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Genesis 15
“On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: ‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates’” (Gen. 15:18).
We now begin a journey through the books of Joshua and Judges. We spent last year in the New Testament book of Acts, seeing the Lord Jesus Christ building His church. As we switch back to the Old Testament this year, we will be exploring another key period in redemptive history—the conquest of Canaan and the transition period of the judges between the settlement of the Promised Land and the anointing of Saul the son of Kish as Israel’s first king.
Can twenty-first century Christians benefit from these ancient books? Absolutely! The unknown author or authors clearly intended them to teach the people of Israel important lessons—lessons that we, in many cases, need to learn as well. They include:
1. The now and the not yet. By the end of Joshua, the Israelites have conquered and partitioned much of the Promised Land. But many Canaanites remain and some of the land promised to Israel is still not controlled. Even so, God’s kingdom is greatly advanced today, but we still have work to do in extending it to the ends of the earth.
2. Eyes on the prize. The Israelites were willing to settle for a partial conquest of the Promised Land. We, too, must guard against settling for fleeting pleasures rather than the riches of obedience.
3. A partnership. God gave Canaan to the Israelites, but they had to fight for it. God calls us to participate in building His kingdom.
4. The need for faith. Like the Israelites after 40 years in the desert, we must have faith as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises.
5. God despises sin. He judged the Canaanites and punished His people when they sinned. He still judges and admonishes today.
6. The value of godly leaders. The reigns of Joshua and the judges bring peace and blessing to the Israelites.
To guide our study, we turn again to Matthew Henry (1662–1714), who led us through Exodus in 1998. Henry was a Puritan pastor in England and the author of a widely respected commentary on the entire Bible. In the second volume of the commentary, he expresses this hope: “If I may but be instrumental to make my readers wise and good, wiser and better, more watchful against sin and more careful of their duty both to God and man, and, in order thereto, more in love with the word and law of God, I have all I desire, all I aim at.”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take time today to scan the books of Joshua and Judges. Many of the stories and characters probably are familiar to you. As you read, pray that the Holy Spirit will teach you (and perhaps your family) new lessons from these familiar stories. Pray that you will be challenged as we seek to apply these portions of God’s Word to our lives.
For Further Study
- Luke 8:14
- Philippians 1:6
- Hebrews 11:6
- Hebrews 12:7–11
- Hebrews 13:7