Read Joshua 5
Chapter
5 tells us that the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites are fearful because
they have heard of how Israel crossed the Jordan (v 1). While they were afraid
of Israel before (2:9-10), they were able to keep some sense of security
because their land bordered the Jordan River. Surely, they thought, it would be
impossible for an entire nation to cross. Now they have seen God’s power at
work and must be uncertain about their other military defenses. This fear prevents
the kings from attacking immediately, giving Israel a chance to pause in their
campaign and rest in their camp. During this time of rest, Joshua is commanded
to circumcise the nation. The men of Israel had not been circumcised in the
desert. They are about to inherit the land God promised them in His covenant
with Abraham. Undergoing circumcision signifies their choice to live wholly by
this covenant, forsaking their own will (Genesis 12 and 15).
This
time of rest before engaging in the inevitable military campaign also allowed
Israel to fulfill another part of God’s law: observing the festival of
Passover. This serves as a reminder that even though they will soon go forward
as soldiers, the Israelites are first and foremost children of God. Once the Passover
ends, the Israelites eat some of the food they find in Canaan. At this point
the heavenly provision of manna ceases. Where God once provided manna to
sustain Israel, He is now providing land on which they can settle and grow
food.
Prayer
and Journaling
1. Again, we are reminded that the sons of
Israel perished in the desert because they did not listen to God’s voice (v
4-6). Obedience is crucial in walking intimately with Jesus. Spend some time in
confession today, asking the Holy Spirit to show you where you have turned from
His ways.
2. Everything we have is a gift from God. We
have nothing apart from what He has provided for us. Make a list of all the
blessings in your life (food, clothing, shelter, relationships, work, etc.).
Thank God for each of these blessings. Save this list and go back to it
regularly, adding things as they come to mind and thanking God for all He has
given you.
3. In Joshua 5 we see that Israel’s course of
action was directly affected by how the kings viewed God. Spend some time praying
for our government today. Pray that our leaders would get a personal revelation
of who God is. Pray that out of this revelation they would learn how to go to
Him for insight, wisdom and strength in leading our country, province and city.
Pray that our government would see how the true definitions of goodness and
morality come from God’s character and that they would work to see this
goodness and morality enacted.
