04/08/10

Joshua 13-15

At the end of chapter 12, the land was resting from the wars of the conquest. As chapter 13 opens, Joshua is "old and well advanced in years" and the LORD told him that "there are still very large areas of land to be taken over," including the regions held by the Philistines and Geshurites. The LORD tells him that "I myself will drive them out before the Israelites." The rest of chapter 13, as well as chapters 14 and 15, begins to outline, in detail, the allotment and division of the land, starting with Rueben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan.

Thoughts, questions, issues

• It seemed as if there were two possible approaches to this material. One is to get a map, attempt to identify all of the spots named and draw maps. The other is to read it, recognize the time required for the first, and go on to tomorrow's reading tomorrow. I've obviously chosen the latter.

Proverbs 21:17-31

Man proposes, God disposes. Man plans and God laughs. "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD."

And again, one of the most frequent themes of the book- "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

Proverbs 21:17-31 (New International Version)

17 He who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
but a foolish man devours all he has.

21 He who pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity and honor.

22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty
and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.

24 The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name;
he behaves with overweening pride.

25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish,
and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.

29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.