Joshua
General
Joshua, whose name signifies deliverer, or savior, became Israel's
leader and under him they won great victories and actually entered the land
promised in the covenant. A79 He was of the tribe of Ephraim, of one of its
leading families, his grandfather Elishama having been a captain of the army of
the Ephraimites, 40,500 in number at the organization of the Israelites soon
after the exodus. R3079:1 At the time of his taking Moses' place he was in his
83rd year, yet full of vigor, and evidently the best qualified man for the
position. For twenty-seven years Joshua was the leader of Israel, faithful to God
and to the people. He not only led them through Jordan and directed in the
conquering of city after city but he also divided the land among the tribes and
governed the people with great acceptance, dying at the age of 110. It would
not do for us to contrast Joshua with Moses as a leader, for they were men of
totally different types. Indeed, anyone contrasted with Moses would be
disadvantaged, so high did that great statesman tower above the average of
humanity then or since. But while Joshua could not be Moses, the leader, commander,
law-giver, he was faithful as a follower of Moses, as one who obeyed the divine
law, and whose faith and influence with the people were helpful to them. He was
just what God wished him to be, and whoever is worthy of such a testimony is
truly great. R5335:2
Joshua's training as general assistant, private secretary, etc., to
Moses, made him familiar with the divine plans and methods. To him was
entrusted the command of the people in their first battle. It was Joshua who
went with Moses into Mount Sinai; it was he who led one of the companies of
spies . . . who brought back a good report and who courageously stood with
Moses in advising that the people have faith in God and proceed to conquer and
possess the promised land. He must have been either the oldest man in all the
nation or next to the oldest, for only himself and Caleb of all the nation that
were above twenty years of age at the exodus remained alive. R4060:6
Moses did not lead the people into the land of promise; it was
Joshua--their new leader--who led them over Jordan. Thus the type shows that
mankind will enter into the promised land not by the Law, but by a Savior.
R5388:4, R3079:3
The expulsion and destruction of sinful nations by Israel was a type of
how the people of God today are to take possession of their human bodies. We
are as New Creatures to conquer, to destroy, these tendencies of the flesh that
would enslave us. This warfare of Israel against their enemies may also be a
picture of conditions in the Millennium, when the world, under the guidance of
Christ and the Church, will be brought into a condition which will fit them to
have possession of the whole earth. R5706:6
Joshua 1
Joshua 1:1
The LORD spake -- Typifying his messages of encouragement to the Christ
company in the present time. R3079:5
Unto Joshua -- Type of Christ. A79
Originally,
"Hoshea"--salvation; to which was prefixed "Je"--Jehovah
(Num. 13:16). Thus it became "Jehoshua"-- Jehovah's salvation. This
was shortened to Joshua and Jeshua (Neh. 8:17). Greek form is Jesus. R5335:3,
R4060:3, R5296:5
The oldest or next-to-oldest man
in Israel. R4061:1
Moses' minister -- Moses' Prime Minister. R3079:1
This training made him familiar
with the divine plans and methods as understood and practiced by Moses. R4060:6
Yet void of that ambition which
led to the overthrow of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. R3079:2
Joshua 1:2
Now therefore arise -- Being meek, he waited for the Lord to authorize his
taking command. R4061:1
Go over this Jordan -- In the case of the Church, from a state of sin and
degradation into harmony with God. R5509:6
The land -- As Joshua was to deliver the Lord's people and give them
possession of the land of promise; so Jesus is to deliver spiritual Israel and
give them their inheritance. R5296:5
Give to them -- Not because of their worthiness, but because of his
favor toward them, according to his own plan. R5335:6
Joshua 1:3
Foot shall tread upon -- Nothing was theirs except as the soles of their feet
claimed possession. It was theirs by faith in that promise--a faith that would lead
to works. Likewise spiritual Israelites must claim the promises to obtain them.
R4061:2
Joshua 1:4
Of the Hittites -- The typical enemies of Israel picture the enemies we
find entrenched in our own bodies. R5509:6
Recent excavations in Assyria show
that at this time the Hittites were a mighty people. R3079:6
Shall be your coast -- The boundaries outlined are practically the same as
those possessed during Solomon's reign. R4061:3
Joshua 1:5
Will be with thee -- "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5)--he
is with us only when we do what is clearly indicated in God's Word. R4061:6
Typifying that during the
Millennial age the victory of Christ shall be by and through the Father's
power. R3079:5
God did not say to him,
"Remember your age and long experience and previous successes as a
general." R4061:4
Joshua 1:6
Be strong -- In your arms and shoulders--aggressive warfare. R4061:6
God had not promised to give them
amicable possessions; they were to fight and conquer their foes. R5509:3
Of a good courage -- Have full confidence; not in yourself, but in God.
