Joshua 1:1 – 14:15
Overview
Achen’s Sin
A new era is beginning with Joshua as Israel’s new leader. The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh agree to follow through with their promise to fight for the promise land. Joshua sends spies in to Jericho and they strike a deal with Rahab to hide them during their travels. The Israelites cross the Jordan river on dry ground and the people establish a memorial. Later, Israel marches on the city of Jericho and 7 days later the walls fall and the city is conquered. Achan, (an Israelite) covets some of the plunder disobeying God’s command. His sin causes the nation of Israel to be defeated against Ai. His sin is found out and the people kill Achan and his family. God restores the relationship and Ai is destroyed. The Gibeonite people deceive Israel and are not destroyed. Instead they become servants of Israel. At the end of our reading for the day, much but not all of the promise land is conquered. 5 Amorite Kings are killed, the southern cities are conquered and the northern kings defeated, but, the Philistines and Geshurites are still still not conquered.
Scripture – Joshua 1:7-8
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Observation
God was prepared to use Joshua and lead the Israelites into the promise land. There were going to be many adversaries BUT each challenge that arose was met with faithful obedience to God’s instructions. During all of this, God made promises and kept them. The Israelite nation simply needed to stay focused and obey the Law that God had given His people. When they encountered the sin, it was destroyed. When Achen kept the gold and silver he captured from Jericho, the entire nation was disobedient and suffered the consequences. God’s people knew that they must remove the sin so the fellowship with God would be restored.
Application
As we walk with God we will experience hardships and challenges of different types. We must remember that God is faithful. He is with us as we face these challenges. We should not allow our problems to hinder our relationship with God nor should we allow them to change the promised God has made to us. When we are unfaithful and sin against Him, we need to confess our sin so our fellowship with God is restored. He wants us to include Him in our problems and toils and remain obedient to Him. He wants us to remember his Word so as we face challenges or think about Him, we will recall the words He has spoken.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins. Thank you Father that you are righteous and keep your promises. Thank you for your faithfulness and please help me remember that you are there with me during my challenges in life. Help me to read and remember your Holy word.
