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.