March 31: Judges 3-5

March 31, Judges 3-5

Judges 3 The other foreign nations that were left (not conquered) in the territory of Israel, were left there by God to test the Israelites. Remember, God plans everything out. What looked like disobedience of the Israelites (which it was), God used as a testing for the Israelites to see if they would truly follow Him and not other gods. We learn here, that the Israelites were marrying the daughters of the Canaanites, giving their daughters to the Canaanites, and serving their gods. All the things that God said not to do.

Now we start to see the downward spiral of the Israelites. And the people of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord… They had forgotten about God (next generation again) so God had them sold to a neighboring nation and a king of Mesopotamia reigned over them. After eight years of hardship, they finally cried out to the Lord for help. So, God raised up Othniel, Caleb’s little brother, to be the first Judge over them. Typically, they Judges were military greats, but also served them civilly as well. God’s Spirit was with Othniel, and they won the battles, and God gave them rest for forty years, until Othniel died. After that, And the people of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord… then the Lord made the King of Edon, Eglon, come against the Israelites and they had to served him for eighteen years. Then they cried out to God, and God raised up a deliverer, Ehud, the next Judge to help them. If you have already ready these chapters, you are aware of the gruesome details that enfold. These details are indicative of the times that they were living in. Craftily, Ehud got a meeting with the king (the narrator points out to us that he was rather fat, which was culturally coveted as the heavier you were the more wealthy you were), and Ehud went in to meet him. When they were alone, he thrust an 18” sword into the belly of the king and left it in there, until his excrements came out in his death. Then they waged war against them and had victory. This victory brought them eighty years of rest.

Then we very briefly learn about the third judge, Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (a tool used for farm equipment, a long pole with a with a pointed end. Better known in modern day language as a cattle prod).

Judges 4 Again, after Ehud died, the people of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord… The Lord then sold them to a Canaanite King, Jabin. Jabin had a large army and 900 chariots (chariots back then were the modern day equivalent of decked out military trucks). He cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then we are introduced to the fourth Judge, Deborah, who was also a prophetess (A prophetess is a woman who speaks on behalf of God of upcoming events). The Israelites used to come to her to seek council. We are told that she sent for Barak and wanted to have him lead the Israelites in battle. He was hesitant, but would only go if she went. She warned him that they would win, but the glory would go to a woman, not him. They took ten thousand soldiers and attacked because the Lord had gone before them. They killed all the men, but the King got away, temporarily! He sought refuge with Jael, the wife of Heber, in her tent. He asked her for some water, because he was parched from the battle and exhausted. So, she gave him some milk and covered him with a rug. When he fell asleep afraid, she took a tent peg and a hammer and drove the peg into his temple into the ground, and he died. When Barak came pursuing, here stands Jael, another woman, that has been a crucial part of the victory. 

Judges 5 is the song of Deborah and Barak, recounting the victory and praising God for the battle against the Canaanites. Notice that ten of the twelve tribes were in on the battle and Jael gets an abundance of praise for the battle… Remember what Deborah said to Barak before the battle? Then the Israelites had rest for forty years. 

To sum it all up:

• Like in our own lives, God uses adversity and trials to purify us and sanctify us (make us to look more like His Son, Jesus Christ). We have seasons of adversity and it is in those times, that we must lean fully on God and run to Him. 
• Notice also the recurring theme that victory was theirs when God went before them. Is God going before you, or the other way around? Are you waiting for Him to lead you and are you obeying Him?
• The details are staggering to some readers as they are jaw-dropping gory details of the accounts of what really happened. Can this really be in the Bible? Yes it is. Strange, how we can flinch at reading these accounts and yet watch movies and TV shows that are 100 times more descriptive and we ‘relax’ with our loved ones watching it. How can this be? Remember, we serve a Sovereign God, and we are learning that He is a Divine Warrior with a purpose in everything that he does. The Bible is full of all kinds of wars, sex, relationships, parenting, disappointments, victories, promise and hope! Who needs TV when we can read the Truth!

March 30: Judges 1-2

March 30, Judges 1-2

We are about to start a new book of the Bible, Judges. Let’s be honest - Israel has shown a track record of struggling to obey Yahweh consistently. This book is no exception! “The theme of Judges is the downward spiral of Israel’s national and spiritual life into chaos and apostasy, showing the need for a godly king to lead it.” (ESV Study Bible) In this book, we get to learn and see that disobedience has major consequences. Regardless of their disobedience, remember that we serve a God who redeems! Nobody is 100% sure who wrote this book, so it is anonymous. 

Judges 1 In the opening chapter of Judges, we see that the Israelites have done an incomplete job of obedience, or as we call in it in our home - disobedience. We read about additional military conquests and the first one seems crazy! Their battle with Judah and Simeon against the Perizzites… they catch the King and cut off his big toes and thumbs! Seems barbaric doesn't it? In essence, they were making him unfit for any more battles, and we find out that he has done this to some seventy other Kings that he has conquered. The King viewed it as God repaying him for his sins. Then the men of Judah fight Jerusalem, and conquer it. Do you remember Caleb? I hope so… well here we read about his challenge - whatever man conquers Kiriath-sepher would get his daughter in marriage. Caleb’s younger brother Othniel captured it, and he gets the daughter and also an extra blessing of springs of water so they could work the land. This story is similar to another one that we will read about with Israel’s fist King, but we will get to that…

Then we read about numerous other battles where the Israelites conquered, but disobeyed by not driving out all the inhabitants. Like we tell our kids, partial obedience is still disobedience. 

Judges 2 The angel of the Lord - this is one of God’s representatives - came to the Israel and (under God’s authority) reminds the Israelites of their apostasy (abandoning their covenant to Yahweh). The consequences of this disobedience is God will not protect them or drive out their enemies. 

Then we are able to recall the death of Joshua, who like Moses at the end of his life, is remembered as a servant of the Lord. 

