God will do great things for those who trust in Him. The reason why His professed people have no greater strength is that they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf. He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him and faithfully obey Him. (PP 493.2)
Reading Plan, Week 9
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapters: 45–52
Monday: 487.1–498.2
Tuesday: 499.1–511.4
Wednesday: 512.1–521.3
Thursday: 522.1–531.4
Friday: 532.1–542.4
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 45: The Fall of Jericho
The children of Israel are finally in Canaan, but the land is not theirs yet. The inhabitants of Canaan are formidable people given to debauchery and idolatry with Jericho being a hotspot of it all. It is only through the promise of the strength of God that the Israelites would be able to overcome the inhabitants of Canaan.
The Israelites succeed in defeating Jericho by believing and obeying the word of God communicated through Joshua. As the first fruit of their conquest of the promised land, the city in its entirety, except for Rahab’s household, is consecrated to God. Sadly, the miraculous feat is followed by bitter disappointment at Ai because of disobedience. Achan’s covetousness results in disaster for the community, as well as for Achan himself.
God’s power alone throws down the walls of Jericho, but after the success many of the Israelites grow confident in their own abilities, including Joshua, who fails to seek God’s guidance on their next conquest. Are you counting God’s success in your life as your own? What successes have you experienced that you can give God credit for?
Like Achan, we often don’t realize the consequences our choices might have on those around us and justify our selfish actions even when we do. What “little” sin are you allowing to take root in your heart, and what consequences could it result in for those around you?
Chapter 46: The Blessings and the Curses
After Achan’s execution, the Israelites successfully conquer Ai, and the time has come for them to renew their covenant with God. All of Israel, including the men, women, children, and foreigners who are with them, set out for the sacred valley of Shechem to reaffirm their loyalty to God. All listen to the reading of the laws given by God followed by the blessings from obeying them and the punishments that result from disobeying God’s word. Every seven years this ceremony is to be performed, ensuring that the young as well as the old know about the promises God has given His people and the consequences of neglecting His word.
Ellen White says that the Bible is “a communication from God to men.” How are you seeking to communicate with God?
God ensures that every single one of His people, not just the direct descendants of Israel but those foreigners who are with them, gather to hear His laws, the blessings that come from following them, and the punishments for disobedience. What does this say about the love God has for all mankind?
Chapter 47: League With the Gibeonites
The Children of Israel return to Gilgal after reconsecrating themselves to God and are visited not long after by dusty and disheveled ambassadors. The travelers seek to make an alliance with the Israelites, which God warns His children not to do with the inhabitants of Canaan. The strangers show their shabby clothes and supplies as evidence they come from afar. Without consulting with God, the leaders of Israel agree to become allies with the strangers only to find out these men are Gibeonites. The Israelites spare the Gibeonites’ lives, but as a consequence for their deceit, they and future generations are servants for the sanctuary.
Incensed by the alliance Gibeon makes with the Israelites, five Canaanite kings attack the city of Gibeon. Joshua and the Children of Israel, at the direction of God, go to their ally’s rescue. What follows is one of the most amazing miracles as God holds the sun and moon in place while the Israelites vanquish the remaining enemy.
God made provisions for any foreigner who accepted and worshiped Him to be treated as one of the Children of Israel with a few exceptions. How do you think this applies to our world today? Who would be a foreigner today? What are the exceptions and what does this tell us?
If the Gibeonites had been truthful from the beginning, they would have avoided a life of poverty and servitude for themselves and their descendants. How might you be seeking to do something your own way, thereby missing the wonderful promises God has given?
Ellen White says the “secret to success is the union of divine power with human effort.” What are you trying to accomplish with your human effort? Have you called on the divine power that is so readily available to you?
Chapter 48: The Division of Canaan
After several years, Canaan’s power is broken and Joshua’s conquering days are done. He divides the land among the tribes who are then supposed to finish the job of evicting the remaining Canaanites. Caleb, now eighty-five years old, receives his special inheritance as one of the two faithful spies that initially scoped out the land for Israel. He chooses the land of the giants, believing God will fulfill His promises and to set an example for the rest of the Israelites. Other tribes are not so strong in their faith and waver at the prospect of driving out the enemy from their allotted lands.
