Chronological Bible Blog

Judges 1:1-3:30
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Today we begin the book of Judges! Coming up in this book, we’ll be reading about Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Delilah, and Micah – to drop a few names.  Below is a great map of the judges in Israel that we’ll be reading about:

Judges
Author: Unknown
Date: Eleventh century B.C.
Content: The book of Judges covers a period of several hundred years following the conquest of Canaan, during which time the people were ruled by individual leaders called judges or saviors. Their task was primarily military, being to expel the enemy from the land. Throughout this period of Israel’s history there is a tragic cycle to be observed – that of rebellion against God, followed by the judgment of God, usually in the form of foreign invasion. The children of Israel then cry to God for help and a “judge” is sent to save them. This cycle is repeated numerous times throughout the book. Tragically, the people never seem to learn that rebellion against God is a sure road to disaster.
Theme: The grim lesson of Judges is that “the wages of sin is death: (see Romans 6:23). Sin takes many forms, from the sophisticated sins of kings to the barbaric events that close the book, but the net results is always the same: when everyone does his own thing, chaos and destruction are the inevitable outcome. Through it all, however, God in his faithfulness saves the people when they truly repent and turn to him. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 4)

More commentary on Judges is at these 3 links:
Really interesting commentary is at this link titled “The Role of Women in the Book of Judges.”  (below is an image of Deborah)
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=887
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=951 

Bible Project:  Here is a terrific brief video overview of the book of Judges!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOYy8iCfIJ4

An image is below for Judges chapter 1 verses 14 & 15 today: “When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for an additional field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What is it? What can I do for you?” She said, “Give me a further blessing. You have been kind enough to give me land in the Negev; please give me springs as well.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.”

Today in Judges Chapter 2 verses 1 & 2 we will read these words from the angel of the Lord – “I said, “I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars. Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?”” The Israelites disobeyed God back then. Why? Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why do we do this? I have a hunch that maybe sometimes we are simply afraid. Afraid of fully following and trusting God. We may think that God really won’t live up to his promises. At these moments our faith is weak. And we end up disobeying God. Fortunately our inconsistencies do not affect God’s perfect consistency. God never changes. We do. And we can allow ourselves to either be changed by God such that we live in obedience to him – or, we can continue to disobey God and live tumultuous lives. It’s a pretty simple choice. One decision brings an amazing peace that surpasses all understanding and the other decision – grief and frustration. Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why have we done this? Can we instead choose to obey God in our lives?  An image is below for Judges chapter 2 verses 4 & 5 today  – “When the angel of the LORD finished speaking, the Israelites wept loudly. So they called the place “Weeping,” and they offered sacrifices to the LORD.”

Today in Judges we read about Israel forgetting about God and worshiping other gods.  Sad stuff!  Judges chapter 2 verse 19 stood out: “But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They followed other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.”  I wonder if we are so different today from the Israelites in the time of the Judges?  Do we maybe shape ourselves up for short amounts of time – but then go back to our corrupt ways?  Do we ultimately refuse to give up our evil practices and stubborn ways?  Why is this?  What is the remedy to this problem?  Or – perhaps I should ask – Who is the remedy to this problem?  Who can literally rescue us from this problem?  Who can rescue us from ourselves?  Will you allow Jesus to rescue you from any evil practices and stubborn ways?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me Matthew West’s terrific song “Maker:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwRCbKXqFqY

Have you given your life over to your maker? Click here and meet your Maker!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.” Judges 2:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never ever follow nor serve other gods. Pray that you will never take back up evil practices nor stubborn ways.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 22:1-24:33
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In Joshua chapter 22 verse 10 today we read: “Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a very large altar near the Jordan River at a place called Geliloth.”  The place where our readings end today in verse 20 is quite a cliff-hanger!  Note that verse 20 is not the end of chapter 22, and as Paul Harvey says, further on in today’s readings you will get “The Rest of the Story.”  🙂

Today we finish up the book of Joshua!  What a book.  I have definitely learned much from this book this year.  And today’s readings are no exception.  Chapter 24 is a wonderful closing to this book where the Israelites renew their covenant with God.  Verses 25 through 27 are awesome – “So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and the LORD. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. As a reminder of their agreement, he took a huge stone and rolled it beneath the oak tree beside the Tabernacle of the LORD.  Joshua said to all the people, “This stone has heard everything the LORD said to us. It will be a witness to testify against you if you go back on your word to God.”

