One More to Go

O. T. #487  "One More to Go"
March 25, 2015
Joshua 19-Part 7
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.  Joshua 19:50

LET IT GLOW

It was a huge task, but finally it was now complete, done, over. Or was it? Lots were cast for most of the tribes of the children of Israel. The allotment of the Promised Land, promised to their father Abraham, way back in Genesis, was now fulfilled. Almost, that is. There was one more to go. Continue to find out who it was that had not received their portion yet. Do you know who it was?

So far, we have read of the distribution of land:

• east of the Jordan River, going to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh (chapter 13);
• to the priestly tribe of Levi, cities because they not allowed to own land (chapter 13);
• the largest area went to Judah (chapter 15);
• the land west of the river went to 7 tribes-Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan (chapters 18-19);
• Caleb's mountain (chapters 14-15).

Who was the last to receive his inheritance? None other than Joshua, Israel's leader through the conquering and distribution of land. You will recall that Joshua was the one-time spy partner with Caleb who gave a report of faith in God's ability to over-throw those living in the Promised Land (Numbers 14).
Joshua was 95 years old during the time of chapter 14, and then by chapter 23 he was 110, nearing his death in chapter 24. I would say that he did well for his age, wouldn't you?

LET IT GROW

Matthew Henry gives us come points to consider:

1. Joshua was the last served, though the eldest and greatest man of all Israel, and who, having commanded in the conquest of Canaan, might have demanded the first settlement in it for himself and his family. But he would make it to appear that in all he did, he sought the good of his country, and not any private interest of his own. Let the public first be served.
2. He had his lot according unto the word of the Lord; it is probable, when God by Moses told Caleb what inheritance he should have, Joshua 14:9, He gave the like promise to Joshua, which He had an eye to in making His election, which made his portion doubly pleasant, that he had it, not as the rest, by common providence, but by special promise.
3. Joshua chose it in mount Ephraim, which belonged to his own tribe, with which he thereby put himself in common. The tabernacle was set up in the lot of Ephraim, and Joshua would not be far from that.
4. The children of Israel are said to give it him (v.49), which bespeaks his humility, that he would not take it to himself without the people's consent and approbation, as if he would.
5. It was a city that must be built before it was fit to be dwelt in: while others dwelt in houses which they builded not, Joshua must build for himself, that he might be a pattern of industry and contentment with mean things.

Having the mark of a great leader, Joshua saw to the welfare of his people before his inheritance.

Joshua built a city, Timnath Serah, about 16 miles southwest of Shechem. (MacArthur)

Another plateau in the life of Israel had been reached. (Falwell)

Our Lord Jesus came and dwelt among us, not in pomp but poverty, providing rest for us, yet Himself not having where to lay His head. Even Christ pleased not Himself. (Henry)

All I can say is, "What a man, Joshua was!"
God keeps His promises; they are forever.

LET IT GO

Jesus, others, you; that is how you spell JOY.

Put others before myself.

Keep trusting Jesus.