You will get used to reading this line in this book… and the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord… They abandoned what their fathers did and forgot what God has done. They served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. Instead of serving only Yahweh, they were now bowing to the Israelite gods. These were the main gods of their time, and we will get to this in depth later… just know, it is something that Yahweh would be solemnly against.

Then we learn that the Lord raised up Judges to help guide the people, because they had whored after other gods and did not listen. Interesting that the term whored after… They are supposed to be faithful to God and when they are not, they are similar to a husband cheating on his wife. God’s anger was fierce and the Lord was no longer going to protect them like He was or be with Him - because God will not share His love, nor does he have to.

To sum it all up:

• When God calls us or tells us to do something, we must obey fully!
• We are supposed to be faithful to God and when they are not, we are similar to a husband cheating on his wife. God will not have it. 

March 29: Joshua 22-24

March 29, Joshua 22-24

I know I say it every time, but Congratulations on finishing another book of the Bible! We learned that Joshua brought the Israelites into the Promised Land and how God did it for them as Divine Warrior. We have seen how a loving God provides for His people and wants us to follow Him Faithfully…

Joshua 22 Since God has given rest now to the Israelites, the tribes that were going to settle on the other side of the Jordan were able to go home, as promised from God. Before they left, Joshua cautioned them to be very careful to observe all that the Lord commanded them, and to cling to him. Joshua blessed them and sent them away.

When the tribes that left came to their land, they built a massive altar by the Jordan river. When the other Israelites heard about it, they became nervous about it and planned to make war against them (their own people). So, they sent some people to go confront the 3 tribes because it seemed that they were putting up an altar in rebellion against God, they wanted to make sure that they were following the Lord. They feared that their brothers were acting as pagans, erecting their own alters near the Canaanites, and they wanted to make sure they were not bending the way spiritually of the way of the Canaanites. If that was true, God’s anger would go against all of them, as they are a corporate nation - as they knew that they all would suffer for the sins of some or even one of their Israelite brothers. We learn from the Israelites that good brothers confront the issue, and find out the truth of the event and what is the real reason they are building an alter. So they journey to them, to see what is the real reason for the alter. What was the real reason that they put up the altar? So that the next generation of kids from the Promised Land would know that they too are Israelites. The Israelites were relieved to hear it and it became a visible monument between them, a witness between them and God. 

Joshua 23 - Remember what God has done! A long time after (ballpark 25 years later), Joshua called together all the elders and leaders and reminded them of all that God had done for them. God has taken care of them and fulfilled His promises, and He will continue to do so, but they have to be strong and do what God has called them to. Joshua wants them, not to fall prey to the Canaanites that they didn't drive out and seek after their gods - Joshua wants to make sure that they don't even mention the names of their pagan neighbors gods. Also not to intermarry with them. If they serve other gods, God’s wrath will come down on them like a fierce force. 

Joshua 24 is the last chapter of Joshua and it serves as a warning and a covenant renewal between them and God. Joshua gathers everyone together and speaks the words of God, given to him by the Almighty. God speaks to His people about how He has gotten them all their. And He gives a brief paraphrase of what He has done, and how He managed to get the Israelites where they were that day. 

Then we have a famous Christian verse that has appeared on quite a few bumper stickers, ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ Now look at it contextually and it isn't about choosing Christ as your personal Savior as much as it is about the fact that those that have chosen to follow the Lord, will show it by action. And most importantly, they will keep God as their only God, and have nothing to do with other gods. As Joshua was more concerned that they must not say they are following the Lord and then whore after the other gods. Joshua was telling them, that they must choose which way they were to act, either with Yahweh or against Yahweh. Joshua was pushing the people to faithfully serve the Lord, but in the heart, mind, soul, and in body. To serve the Lord in word and deed, in action and by showing it in their everyday lives… The Israelites unanimously answered that they would serve the Lord and so they made a covenant with God that day that this is what they would do. If they did not keep to it, they acknowledged that God would be against them for not keeping their promise to the Almighty. 

Joshua dies at 110 years old and they buried him in his land. Please note here - when Joshua was there and all his elders were alive, the nation of Israel served God. This is getting us ready for the disobedience that is coming in the next book, Judges…

But until that was to happen, the Israelites were given rest on every side because they followed the Lord…

To sum it all up:

• We learn from the Israelites that good brothers confront the issue, and find out the truth of the event. Is there something you have heard or know about and should confront in love?
• We are to cling to God. Have you ever had a piece of lint cling to you? Or some piece of clothing stuck to you because of static? Have you ever had cat or dog hair stuck all over your pants or jacket? It is actually pretty tough to get it off of your clothes without tugging on it. Well, we are supposed to cling to God. We know that Satan will try to tug us away, so don’t let him!
• Is your house obeying and bowing only to God? Will you take a stand and get rid of everything that draws you away from Christ?
• We, like the Israelites, need to be continually reminding ourselves and each other about what God has done in our lives. We should not doubt His Providence or Guidance, as He has always taken care of us. Make an effort to be reminded how God has taken care of you.

March 28: Joshua 19-21

March 28, Joshua 19-21

Joshua 19 - this chapter sums up the remaining tribes allocation of land, decide by God through the casting of lots. It is interesting to note in the beginning that Simeon’s tribe ended up getting land in the land of the tribe of Judah, because their land was too large. In essence, Simeon inherited cities vs land with borders. Either way, they inherited what they needed, and God knew that! Then we read about the other tribes and where their land was, and it was given to them. All except for the tribe of Dan, they had to fight for it, and they did - to get their land that was promised to them.

The chapter ends with Joshua getting his land last. This is another sign of a strong leader - he didn't take the best land first for himself, he waited till the end, when everyone else was given theirs.  

Joshua 20 is another fulfillment of God’s promises. The cities of refuge for alleged murderers is also allocated, spread throughout their kingdom. For a detailed breakdown of those guidelines, see Numbers 35:6-34.