During the division of the land, God appoints six cities of refuge for those who may accidentally take a life. The roads are kept in good repair with clear signs so as not to slow down the accused. These cities serve as a symbol of the safety found in Christ.
An altar causes some of the tribes to jump to conclusions regarding the spiritual health of some of the other tribes, but a calm response settles the matter.
God desires for the unity of His people. Too often there is misunderstanding and miscommunication that leads to sorrow. It is better to approach things in a gentle manner rather than with condemnation.
The tribes have different reactions to their inheritances. Some rejoice at the opportunity of a challenge through which God’s mightiness would be revealed while others quail at the prospect of some hard work and danger because they lack faith in God. Where can you be like Caleb and strive to be an example of faith to others?
While it is important to hold one another accountable, we should also not hurry into condemnation. Have you rushed to conclusions somewhere in your life recently? Are you feeling unjustly wronged by someone right now?
Chapter 49: The Last Words of Joshua
Joshua’s time is drawing to a close. The people of Israel have been enjoying a period of rest from war and with that, the sins of the past start cropping up again. Joshua calls the leaders together and exhorts them to consider all the wonderful things God has done for them. It is in this meeting at Shechem with the leaders that Joshua utters these words, “choose you this day whom you will serve.” The leaders recognize the greatness of God and renew their vows to follow Him. Joshua’s work is done.
In times of peace and tranquility, Satan endeavors to creep into the lives of God’s people. God keeps His promises, but that also means He is telling the truth about the consequences of sin. Have you been taking God’s word for granted and letting things slide?
God does not want us to simply serve Him in order to save ourselves. He wants us to serve Him out of love. Take a moment to consider do you truly serve God out of love?
Who do you choose to serve?
Chapter 50: Tithes and Offerings
The practice of tithing did not originate with the Children of Israel. It is a system God put in place long before and remains today. Tithing serves as a reminder that God is the Creator of all and through Him all blessings come. God’s children should express their gratitude to the source of all good things and tithing is one way to do that. The gifts given as tithe are used to support and provide for the worship of God. As long as God’s children give their promised portions to God, He pours out blessings on them so there is never any lack or need.
The principle of tithing has not changed from the days of the Children of Israel to now. In fact, it is just as important as ever. God has appointed man as His light bearers and it is through these offerings of gratitude that His work is continued.
God consistently requires faithfulness from His followers, in all things, and for that faithfulness He promises to take care of His people. How can you show God your faithfulness?
The tithing system, especially during the time of Joshua, was to provide for sustaining the worship of God (the Tabernacle, the priests, etc.). How are you contributing to the worship of God?
God wants us to give freely, from the heart. What does giving from the heart mean to you?
Chapter 51: God’s Care for the Poor
God put in place a second tithe to provide for the poor. The laws of Moses set down clearly how the Children of Israel are to care for the less fortunate of their population. In order for the poor to not go hungry they can glean from the crops their neighbors grow. Another provision is the sabbatical year, in which all the crops grown are designated for the poor. The sabbatical year brought other relief to the poor in that their debts are forgiven and slaves set free. The year of Jubilee does more to even out the disparity between the rich and the poor, allowing the poor to regain their land if they had sold it.
God built His love and empathy for the poor and lowly into the laws He passed down through Moses. His design creates empathy and concern for one another. Both the rich and the poor are blessed by His plan.
What do these laws and provisions regarding the poor, widowed, orphaned, and foreigner mean to you? How can you implement these ideals in our world today?
What do these laws and tithes say to you about the character of God?
Chapter 52: The Annual Feasts
Now that the people of Israel have dispersed to the different parts of the Promised land, God sets up yearly feasts and celebrations to be held in Jerusalem. During these celebrations the people come together and remember all the things that God has done for them. It is a time of celebration and encouragement, especially now that they are spread out across the land of Canaan. The Lord impresses upon His people the importance of worship and fellowship with one another.
In this chapter we learn that these annual feasts could take up to three months of the year for some of the Children of Israel due to the distances they had to travel to come together. This shows the importance of fellowship with fellow believers. Have you neglected fellowship with other believers? How does being with other followers of Christ impact you and your daily life?