The story of Deborah is a great anthem for women's liberation. it speaks to us of how God does not limit us by gender, ethnicity, etc. God does not see us in any way except as children of God. Chapter 5 is the song of what God has done for Israel through the obedience of Deborah and Jael. Notice the opening lines, "when the princes (leaders) in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves......praise the Lord!" Isn't that true? When leaders lead and the people offer themselves, God can and will do wonderful things. When leaders fail in their responsibility, when the people fail in their responsibility; it makes it easy for the deceiver to accomplish his purpose and usher in a time of failure in the church. The Church is designed under the kingship of Jesus to be fully equipped for victory. A church that is failing is lacking in one of the key elements that are praised in this hymn of praise. God inspired leadership and God inspired laity can conquer the land in the name of the one true God.
Chapter 6 begins with this continuous cycle of blessing and curses. We know that following the great victory of Deborah there was a season of 40 years of peace, but once again Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord and God sent the Midianites to drive them back into repentence. This might be hard to think about, but is it possible that the Midianites were an instrument of God's grace? God could have allowed Israel to continue to sink in the abyss of idol worship and evil, but God did not. He sent the Midianite raiders to cause Israel to cry out again to the God of their Ancestors and he could answer their prayers. The Midianites were desert people. Israel had defeated them during the time of the Exodus, but they didn't finish the job and here they are back giving them fits. They come in raiding parties during the time of harvest to steal the fruit of Israel's labor. Isn't that what sin does? It robs us of the 1st fruits that God intends for us.
Gideon is an unlikely hero. He is from the half tribe of Manasseh and the least among them. He had a pretty low opinion of himself. But he does have some things going for him. 1st he is a humble man. winnowing barley in the winepress is an indicator of his humility and of some good thinking. Instead of winnowing in the open where others could see the harvest he lowers himself into this place that is hot and sticky and dirty (the wind does not blow through the wine press). 2nd he cares. He is thoughtful about Israel's problems and how they no longer bring honor to themselves or to God. He has knowledge of God's care for Israel in the past and he is spiritually hungering to see God again to marvelous works to and through Israel. And he is teachable. None of the rest matters if Gideon is not ready to hear and respond to God. But he is so God shows up. this is called a theophany when God appears in a bodily form to interact with a human being. god tells Gideon that he is going to use him to defeat the Midianites. Gideon asks for a sign and the Angel of the Lord consumes Gideon's offering in the fire. Gideon asks for another sign. The fleece is wet and the ground is dry. Gideon presses God for another sign. The fleece is dry and the ground is wet. Does this remind you of Abraham arguing with God over Sodom and Gommorah?
convinced that God is indeed with him, Gideon destroys the Baal altar in his community. But he is not 100% convinced that God will protect him so he does this work in the cover of darkness. God does protect him and Gideon is further encouraged. he calls for an army and 32,000 answer the call. God say, "too many". If I allow you to defeat Midian with this army, you will think it is because of your great power. Obey me and know that I am God and I fight this fight for you.
God winnowed that army down to 300 men and then he allowed Gideon to overhear the Midianite soldiers discussing a dream about a loaf of barley bread rolling into and destroying their camp. Do you remember what kind of farmer Gideon was? he raises barley. God had given a vision to Midian that a loaf of Barley bread would be their undoing. If he needed more assurance that God was using him in a mighty way, Gideon had it. he immediately called his army of 300 to prepare for war. He armed each man with a earthen pot with a torch inside, a sword and a trumpet. They surrounded the Gideon camp and at Gideon's command each man broke the clay pot revealing the lighted torch and they sounded their trumpets. The lights and the trumpets caused the Midianite armies to believe that they were surrounded by a vast army. Each lamp and each trumpet represented a company of men. The Midianites fled in confusion and even fought each other. Gideon called for the men of Israel to pursue and complete the rout that God had ordained.
