Judges 11 - 12

God raises up a judge, Jephthah, to deliver His people from the Ammonites. Jephthah is proof that God does not use the brightest or strongest or most popular to accomplish His will; in fact, He often uses the weak and unintelligent to prove that it was His strength, not the character of the human instrument that delivers. Jephthah is an illegitimate child that has been disowned by his family and clan, yet he does what no one else is willing to do - take a stand and defend the people of God against the enemies of God.

In the heat of the battle, Jephthah promises that whatever comes out of his home first when he returns victorious will be given to God as a sacrificial offering. He is greatly dismayed when his only child is first to emerge from the home. But Jephthah keeps his vow. What a lesson in obedience - even when it comes at great personal cost.

Judges 9 - 10

Gideon's son, Abimilech, positions himself as Israel's first king. He gains this position by killing his 70 brothers. God punishes Abimilech for his sin; and after a number of years, Israel is back in subjection to a foreign power.

Israel rightly repents of their transgression, but God invites them to ask of their 'new gods' for deliverance. Israel is learning again and again that only one God has their best interest in mind.

Judges 7 - 8

Gideon's army is dwindled from 32,000 to 300. Such a small number is seemingly impotent against the mighty soldiers of Midian; but God was already at work among them. They were afraid of Gideon and when the attack came, confusion lead to their demise by friendly fire. Gideon returns from the battle and chastises those who would not fight due to their lack of faith in Gideon and God. Gideon asks that the nation give him a bounty for his victory, and it is given. Gideon dies, having kept the peace among the nation for many years.

Judges 4 - 6

The next great judge was Deborah. Through her the forces of Sisera were defeated, specifically through the efforts of a woman named Jael, who killed the enemy general with a tent peg through the skull! In Deborah's lifetime, Israel enjoyed 40 years of peace.

But soon after, the Midianites began oppressing the nation of Israel. Gideon, an unassuming man from an insignificant tribe was selected by God to deliver the nation. His first act was to destroy the places of false worship to erect altars to the living and true God. With the false worship dealt with, his attention turned to defeating the invading armies.

Judges 1 - 3

Following the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel go to work conquering the land given to them as their inheritance. Again and again, we read that the victory was never complete. Because of this, God allowed the nation to be enslaved by the neighboring kingdoms to bring them to the point of repentence, after which He would deliver them.

The first three of these judges are named. Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar are each uniquely used by God to deliver His people and teach them to depend on Him alone for safety and protection.

Joshua 22 - 24

The tribes taking up habitation on the Eastern side of the Jordan River are dismissed to their lands with the thanks of their fellow citizens. Upon their return, they establish an altar to remind their progeny of the connection they share with those on the opposite bank. Joshua commends the nation to following the Lord God Who had delivered them. The book begins with the nation encouraging Joshua to be strong and follow God; it ends with Joshua challenging the nation to be strong and follow God. The death of Joshua and the high priest are recorded. The next generation of Israelites are ready to take the stage. Would they be faithful?

Joshua 19 - 21

The land continued to be divided for the children of Israel. While most of the cities are lost to modern knowledge, they did refer to specific places that were familiar to specific people and point to the fact that God fulfilled specific promises to specific people.
Cities of refuge were established for those guilty of accidental manslaughter; and cities were set up as an inheritance for the Levites who would receive no formal tribal allotment.

Joshua 16 - 18

The land continues to be divided out to the tribes of Israel. Some are given larger portions, some are given smaller portions - but each one is roughly the same amount of habitable land. When one tribe complains, the answer given is "Conquer the people within your borders and you will have more room for yourself!" This points out a serious problem with which Israel was failing to deal: the continued inhabitation of the land by its inhabitants. Rather than drive out those whom God had commanded be driven out; they were allowed to live and serve the nation. This was NOT the intended plan; and would have serious repercussions in the future.

Joshua 13 - 15

Joshua begins to divide the land among the tribes, so that the conquest may continue. Among those receiving land is Caleb, Joshua's partner on a reconnaissance mission 40+ years previously. Caleb's strength is not diminished, and he is eager to prove how great his God still is. His courage and ability is demonstrated against the Anakim - much to the dismay and defeat of the Anakim.

The tribes and cities are divided and given to the children of Israel, so that not only would the land be theirs in name - it would also be theirs in fact.

Joshua 10 - 12

Joshua and the nation of Israel begin to conquer the land promised to them by God. Having entered into the midst of the country at Jericho and Ai, they begin to campaign southward, defeating an alliance of 5 major kings and their territories.

Hearing of the southern defeats, the kingdoms in the north form an allied army; but they, too, are defeated by Joshua and the nation of Israel. All that was told to Joshua to do by Moses was done. Everything was followed to the letter.