Joshua 21… another promise fulfilled by God. The Levites are to get their land, not an inheritance like the others, but land for their cattle and families to dwell in. The Lord commanded Moses originally that they were to have 48 cities spread throughout, as well as the six cities of refuge to dwell in. Here - God fulfills it! They are spread out throughout all the tribes, to be able to serve everywhere that is needed.

Then the Israelites were given rest on every side…

To sum it all up:

• God plans everything out in advance - just look at all the details and breakdowns of how our Powerful God brings it all together!!!
• Not one of the promises of God were not fulfilled in regards to the Promised Land

March 27: Joshua 16-18

March 27, Joshua 16-18

Joshua 16-Describes the allotment of the people from Joseph, including Ephraim and Manasseh. Notice the partial obedience by them not driving out all the inhabitants… this will lead to disobedience later.

Joshua 17 continues on with the allocation of land. An interesting thing, and I am hoping you remember when we studied Numbers 27, where the daughters were able to inherit land (their father had no sons…). They got their land, as promised! And again, we learn that Israelites did not completely drive out the Canaanites… When the tribe of Joseph complained about not having enough land to Joshua, he simply instructs them to use ‘all’ their people and clear out the forests for more land and kept to what was promised. 

Joshua 18. It seemed as though seven of the tribes still hadn't taken possession of their land, and Joshua called them out on it. Joshua sent out men to look at the land and draw it out, so Joshua would divide it seven ways. Joshua cast lots to divide the land up, letting God decide. But again, the Levites would have no inheritance but would be taken care of.

Then we learn about the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smaller tribes. This smaller tribe in the future serves as a buffer between the north and the south, and also out of Benjamin comes Israel’s first King (we will get there!).

To sum it all up:

• We are reminded again today that God keeps His promises in His own time, not ours. Have you been waiting on God for an answer or a fulfillment of one of His promises? Look at how He took care of the Israelites and have faith that He will do the same for you.

March 26: Joshua 12-15

March 26, Joshua 12-15

Joshua 12 is a summary and brief recap of what Moses and Joshua did in battling against all the Kings. You can’t help but look at the list and admire what the Lord has done. He has taken and fulfilled His promises. Moses and Joshua had different callings, and this chapter affirms that.

Joshua 13 God talks to Joshua and states, although Joshua is old and can’t do much more conquering, that there still is lots more that needs to be done. But even though the enemy is still all in the land, God wants Joshua to divide the land up between the Israelites anyways. God then goes on to explain who gets what land where. And that the Tribe of Levi wouldn’t get any land, as the Lord is their inheritance. Then the Lord goes on about who gets what land and nestled in the middle, talks about Balaam who was killed with a sword. Remember Balaam? The guy with the talking donkey. 

See photo! It's awesome to see!

Joshua 14 The Lord is finishing with allotting the land to the Israelites west of the Jordan river. And then we have Caleb stating that he is now 85 years old, and still ready for war, was still willing to wipe out the enemy and any giants that lived in the land and he asked for that hillside, Hebron, to belong to him. Joshua liked that idea and gave him that land for him and his family. 

Joshua 15 This last piece of dividing the land, is all about the Tribe of Judah and their allotted land lines. There is some time spent on making sure that they knew exactly where their lines where, making sure all future generations knew the boundaries of Judah’s land. Then in verse 13, we jump over to Caleb and his area of land. And how he already came in contact with the giants of the land, and Caleb holds like a fairy tale story of how he offers his daughters hand in marriage for the capture of a city close by. The winner was Othniel, who ended up getting to marry Caleb’s daughter. When the daughter found this out, she asked for a field and springs of water. Then the chapter ends with a list of cities and tribes of Judah, in their new homes. 

To sum it all up:

• God keeps His Word, we can bank on that! Trust in His promises, they are the only things that don’t fail…
• As you can tell, in addition, God is Faithful to see things through…

March 25: Joshua 9-11

March 25, Joshua 9-11

Joshua 9 - The Deception. All the Kings of other nations were now terrified of the nation of Israel. Some planned together on how to fight against Joshua and the Israelites. While others were taking things in their own hands, on how to join forces with Israel so that their ‘fate’ wouldn’t look like Jericho’s. So a neighboring town decided to make a peace treaty with Israel. They knew that Israel wouldn’t join forces with the surrounding nations, so Gibeon, set up on how to attempt to deceive the Israelites, into making peace with them. They put on some rough looking clothes, grabbed old wine skins, and brought some old bread. They walked the six mile journey to the Israelites and claimed that they were from a land far away (thus implying that they were not a near by neighbor that would eventually get taken over by the Israelites). They knew about the power of God and what He had done for them, and they didn't want to be next. They lied to Joshua and the leaders, and Joshua (without seeking God again) made peace with them and and also made a covenant with them - to let them live. This covenant that they made with them would be like an ally, that they both would have to help each other and defend them from other nations that would war with them, and visa versa. But, shockingly, a few days later, the Israelites realized that they were deceived and these ‘foreigners’ weren't foreigners at all, but instead a neighboring nation. But, because of the oath that they made, the Israelites could not renounce on their covenant to God and kill them. So, instead of killing them, they upheld their part of the agreement and made them wood cutters and water carriers (typically that would be pretty low on the totem pole of laboring). Joshua then confronted them, making them nothing but Israelite’s servants bringing wood and water to the House of the Lord. Actually, all things considered, they get a rather prominent task to serve the Living God.