What should we take from this story? God can do more than we can imagine. We do not have to have a vast and powerful army of volunteers to conquer sin and evil. God does speak through signs and they are visible to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Are you looking for a sign? It might be right in front of you. Is your fleece wet or dry? Give God glory for your victories. Know that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Joshua 24-Judges 4
Sunday is the hardest day for me to blog. My day begins early and ends late after youth and choir practice. And then there is 5 chapters to read and blog about. The reading isn't difficult particularly when you get to books like Judges that are filled with stories of heroes and heroines. Having whined enough, here are my daily ramblings:
The last chapter of Joshua marks a turning point in this new nation called Israel, Joshua is 110 years old and he, like his mentor Moses, reminds the people of all that God has done for them. The are about to live in cities that they did not build and eat of vineyards that they did not plant. In light of all the blessings that they enjoy can there be anything more natural than to SERVE THE LORD was has given blessing abundantly. Choose, says Joshua. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Remember as you decide for you and yours, our God is a jealous God, don't enter into this relationship half-heartedly......God demands that those who serve him to be fully devoted. Don't serve part time. Don't give an oath that you cannot keep. Doesn't this remind you of the words in the book of James, be either hot or cold because if you are luke warm, God will spew from his mouth. That will be the prophetic relationship between God and his chosen people. They seem unable to commit themselves in their service to God. The vacillate between the world and righteousness. As a result, there is great suffering and great loss of life. Judges speaks of some of this loss.
After Joshua and the elders of his generation die, Israel enters into a time of uncertainty. They have no king, no central government. They are a loosely defined group of tribes who answer to God and to the laws that he handed down through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The period of the Judges is about 340 years. It is marked by seasons of captivity and deprivation and by seasons of obedience which are marked by peace and prosperity. During those seasons of blessing, the people of Israel are being led by Judges who have been raised up by God in response to the prayers of the people who are suffering much like Israel did in Egypt. The difference is that they are now suffering at the hands of the Canaanites, the Amorites and the people that they failed to push out of Israel during the time that God led them into battle.
As Israel wavers during this time between depravity and righteousness we see the worst of men and the best of God. These stories are the result of Israel having settled for less than what God had desired for them. Their disobedience in occupying the land left sin in their midst and overtime the sin crawled right into their homes and became part of them. The false Gods of the pagan nations became accepted throughout Israel and God allowed these pagan nations to become instruments of correction. They became a thorn in the flesh of God's chosen people.
In Judges 2 we see Israel confronted by the Angel of the Lord and they recognize their sin. They are remorseful, they weep bitter tears, they offer sacrifices to God in their sorrow and their remorse; but they do not drive the sin from their lands. God says that the sin (false gods and disobedience to his rule and way) will become a snare to Israel and indeed it does. The Canaanites and Amorites become a strong people again and impose their will on the 12 tribes. God in his mercy hears the cries of his people and he sends a deliverer. 1st it is Othniel, a descendent of Caleb. Then it is Ehud, a left handed fellow that ends the life of their oppressor. Then it is Shamgar. Then it is Deborah. Each time a Judge leads Israel to victory, there is a season of thanksgiving and peace but then the next generation backslides and repeats the failures of those that refused to be obedient and sin again permeates the tribes. God responds by allowing the pagan people to inflict his wrath upon Israel. it is a cycle that could be easily broken if only Israel would keep their covenant and honor God with their heart, soul,mind and strength. They seemingly cannot.
These stories ought to cause us to reflect upon our own homes, our own communities and lives. is there sin that we ought to rid ourselves of but we do not, perhaps because it would be politically incorrect? We know that gambling does not honor God, but our governments have become so dependent upon the sin taxes and revenues that come from legalized gambling, alcohol and tobacco that we cannot say know. Not far from where I live is a legal business that makes 100% of its revenue by selling pornography. It is legal but that doesn't make it moral or Godly. There is sin in our camp. how long before we pay a price greater than we can afford because we lack the moral courage to rid the community of that which can and will destroy it.
