UNWAVERING DETERMINATION
Joshua 14:1–15
Much has transpired since Joshua 7 and the defeat at Ai that was caused by the sin of Achan. Chapters 8 through 13 deal with the conquest and division of Canaan, the promised land. These are exciting chapters celebrating the victories given by the hand of God. In chapter 8, they utterly destroy Ai and all of its inhabitants, but this time, they are allowed to take the bounty for themselves. Following the victory, Joshua builds an altar and renews the covenant.
The next chapters detail the military triumphs over their enemies. Supernatural events, like the day the sun stood still, are recorded in these chapters. As chapter 13 opens, an older Joshua is still facing a few more enemies to vanquish. Adrian Rogers writes, “God gives no retirement from His service and discharges none from His army.” Joshua is given specific instructions for the division of the land among the tribes.
Obedience (1–5)
In Numbers 34, God had given specific instructions to Moses concerning the boundaries of the promised land and the assignment of areas to the different tribes. Now that the promise is finding fulfillment, Joshua, Eleazar and the elders from the different tribes meet and make the allotments. They cast lots to decide.
It’s interesting to study the casting of lots in the Bible. The practice is mentioned more than 70 times in the Bible for determining God’s will. The final time it is mentioned is before Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now, we can rely on the Holy Spirit leading us in the decision-making process.
Each tribe was given a portion of land in accordance with God’s promise and plan. They did not use their wisdom or preference in making these assignments but rather obeyed the command of God. The hymn “Trust and Obey” summarizes the formula for a blessed life. As the hymn states, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way/ To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Devotion (6–9)
Caleb reminds Joshua of the promise the Lord made to them because they had trusted and obeyed God when they returned from spying out the land.
Even though Joshua and Caleb had been outvoted by the other 10 spies, God promised to give them the land where they had walked as an inheritance forever because of their faithfulness. Joshua and Caleb had completely obeyed the Lord, which is repeated in verses 8, 9 and 14. As Rogers said, “To know Him is to love Him. To love Him is to obey Him. To obey Him is to be blessed.”
This blessing is coming 40 years after the obedience.
Inheritance (10–15)
By this time, Caleb is 85 years old. However, his character, confidence and courage are as strong as ever. He believes he can conquer any foe and makes a request: “Give me this hill country the Lord promised me on that day.”
Joshua honored his request and gave him the land of Hebron. As we have seen time and time again, what God promises, He will perform. Every promise has a premise related to obedience. When we “trust and obey,” we can be assured of God’s blessings.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
