There were six cities of refuge established, three on the east of the Jordan river and three on the west side. If someone accidentally or unintentionally killed another person, he could flee to one of these cities and find refuge from those who might seek to avenge the death of their loved one. He would then be tried in the city and a judgment would be rendered. If he was found to be innocent of murder, he would continue to live there in safety as one of its citizens. If he was found guilty, however, he would be turned out of the city as a marked man.
Familiar names (Joshua 19)
“Simeon’s homeland included Beersheba. Sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, …”
Ancient towns with unfamiliar names inhabited by thousands and thousands of people whose names aren’t listed—generation after generation. So many people.
When the Lord looks down from heaven, He certainly sees the vast number of Adam’s descendants (now billions and not thousands). But he doesn’t really see a mass of people. That is how we, as finite human beings, tend to see it. No, the Lord sees individuals with familiar names.
All the variables (Joshua 18)
“And there at Shiloh, Joshua cast sacred lots in the presence of the Lord to determine which tribe should have each section.”
At first glance, it would seem that casting sacred lots was no more than just “rolling the dice”. But there is a difference. When you roll the dice, you are playing a game. The outcome is left to chance. In this case, however, the outcome was understood to be according to the will of God. He alone is the One who controls all the variables.
Poor vision (Joshua 17)
“But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots.”
With poor faith comes poor vision. If only the Lord would just get rid of the Canaanites Himself —but it doesn’t always work that way.
And for good reason (Joshua 16)
“They did not drive the Canaanites out of Gezer.”
This was not what the Lord wanted. He had directed Joshua and the Israelites to rid the land of the Caananites completely. And for good reason Their wicked influence would prove very damaging to God’s people.
115 towns (Joshua 15)
“This was the homeland allocated to the …tribe of Judah.”
In all, and including Jerusalem, there were 115 towns with their surrounding villages allocated to the tribe of Judah. Strange names for strange places, many of which are lost on history, yet all part of the mosaic, the Lord’s mosaic.
Wholeheartedly (Joshua14)
“For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.”
Caleb reminds Joshua how the two of them were faithful to the Lord when they returned from spying out the land of Canaan at the direction of Moses. He gives his testimony, now forty-five years later, and declares that he has not just followed the Lord in the years since, but followed him with all his heart.
Faithfulness is what the Lord is all about. He is certainly pleased when he finds it in his people, and grieved when he does not.
Starting well is important, but finishing well is much more important. The race must be run—to the finish line. The faith must be kept.
A metaphor (Joshua 13)
The Lord said to [Joshua], “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.”
This was not a condemnation. Joshua had done all he could do. He had battled thirty-one kings and defeated them, but the war was not over.
Even so, the Lord directed Joshua to assign lands still unconquered to the tribes of Israel, promising to drive out the nations living there through his successors.
The book of Joshua is a history book, yet it serves as a metaphor for the mission of the church today. There is much at stake. Much has been accomplished. There is much yet to do.
But certain (Joshua 12)
“In all, thirty-one kings were defeated.”
The Lord meant what He said when he promised to rid the land of Canaan of the wicked peoples who dwelt there. There is a day of judgement for everyone. For some, it is near at hand. For others, it is years—perhaps decades away. But certain nonetheless.
No doubt the kings of the land thought their kingdoms would last for countless generations. They were all destroyed in a matter of months.
Because he listened (Joshua 11)
“Do not be afraid of them.”
Joshua was bold—fearless against seemingly overwhelming odds. But it was not because he was super-human. It was because he listened to the Lord and obeyed. When the Lord said, “Do not be afraid of them”, he took it to heart.