It’s great to read verse 32 and realize that Joseph’s wishes from 200 years earlier of being buried in the Promised Land came to fruition!  It is amazing to realize the Israelites carried Joseph’s bones with them throughout the 40 years in the desert to fulfill this wish –  “The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought along with them when they left Egypt, were buried at Shechem, in the parcel of ground Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor for one hundred pieces of silver.  This land was located in the territory allotted to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Tasha Layton’s terrific song “Never:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKwTxaO2djc

Will God ever let you down? Click here for Never!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.” Joshua 23:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are carefully obeying the LORD. Pray that you never turn aside to the right or the left of the LORD’s Word, the Bible. Pray for strength in your walk of faith today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 19:49-21:45; 1 Chronicles 6:54-81
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In Joshua chapter 20 we read about the Cities of Refuge.  I like that concept – a city of refuge.  A place of refuge.  This is what I think about Jesus today – He is our City of Refuge!  No matter what our past sins are, Jesus can be our City of Refuge if we will run to Him, believe, confess & repent.  Is Jesus your City of Refuge?

In Joshua chapter 21 we read about the towns given to the Levites, the priestly tribe appointed in the Mosaic Law for the service of the Tabernacle and of the Temple.  It seems very wise that the Levites are given towns throughout the various tribes of the Israelites.  In my mind this is spreading out the priestly tribe strategically.  Can you imagine if the Levites were all in just 1 location?  It seems to me that there would be a vacuum of spiritual leadership in the tribes if the Levites were not dispersed in the manner which they were. How does reading about the Levites being dispersed remind you of the church today? Is the church dispersed throughout the world today a good thing? What are your thoughts on the benefits or drawbacks of denominations?

Worship God: Today’s readings in Joshua reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Yours:”

Do you believe it is all God’s? Click here and give it all to Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” Joshua 21:45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will always trust that God’s promises will never fail.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 18:1-19:48
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In Joshua chapter 18 verse 1 today we read – “Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle.”  Shiloh was located about 25 miles north of Jerusalem.  The tabernacle remained in Shiloh throughout the period of the Judges, or about 300 years.  We will later read about Samuel traveling to Shiloh with his family. The tabernacle at Shiloh may have looked something like this –

Today we finish up reading about the Promised Land being divided among the tribes!  Below is a great NASA photo with an overlay of a map of the twelve tribes:

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Joshua reminded me of Michael W. Smith’s song “A New Hallelujah:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxOkruKpqI

Have you sung Hallelujah to Jesus in your heart? Click here and sing forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So Joshua said to the Israelites: ‘How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?’” Joshua 18:3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not wait when God has called you to do something. Pray that you will do it.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 15:20-17:18
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Interesting side note on Joshua chapter 15 verses 61 & 62 – “In the wilderness there were the towns of Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi–six towns with their surrounding villages.”  The NIV translates wilderness as “desert”, which is probably more accurate.  Zondervan’s commentary on this verse today says, “The desert is the chalky dry region east and south of Jerusalem that borders the Dead Sea…  Either Secacah or the City of Salt may have been the ancient name of the site of Qumran, where the scribes who produced the Dead Sea Scrolls lived.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the fantastic live version of “Christ our Hope in Life and Death:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBLPMgCRXY

Who is your hope in life and death? Click here for Hope!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, according to its clans.” Joshua 15:20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that your inheritance is heaven if you are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 12:7-15:19
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Interesting – Joshua is an old man already here in chapter 13!  Time is flying quite a bit faster in this book than our past readings about the life of Moses….  It’s estimated that Joshua is between 90 and 100 years old in chapter 13 and Caleb is 85 years old.  In chapter 14 verse 12 we read these words from Caleb to Joshua: “So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me.”  Below is a good image of the hill country of Judah that Caleb sought and received, courtesy of HolyLandPhotos.org:

In Joshua chapter 14 verses 1 & 2 today we read: “The remaining tribes of Israel inherited land in Canaan as allotted by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders. These nine and a half tribes received their inheritance by means of sacred lots, in accordance with the LORD’s command through Moses.”

