Feb 11 (Jos 9-16)

Joshua 9

The news of God's work with Israel has spread throughout the whole continent. Tribes of people are very afraid of Israel and their God...as they should be!

(v.14) Joshua and the Israelites made a treaty with these foreign people, and did so without praying and seeking God's wisdom...big mistake. In the 1800's, Joseph Scriven wrote:

"Oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

Joshua 10

A confederation of kings try to strike Israel, and God hands them over to Joshua. As a final note, God does in all the survivors with hailstones from heaven...they didn't have a chance! We need to remember this:

For if God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)

Joshua 11

(v.22) Joshua destroys all the enemies in the area God gave Israel...but Joshua didn't destroy all the Anakim (giants) in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod. Isn't it interesting, that these three places are the hotspots of trouble today for Israel...Gaza, West Bank and the Golan Heights? Joshua left these places in Satan's control, and he has used the people there to torment and persecute Israel ever since.

Joshua 12

This is a record of the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua. Not only is it there for historical importance, but also to show us that with God on our side, we can accomplish much.

Joshua 13

God instructs Joshua to divide the conquered land amongst the tribes.

Joshua 14

Caleb is 85 years old, and he wants to finish the job that God sent him out to do! Caleb is a warrior, and a man of great faith!

Joshua 15

The tribe of Judah is focused on here, and we see that Caleb didn't exterminate all the Anakim, but he did drive them off. Centuries later, the Jews are still battling these areas where the Anakim were allowed to live.

Joshua 16

The land of Ephraim is settled.