R3079:2, R4064:5
Not the courage born of egotism
and self-reliance, nor of recklessness; but, recognizing our own insufficiency,
looking to the Lord for assistance. R5510:4
Associated with lower limbs, implying
defensive power. R4061:6
Joshua 1:7
Be thou strong -- The basis for their strength and courage was the promise
of God to Abraham that he would bring his seed into the land of Canaan. R5509:2
Joshua, as successor of Moses,
needed this encouragement on the occasion of the Israelites entering the
promised land. R5296:1, R5509:2
Against Israel's enemies,
entrenched in the land of Canaan. R5296:2
Very courageous -- Morally courageous. R4062:3
The New Creatures, under the
leadership of the antitypical Joshua, are to overcome the weaknesses of the
fallen nature. R5296:3
Strength of character and courage
are needed now when the iniquity of the whole world has come to the full; and
all present governments are about to be swept away. R5707:4
There is a difference between
being strong and being courageous. The Great Company will finally overcome,
with the Lord's help, yet they will not have been very courageous. R5296:5
Turn not from it -- Require neither more nor less than the divine standard,
keeping in absolute alignment with the divine Word; a rebuke to those who think
the eternal torment theory should be taught whether in the Bible or not. R3080:1
Joshua 1:8
Meditate therein -- Those who carefully lay up the treasures of divine
wisdom that they may live by them, are those that truly keep the commandments
of God. R2093:6*
Day and night -- Not literally; but in the sense of making it your guide
and director at all times and in all things. R4062:4
Good success -- For spiritual Israelites success in making their calling
and election sure will be proportionate to their obedience to the divine
message. R4062:5, R3080:5
Joshua 1:9
I commanded thee -- It is not our battle, but the Lord's. R4061:6
Neither be thou dismayed -- Through fear of the giants of weaknesses and sin-habits;
nor through the thought of the high walls and fortifications of entrenched sin.
R4064:2
Joshua 1:11
Within three days -- Representing the fifth, sixth and seventh thousand-year
days. R3080:6
Joshua's promptness and zeal here
displayed are worthy of emulation. R4062:6
Prepare you victuals -- Representing the Church with her Lord as the Bread from
heaven. "We, being many, are one bread." (1 Cor. 10:17) R3081:4
Joshua 1:12
Half the tribe of Manasseh -- Also given a large tract east of Jordan; showing how
Joseph's branches (in Manasseh) went "over the wall" or river. (Gen.
49:22) R2124:6
Joshua 2
Joshua 2:1
Jericho -- Type of Babylon. R4054:2
Rahab -- In this instance a type of the Great Company. R4054:2
Joshua 2:16
Three days -- Representing the fifth, sixth and seventh thousand-year
days. R3080:6
Joshua 2:18
Of scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109; R4070:6
Joshua 3
Joshua 3:1
Came to Jordan -- Meaning "Judged down," "Condemned,"
typifying the sentence which has rested for 6000 years against our race. R3086:4
To the New Creation Jordan
symbolizes consecration. R4063:3, R5351:3
Joshua 3:3
The people -- Representing justified believers in Jesus. R4063:3
Joshua 3:4
Two thousand cubits -- About three-quarters of a mile. R4063:4
Upstream, thus prominent in
Israel's eyes. R3085:6
Joshua 3:5
Sanctify yourselves -- As at Mt. Sinai with the giving of the Law; to set apart
by purifying from sin and all earthly things, abstaining from all but necessary
food to develop the proper heart condition. R4063:2
A condition of the call--both of
the present time and of the Millennial age. R4063:4
Joshua 3:6
Priests -- Representing the Little Flock. R4063:2
Joshua 3:7
Said unto Joshua -- Type of Christ. A79; R4063:2
Joshua 3:10
Drive out -- Destroy, not cast into eternal torment. R3085:3
The conquests of Canaan represent
the spiritual battles of the consecrated. R5351:3
From before you -- "The earth is the Lord's" (Psa 24:1). He has
the right to do as he will with his own property. R3085:1
The Canaanites, and -- These nations symbolize the weaknesses and imperfections
of the fallen nature which are to be blotted out during the Millennial age.