The last chapter of Joshua marks a turning point in this new nation called Israel, Joshua is 110 years old and he, like his mentor Moses, reminds the people of all that God has done for them. The are about to live in cities that they did not build and eat of vineyards that they did not plant. In light of all the blessings that they enjoy can there be anything more natural than to SERVE THE LORD was has given blessing abundantly. Choose, says Joshua. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Remember as you decide for you and yours, our God is a jealous God, don't enter into this relationship half-heartedly......God demands that those who serve him to be fully devoted. Don't serve part time. Don't give an oath that you cannot keep. Doesn't this remind you of the words in the book of James, be either hot or cold because if you are luke warm, God will spew from his mouth. That will be the prophetic relationship between God and his chosen people. They seem unable to commit themselves in their service to God. The vacillate between the world and righteousness. As a result, there is great suffering and great loss of life. Judges speaks of some of this loss.
After Joshua and the elders of his generation die, Israel enters into a time of uncertainty. They have no king, no central government. They are a loosely defined group of tribes who answer to God and to the laws that he handed down through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The period of the Judges is about 340 years. It is marked by seasons of captivity and deprivation and by seasons of obedience which are marked by peace and prosperity. During those seasons of blessing, the people of Israel are being led by Judges who have been raised up by God in response to the prayers of the people who are suffering much like Israel did in Egypt. The difference is that they are now suffering at the hands of the Canaanites, the Amorites and the people that they failed to push out of Israel during the time that God led them into battle.
As Israel wavers during this time between depravity and righteousness we see the worst of men and the best of God. These stories are the result of Israel having settled for less than what God had desired for them. Their disobedience in occupying the land left sin in their midst and overtime the sin crawled right into their homes and became part of them. The false Gods of the pagan nations became accepted throughout Israel and God allowed these pagan nations to become instruments of correction. They became a thorn in the flesh of God's chosen people.
In Judges 2 we see Israel confronted by the Angel of the Lord and they recognize their sin. They are remorseful, they weep bitter tears, they offer sacrifices to God in their sorrow and their remorse; but they do not drive the sin from their lands. God says that the sin (false gods and disobedience to his rule and way) will become a snare to Israel and indeed it does. The Canaanites and Amorites become a strong people again and impose their will on the 12 tribes. God in his mercy hears the cries of his people and he sends a deliverer. 1st it is Othniel, a descendent of Caleb. Then it is Ehud, a left handed fellow that ends the life of their oppressor. Then it is Shamgar. Then it is Deborah. Each time a Judge leads Israel to victory, there is a season of thanksgiving and peace but then the next generation backslides and repeats the failures of those that refused to be obedient and sin again permeates the tribes. God responds by allowing the pagan people to inflict his wrath upon Israel. it is a cycle that could be easily broken if only Israel would keep their covenant and honor God with their heart, soul,mind and strength. They seemingly cannot.
These stories ought to cause us to reflect upon our own homes, our own communities and lives. is there sin that we ought to rid ourselves of but we do not, perhaps because it would be politically incorrect? We know that gambling does not honor God, but our governments have become so dependent upon the sin taxes and revenues that come from legalized gambling, alcohol and tobacco that we cannot say know. Not far from where I live is a legal business that makes 100% of its revenue by selling pornography. It is legal but that doesn't make it moral or Godly. There is sin in our camp. how long before we pay a price greater than we can afford because we lack the moral courage to rid the community of that which can and will destroy it.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Joshua 21-23
Another busy day filled with reminders of God's goodness and Grace. I will attend the funeral of Dale Ek, Tim's Dad, to celebrate the promise of God of eternity and then to Strasburg Union Church where a 90th birthday party will be going on for Marjorie Dillon, one of my childhood Sunday School teachers. She is, was and will be a Saint in God's army.
Just a few things about today's reading. In 21:45 we are reminded of God's faithfulness when the author of this book says, "not one of all the Lord's good promises failed." That is an important piece of theology to remember. God is faithful and can be trusted in every situation. times might be tough, but our God is tougher. Search the scriptures for his promises. Pray those promises and claim them for your own. remember that in their difficulty, Israel cried out to God and he heard their cries and came to deliver them from their oppressors. God is the original Promise Keeper!!!
Just got a phone call from Lisa Limberg, Secretary to the Supt. of Schools in Grain Valley. Patty Moss, wife of Dr. Moss, Supt. of Schools is on her way to KU Med and may have suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. They are great Christian people. Please keep them in your prayers today.
