Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Joshua, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong and very courageous. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 16 of the Old Testament book of Joshua. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
16:1-10 – This is the land that went to the half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. How can their lands be lumped together if Manasseh elected to take his land on the other side of the river? Manasseh’s inheritance was split, remember.
16:1 – The people of Joseph – I believe this is the first time these tribes are put together since Israel blessed them in Genesis. I wonder why…
16:9 – There were towns set aside for Ephraim within the territory of Manasseh. Why? Weren’t their lands on opposite sides of the river? No. Manasseh had land on both sides of the Jordan River and Ephraim’s land was right next to Manasseh’s in the west.
16:10 – They didn’t drive out the Canaanites. Why is this important to note?
• The book of Joshua teaches us many things including the fact that we must pursue a relationship with the Lord for ourselves rather than leaning on others’ relationships with Him. Joshua followed Moses as leader of Israel, after all. What have you learned and applied to your life from today’s reading that will help you persevere in your relationship with Christ?
• How do you observe God proving to Israel that He is with Joshua as He was with Moses in today’s text? How does it apply to your own life and relationship with Him?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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