R3085:2
Typifying the sins with which we
must contend earnestly. R4064:2
Joshua 3:11
Behold, the ark -- Type of The Christ. T121
As Israel had nothing to fear
because the ark stood in the midst of the threatening danger, so the Christian
has nothing to fear as long as he realizes the divine presence and approval. R1857:2
Joshua 3:13
Shall be cut off -- The cessation of Adamic death to all those desiring to
be the Lord's. R4063:2
Upon an heap -- See comments on Josh. 3:16.
Joshua 3:14
Removed from their tents -- The lack of murmurings implies that the wilderness
experiences had taught valuable lessons of faith. R5345:1
Pass over Jordan -- Representing the passing of mankind into the new
dispensation. R4063:2
Each Christian crosses Jordan in
the sense of beginning a new life of devotion to God. R5345:5
Joshua 3:15
Of the priests -- Typifying the Royal Priesthood. R3086:5
Were dipped -- Representing that the Royal Priesthood must first pass
into Jordan before any of the people can pass over. R3086:5
Jordan overfloweth -- Supposed to have been about 500
feet wide; ordinarily about 90
feet wide. R5345:1, R4063:1
Joshua 3:16
Upon an heap -- The Lord used natural means. R3085:6
Behind a temporary dam caused by a
landslide. Such a dam was formed in AD 1267, leaving the bed of the Jordan
below it dry for several hours. R4063:5, R5345:3, R3086:1; PD37/48
It was so well timed by the Lord
that when the priests stepped up to the water, bearing the ark, the water began
to subside. PD37/48; R4063:4, R5345:3
Very far from -- A great way off--at the city of Adam. R4063:5, R3086:1
The city Adam -- About 20 miles above, where there is a narrow gorge.
R4063:5, R5345:3
Joshua 3:17
Ark of the covenant -- Representing the divine promise under which they had
left Egypt, hoping for grand results. R5345:2
Midst of Jordan -- Typifying that the Royal Priesthood give their lives for
the life of the world. R3086:5
The ark, representing the Lord,
effects the cancellation of the death sentence so that the Millennial blessings
might be obtained. R3086:5
All the Israelites -- In all, about two million. R3086:5
Until all the people -- A limited time to cross over, "now is an acceptable
time." (2 Cor. 6:2) R4064:1
The return of the waters
represents the Second Death. R4063:2
Clean over Jordan -- God's people now pass from death unto life-dying to old
interests and entering into the new inheritance. R4603:4, R5598:2; PD37/48
Joshua 4
Joshua 4:6
These stones -- Twelve stones were taken from the bed of the river and
piled on the shore as a memorial; while twelve from the shore were placed in
the bed of the river as a similar memorial. R5345:2
To bear witness to future
generations of this great act of divine providence on behalf of the twelve
tribes of Israel. R5345:3
Joshua 4:9
Twelve stones -- (In the river), typifying the 144,000 of the elect as
dying in the midst of Jordan so that all might pass over. R3086:5
Joshua 4:14
Magnified Joshua -- Type of Christ. A79
Joshua 4:18
Unto their place -- Representing the Second Death, which will be the portion
of any who, in the Millennial age, renounce the goodly heritage which the Lord has
provided for the redeemed world. R4063:2
Joshua 4:19
Tenth day of the first month
-- Forty years to the day from when
they set out from Egypt to Palestine. R4063:1
There the Jubilee cycles began to
count. R1980:3
From their entrance into the
promised land in the spring to the spring of AD 1875 was the total 3449 years
of the Jubilee cycles. HG59:6
Joshua 4:20
Gilgal -- There seem to have been several Gilgals, meaning "circle";
so-called from places where circles of memorial stones were set up. R3344:2*
Joshua 5
Joshua 5:3
And circumcised -- Symbolizing a cutting off, a separation from the flesh,
its aims, hopes and desires. R1857:3, R4070:3
The period of wilderness
wanderings was a period of partial disfavor with the Lord, during which both
circumcision and the annual commemoration of their Passover ceased. The renewal
of both when they entered Canaan marked the return of divine favor. R3086:3
Joshua 5:6
Forty years -- Typifying the 19 centuries of the Gospel age. R3079:3
Joshua 5:7
Joshua circumcised -- Typifying that the first work of the Millennial age will
be a consecration to the Lord. R3086:6
Typifying, as far as the Royal
Priesthood is concerned, a putting away of sin from the will. R4070:3
Joshua 5:10
Kept the passover -- Typifying that in the Millennial age the work of
redemption through the precious blood of Christ will again be prominently
brought to the attention of all who wish to become God's people. R3086:6
Typifying, as far as the Royal
Priesthood is concerned, communion with Christ in his sacrifice. R3087:2
