Judges 5
Deborah and Barak’s song of victory.
- Note verse 31; there are only the Lord’s enemies and those who love Him. Which describes you?
- What is the point of the figure of speech about those who love the Lord (v. 31)?
Judges 3
The Lord tests Israel’s obedience by the remaining nations. Israel is oppressed because of their sin. Three judges deliver Israel: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar.
- Joshua’s campaigns did not eliminate every Canaanite; those battles effectively “broke the back” of Canaanite resistance, and the various tribes were to “mop up” the rest.
- Why did the Lord leave the nations (v. 4)?
Judges 2
The Lord rebukes Israel for their compromises. Joshua and his generation die. The cycle of apostasy and deliverance is described.
- “Judges” were individuals specially chosen and equipped by the Lord for delivering Israel from their enemies and encouraging faithfulness to the covenant. They were in different parts of Israel.
- “Bochim” (v. 5) means “weepers”; “served” (v. 11) can also be translated “worshiped”
- What was the cause of Israel’s deliverance (v. 18)?
Judges 1
Judah and other tribes conquer more area but they fail to drive out the Canaanites completely.
- Note verses 27 and following; what effect would not driving out the Canaanites have on the tribes (cf. Deut 20:16–18)?
Joshua 23
Joshua charges Israel to obey the Lord.
- Of all the things that Joshua would encourage Israel to do, what does he tell them to be firm on?
- Why is not associating with the nations so important (v. 7)?
- The word “cling” is used several times in vv. 8–11. What is involved with that?
Joshua 24
Joshua reviews what the Lord did for Israel and urges them to follow Him wholly, which they commit to do. Joshua and Joseph are buried.
- How were the first two kings destroyed whom Israel fought against (v. 12)?
- What is involved in fearing and serving the Lord (v. 14)?
Daily Devotional for June 17-23
You can view and/or download the next daily devotional here or under the downloads and literature tab.
Joshua 15-20
Read: Joshua 15:13-19; 18:1-10; 20
Joshua 15—The borders and cities of Judah.
Joshua 16—The borders of Ephraim.
Joshua 17—The borders of Manasseh; they are unwilling to drive out the Canaanites to have more territory.
Joshua 18—Joshua commands the rest of the land to be divided; the borders of Benjamin.
- While traveling the Ark was surrounded by Israel’s tribes, but now three of each were settled, v. 1
- “Here [at Shiloh] the ark continued about 300 years, till the sins of Eli’s house forfeited the ark, lost it and ruined Shiloh, and its ruins were long after made use of as warnings to Jerusalem” (Matthew Henry), v. 1
- The status quo is easy to continue in, even with God’s promises and provision
- “Many are diverted from real duties, and debarred from real comforts, by seeming difficulties” (Matthew Henry), v. 3
- “What we have in the world we must acknowledge God’s property in, and dispose of it as before him, with justice, and charity, and dependence upon Providence” (Matthew Henry), v. 6
- “When we are in the way of our duty we are under the special protection of the Almighty” (Matthew Henry), vv. 8–9
Joshua 19—The borders of the tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.
Joshua 20—Six cities of refuge are established to provide protection and ensure justice.
- God provides for His people’s every need
Joshua 14
Caleb by faith asks for and is granted the hill country.
- Caleb’s report after spying out the land sprung from the conviction that God’s promise was true, v. 7
- Moses’ assessment of Caleb (v. 9) testified that Caleb conformed his life to God’s will for God’s glory
- When you follow God fully when you’re young you will have and enjoy the testimony of such when you’re old
- Faithfulness stands out when few are faithful, v. 8
- God keeps us alive by His power and His provision, v. 10
- The longer you live the more aware you should be of God’s goodness, care, and patience, v. 10
- A life protected by God’s providence should be devoted to His praise, v. 10
- As others die, thank God for life and be committed to obedience
- Caleb chose what was most difficult because he believed in God’s promises, v. 12
- The anticipation of success is founded on God’s favor and presence, v. 12
- Depend on and trust in God’s promises and presence, not self, strength, or human support
- “Those that live by faith value that which is given by promise far above that which is given by providence only” (Matthew Henry)
Joshua 13
The land East of the Jordan is divided among the two and a half tribes.
- Even the strongest must yield to the infirmities of old age
- We must not expect the older generation to be able to serve God as they once did. The next generation must pick up the sword.
- Everyone—especially old people—must determine to quickly do what must be done before death keeps them from doing so
- God will do His work no matter what happens to us
- God’s sure promises should move God’s people to zealous effort
- The land was to be divided by God’s will via the lot, which prevented strife (Prov 18:18), not by Joshua, as accusations of favoritism could be made.
- “The world must be governed, not by force, but right, by the law of equity, not of arms” (Matthew Henry)
- Written records and documents are essential for remembrance, protection, and prevention
Joshua 12
List of kings defeated by Israel (this list would encourage and remind Israel of what God did and is evidence of a faith-driven life).
- This account shows God fulfills His Word
- This account shows how fruitful the country was as it supported so many different kingdoms
- This shows God’s goodness to Israel by giving victory over the kings and possession of the territory
Joshua 10
Israel conquers numerous cities in Southern Palestine through the Lord’s help.
- Those whom God has marked for destruction cannot escape His judgment v.8
- God promised victory and Joshua hastened to battle
- God’s promises do not encourage sloth but zeal and diligence
- Those who worship creation rather than the Creator were judged by such
- Those who make God their enemy are sure to perish
- Though Joshua marched all night and fought all day, he prayed for the opportunity to serve God more, Isa 40:31; 1 Cor 15:58
- “Israel did what they could, and yet God did all” (Matthew Henry)
- God moves hearts to pray for what He gives, vv. 12–14
- God works through prayer, vv. 12–14
- God hears our prayers when they are governed by His Word
- Our prayers show our faith in God’s almighty power, sovereignty, and grace
- “The same God that rules in heaven above rules at the same time on this earth” (Matthew Henry)
- All creation is subject to God’s commands; we must therefore flee idolatry
- Those who think they can hide from God’s judgment deceive themselves and bring about God’s judgment, v. 17
- Don’t celebrate a victory while the battle still continues, vv. 18–19
- Wherever you go to flee from God you will always be disappointed, v. 27
- Someday God will make all His enemies His footstool (Ps 110:1) and put everything under Him (Heb 2:8)
- When sinners try to thwart God’s justice they succeed only in bringing it upon themselves, v. 33
- A great amount of work may be done in a little time if we will be busy to take full advantage of opportunities, vv. 29–43
- If God is for us, who can be against us? V. 42
