the taking of the land by the Israelites then the land is both divided and allotted as we see chapters 13 to 15.
Chapter 13 –
There was still much land to be possessed and Joshua had grown old but God promised top drive out the remaining people before Israel. Therefore, in light of God’s promises Israel was to divide the promised land as an inheritance among the tribes.
Verses 8 to 33 outline the apportionments as God directed. The only tribe to not receive an inheritance was Levi. Instead of a parcel of land for their inheritance it was God who was their inheritance.
Chapter 14 –
The following chapters through chapter twenty-one outline the division of the land among the tribes, providing specific details of cities and borders that was apportioned to each.
As the book of Joshua outlines the division of land among the tribes of Israel, it also includes an account of a special man and his inheritance. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah. He approached Joshua to remind him what the Lord had promised concerning him.
As you remember from a previous study and your knowledge Caleb along with Joshua were the only two spies who brought back a good report of the promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb did not die in the wilderness from disobedience.
Now eighty-five years old and still as strong as when Moses sent him out. So he asked Joshua to give him the land promised to him.
Chapter 15 –
Chapter 15 focuses on the tribe of Judah. As the biblical story unfolds Judah will become more and more prominent. This is because in Genesis, Israelite forefather Jacob prophesied that a kingly dynasty would arise from the son of Judah, eventually resulting in the Messiah (Gen. 49:9-10).
In the Old Testament much is made of family inheritance and passing down the favor of God from generation to generation as family is the foundation of society. Both physical and spiritual blessings were passed.
Asbury United Methodist Church 