Read Joshua 17
Highlights:
Inheritance of Manasseh; Canaanites forced to pay taxes to Israelites; Tabernacle set up at Shiloh; remainder of the land divided.
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.... And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions (Josh. 18:1,10).
After the conquest of Canaan was completed the land was divided, not by majority vote, but by the Lord.
Although they had received some of the best territory in the promised land, the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim complained that they should have more territory given to them because of their great numbers and what they perceived as their prominent position among the tribes (17:14-18). The Ephraimites were proud of their history as descendants of Joseph, and also of the fact that Joshua, the victorious commander who had led in the conquest of Canaan, was also from their tribe.
When we have our priorities centered upon the Lord, we need not fear losing our share of anything. In fact, we gladly accept less to maintain peace with others. True children of God should not expect others to serve or praise them. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
In a striking contrast to the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, Joshua chose to be the last to lay claim to any territory (Joshua 19:49). As captain, we could expect him to be first and to take the best for himself. Instead, he chose last. His choice was a very small area near Shiloh where the Tabernacle was erected and where he could best worship and serve the Lord. It was there, in the nearness of the Lord’s presence, that Joshua built his small city. Joshua illustrates the importance of being humble and fervent in spirit. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord (Romans 12:11)
The Lord gives grace and blessings to those with a humble Spirit: he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:6-7,10).
Thought for Today:
Compromise is never a good substitute for obedience.
Christ Revealed:
Through Shiloh. The children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle (Joshua 18:1). Shiloh was the dwelling place of God’s presence which was prophetic of Jesus. The Word (Jesus) . . . dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14).
Word Studies:
17:13 tribute, forced labor; 18:1 Shiloh, the location of the Tabernacle in the tribe of Ephraim; 18:6 describe, map out, survey, diagram.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Isaiah 6:8)
Optional Reading: John 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 14:11
