Joshua 14—18: Joshua Divides the Land
CHRISTIANS OFTEN FEEL more like captives than conquerors. What hinders our spiritual progress? Why do we sometimes experience so little when we are promised so much? God had proven himself to Israel throughout their many battles. He had promised to be with them in the conquest of Canaan and had kept his promise. Yet in spite of many victories, much of the land remained to be conquered. These chapters look at why Israel had failed to possess all that God had promised.
Warming Up to God
In what one area of your life would you most like to see spiritual progress?
Read Joshua 14—18. »
Discovering the Word
- How is Caleb's faith just as strong at eighty-five as it had been at forty?
- Note 15:63, 16:10 and 17:12-13. God had promised to drive these Canaanites out of the land. Why then do you think Israel had difficulty dislodging them (see also Ex 23:29-30 and Dt 7:22-24)?
- How does the attitude of the people of Joseph contrast with that of Caleb?
- How does Joshua deal with their complaint (17:17-18)?
- Seven tribes had not yet received their inheritance. What was their problem (18:1-10)?
- As you look back over these chapters, what reasons can you give for why Israel had difficulty taking full possession of the land?
Applying the Word
- Which reasons help to explain why God's promises to us are sometimes only partially fulfilled? (For example, his promise to purify our lives of sin.) Explain.
- We sometimes act like the people of Joseph, complaining about how little God has given us when we have not fully used what we have. How do you think Joshua would respond to our complaints and excuses?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to mold your faith to be like Caleb's.
For Further Study
Faith by Dale Larsen & Sandy Larsen