Joshua 10. Now we go back to the Kings that were conspiring against Joshua… Namely, King Adoni, was afraid of the Israelites because of what God had done, and also because they ‘partnered’ up with the Gibeonites - which was a large city with great warriors. So, all five Kings came together and were going to fight the Gibeonites. When Gibeon realized that they were under attack, they quickly sent word to their new allies, Israel, for help. Well, as God would have it, they were under the protection of Israel and God told Joshua to not fear, because God has given all these conspiring Kings over to Joshua. The battles began with swiftness from Joshua and God throwing all their enemies into a panic. Then we hear about the actions of the Divine Warrior, God! He threw down large stones from heaven and killed more men that day than the Israelites killed that day. Then we hear a crazy story - the sun stood still. Commentators have written much on this topic trying to explain away the phenomenon, but at the end of the day - this was a miracle of cosmic proportions. Since God created the universe, including the cosmos, He runs the show and can do as He pleases. Is it too much for the God that created it, to do with it as He pleases? Absolutely He can! This has never happened since, which puts a big whole in a lot of the other theories out there. 

Back to one of the many battles… All the five Kings all fled into a cave and Joshua commanded that they throw big stones in front of the cave and block them in, then go back to battle with a good strategy and they did, and were successful. After the battle, they went and got the five Kings and they put them to death. 

Then Joshua and all Israel moves on to attack Southern Canaan, that God was going to give to them. Just like the other battles, Israel was victorious. Then they go into a bunch of other wars with God’s favor, and every one of the was a success and being devoted to destruction. Why did they win every battle? Because God was with them and fought for them.

Joshua 11. Just as all the battles in the Southern areas went well, so does the conquest of the Northern Territory. Now the Northern Kings came together to attack Israel. God told Joshua not to worry - God will give them all over to Israel, and after they won, they were instructed to make the enemies horses unfit for battle and burn their chariots. Joshua and the warriors attacked, and they succeeded just like God said they would. I love verse 15, ‘Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.’ Joshua is being obedient and God is blessing him for it. 

Then we learn that Joshua basically was able to take all the land in the North, except of course the land of the Gibeonites, whom they were allies to. We also learn here that God had hardened all the hearts of all the other foreign people so that they would come against Israel in battle, so that they could be devoted to destruction.  By the end of the chapter, the Israelites had fulfilled what God had sent them to do - take over the land as their inheritance from God. Joshua had been at war a long time, ballpark is about seven years! Let’s not forget that Joshua got rid of all the Anakim people (the giants that the spies were afraid of with Moses, Numbers 13). It is a good way to end the battles with a reminder that no matter how big our enemy or how fierce it looks, if God is for us who can be against us?

To sum it all up:

• Even when we are deceived, we must keep our word if we made a promise before God. 
• God created the universe and He calls the shots… He can do as He pleases! It is for His Glory and His Purpose that we exist, and I for one, am happy to submit to Him. 
• Is God with you in your battles, or are you a maverick and flying solo, trying to rely on pulling up your bootstraps?
• It is a good way to end the battles with a reminder that no matter how big our enemy or how fierce it looks, if God is for us who can be against us?

March 24: Joshua 5-8

March 24, Joshua 5-8

Joshua 5 is a powerful chapter, as the Nation of Israel has now entered the Promised Land. What is one of the first things that Joshua does? He circumcised all the males. The previous generation had been circumcised per God’s command, and now this generation needed to be. Amazing that the previous generation hadn’t kept the commandment of God. Now this new generation has to be circumcised as adults. Thanks mom and dad… But putting all kidding aside, this new generation was going to keep God’s commandments no matter how hard it would be. They have been traveling around for 40 years and so now it was time to reinstitute it. After they had all healed up, Joshua had them keep the Passover. There was no more manna to eat, because now they could eat the fruits of the land! Their own land… This Passover is remembered as a sort of second Exodus for the Israelites.

Then towards the end of the chapter we read about Joshua’s encounter with a ‘man’ waving a sword. Joshua basically asks him if he was for them or against them… the response: neither - but I am the commander of the Lord’s army! Joshua fell down and then the commander told him (like was told to Moses) to take off his sandals, because he is on Holy Ground. God was going before them and had already been preparing the way… and He just showed it!

Joshua 6. The city of Jericho was locked inside its own city because the Israelites had them surrounded. (See photo of depiction of Jericho) God told Joshua - take a look!

read the study notes... pretty cool stuff!

The city is in your hand because I have given it to you, including the King of Jericho and his mighty men! Then God tells Joshua a very strange war plan that makes no logical sense (but God’s ways are not mans ways…) What were they to do? March around the city, everyday, for six days. Then have the priests take their trumpets and blow them walking before the ark. Then, on the seventh day, march around the city 7 times, and the priests blow their trumpets and when they blow the ram horn, have everyone yell at the top of their lungs. And this will make the walls come tumbling down. Yup - sounds like a solid battle plan to me. Although you didn’t see anyone trying to do that at the Alamo. Regardless of my sarcasm, it really was a winning plan. Joshua told the men the plan. And they believed in the Lord and chose to obey the plan… Joshua told them to do it but to make not even a whisper for the first six days while walking around the city walls. They did what they were supposed to for the six days. On the seventh day, they walked around the city 7 times in silence, as they did it again, but this time they gave a shout to the Lord! Remember the story of Rahab? During this time, she would have remembered the promise made to her and had her family in her house for these 7 days, to be saved. They were commanded by Joshua to protect Rahab the prostitute and her family (man of his word) and to kill everyone else and keep none of the plunder - the plunder that they would keep, was to go straight for God’s house. As they were yelling, the walls literally fell over. We are talking about concrete style walls, about 4.5 feet wide, not some pretend weak paper walls! Then the Israelites went in to take over. The two men that Rahab had saved, went and brought her and her family out for protection, and she and her family lived in Israel. Everything that wasn’t saved for the House of the Lord, was devoted to destruction. After the battle, Joshua put a curse on any nation or man who ever tries to rebuild Jericho - it symbolized Canaan’s sinful lifestyle - completely against what God wanted for His people. 