It is interesting to read about the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah today!  It reminds me of how different these days are for the Israelites, compared to the 40 years of wandering in the desert – or the slavery in Egypt prior to that.  Times have changed!  God’s Promise is being fulfilled.  I think this is important for us to remember in our lives as well.  Maybe we’re in a “slavery” period in our own life where we are looking for a Savior to free us.  Jesus is of course that Savior to free us from our slavery to sin.  Or, maybe we’re in a desert period of our lives.  We’ve decided to follow Jesus, but maybe we’re really trudging through some hard times.  If we’re in this type of period, hopefully we can be encouraged by knowing that God’s Promises to us will not fail.  God will bring us peace that surpasses all understanding.  God will bring us to the true Promised Land for eternity.  Let us be encouraged in our own lives by our past few months of readings about the Israelites and their journey from slavery to now the Promised Land.  God’s Promises will not fail.  They are eternal.  And they are the only thing in this passing world that is eternal.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Joshua about the allotment of land reminded me of Michael W. Smith’s classic 1992 song “Place in this World:”

Do you know your place in this world? Click here for your destination!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When Joshua had grown old, the LORD said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.” Joshua 13:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray earnestly that God will have Kingdom work for you to do when you have grown old. Pray that you’ll do it.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 10:1-12:6
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Joshua chapter 10 we read about the day the sun stood still!  Have you ever received the email about this chapter titled “NASA and the Bible?” – basically the email goes into how a man from NASA proved that the sun stood still.  I have received this email a bunch of times over the past 5 years or so.  This email does appear to be an Urban Legend, but it’s a fun email.  I have read many commentaries on this chapter and do believe that a miracle took place, as we read in verse 13 – “So the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar?  The sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day.”  Do you believe this miracle took place?  Do you believe in miracles?  Here’s a great stained glass image below from Duke University Chapel with Joshua and the son and the moon:

Bible.org’s commentary on our Joshua chapter 10 readings today is at this link.

An interesting note on Joshua 11 verse 21 – “During this period, Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel.”  The descendants of Anak were the giants the Israelite spies feared some 40 years earlier in Numbers chapter 13 verses 32 & 33 – and you’ll recall these verses kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for the next 40 years… “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”  Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua.  I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too?  A change from fear to faith and confidence?  Is there an area in your life where you might need this type of change?  Below is a good map of the nations of Canaan at the time of the conquest:

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Joshua 10:13 reminded me of Chris Tomlin singing the Laura Story song “Indescribable:”

Do you know our Indescribable God? Click here for His description!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” Joshua 10:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that our God is a God of miracles!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 7:1 + 1 Chronicles 2:7 + Joshua 7:2-9:27
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In Joshua chapter 6 yesterday we read about the fall of Jericho to the Israelites – but… things take a turn for the worse in chapter 7 today with the defeat at the city of Ai.  It is interesting to note why the defeat happened in Ai, in verse 1 – “But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the LORD.”  Think about it.  Israel just had a great victory at Jericho and then they were unfaithful toward God.  I wonder if perhaps we are like this in our lives today as well?  Maybe something amazing happens in our life, and we get so swept up in the victory dance that we forget about God.  And yet… it is God who gave us that victory.  It is God who gives us every good thing we have in our lives.  Are we being unfaithful in our lives concerning things set apart for God?  Below is an image for verses 2 & 3 as Joshua sends out some men to spy on Ai, before the defeat” “Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the city of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, “It’s a small town, and it won’t take more than two or three thousand of us to destroy it. There’s no need for all of us to go there.””