Joshua sends the tribes of Rueben, Gad and Manasseh back to the land that they have been promised on the other side of the Jordan. Joshua thanks them for their faithfulness to their brothers and sisters. This reminds us to our obligation to our Christian family. We may have received the blessing of security in this world, but we are called to work for liberty, justice and sufficiency for all of the family of God. If one of our brothers suffers in Algerian, the Sudan, or India.....we have a responsibility to work on their behalf. resting is not what God calls us to until all are in the fold.
Joshua is near the end of his journey. He reminds Israel that it was God who fought for you. Never forget!!! Be strong and obey and God will continue to bless and protect. Do not become as those who lived in this land. This is the same warning that Paul gives to the New Testament Church, "be in the world but not of the world." We are called to a higher standard of righteousness. The world wants us to become like them, but we are to be salt and light.....setting an example of God's call.
So live righteously today and every day. Be faithful in your prayers. Honor God with all that you do and then be ready to see his mighty hand at work in and around you. God bless you....hope to see you tomorrow as we practice Sabbath.
Just a few things about today's reading. In 21:45 we are reminded of God's faithfulness when the author of this book says, "not one of all the Lord's good promises failed." That is an important piece of theology to remember. God is faithful and can be trusted in every situation. times might be tough, but our God is tougher. Search the scriptures for his promises. Pray those promises and claim them for your own. remember that in their difficulty, Israel cried out to God and he heard their cries and came to deliver them from their oppressors. God is the original Promise Keeper!!!
Just got a phone call from Lisa Limberg, Secretary to the Supt. of Schools in Grain Valley. Patty Moss, wife of Dr. Moss, Supt. of Schools is on her way to KU Med and may have suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. They are great Christian people. Please keep them in your prayers today.
Joshua sends the tribes of Rueben, Gad and Manasseh back to the land that they have been promised on the other side of the Jordan. Joshua thanks them for their faithfulness to their brothers and sisters. This reminds us to our obligation to our Christian family. We may have received the blessing of security in this world, but we are called to work for liberty, justice and sufficiency for all of the family of God. If one of our brothers suffers in Algerian, the Sudan, or India.....we have a responsibility to work on their behalf. resting is not what God calls us to until all are in the fold.
Joshua is near the end of his journey. He reminds Israel that it was God who fought for you. Never forget!!! Be strong and obey and God will continue to bless and protect. Do not become as those who lived in this land. This is the same warning that Paul gives to the New Testament Church, "be in the world but not of the world." We are called to a higher standard of righteousness. The world wants us to become like them, but we are to be salt and light.....setting an example of God's call.
So live righteously today and every day. Be faithful in your prayers. Honor God with all that you do and then be ready to see his mighty hand at work in and around you. God bless you....hope to see you tomorrow as we practice Sabbath.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Joshua 18-20
Our sympathies to Tim Ek and his family in the loss of their father Dale who has had a long struggle with Parkinson's. Praise be to God for his promise of immortality, a glorified body and life in him.
Just a couple of thoughts about today's reading. why do you suppose Joshua had to tell the remaining tribes to get out there and possess their land? Could it have been because they had spent their entire lives as sojourners, folks living out of suitcase and a tent? Even if something is very good, we sometimes are reluctant to step in because we are familiar with what we already know. How like that are we? We resist being fully in God's presence because we know the world so well. We give up the best for the pieces that have fallen to earth.
I think it interesting that they set up the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh and there they cast lots for the remaining land. Casting lots was a demonstration of Faith in God. They believed that God could control every aspect of life and the lots would be influenced by God to provide them with just what they needed. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) These folks were acting in Faith that God knew what was best for them and would control the lots to insure that they would recieve what they needed. Now how faithful is that? and could we trust so implicitly that God will provide for our every need.
The cities of refuge are established as God commanded. Remember the cities of refuge are places where an innocent person accused of murder could flee and find sanctuary. A couple of thoughts about the similarities between cities of refuge and Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus and the cities of Refuge are easily reached by any who need them.
