Daily Bible Reading for March 26, 2020

Today my Bible reading plan covers chapters 12 through 15 of Joshua. These are the chapters that many would find challenging to read because it provides mostly names, of cities, and of kings.

In Chapter 12, the author of the book of Joshua gives a summary of the kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River to obtain the land for the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It also names the thirty-one kings that Joshua and the Israelites defeated on the west side of the Jordan River.

In Chapter 13, God recognizes that Joshua is old and that there was more land to possess, directs him to allot the land that he had already conquered to the nine tribes and half-tribe of Manasseh.  The writer details the inheritance received by the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Levites are the only tribe to not receive an inheritance as their portion is God.

In Chapter 14, the writer details the allotment of land to the nine and the remaining half-tribe of Manasseh. Caleb reminded Joshua that he was promised land for following the LORD and that he was still strong enough to drive out the inhabitants. He was one of the spies that told Israel that they need not fear, but they could take the land. Joshua honored what had been promised.

“Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.” Vs. 9

In Chapter 15, the allotment of land to Judah by clans is detailed city by city, including Caleb’s allotment.

“And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak, Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the descendants of Anak.” Vs. 14

God is a God of specificity. In one place, it is stated that God knows the number of hairs on our head, so to read the details of boundary lines and the cities and towns for each tribe is amazing, in that it shows how Great our God is, yet he can recognize the frame of Joshua, knowing that he could no longer lead the fight.

Yes, this section and upcoming sections may be challenging, but so important to appreciate the sovereignty and omniscience of God.

Let’s read the Book!