Thursday, July 6, 2017

Year 7, Day 187: Joshua 2

Theological Commentary: Click Here


Today we get the opportunity to read the start of one of the iconic stories in the Bible.  Most people who were raised in a family grew up in church singing “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho.”  It starts here with the spies heading into Jericho to scout.

This is a great first move on Joshua’s behalf.  He shows wisdom in scouting out the land.  He shows wisdom in sending the spies to Jericho to see about its defenses.  He shows wisdom in choosing scouts who can think for themselves and who will get intel on the mood of the people and not just the defensive arrangements.    Joshua demonstrates why the people were wise to follow him and encourage him to be strong and courageous.

Yet, I think that there is more to this story than just good human leadership.  Do you hear what Rahab says?  She knows that God is with the people.  She knows that He will give the land into their hands.  Before the Hebrew people have stepped into the land, the native Canaanites are already becoming convinced that the Hebrew people are here to dominate.

In other words, God is keeping His promises.  God has gone before the Hebrew people and He has already begun to fight the battle for them.  He has already begun to set up their success.

This is largely what the Old Testament is about and even more specifically what the book of Joshua is about.  God keeps His promises.  Our job is to be obedient as Joshua is obedient here.  In fact, to come back full circle, it is his obedience that allows him to be called wise.

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