Joshua 7. Unfortunately, the obedience of the Israelites doesn't last very long… The entire nation is directly affected because of one guy, Achan, from the tribe of Judah. He took some of the items that were supposed to be either put in the Tabernacle or destroyed. We get back to that story soon, but we are told about it because it sets the stage for what is about to happen… Joshua sends more spies to go to Ai, a wicked city not far away from them, and check it out. They came back and told Joshua, no problem - we can take them out easy. Joshua decided to send about 3,000 men to attack them, but instead of winning, they they got their rear ends kicked by a weaker nation and 36 men died that day. Why? God was not with them. Joshua had not sought God’s divine guidance and was probably feeling pretty good about himself after they had just pummeled Jericho. But let’s remember, God gave them Jericho. In response, Joshua and the elders fell to the ground and mourned before the Lord. They almost go old school Israelite and complain about being brought out there only to die… Aren't we passed that yet? Nope… 

God told Joshua to get up! Israel has sinned by keeping some things for themselves that were supposed to be destroyed - devoted to destruction. Joshua tells all the Israelites to get cleaned up (consecrated) because tomorrow they have to stand before Yahweh. God literally showed Joshua and the elders by casting lots, which is like throwing dice and knowing the outcome is from God on God’s literal choice of whom it was that stole from the city. They narrowed it down to Achan. Achan, when confronted, knew he had sinned against God because he took some silver, a coat, and some gold. Then he told them where it was hidden. As a side note, theologians surmise that back then, what he stole would have been worth more money than a laborer would have made in his entire lifetime - thus the temptation. They took him outside, with his whole family, including all his belongings and burned them, then stoned them, and buried them under a pile of stones, and then God’s anger subsided. Does that seem outrageous to you? I think it is interesting that even after a confession, God still demands that the sins that effected the nation needed to be dealt with harshly. Think about it from God’s side - He provides everything that they need and gives them victory and prosperity - but that isn't enough for some of His people… I would want to get rid of that poison before it infected everyone else as well (I just don't have the authority to take it as far as God does!).

Joshua 8 is a redemption chapter! God told Joshua to not be afraid and go after the city of Ai because God has given it to them. And this time, they get to keep the plunder. I am sure Achan wished he would have obeyed and waited, he could have kept some gold and a coat. God does have His ways. God gives Joshua a battle plan to go behind the city and lay an ambush and this time Joshua goes in with 30,000 (not 3,000) mighty men of courage and commands them to go, because this time God was with them and had given plans for winning to the Israelites. They attacked and obeyed - without the ambush it would not have gone so well! God told Joshua to stretch out a javelin towards Ai and then they ran and captured the city, no survivors, except the King of Ai which they later hung and threw his body on the heap of ruins at the entrance of the city. The entire time, Joshua held his arm out with the Javelin pointing at the city in obedience to God! (This mirrors when Moses was leading the Israelites in battle with the Amalekites and he had to hold his arm up, for them to win the battle. Exodus 17) 

Then Joshua renews the covenant and built an altar unto God. Then they re-read all the words of the Law, reminding them of the blessings and the curses for their obedience.

To sum it all up:

• Let’s be honest - if you knew the Lord had sent to you the commander of His army to go before you, would you not have all the confidence in the Lord? Well, in Christ, we have that protection now, everyday and in every way.
• Are you seeking God before you make decisions? We must be on our knees before God Almighty asking and obeying His guidance. If we don’t, the results can be disastrous. 
• Don’t keep looking back on your life either to miss the way it was or live in regrets. There is an old saying… If you are driving down the road and are constantly looking into your rear-view mirror, sooner or later you are going to crash and hit something right in front of you… So, keep your eyes on Jesus and go where He leads you!
• We have temptations all around us that lure us away from being obedient to God. There is not one temptation that should overcome us - because of the resurrecting power and blood of JEsus Christ that we can lean on and cling to. Will you obey God? Even if you don't get to keep the plunder…

March 23: Joshua 1-4

IMarch 23, Joshua 1-4

Here was start a new section in Scripture, called the Historical Books. This section begins with a bang, as Joshua is leading the Israelites into the actual Promised Land. “Joshua recounts part two of God’s grandest work of redemption in the Old Testament period. In part one (The Pentateuch), under the leadership of Moses, the Lord redeemed His people out of bondage in Egypt and formalized His covenantal love for them at Sinai. Now, in part two, under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord as Divine Warrior brings His people into the Land of Promise and gives them “rest.””(ESV Study Bible)

The book of Joshua can be challenging to read, as their is multiple battles and many people die. How can a loving God kick people out of their land and have many of them, including children, be killed? In its basic form, Yahweh is the Personal Creator that owns everything, including land, and can distribute or redistribute the land how He pleases. The main reason that the Canaanites are removed from their land, is because of their lack of morality and abominable practices that are abhorrent to God Almighty…

Joshua 1 starts off with God speaking first. The chapter is broken into to three sections - God talks to Joshua, Joshua talks to the people, the people respond to Joshua… 

God has tasked Joshua to go over the Jordan and lead the Israelite people to the Promised Land, now that Moses is dead. God makes promises to Joshua, a lot like He did to Moses… No man can stand against him, God will not leave him, only he needs to be courageous for what is coming. A strong emphasis on obedience to the Law, not veering right or left from it and it will go well for him. Again - Joshua is not to fear but be courageous because God is with him wherever he goes.

After that, Joshua commanded the officers of the people to get their people ready to pass into the Promised Land. To the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua reminded them of their promise to Moses to go and fight with their brothers and get them settled, then they could go home to their families. 

They answered Joshua with a resounding Yes! They will do as they promised and also follow him. Interesting, at the end they remind him to be strong and courageous… he must be reminded of this because life is going to get tough!