In Joshua chapter 7 today we continue to read about Achan’s sin, which caused 36 Israelites to die in the first attack on the city of Ai.  I realize that the destruction of Achan and his family may be tough for us to read, but I think it’s important to remember Achan’s sin caused other Israelites to die.  I found Joshua’s words interesting in verse 19 as he spoke to Achan: “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth.”  He has a fatherly tone here – and I like the thought of giving glory to God by telling the truth.

In chapter 8 verse 1 we read this today – “Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.”  This repeats what we heard God say to Joshua in chapter 1 verse 9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  This makes sense that in the midst of the conquest of the Promised Land that this would need to be repeated often.  I’m wondering if we need to hear this in our lives today as well from God often – do not be afraid or discouraged.  It is so true.  With God in our lives we do not need to be afraid or discouraged!  I need to be reminded of this often…

Now that we are just past the Pentateuch in our readings – the first five books in the Old Testament – verses like 34 & 35 stand out to me as God’s covenant is renewed with the Israelites – “Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of the Law. Every command Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among the Israelites.”  After our recent readings about the Israelites victories at Jericho and Ai, I am not surprises by Joshua chapter 9 verse 2 at all….  – “These kings quickly combined their armies to fight against Joshua and the Israelites.”   Seems like a logical idea to try to band together.  We get some interesting tactics coming from the Gibeonites in tomorrow’s readings.  Stay tuned!  Below is nineteenth century French artist Gustave Dore’s take on today’s readings about Ai:

Bible.org’s commentary on Joshua chapter 7 is at this link, and at this link.  Commentary on Joshua chapter 8 is at this link.

As we read about the Gibeonites deception today, Joshua chapter 9 verses 14 & 15 teach a valuable lesson for each of us: “So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD. Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath.”  They did not consult the Lord – and thus signed a binding oath based on a deception.  How about you in your life today?  How often do you consult God on major decisions in your life?  Even minor decisions?  I know that I don’t do this enough.  I do know that more and more I have found myself praying “thy will – not mine – be done” when major decisions are before me.  I am seeking God’s will and guidance in my life.  But, I’m not sure that I’m really consulting God all that often.  And I’m afraid when I don’t I can rush into quick & bad decisions…  I pray each of us will consult God with all of our plans & decisions in our lives – be they major or minor.  Bible.org’s commentary on our Joshua chapter 9 readings today titled “The Peril of Walking by Sight” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Joshua 8:34 reminded me of Shawn McDonald’s song “Closer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60cTbN2JtVU

Do you want to be closer to God? Click here and move closer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law.” Joshua 8:34 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you read all the words of the Bible this year. And next year. And the next…

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Joshua 3:1-6:27
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today is a major day in our readings as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land!  The significance of the events in today’s readings cannot be overstated.  The Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness are over.  God’s Promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled!

I am intrigued by verse 5 in Joshua chapter 3 today as the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan – “Then Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.””  I’m wondering what the Israelites did to purify themselves?  Some sort of ritual purification I’d guess – likely similar to the purification before meeting God at Mount Sinai, which included washing all their garments as well as themselves.  I also wonder what we do in our lives today to purify ourselves?  The first thought comes to mind that we are of course purified today completely by the blood of Christ.  But, then, I also know that once we have made the decision to follow Christ we will still sin on occasion.  And then, is purification needed?  Not from a salvation standpoint – but from simply having a pure heart before God?  I’m thinking that our purification today is confessing directly to God our sins and repenting.  And I think through this process God’s grace arrives in a nanosecond and purifies us.  I think we’re purified by God’s grace today.  But, I think in part we need to recognize our own need for purification and confess to God our shortcomings and repent.  Let me know what you think on this in the Comments below if you’d like.  Again, I’m not looking at this from a salvation / justification perspective – more of the sanctification perspective.  I like the thought of purification – of being pure before God.  I pray for this for each of us.  No dark corners.  No secrets.  Just a pure heart before our heavenly Father.

A watercolor painting is below for verses 16 & 17 – “Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD’s covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.”

