Daily Bible Reading for March 24, 2020

Today my Bible reading plan covers Joshua chapters 5-8.

In Chapter 5, the Canaanites and the Amorites were afraid of the Israelites because they had heard how their God allowed them to cross the Jordan River on dry land. Also, Cod ordered the new generation of Israelites born in the wilderness to be circumcised. Circumcision was a seal of their covenant with God, and they had not yet been circumcised.

“So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place that Joshua circumcised.” Vs. 7a

In Chapter 6, God gives Joshua the plan of attack to take Jericho. Jericho was a walled city, and because of their fear of the Israelites, no one was going in or out. The plan involved marching around the city once a day with priests carrying trumpets marching before the ark of the covenant, blowing continually with the rearguard behind the ark. The people were to be silent, but on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and on the seventh time around when the priests blew a long sustained sound, the people were to shout. When they shouted the walls of Jericho came down, and they took the city. God remembers Rahab, the prostitute.

“Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.” Vs. 17b

In Chapter 7, Israel loses the battle at Ai because they did not devote everything to the LORD for destruction in their conquest as God commanded. Achan, of the tribe of Judah, was the one who took some of the devoted things for himself and hid them. Achan, his family were stoned to death, then burned with all of his possessions.

“Then the LORD turned from his burning anger.” Vs. 26b

In Chapter 8, the LORD encourages Joshua to take Ai, for he is given the city into their hand. God gives him the plan of attack which includes an ambush.

“Then you shall rise up from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will give it into your hand. And as soon as you have taken the city, you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you.” Vss. 7-8

God is faithful to his promises, but he expects full obedience. For just as God is faithful and gracious, he is still a consuming fire whom we should fear and must be careful to do all he says. This is the same for us today, if we say that we love him, Jesus tells us to keep his commandments.

Let’s read the Book!