Joshua 2 is a famous Biblical story of Rahab, the prostitute and her redemption through the Israelites and their God, Yahweh. Joshua sent two spies to go and search out the land, especially Jericho. This shows that Joshua was a good leader, as he was doing good preparation prior to going in to war. They end up finding safety under the roof of Rahab, who was a prostitute. But it is clear here, that they went there to get information and use it is a place to stay, that would have been under the radar and not a typical hotel. We also know that the spies were not there to be immoral and not to pay for sex. Think of it more like a place where people would have asked less questions about two foreign men visiting, because of where they stayed. The King of Jericho heard that the men came (not very good spies!) and the King sent to Rahab telling her to give them up. Her response, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” But she had hidden them on the roof of our house. We cannot really do an ethical debate here, because it is written in narrative and is not prescriptive - meaning that Joshua didn't feel the need to explain it further, just stating it as fact. Then Rahab confesses to the spies in secret that she knows that they are from the Lord and everybody in her area is afraid of them because of what God has done for them… She asked them to spare her and her family for protecting them, and the two spies agreed that when they were to invade, they would keep her safe. All she needed to do was tie a red scarlet rope on her window and the Israelites would know to protect her. They left her place and went to the hills like she said to hide, and then they went and reported it all to Joshua.

Joshua 3 is another historic story where the Israelites cross the Jordan river during flood season. Joshua told the people to get consecrated (cleaned before Yahweh) because the next day they will be traveling within 2,000 feet of the Ark of the Covenant! God told Joshua that on that day, God will exalt Joshua in front of all the Israelites, like He did for Moses. Joshua basically tells the people, come and watch God work for you…

The priests were told to go to the bank of the river Jordan and put their feet in the water. When the Ark was with them, they went and touched the water and the water miraculously stopped running. This was the time of the year that the Jordan flooded… this was not a trickling creek, but a massive river. The priests stood firmly on dry ground and all the people passed over the Jordan river! Also - note here that this is the first time that Israel is called a Nation, no longer just a people group. Interesting...

Joshua 4 is when the Nation of Israel passed over the Jordan and they made an altar of twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes, to remind future generations of the power and majesty of Yahweh, their God. The Israelites obeyed Joshua and set up the altar where the feet of the priests touched the water. They ran across the Jordan quickly… In addition, we learn that the Israelites had about 40,000 men ready for war now and also that God truly did exalt Joshua on that day - just like He promised. 

To sum it all up:

• God has tasked Joshua to lead the Israelites. This, as we have learned, is not an easy task. To bring it home… Regardless of what God has tasked you to, He will equip you for the challenge. God will also not leave us or forsake us, just like with Joshua. Like Joshua, we too are to be strong and courageous in defending the name of God Almighty.
• Never doubt who or what God will use to fulfill His purposes to reveal His love and grace. Be it a talking donkey, a child, a prostitute, or a thief on the cross - God will have His way. We read too many stories in Scripture to doubt how God works!
• How much do you trust God? If He’s asked you to do something crazy (like walk into a river during flood season), are you willing to obey Him? What has God called you to do? Maybe it is something that your family or peers or even church friends would think that you were crazy to do? Believe you me… if God has called you to something, you best obey. Or like Jonah, God will go to extreme measures for your obedience. 
• Rehab was a prostitute. She joined the Israelites and married in. She ends up becoming the mother of Boaz, the great-grandmother of David. And Rehab is in Jesus’ very own bloodline. What does this teach us? That our past, never defines us. What defines us is our future with the Lord of all creation. 
• You can always count on the promises of God. God never goes against His Words. What God says will happen, will happen.

March 22: Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91

March 22, Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91

Well, congratulations again for reading another book of the Bible! What a great journey that we are on together and I am praying that you are growing in your faith as you are staying in His Word and hopefully looking for ways to Glorify Him!

Deuteronomy 32 is the song that Moses was given by God to teach the people of future generations, so that they didn't forget what God has done for them. It explains the majesty of Yahweh and some of the attributes of God. It recalls how God found them and took care of them, and also talks of future curses if they walk in disobedience. God is the one who kills and God is the one who heals - nothing is out of His hands - He is Sovereign. 

Then God tells Moses that very soon (that day) he is to go up to the mountain to die, not to enter the Promised Land, but he may at least see it from the mountaintop.

Deuteronomy 33 is the final blessing of Moses to the Israelites. He blesses the tribes…

Deuteronomy 34. The death of Moses. Moses went up to the mountain and got to see the land that God had promised to the Israelites. Moses died at 120 - with all the energy and vigor, and God buried him! Nobody knows where his body was buried. I think that this is so they couldn't make an idol out of his body.

Then Joshua, full of the Spirit of God, takes over the leadership. There has never been a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord spoke face to face, until Jesus comes.

Psalm 91 is an incredible psalm full of tenderness and hope. God will protect His people. This doesn't mean that we are not going to have hardships and trials, but we can rest in the arms of the Almighty. Satan  used this verse 11-12 but twisted and misquoted it to Jesus in the New Testament, in Matthew 4:6 - Satan missed the middle of verse 11, that talks about ‘to guard you in all your ways…’ meaning that we are to walk in the ways of the Lord, in Righteousness and in Truth.  

We are to hold fast to God Almighty and He will deliver us from our enemies. And the Lord Himself says to all of us, (Verse 15-16) “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. 

To sum it all up:

• The Lord’s promises of blessings and curses still apply today. Although we focus on the spiritual blessings, we must not over look the physical ones He promises. Which are protection, love, and peace. 
• We need to learn from Moses, that although we are saved, there are consequences to disobeying God. And we need to make sure that even if we don’t get to go to the promise land. That we are thankful, we get to see it with our own eyes. God is kind and merciful. He is just and we need to trust His discipline and His plan. 
• In the beginning of Psalm 91 is war talk. Depending on your version of the Bible. The verses 4-6 speak in war terms. It states, “He will cover you with His pinions (Mother Chicken wing feathers are called ‘pinions’, where her chicks are gathered and are safe under her big feathers.) and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. (A buckler was a piece of armor that covered a waring soldiers left shoulder and upper arm, while the shield was being held with the left hand and the sword in the right hand, the left shoulder was exposed. This shows that God acts like our armor, covering our weak, exposed areas.) You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” This war talk, in this Psalm, shows that our daily walk with Jesus is dangerous. We need the Armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:10-19.