A listing of the defeated kings - 31 in all - is given as testimony that God was fulfilling His promises to this nation of obedient followers.

Joshua 7 - 9

The greatest enemy Israel would face was Israel. Trouble surfaced when one - one man - of their citizens took spoil from the city of Jericho, an action forbidden by God. In the next battle, the city of Ai was able to defeat Israel and over 30 men lost their lives. The search for the cause of defeat was conducted throughout the country, until the man Aachan was finally left alone to answer for his sin. He eventually confessed and was put to death. The second attack on Ai was successful. In fact, God used their earlier defeat to set the stage for their victory; Israel feigned a retreat while an ambush attacked the city.

Following the victory at Ai, Joshua and the nation went to the spot where Moses had commanded them to sacrifice to God and recommit themselves to keeping the covenant made with God. Morale was high among the Israelites, and very low among their enemies.

To combat Israel, several southern kingdoms formed an alliance. The inhabitants of Gibeon, however, decided to try a different approach. They disguised themselves as foreign travelers and made an alliance of peace with Israel. When the ruse was discovered, Israel kept the promise made to Gibeon; however, the Gibeonites would serve Israel as the punishment for their deception.

Joshua 4 - 6

As the tribes passed through the Jordan River bed, one man from each tribe was selected to bring out of the river bed a boulder with which to construct an altar commemorating the amazing feat God had accomplished.

They were now in enemy territory. What took place next was not typical or usual. The nation's males were circumcised; and then celebrated the Passover. What other army would march into enemy land, make themselves medically unfit for combat and throw a celebration? We are told the effect this had on the neighboring kingdoms: they were in fear and dread of what would happen next.

Next was the conquest of Jericho, again by extraordinary means. Marching around the city once a day for 6 days, then 7 circuits on the seventh day followed by a shout seems like an unusual way to defeat an enemy. But God did it! The walls fell in on the city and the occupants were killed - except for Rahab and her family, as the spies had promised her safety.

Was there anything that could stop this nation? There was; their greatest enemy was about to be faced.

Joshua 1 - 3

Following the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation fell to Joshua. This long-time aide de camp to the great leader was reminded repeatedly in the early days of his administration to 'be courageous and not fear'. The tasks that lay ahead of him were great.

The first great task was the reconnaissance of the city of Jericho. Two men were sent to spy out the land and find the attitude of the people toward them. They found shelter in the house of a harlot named Rahab and promised her safety in the coming attack after hearing her profession of belief in the God they served.

Taking the city of Jericho required a further great task: crossing the Jordan River during the spring flood season. Again, the theme of 'be courageous and fear not' was put to the test as the priests are instructed to step into the swollen river. The soles of their feet being placed in the water caused the river to cease flowing while the nation passed through on dry ground. Could anything stop this nation from receiving the inheritance promised them? As they crossed, the city of Jericho was taking notice of their progress.

Deuteronomy 32 - 34

Moses sings a song of God's blessing and favor on Israel. He calls on God to remember His promises to the nation; and calls on Israel to keep the covenants they have sworn with God. The successor to his leadership, Joshua, is present to hear all that has been promised by both parties so that he may effectively serve the people in the future.

God then informs Moses that his time on earth is drawing to a close. Moses pronounces a blessing on the tribes of Israel, then retires to Mount Nebo on the outskirts of Moab - very close to the border of the land promised Abraham's descendants. From this mountain peak, God gives Moses a view of the fulfillment of His promises to the nation. Moses is able to see from afar all that God will give to the nation He has chosen to favor. Moses then dies at the age of 120; Scripture indicates that even at that advanced age, his strength and capabilities were not diminished. God had preserved his health and strength throughout his entire life.

Joshua takes the mantle of responsibility for leading the nation. He faced a great task: following the tenure of one who had no equal. Would Joshua meet the task?

Deuteronomy 30 - 31

After outlining the blessings and curses associated with obedience to God's commands, Moses commissions Joshua to be his successor. Joshua is reminded of God's faithfulness and provision; as well as Israel's fickleness to obey. The choice of life and blessing is much to be preferred.

Moses then composes a song to remind Israel yet again of their responsibility to obey God.

Deuteronomy 28 - 29

A listing of the blessings to be poured out on obedience is given. The nation would rise "higher and higher" if they would but follow God's prescribed commands. However, were they to refuse obedience and choose to disregard the laws given by God, they would be punished until they perished from off the face of the earth.

Moses begins to conclude his farewell speech by reminding the nation of all that has transpired in the forty years since leaving Egypt. Throughout that time, the nation has not gone hungry, has not lacked for clothing, and has not suffered the normal losses associated with a prolonged journey. Indeed, God HAS been good to the nation; He would continue to do so as the nation humbly and obediently yielded to His appointed leadership.