2. Jesus and the cities of Refuge are available to everyone regardless of race, color or creed.
3. Jesus and the cities of refuge are the only way you can escape the avenger who pursues.
4. Protection is found only when you remain withing the refuge provided by Jesus or the city.
A difference: the city of refuge is intended to protect the innocent.....Jesus Christ will save the vilest of sinners.
God bless you this day. Hope to see you on the Sabbath.
Just a couple of thoughts about today's reading. why do you suppose Joshua had to tell the remaining tribes to get out there and possess their land? Could it have been because they had spent their entire lives as sojourners, folks living out of suitcase and a tent? Even if something is very good, we sometimes are reluctant to step in because we are familiar with what we already know. How like that are we? We resist being fully in God's presence because we know the world so well. We give up the best for the pieces that have fallen to earth.
I think it interesting that they set up the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh and there they cast lots for the remaining land. Casting lots was a demonstration of Faith in God. They believed that God could control every aspect of life and the lots would be influenced by God to provide them with just what they needed. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) These folks were acting in Faith that God knew what was best for them and would control the lots to insure that they would recieve what they needed. Now how faithful is that? and could we trust so implicitly that God will provide for our every need.
The cities of refuge are established as God commanded. Remember the cities of refuge are places where an innocent person accused of murder could flee and find sanctuary. A couple of thoughts about the similarities between cities of refuge and Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus and the cities of Refuge are easily reached by any who need them.
2. Jesus and the cities of Refuge are available to everyone regardless of race, color or creed.
3. Jesus and the cities of refuge are the only way you can escape the avenger who pursues.
4. Protection is found only when you remain withing the refuge provided by Jesus or the city.
A difference: the city of refuge is intended to protect the innocent.....Jesus Christ will save the vilest of sinners.
God bless you this day. Hope to see you on the Sabbath.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Joshua 15-17
More of the distribution of the promised land. Not much to say about these chapters except notice the little insert about Caleb offering his daughter as a wife to the man who drives out one of the Anak. remember that the Anak are the tribe of giants that struck fear in the hearts of the Israelites 40 years earlier and the tribe from which Goliath will come from. What do you suppose this is about? Two things, Caleb wants a man for his daughter that will not shrink from doing that which God has already called them to.....drive the Anak from the land.....and I think he wants someone with a heart like his own that beats fiercely.....a man that does not fear a challenge. And isn't Caleb's daughter much like her Dad? In the chapter earlier, Caleb is not bashful about asking for what he wants in the distribution of land. Here, his daughter is bold to ask for the land with springs for herself and her new husband.
Sprinkled throughout these chapters are the words that remind us that despite the great victories the occupation is never completed. Later chapters and books will tell the story of how fatal this is to Israel. Why did they not complete the work? It certainly seems that they could have. It would have taken effort, but what great thing ever becomes ours that doesn't require effort. Many of those who were allowed to stay were forced to serve Israel in menial work or as slaves. Perhaps this is the key to the failed victory. Many of Israel desired peace and wealth more than they valued obedience to God. They compromised and kept slaves in order that they might live lives of ease. The seeds to their own destruction have been sowed. Do we ever compromise in similar ways? Do we accept less than full victory for God? Do we allow some little sins remain because we believe that they can do no real damage?
The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim want more land than their allotment. Joshua tells them, "if you are a great people, go and get land." there was more land to be had, but it would require work. Where they willing to extend themselves to have all the blessings that God desired for them? Are we? There are folks all around us who need what we have. Some of them will face judgment without ever having heard the story of the God who loves them with a love that will not let them go. Why are we so reluctant to do the work that would extend the borders of the church and God's kingdom?
Sprinkled throughout these chapters are the words that remind us that despite the great victories the occupation is never completed. Later chapters and books will tell the story of how fatal this is to Israel. Why did they not complete the work? It certainly seems that they could have. It would have taken effort, but what great thing ever becomes ours that doesn't require effort. Many of those who were allowed to stay were forced to serve Israel in menial work or as slaves. Perhaps this is the key to the failed victory. Many of Israel desired peace and wealth more than they valued obedience to God. They compromised and kept slaves in order that they might live lives of ease. The seeds to their own destruction have been sowed. Do we ever compromise in similar ways? Do we accept less than full victory for God? Do we allow some little sins remain because we believe that they can do no real damage?