March 21: Deuteronomy 30-31

March 21, Deuteronomy 30-31

Deuteronomy 30. God clearly knows that they will be disobedient and is calling them to return before it even happens. God wants to prosper them and bless them and all they have to do is to turn to Him and trust in Him. In the commandments that God is giving to them - none of them are too hard or arduous for them to keep because God has already put in in their hearts to obey Him. This is because of the circumcised heart that we learned about which allows for obedience. The Israelites already had faith near to them in their Scriptures.

Again - if they obey they will experience life and a good life, if they turn away after false gods and not obey, it will bring death. God will not have it! God swore that He would give them the land, and He will… 

Deuteronomy 31 begins the succession of leadership from Moses to Joshua. As we have learned, Moses is not going to enter the Promised Land because of his sin. God has set it up so Joshua can take the lead and guide them into the Land. Again they are reminded through Moses telling Joshua - do not fear anything but God because it is God who goes before them and will give their enemies to them. Basically, Moses wrote down all the laws for the current Israelites but also all the future Israelites - so that they wouldn't forget (even though they do…).

Then Joshua is commissioned by God through Moses as Moses was about to die. God told Moses that after his death the Israelites (or Jews) would whore after other gods and live idolatrous lives - and God will hide His face from them (when they seek Him they will not find Him because of their disobedience). God tells Moses to write a song for them to learn (next chapter) so that they may remember what God has done. Then God commissioned Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous because God is with Him! The song that Moses wrote was to be placed next to the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, suggesting its place is to be one of holiness and reverence. 

Moses then grieves because the Israelites are already disobedient as he is with them, how much more will they be when he is gone! They are going to provoke the Lord to anger because of their disobedient hearts…

To sum it all up:

• Do not fear anything but God because it is God who goes before you.
• As God was with Joshua, He is with us if we are obedient and seeking Him only. 

March 20: Deuteronomy 28-29

March 20, Deuteronomy 28-29

Deuteronomy 28 is an entire chapter on blessings and curses. When you start reading, it almost sounds like utopia - a litany of fruitfulness and peace. The key word in the first 14 verses = IF. If they obey, then God will bless them and everything they do. But then we get an ever longer litany of curses IF they do not obey. There are 54 verses of curses vs only 14 vs of blessings, which is suggestive that Israel will not obey (which, sorry to spoil it for you, they don’t). A lot of the curses actually do come to pass, as we will read soon, all because they did not obey Yahweh. I think people today don't look at our God of the Bible as One who will give curses. But it is true. And since He can and will curse, we should realize that the blessings of God are far worth the obedience He demands of putting Him first. 

Deuteronomy 29 is referred to as Moses’ third speech, a final sermon if you will. When Moses made a covenant with the people at Horeb (Mt. Sinai, the first generation of Israelites), here he is renewing it with the next generation. Again, Moses is commanding them, through God, to keep the words of the Commandments, so that they may prosper. Again, Moses reminds them what God has done so powerfully and to purge the evil among them. Don’t be like the others that didn't pursue God, because not only will their hearts be drawn away from God, but the curses of God will plague them. Here Moses also reiterates the link to idolatry and the curses of the Lord Almighty. Then the close, even if they were to turn from the Lord, the Lord will curse them with disaster. Even the surrounding nations will know that they are cursed because they didn't obey God.

The chapter ends with one of my favorite verses, Deuteronomy 29:29 - the secret things belong to the Lord… Yes, there are things that even the greatest theologians don’t understand about God - He made it that way. What it comes down to - do you trust God in everything, even when you don’t fully understand what is going on?

To sum it all up:

• Don’t be like the others that didn't pursue God, because not only will their hearts be drawn away from God, but the curses of God will plague them. What it comes down to - do you trust God in everything, even when you don’t fully understand what is going on? Because - He is Sovereign and is working everything out, His way. Look at how far the Lord has brought you and what He has brought you through! Don’t doubt His goodness and faithfulness when things get tough or are even going extremely well…

March 19: Deuteronomy 24-27

March 19, Deuteronomy 24-27

Deuteronomy 24 is a chapter of more various laws. If a man divorces a woman  because he found some indecency in her and she marries again, only to divorce (or be widowed) again, the 1st husband was not allowed to remarry her because she has been defiled (slept with another man). This is really the only Old Testament law about divorce. Then we get to learn about a few miscellaneous laws… A newly married man gets to stay home for a year from public service to get to know his wife, don't take a poor persons only cooking tool as a pledge (they could die if they can’t cook with it), kill the Israelite that steals another Israelite for forced labor, follow the rules for skin diseases and a stark reminder to always take care of the needy Israelites (poor). 

Deuteronomy 25 : Laws on justice, marriage and fair economics. It starts out explaining that a guilty man in a court of law may only be whipped/beaten with 40 ‘stripes’ or whips - no more (Wait until we read about the story of the crucifixion of Jesus… oh man it brings this to life!). the obligation of the brother-in-law to marry his widowed sister-in-law. If he refuses to marry her, she is to go into the presence of the elders, remove one of the man’s sandals, and spit in his face. Thus, humiliating him for not fulfilling his obligation of building up his dead brothers house. Then we learn that a woman is not to grab a man by his testicles in a fight and we also learn about the concept of being a man/woman of your word. They were not to carry 2 different weights when they went to buy and sell (basically cheating those that they are doing any commerce with).

Deuteronomy 26 is a recap of tithes and offerings for when the enter the Promised Land. They were to give God their first and best, as they said they would. Basically, as God gives them land, they are to give back to God for Him providing. God commanded the to obey this and they were cautioned again to keep the laws, so that it would go good for them!