Deuteronomy 25 - 27

The laws regarding levirate marriage are outlined, so that each family would have a progeny in the land. Regulations for sacrifices celebrating the entering of the land are also prescribed, so that the nation would be prepared to thank the Lord continually for His repeated demonstrations of goodness.

This passage concludes with the prescription for after the nation possessed the land. The dedication ceremony would include standing on the Mounts of Blessing and Curse (Gerizim and Ebal) to ratify the laws that God had given to the nation. An altar would be erected that had the laws engraved on the plaster surrounding the sides. The nation would then antiphonally respond from their mountains the appropriate responses to the laws God had given.

Deuteronomy 22 - 24

Laws regarding social interaction are outlined in these chapters. Daily living is prescribed in great detail; the overriding principles found among these laws is that of separation from uncleanness. The summary statement is given in 23:14 "Because the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you."

Laws governing marriage are also detailed. The high standards placed on a couple who have entered a marriage covenant are in place to reinforce the object lesson of God's selection and unity with the nation of His choosing.

Deuteronomy 19 - 21

The children of Israel continued to plan for their eventual inhabitation of the land promised to them by God. He commanded them to designate "Cities of Refuge" so that the one innocent of another's death could flee there to have his case heard before the family members of the deceased took his life in vengeance.

Regulations for military service were specified. Those who had recently married, planted a vineyard, built a house and were afraid were allowed to withdraw from service. There were even guidelines given regarding which trees could be used in attacking a city; fruit trees were not to be used, as they would provide sustenance for the attackers.

Family obligations are also outlined. Unsolved murders were to be atoned through a sacrifice by the elders of the city closest to the discovered death. Female captives from battle could be taken as a wife after a proper period of mourning was observed. The rebellious child was to be severely dealt with - stoned to death by the elders of the city. Those guilty of crimes punishable by death would be executed by hanging.

Deuteronomy 16 - 18

Statements regarding the annual and periodic feasts are given. There were prescribed times of exact length for each of these celebrations. Each one was a reminder of God's goodness and His promised future goodness to the nation.

There then follows a section dealing with social order. Laws, judges, practices for determining guilt in matters are all given to the nation so that they would not need to wonder how to proceed in any given situation.

The section closes with a promise given to the nation that eventually a prophet like Moses would arrive, signaling that God's great work was to be accomplished.

An update for those who have been praying

Many in our church have been praying for Katie, a freshman at Arizona State University; and the granddaughter of a couple in our church. Katie was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Here are a few updates ... in Katie's own words.

Deuteronomy 13 - 15

Laws for prophets are given. These strict guidelines left no room for error. Either what the prophet said would come to pass EXACTLY as foretold, or the prophet would forfeit his life. The message "Let's abandon God" was also not one to be tolerated - no matter who gave the message.

Dietary laws are outlined. Animals allowed to be eaten would have both a cloven hoof and would chew their cud. Many animals were eliminated from possibility because of this; and a partial listing is given. There were also regulations regarding the tithes that Israel would offer to the Lord. Far from the 10% we normally call to mind, the nation of Israel's tithe was closer to 23%!

Every 7th year would be a "sabbatical year" when the land would lay fallow, debts would be forgiven and slaves would be released. Variations in these regulations were outlined; but the principle was clear: Regular and frequent reminders of God's presence and personality were not only needed but required.

Deuteronomy 10 - 12

Moses continues to relate to the children of Israel all that had occurred in their history to this point. He reminds them of the giving of the 10 Words on Mount Sinai; the promises they made to keep God's Law; the death of Aaron; the faithfulness of God to bring them to this place.

He then puts in their memory statements of how to conduct themselves once they have taken possession of the land promised to them. He gives them instructions for sacrifice and daily living. He reminds them that God will continue to be the guiding Principle in their lives, whatever their situation may be.

Deuteronomy 7 - 9

Moses reminds the Israelites that their selection to favor was God's decision, not theirs. There was nothing good in and of Israel itself to warrant God's favor; but He chose to make them great. Because of this, the nation was reminded to place a great value on God's name and position. No idols of the land they would possess were allowed to remain.

Moses then recalls the incident of the giving of the law, Israel's quickness to break the covenant and God's willingness to forgive because of Moses' intercession for the people.

All in all, God was held in high regard; and demanded to be kept in first place.

Deuteronomy 4 - 6

Moses continues his reminders to the people of Israel of what they experienced on the way to the land God had promised them. He reminded them of the journey to the foot of Mount Sinai, where the 10 Words (commandments, if you will) were given. He reminded them of the awe and reverence with which they experienced God's abiding presence with them. The people were put in remembrance of the promises they made to keep these laws. The laws themselves were repeated for the nation. What a lesson: we need constant reminders not only of God's faithfulness and blessing; but also of our responsibility to obey God's commands.