The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim want more land than their allotment. Joshua tells them, "if you are a great people, go and get land." there was more land to be had, but it would require work. Where they willing to extend themselves to have all the blessings that God desired for them? Are we? There are folks all around us who need what we have. Some of them will face judgment without ever having heard the story of the God who loves them with a love that will not let them go. Why are we so reluctant to do the work that would extend the borders of the church and God's kingdom?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Joshua 12-14
Another great day to be alive!!! Hope you will get to spend a few moments out in the sunshine, basking in God's promise of springtime.
Why do you suppose we have this list of conquered kings? Could it be because we need to remember, from time to time, all that God has done for us? Such a remembrance reminds us of how blessed we are and gives us an opportunity to tell again the story of God's goodness and mercy.
God tells Joshua that he is getting old(I don't need to be reminded Lord), but there is still much to do, lands yet to be conquered. Can I suggest what this may mean to us as a people of Faith? We have seen God's mercy and blessing in our place of ministry. He has grown us and made us able to do even more in his name and for his sake. Much work has been accomplished. Many lives have been touched......BUT.... there are still lands to be conquered, there are yet lives to be touched. This is not a time to take a vacation....this is a time to press ahead to continue to build the kingdom and to do that which God has called us do for as long as we have life and breath and this great hope in Jesus Christ.
In the 13th verse of the 13th chapter there is this little piece, "the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maachathites." These were people on the other side of the Jordan in the allotment to Gad and Rueben. We don't give it much thought, but remember that God had commanded that all of these pagan peoples would be driven out. Later in the history of Israel, King Solomon will take a wife from among the Geshurites and they will have a son named Absalom. Absalom will lead a revolt against the kingdom. He will go to Geshur to gather strength and Israel will become a divided land. The sin that was left will be their destruction.
Chapter 14 reintroduces us to Caleb, one of the two faithful spies from 40 years before. he is now more than 80 years old and still filled with strength and vigor. He reminds Joshua, as he begins the allocation of lands to the tribes, that God promised him the land upon which his feet had trod. he asks for what God had promised as a reward for his faithfulness. We should follow after Caleb's example. Our lives should be lived faithfully in service to the God of our creation and we should not be bashful about asking God for the promises that he has made to us as his children.
Why do you suppose we have this list of conquered kings? Could it be because we need to remember, from time to time, all that God has done for us? Such a remembrance reminds us of how blessed we are and gives us an opportunity to tell again the story of God's goodness and mercy.
God tells Joshua that he is getting old(I don't need to be reminded Lord), but there is still much to do, lands yet to be conquered. Can I suggest what this may mean to us as a people of Faith? We have seen God's mercy and blessing in our place of ministry. He has grown us and made us able to do even more in his name and for his sake. Much work has been accomplished. Many lives have been touched......BUT.... there are still lands to be conquered, there are yet lives to be touched. This is not a time to take a vacation....this is a time to press ahead to continue to build the kingdom and to do that which God has called us do for as long as we have life and breath and this great hope in Jesus Christ.
In the 13th verse of the 13th chapter there is this little piece, "the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maachathites." These were people on the other side of the Jordan in the allotment to Gad and Rueben. We don't give it much thought, but remember that God had commanded that all of these pagan peoples would be driven out. Later in the history of Israel, King Solomon will take a wife from among the Geshurites and they will have a son named Absalom. Absalom will lead a revolt against the kingdom. He will go to Geshur to gather strength and Israel will become a divided land. The sin that was left will be their destruction.
Chapter 14 reintroduces us to Caleb, one of the two faithful spies from 40 years before. he is now more than 80 years old and still filled with strength and vigor. He reminds Joshua, as he begins the allocation of lands to the tribes, that God promised him the land upon which his feet had trod. he asks for what God had promised as a reward for his faithfulness. We should follow after Caleb's example. Our lives should be lived faithfully in service to the God of our creation and we should not be bashful about asking God for the promises that he has made to us as his children.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Joshua 9-11
Another beautiful day here in Columbia, Missouri. Hope your day was filled with sunshine wherever you are.