Deuteronomy 27. This is a new section of Deuteronomy, which is a thorough recap of blessings and curses. When they enter the Promised Land, they are to set up an altar to God to remember what it is that God had done for them and their parents. 

To sum it all up:

• God commands us to obey Him and we are cautioned to keep the Lord always first, so that it will go good for us!
• Although a lot of this is ceremonial law (which Christ has fulfilled), we are to look at what God is calling us to - Obedience to Him and Him alone.

March 18: Deuteronomy 21-23

March 18, Deuteronomy 21-23

Deuteronomy 21 is a continuation of a bunch of Civil Laws and because the Israelites are to be distinctive from their neighbors, even how they deal with a found dead person is commanded. To atone (make amends) for the death of someone who’s murderer is unknown, they were to sacrifice an animal to God by breaking a heifers neck instead of the typical sacrificial burning. They were making atonement for the sinner to purge evil among them. 

If the Israelites wanted to marry some of their enemies that they took as captives (These are for the women met in cities that would be farther away, otherwise all of the people that would have been conquered in the city would have been killed), God sets up guidelines on how to do that and how to treat them. It might sound strange to shave their heads and humiliate them. But think of it more spiritually. This was a purging of their old pagan ways. Shaving off their hair and stripping them of their clothing, represented their old way of life. How they dressed and what was culturally acceptable for their way as a women. Look at it in a way that was a transformation of their lifestyle, both mentally, physically, as well as spiritually. After a month of mourning their old life and ways, only then could a man marry her, but if he chose not to marry her after that month he was to let her go, as he had already stripped her old life from her. God protects these women that were captives, and instead of allowing them to be sold as slaves, mistreated, or worse - here we see that God set up rules not only to protect them, but to bring them into God's people with new lives. Continuing on, if a man has multiple wives (God doesn't want this, but if it happens He sets up guidelines for it), the man is to continue on with the ancient tradition and give a double portion to the firstborn son - even if that is the son of the unloved wife. Here we see again that God is looking out for the unloved and mistreated. Here God forbids men to favor other sons with their money and inheritance and makes sure things are fair. Then we learn about the parents who, if their son is rebellious, give him up to the elders and have him stoned to death - to purge the evil among them. God continually wants to protect His people. It might seem heartless, but I am guessing if it ever did happen, I am sure the kids would learn very quickly not to rebel against their parents!

Ending the chapter is a declaration that if anyone is hung on a tree, he is cursed by God, and shall be buried the same day. We learn why this is more later and we see that the Lord is prepping and preparing us for Jesus' sacrifice in the New Testament, as Jesus was hung on a tree (aka a cross)…

Deuteronomy 22 is more various laws about how the Israelites are to take care of each other and how they are to abstain from any sexual immorality. We learn in vs 5 about transvestites and how it is an abomination to God, as it not only reflects pagan rituals but in a way denies the wisdom of God by changing on the outside what sex He has made us to be. Note - all of these laws are to keep the Israelites separate from the surrounding nations. God then gives very specific rules about virginity. In verse 13-19 talks about 'evidence of her virginity.' And let me tell you what this means so that this makes sense. A rag was put under newly married couples during sex, and the blood that comes from the woman on the night of their honeymoon, is kept as a sign of a blood covenant between the new husband and wife. Here in verse 13 speaks of hating his wife. Here he claims that the wife was immoral, a reason for a divorce. But instead, if she can prove it by keeping her rag from their wedding night, she can prove that she wasn't immoral and the man has no reason to divorce her. And verse 19 states that even if he hates her, she shall be his wife, and she won’t have to worry about him leaving her. (Even though I don't know if that would make a good marriage, but it would prevent men from divorcing their wives for any reasons, other than moral infidelity. And wouldn't leave all unwanted divorced woman with no man to take care of them) Again, God protecting the woman. Then we learn about adultery and rape. The adultery is pretty straight forward. And in verse 23 we learn about the details of the rape. We find out that if a woman doesn't scream for help, it was probably because she was in cahoots with the man. And they will both be punished. But in verse 27 we find that if a woman is raped and she screamed for help, even if no one heard and came, she shall be innocent. And only the man killed. Then there is a law about a man who rapes an unmarried woman, and instead of being killed, he has to pay the bride price to her father and marry her. Although this seems unkind and unfair, I am sure it would also prevent men from raping a woman, who knew that it would be his future wife. And then it ends with the command that a man couldn't marry or sleep with his fathers wife. Even if they aren't related, it was put in place as dishonorable for the man's father. 

Deuteronomy 23 starts off with Ceremonial Law on how to be separate in worship to God… ‘No one who’s testicles are crushed or male organ is removed may enter the assembly…’ This is also to combat against pagan worship, where male eunuchs would have served. This chapters serves as a reminder to be different and set apart in God’s house. Then in verse 9 we hear of masturbation, and how it makes the doer unclean. Then there are all sorts of laws about slavery and not giving back a slave that ran away. Again, God looking out for those who would have been taken advantage of. We learn that we are to having nothing to do with cult prostitution, not charging interest to an Israelite, and keeping your word/vow. Oh, and that you are allowed to eat some of your neighbors fruit and grain, just don't go over to his house and fill up a suitcase with it…

To sum it all up:

• Like the Israelites, we are to be distinct in our lives. We are to look different than the world. We are supposed to look and act different. Is there any difference in your life vs a person that doesn't believe that God is Creator and Jesus is His son (and spending 2 hours on a Sunday in church doesn't make you really that different, if the other 6.8 days of your week look the same)? Check yourself!
• Isn't it amazing how much the God of the Universe looks after the weak and the ones that normally would get overlooked or taken advantaged of. How much is that the heart of God? Since you are obedient to God, are you doing the same thing and looking out for those who need help, protection, and love? I pray so.