Sorry for the delay. This post was published in the wrong spot yesterday!

Deuteronomy 1 - 3

Moses begins recalling in Israel's hearing the events that lead them to the place in which they found themselves: on the brink of entering the land promised to them by God so many years ago. He reminds them of the promises made and kept by a faithful God; he brings to their recall the responses they themselves had to God's goodness - the doubt and fear that lead to their wandering throughout the desert wilderness for 40 years. He rehearsed to them the continued goodness of God in providing for them while they were being disciplined; allowing them to be well-fed and victorious in battle. He reminded them that he himself was subject to this discipline and would not be going into the promised provision of land. This was no ordinary retirement speech; this was the beginning of a great challenge to the nation to do what was right in spite of their past failings and their present feelings in inadequacy. The challenge to do right is timeless. Would they obey?

Numbers 35- 36

Cities for the Levites are established, as they had no tribal land set aside for them. They would be scattered throughout the nation in cities so that the nation would always have a representative of God in their near midst.

Laws concerning murder and manslaughter are given in order to differentiate between accidental and pre-meditated deaths. Cities of refuge were established so that the one guilty of causing an accidental death would not have his life taken in vengeance by members of the deceased's family.

The book closes with a statement on the inheritance of those families without male heirs to carry on the family name. All were provided for; none were left without provision!

Numbers 32 - 34

Had Israel learned their lessons of contentment? Two tribes approached Moses with the request to inhabit the east side of the Jordan. The land there was favorable; and well suited to their needs and proclivities. Moses was aghast: this was the same attitude that had lead to the nation's wandering through the wilderness for 40 years. Would these two tribes cause the nation further delay? The tribes promised to await full inhabitation until the land promised to the nation was fully conquered.

During this period of time, Aaron dies at the age of 123.

Moses begins to lay out for the nation the protocols for land division once the land is conquered. Specific boundaries are given; and specific names of those responsible for the execution of this plan are assigned. The land is in sight! How much longer?

Numbers 29 - 31

The offerings for the various feasts in Israel's national calendar are outlined, specifically for the feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Fest of Tabernacles. After this, guidelines are given for the giving and keeping of vows - solemn promises that would be kept regardless of how the covenanting parties felt afterwards.

The passage concludes with an account of the battle with Midian. 1,000 men from each tribe (12,000 in all) went out in battle against the five kings of the Midian region. Total victory was obtained by the Israelites. Not a man was lost in the battle. Notable among the fallen of Midian was the prophet Balaam who had given advice to Balak to have his women intermarry into the Jewish population. Moses is told by God that after this battle concludes, his life will shortly come to an end.

Numbers 26 - 28

A census is taken of the nation. Over 600,000 Hebrew citizens would perish due to the disobedience of those who would not attempt to enter the land promised to God's people. Moses is told that he would not enter the land due to his disobedience at Meribah. God then gives His people instructions for the annual celebrations they would observe.

Numbers 23 - 25

Balaam, having sworn to pronounce whatever God gives him to say, can only bless the nation of Israel - much to the chagrin of Balak, who wants to see Israel cursed. After repeated attempts to bring a curse upon the nation, Balak finally departs with the advice from Balaam to have the nation of Israel intermarry with the surrounding pagan nations.

The Israelites DO begin to intermarry - a practice forbidden by God. A plague begins to circulate among the nation until Phineas - Aaron's son - stops the course of the plague by driving a spear through the offensive couple. What devastation was caused among the nation by the sin of one couple. Sin IS serious and DOES have long-reaching repercussions.

Numbers 20 - 22

Miriam, Moses' sister dies. Shortly thereafter, the people complain for a lack of water. Moses, instructed to speak to the rock for the water supply, becomes frustrated and strikes the rock. God punishes this disobedience by promising Moses that he will not set foot in the promised land. Soon, Aaron dies. As the people continue to travel, the surrounding nations set themselves against the Hebrew nation. God delivers His people in battle, yet they are unsatisfied and complaining. Fiery serpents are sent which prove lethal to many. Moses delivers the people from this plague by forming a bronze serpent and putting it on a pole for people to look at for deliverance. Jesus uses this incident in John 3 to illustrate that God's plan of redemption involves an elevation of One able to rescue from the power of sin.

Not all nations are openly hostile to Israel. Balak, wanting to destroy Israel without being destroyed hires the services of the prophet Balaam. Balaam, however, is thwarted from going by an angel that only his donkey can see. The angel finally gest Balaam's attention and he promises to only give the message that God would give to him.