In today’s daily devotional on Joshua 12, we hit the midpoint of the book, reviewing the victories and land acquisitions achieved by Moses and Joshua. This chapter invites us to reflect on whether some tribes settled for less by remaining east of the Jordan River instead of claiming their full inheritance. As we consider this, we’re prompted to ask ourselves: Are we settling for less than what God has promised us? Joshua 12 challenges us to examine our spiritual journey and ensure we’re pursuing all that God has in store. Discover how to win in life in daily devotional on Joshua 11.
Joshua 12 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today brings us to Joshua 12. We are halfway through the book of Joshua. It is a good time to look at a recap of the battles won, the land conquered by Moses, and the land conquered by Joshua. Did a few tribes settle for less than the Promised Land, and is God pleased? Please read or listen to Joshua 12.
In 1995, after reading Joshua 12, I wrote one line, “Summary of kings and kingdoms defeated.”
Nine years later, in 2004, I read Joshua 12-14 on the same day and wrote more about other chapters. I will save that entry for another devotion.
Nine more years later, in 2013, when I read Joshua 12, I wrote, “Recap. How we get where we are. Moses fought his way to the Jordan River. Some of the land he captured, the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh decided was good enough, and they wanted to stay. I wonder if the Lord was okay with that. On the other side of the Jordan, Israel took the Promised Land by force though God gave it over to them. Thirty-one kingdoms were defeated by Joshua. God kept His promise.”
What Does Joshua 12 Teach Us?
There is not much more to say about Joshua 12, but we can look at and answer two questions. One, was God pleased with the tribes that stayed on the one side of the Jordan and did not cross over and live in the Promised Land? I do not know that there is a biblical answer to that question, but let’s contemplate it for a moment.
The principle here is, do you settle? When God has promised you something, are you okay with settling for less? I expect God intended all of the tribes of Israel to live in the Promised Land, but that is not what happened. A couple of the tribes saw the land was good enough on the other side of the Jordan and stopped right there. Is that how you are living your Christian life? God has promises, but have you settled for less? There is no way I can answer that question for you. The only thing you can do is examine your own heart. Am I reaching for all God has for me? Or have I settled for less? Have I become a comfortable Christian? If so, seek the Lord. Is there more in store for you? And if so, as we learned in Joshua, it takes a fight. It may be a battle to attain the Promised Land in your own life. Are you willing?
The second question is, is God a promise keeper? Most of us would say, “Of course.” But look how long it took for Him to keep this promise. Israel left Egypt and wandered in the desert for forty years. It took over seven years of fighting to gain the Promised Land. It did not need to take that long, did it?
What Is the Key Point of Joshua?
Why is it that sometimes God cannot keep His promises as quickly as He intends to? It is because of us. Just like the Israelites. They did not need to spend forty years in the desert, but because they were a rebellious people, they ended up staying there. Because they disobeyed God, they stayed in the desert. Because they murmured and complained, they stayed in a desert.
How about you? Are you in a desert? Does God want to keep His promises to you, but you have been rebellious, disobedient, and complaining? If so, it is time to repent, to examine your heart, and to see what your relationship is really like with the Lord.
What Is the Message About God that the Book of Joshua Gives?
Yes, He is a promise keeper. He wants nothing more than to keep His promises with you. Will you let Him? What we learn from Joshua is he had a heart for the Lord, and he did all God commanded him to do. He was an obedient servant, and he gained the promises of God. I think that is all it would take for any of us to become an obedient servant. One willing to do what God has called us to do and then realize the promises God has in store for us.
What Are the Moral Lessons of Joshua?
Even in this summary chapter of Joshua 12, we can apply lessons to our lives. One, have you settled for something less? Two, are the promises of God being delayed in your life because of your spiritual condition? Remedy each one today by going to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for what You teach us in Your Word. Help me never settle for less than what You have in store for me. And help me not be the reason for any of the delays of Your promises for me. Thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace. Thank You that You want to do exceedingly abundantly beyond what I can think or imagine. Let it be so. In Jesus’ name, amen.