Scripture Text: Joshua 20:1-24:33
Memory Verse: “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
Introduction:
The next step in the allocation of land was to set apart six cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River, where a manslayer might flee from the avenger of blood. A manslayer was someone who accidentally killed another person. If the manslayer could flee to a city of refuge, he found sanctuary there until the death of the high priest. Then he could return to his native city in safety.
Forty-eight cities with their common-lands for pasture, including the cities of refuge, were assigned to the Levites as the Lord had commanded. Every tribe gave four cities except Judah and Simeon, which gave nine cities between them, and Naphtali, which gave three cities. The Lord had fulfilled every promise. Not one word failed. If there were still undefeated foes and pockets of resistance, it was because Israel did not claim God’s promise.
When the west of the Jordan had been divided, Joshua permitted the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh to return to their territory east of the Jordan, as originally agreed. He also told them to take with them their share of the spoil from the battles they had fought.
Joshua has two farewell addresses, one to the leaders of Israel and one to the people of Israel. Joshua commanded the leaders to be courageous and scripturally echo the words of the Lord given to him years earlier. He reminded them of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises concerning the land and concerning its heathen inhabitants. The second farewell message was to the people. Joshua reviewed the history of the people of God, beginning with Terah and continuing on through the life of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He reminded the people of the mighty deliverance from Egypt, the wilderness wandering, the victory over the Moabites on the east side of Jordan and finally recounted their triumphant entry into the Promised Land.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- The cities of refuge are interesting and of theological importance. Explain the parallels between the temporal salvation offered the manslayer in the cities of refuge and the eternal salvation offered the sinner in Christ. (1 John 2:1-2; Joshua 20:1-9; Hebrews 6:18-20; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 19:10)
- God kept His promise to Israel and gave them rest so they could enjoy their inheritance. What is God’s plan for believers today concerning rest? (Joshua 21:44; Deuteronomy 12:10; 25:19; Hebrews 3-4)
- What farewell message did Joshua give to his faithful leaders and how can we apply this to the Christian leaders today? (Joshua 23:1-16; 1 John 2:17; 4:19; John 14:15; Mark 12:30)
- What farewell message did Joshua give to the people of Israel and how can we apply this to believers today? (Joshua 24:1-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Applying the Word
Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose which gods they would serve. Joshua’s noble decision for himself and his household has inspired succeeding generations of believers. Do believers today have the same choice to make? Explain. (Joshua 24:15; John 7:17; Matthew 6:24)