Interesting story here in Joshua 9 about the Gibeonites. They know, like Rahab before them, that God is with Israel and they cannot possible stand against them. Them come to deceive Joshua and Israel and are successful in convincing them that they come from a far county. When Joshua discovers the lie, Israel has already entered into a covenant with Gibeon. I know that lying is a violation of one of the big 10, but making and then breaking an oath is another grave sin before God. Two wrongs don't make a right so Joshua and Israel keep their oath with Gibeon but make the Gibeonites servants, bearing wood and water for the tabernacle.
Interesting sidelight.....Gibeon becomes linked to Israel in some interesting ways. The continue as servants to the tabernacle. Gibeon is named a priestly city. One of King David's men is named as a Gibeonite. God speaks to King Solomon at Gibeon. The Gibeonites are among those named who help Nehemiah rebuild the wall of Jerusalem after the exile. Has God redeemed the Gibeonites as he did the Harlot Rahab? When King Saul breaks the oath and attacks the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel, God punishes Israel with a famine.
Notice one of the names of the Southern King of Jerusalem: Adoni-Zedek. That means King of Righteousness. Can't be! God is King of Righteousness......this king of a pagan land must represent a false God. No matter what Satan may call himself.....he cannot stand against the one true God. Adoni-Zedek and all of his allies fall to Israel on the longest day of history.....the day that God causes the sun to stand still until the victory is completed!
In Chapter 11, the Northern Kings are similarly dispatched. After both North and South are under Israelite control, Joshua turns toward the Anakim. Do you remember that it was the Anakim that caused the 10 spies to return to Moses and say, "we are as grasshoppers among the giants." Their fear of these people led to 38 more years in the wilderness and the needless deaths of a generation. This time Joshua does not falter in his faith.....The Anakim are destroyed except for some in a few coastal cities. Israel will pay for this failure....Goliath of David and Goliath fame will come from the city of Gath. Paul's adage from the Book of Romans rings true in Israel's conquering of these Canaanite lands, "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
Interesting story here in Joshua 9 about the Gibeonites. They know, like Rahab before them, that God is with Israel and they cannot possible stand against them. Them come to deceive Joshua and Israel and are successful in convincing them that they come from a far county. When Joshua discovers the lie, Israel has already entered into a covenant with Gibeon. I know that lying is a violation of one of the big 10, but making and then breaking an oath is another grave sin before God. Two wrongs don't make a right so Joshua and Israel keep their oath with Gibeon but make the Gibeonites servants, bearing wood and water for the tabernacle.
Interesting sidelight.....Gibeon becomes linked to Israel in some interesting ways. The continue as servants to the tabernacle. Gibeon is named a priestly city. One of King David's men is named as a Gibeonite. God speaks to King Solomon at Gibeon. The Gibeonites are among those named who help Nehemiah rebuild the wall of Jerusalem after the exile. Has God redeemed the Gibeonites as he did the Harlot Rahab? When King Saul breaks the oath and attacks the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel, God punishes Israel with a famine.
Notice one of the names of the Southern King of Jerusalem: Adoni-Zedek. That means King of Righteousness. Can't be! God is King of Righteousness......this king of a pagan land must represent a false God. No matter what Satan may call himself.....he cannot stand against the one true God. Adoni-Zedek and all of his allies fall to Israel on the longest day of history.....the day that God causes the sun to stand still until the victory is completed!
In Chapter 11, the Northern Kings are similarly dispatched. After both North and South are under Israelite control, Joshua turns toward the Anakim. Do you remember that it was the Anakim that caused the 10 spies to return to Moses and say, "we are as grasshoppers among the giants." Their fear of these people led to 38 more years in the wilderness and the needless deaths of a generation. This time Joshua does not falter in his faith.....The Anakim are destroyed except for some in a few coastal cities. Israel will pay for this failure....Goliath of David and Goliath fame will come from the city of Gath. Paul's adage from the Book of Romans rings true in Israel's conquering of these Canaanite lands, "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
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