Joshua 12

Scripture

 

Joshua 12:1

These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of the Arabah:

Observation-What does it say?

 

This chapter is basically a list of all the kings defeated by the Israelites from the time of Moses' reign to the time of Joshua.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

The victories of Israel and the kings they conquered were important enough to be listed name by name in Scripture. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), but His past mercies must not be forgotten.

 

Commentary states, "The vengeance of a righteous God, inflicted on all these kings and their subjects, for their wickedness, should make us dread and hate sin. The fruitful land bestowed on his chosen people, should fill our hearts with hope and confidence in his mercy, and with humble gratitude."

 

Romans 15:4-For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

 

Life Application

 

Keep a log or journal and document all the ways the Lord has shown up in our lives. Also, document all the ways He has shown up for His people in His Word. Be specific. Look back on it when the enemy tries to discourage us in our walk with Him.

 

 The victories we have experienced individually and as a church in the past and the present as His adopted and chosen children, is powerful enough to make the devil flee.  It encourages us back on His intended path for us. I have shared that I keep a list of Scriptures that encourage me to stay the course.  In addition, I also document all the ways God has shown up in my life and I look back on it, especially when the devil tries to discourage me in his crafty ways.

 

Dear Jesus, thank You for the constant encouragement that we receive from Your Word and our ongoing testimonies of how You continue to show up in times of adversity. Great is Your faithfulness! I pray that we would not forget what You have done specifically in the past or the present and we would meditate on it constantly. We love You and worship You. Thank You for always protecting us from what the enemy seeks to steal away. All glory and victory is Yours alone. Amen.

 

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-Michelle Gaddi