Joshua 19:1-51
Work as if All Depends on You But Trust God
Joshua 20:1-9
Six Cities of Refuge
Joshua 21:1-45
Cities of The Levites
Joshua 22:1-9
Eastern Tribes Return Home
Joshua 22:10-20
An Altar by The Jordan River
Joshua 22:21-34
A witness to All Generations
Joshua 23:1-16
Joshua’s Farewell Address
Joshua 23:9-16
Joshua’s Farewell Address
Joshua 24:1-18
A Choice Must be Made
Eastern Tribes Return Home
Joshua 22:1–9
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The armed forces of the two and one half tribes (The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh) east of the Jordan had kept their pledge to Moses and had gallantly supported the other nine and one half tribes in their conquest of the promised land. Moses had granted these two- and one-half tribes their request of the pasture lands on the east side of the Jordan which strongly appealed to them (Numbers 32:1-33). He had permitted them to occupy the land on condition that they aid the other tribes in the occupation of Canaan. For seven long years these men had been separated from their wives and families. Joshua dismissed these 40,000 soldiers with honor. They were now at liberty to rejoin their families and friends on the east side of the Jordan. Joshua exhorted these departing tribes to do the following (v. 5):
1. To love the Lord.
2. To walk in all His ways.
3. To keep His commandments.
4. To cleave to Him.
5. To serve Him with all their heart and soul.
These departing tribes were also permitted to take with them their share of the booty captured in the war (v. 8). Joshua’s departing counsel to these soldiers was for them to share their medals, clothing, cattle, etc. with their brothers who had remained at home. Thus, the principle was established that honors and rewards are not to go just to those who carry arms, but also to those who stay home to perform the commonplace duties (I Sam. 30:24). Although these Israelites had completed their military responsibility, Joshua reminded them of their spiritual responsibility. Sometimes we think so much about what we are to do that we neglect thinking about who we are to be. It does not mean waiting until we are wealthy to share but to willingly share what we have right now.
Application
I must not let daily service take away from my love for God and other people. I must be careful to not neglect this vital part of the Christian life of sharing what God has given to me with others.
Joshua 22:1-9 (English Standard Version)
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