Bible.org’s commentary on Joshua’s readings today titled “Crossing the Jordan” is at this link.

Fascinating! verses today in Joshua chapter 5 verses 13 – 15 – “As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you friend or foe?”  “Neither one,” he replied. “I am commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for this is holy ground.” And Joshua did as he was told.”  Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion says this about these verses – “The captain of the host was no mere angel.  His presence was an appearance of Christ in person.  Joshua worshipped the captain; his worship was accepted and he was neither rebuked nor instructed otherwise.”  Whaddya think?  Was this Jesus in these verses??  Bible.org’s commentary on “The Captain of the Lord’s Army” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song “The Answer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n-bSz515qM

Do you want to know the answer? Click here for The Answer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” Joshua 6:27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God is with you. Pray that you are spreading Jesus’ fame throughout the land.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12; Joshua 1:1-2:24
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Allright, I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little teary eyed reading about Moses’ final blessings of the tribes today!  It reminded me of Jacob’s blessings of his sons in Genesis Chapter 49 – though, it seems to me that Moses’ blessings were a bit more positive overall than Jacob’s, no?  Jacob’s were a bit more realistic though perhaps… as we’ll read later this year in the Chronological Bible.  The other thing about reading Moses’ final blessings of the tribes today that makes me sad is the realization that we are in the 2nd to last chapter of the Pentateuch! (The first five books of the Bible – the books of the Law.)  Tomorrow we’ll read about the death of Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 34 and then it’s onto the Promised Land with Joshua!

An image is below for Moses’ blessing of the tribe of Joseph in verse 17: “Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull; his power is like the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh.”” (I’m not sure why the image below says “unicorn” – it doesn’t look like a unicorn to me! 🙂

Today we come to the end of Moses’ life in our readings!   And – we come to the end of Moses’ writings of the first five books of the Old Testament – the Pentateuch:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  I will miss reading Moses’ writings – but – we only have to wait until January 1 next year when we will all embark on the Chronological Bible adventure and Moses’ writings once again, right??  🙂  An image for Deuteronomy chapter 34 verses 5 through 7 is below: “So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. He was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever.”

Today we begin the book of Joshua!

~Joshua~
Author: Probably Joshua
Date: Either fourteenth century or twelfth century B.C.
Content: After the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation passed into the hands of Joshua and he was their commander-in-chief throughout the entire time of conquest when Israel was taking over the land. While still in the plains of Moab, Joshua mobilized his forces and prepared them for battle. There were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south, and all described, though not fully. After the initial victories, the land was divided among the various tribes of Israel. Joshua then exhorted the people and died in peace.
Theme: The book of Joshua shows that God is true to his promise. He had promised his people a land and they were now entering in to possess it. However, it was not automatic; God required of them that they actively engage in warfare in order to gain what he had given them. God’s judgment upon the sin of the Canaanites in the form of Israel’s armies is also a prominent feature. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 3-4)More commentary on Joshua is at this link.

Today in Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 we read one of my favorite verses in the Bible – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Incredible verse!  God spoke these words to Joshua just before he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  And I do believe these words can apply to us today in our lives as well.  Do you believe it is possible that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous?  In what areas of your life might you need to really hear this command from God?  Do you believe that God will be with you wherever you go?

In verse 8 – just one verse prior to the verse above – we read –  “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”   How does this verse speak to you today?  Is it possible that you should not let the Bible depart from your mouth?  Do you meditate on the Bible day and night, so that you are careful to do what is written in it?  Do you believe meditating and following the truth of God as described in the Bible will allow you to be prosperous and successful?

Today in Joshua chapter 2 we read about Rahab protecting the two Israelite spies.  Verses 4 through 6 tell us: “Rahab, who had hidden the two men, replied, “The men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from. They left the city at dusk, as the city gates were about to close, and I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath piles of flax.)”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Joshua reminded me of Switchfoot’s song “Meant to Live:”

Are you meant to live for so much more? Click here for More!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray that you will not be terrified, nor discouraged. Pray that you know that the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go, now and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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