The Word

  Joshua Chapters 13-24 Expository Summary Chapter 13: Land Allocation to the Tribes God instructs Joshua that there is still land to be conquered, yet He details the territories that are to be assigned to the tribes of Israel. The chapter describes the inheritance of the eastern tribes, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and emphasizes the significance of the land as a fulfillment of God's promise. The chapter also highlights the specific areas that belong to these tribes, reflecting the importance of each tribe's identity within the nation of Israel. Chapter 14: Caleb’s Inheritance Caleb, one of the original scouts sent to explore Canaan, requests and receives the land promised to him by Moses due to his faithfulness. At 85 years old, he demonstrates the strength and vigor to claim the mountainous region of Hebron, symbolizing the rewards of faithfulness and perseverance. Caleb's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that trust in God's pr...

  Joshua Chapters 1-12 Expository Summary Chapter 1: Commissioning of Joshua The book opens with God commanding Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. God emphasizes the continuity of His presence from Moses to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong, courageous, and obedient to the Law. The chapter sets the tone for Joshua’s leadership and the impending conquest of Canaan, highlighting essential themes of faithfulness and divine guidance. Chapter 2: Spying Jericho Joshua sends two spies into Canaan, particularly to scout the fortified city of Jericho. They encounter Rahab, who hides them from the authorities. Her declaration of faith in the Israelite God, coupled with her actions to protect the spies, illustrates the theme of unexpected faith and God's grace extended beyond Israel. The spies promise to spare Rahab and her family when they attack Jericho, reinforcing the idea of mercy. Chapter 3: Crossing the Jordan This chapter narrates the miraculous crossing of th...

 Isaiah 34 – 35 “These chapters contrast the results of God’s judgement of the nations. Those who were hostile to His will and purposes would suffer defeat (Ch.34), but those who are His people, accepting Him and His will, would be redeemed and rejoice (Ch.35) (Shackleford, 350).” Chapter 34 As we recall, Edom came from Esau (Gen. 36:8). They lived in the region south and southwest of the Dead Sea (See map). They were a constant thorn in the flesh of the Israelites. They denied permission through their territory on the way to the Promised Land (Num. 20:14-18) and kings warred with them (1 Sam. 14:47; 2 Sam. 8:14). Edom was an enemy (1 Kings 11:14). The prophets spoke of their violence (Joel 3:19; Amos 1: 11-12) and their destruction (Jer. 49: 7-22; Ezek. 25: 12-14; see also Obad. 8; Mal. 1:4). It is believed by scholars to have been singled out in chapter 34 to represent any nation that is hostile to God and His people. V1-4 I. The Lord summoned all people to hear His judgement. II...

 Chapter 31 Woe to Worldly Trust V1 I. Judah had sent representatives to Egypt. The wording here expresses that they had placed their trust in Egypt, not the Lord. V2 I. This misplaced trust will end in disaster. God’s judgement is certain. He will act against those who do evil things. V3 I. If men call themselves “God’s people”, God is sovereign. If men do not call themselves “God’s people”, God is still sovereign. He is the ruler of the spirits of all people. V4-5 I. There is only one deliverance: God. That was to be Judah’s trust, it is to be ours. The lion and the bird are used as illustrations of God’s protection; He will not waver. V6-9 I. “Return to Him”: a call for the rebellious people to repent. II. “Deeply revolted” or “deeply defected” is used to portray their total rebellion against God. III. “In that day” – idolatry will cease. Idols would be seen as worthless. IV. Divine intervention not human agency will doom Assyria. Whatever the Assyrians had held in esteem, whate...

  Isaiah 28-30 “The Book of Woes” “It is important at this point to be reminded of the history, the historical events that are going on at this time in the life of Isaiah and his fellow Jews. Life in the ANE changed dramatically when Tiglath-pileser III became king in 745-727 B. C. Assyria really became dominant in 729 B. C. when they defeated Babylon. Within a decade, from Nineveh, Tiglath-pileser III was extending his empire west and had absorbed Tyre, Damascus, and the northern nation of Israel. The last few kings were paying tribute to Tiglath-pileser for several years. As we have already noted, there was an anti-Assyrian alliance that had formed between King Rezin of Damascus, Syria and King Pekah of Samaria, Israel. These two joined forces to force King Ahaz of Judah to join their alliance against Assyria. King Ahaz refused but made an alliance with Assyria. This ended the Syro- Ephraimite Alliance when they were defeated by Assyria. However, it put King Ahaz under the domina...

Isaiah 26 – 27 Chapter 26 A song of trust, of deliverance. V1 I. In times of distress, the people of the surrounding areas would flee to the cities, as they were most often fortified. In times past, the Lord’s presence in the city ensured its strength. “Salvation” or “security” is in the Lord. V2 I. Where or when can they/we find this security and salvation? When we are righteous; remaining faithful is key. Prov. 14:34 V3 I. When can have a mind of peace when we fixate on the Lord. “Perfect peace” is “shalom shalom” in the Hebrew – complete, fulfilled, whole peace. V4 I. Ahaz placed his trust in the Assyrian (Is.7). Hezekiah was tempted to place trust in Babylon (Is.39). The Judeans placed trust in their armaments and own hands (Is. 31:1). All were wrong – Trust in the Lord forever! This statement is eternal, we should never ever stop placing our trust in the Lord. II. The Laodicean church was guilty of trusting in themselves. Rev. 3:17-21, and verse 19 with emphasis. III. The church i...

  Photo from istock. The holiday on our calendar says Good Friday (at the time of this writing) and in two days, the world - in mass - will celebrate what has come to be called Easter Sunday. Nearly all nations, languages, and peoples will have many who will take time to remember the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. Hallelujah to that! Praise God that we have not lost Christ's being wholly! Praise God that we have not entirely cast to the side what Jesus did! Let us use this time as an opportunity to teach the Gospel message, to exhort each other, and to serve Him humbly in any and every way we can. After all, this particular miracle was absolute proof that Jesus was the Son of God and that He reigns with God (Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 3:21) . What will we do? What shall we say then? Will we ignore the resurrection or will we accept t...