Fourteenth day of the month -- There the Jubilee cycles began to count. R1980:3
Joshua 5:11
Old corn -- Their first year was a Sabbath year. OV100:3
Joshua 5:12
Manna ceased -- In the Millennial Kingdom mankind will no longer be
dependent upon the divine revelation contained in the Scriptures. The new
dispensation will have spiritual food and sustenance of its own. R3087:1
Fruit of the land -- Typifying the new sources of spiritual food in the
Millennium. R3087:1
Typifying, in the case of the
Royal Priesthood, every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. R3087:2
Joshua 5:14
Captain of the host -- An angel had materialized for the purpose of
communicating the divine plans to Joshua. R5343:3
Joshua 6
Joshua 6:1
Jericho -- A walled city about five miles from the Jordan. R5343:2
Typifying, for the Royal
Priesthood, the weaknesses and shortcomings of the flesh. R4070:3
None went out -- The salvation of the Lord cannot go out and come into
the world with haste. C284*; R751:1*
Joshua 6:2
I have given -- Our power over our natural desires (represented by the
Jerichoites) must come from God. R1857:3
Into thine hand -- The "old man" of our fallen nature is to be
utterly destroyed by us as "New Creatures" under the lead of the real
Joshua--Jesus. R1857:3
Joshua 6:4
Seven times -- Showing completeness. R1857:6
With the trumpets -- Typifying the proclamation of God's Word against sin and
showing that he is able and willing to give the New Creatures victory over
their carnal propensities. R1858:4
Joshua 6:5
The wall -- A necessity owing to frequent incursions from Syria and
Egypt, being on a main line of travel. R5343:2
Showing that the natural appetites
are protected by the will of the flesh, which must be broken down. R1857:3
Fall down flat -- Possibly, though very unlikely, caused by vibrations of
the musical chord, or by the march-step of the Israelites. R3087:6
Joshua 6:14
Six days -- Nothing accomplished except the witnessing. Represents
6000 years in which sin has been entrenched and impregnable, and God's people
have merely witnessed against it. R5344:1
Joshua 6:15
Seventh day -- Represents the great seventh day, 1000
years of Messiah's reign. R5344:1
Seven times -- The citadel of evil will be surrounded completely.
R5344:1
Joshua 6:16
Joshua -- Type of Christ. A79
Shout -- Not until we have faith in God's Word can we blend the
shout of victory with the shout of the trumpet and see the obstacles fall.
R4071:4
Joshua 6:19
Silver, and gold -- Consecrated in advance for the furnishment and adornment
of the Tabernacle and Temple. R5343:2
Of brass and Iron -- Picturing true Israel's ordinary possessions. R4071:1
Joshua 6:20
With the trumpets -- Typifying the trumpet notes of the Royal Priesthood; of
obedience to God and opposition to sin. R3087:4
Giving forth the Bible message
that ultimately sin shall be destroyed. R5344:1
That the wall -- Representing the strong walls of sin and error. R5344:1
Possibly weakened by vibrations of
the trumpets and shouts. R3087:6
Fell down -- Typifying the utter overthrow of the power of sin.
R3087:4
Probably the tremor of an
earthquake, under divine direction, caused the fall. R5343:6
Flat -- Seems too strong a translation to represent properly the
original. The wall crumbled in front of the Ark. The section of the wall where
Rahab's house was did not fall. R5343:5
Joshua 6:21
Utterly destroyed -- Typifying the complete extermination of sin in its every
form. R3087:4
Showing how the "old
man," our fallen nature, is to be utterly destroyed by us as New
Creatures, under the lead of the real Joshua, Jesus. R1857:3, R4070:3
This was no injustice as they were
all under the death sentence anyway. F174
Joshua 6:24
And the gold -- Representing our treasures. R4071:1
And of iron -- Representing our ordinary possessions. R4071:1
Into the treasury -- All the spiritual Israelite possesses is to be
consecrated to the Lord's service. R1858:1
Joshua 6:25
Saved Rahab -- Typifying the rescue, at the time of Babylon's fall, of
the Great Company. R4054:2
Shows that some of our members
once enemies of the new nature may be so transformed as to become servants of righteousness,
through full consecration. R1857:6, R4070:6
Dwelleth in Israel -- She afterward married into the tribe of Judah; and has
the honor of being one of the ancestors of our Lord. R4070:6
Joshua 7
Joshua 7:1
Accursed -- Should read "devoted." All the spoils of Jericho
were devoted to the Lord in advance. R5350:6
Achan -- Typifying those who come into outward conformity with
the Lord but secretly try to hold on to some sins. R3087:5
Joshua 7:3
Let not all -- Anticipating their enemies to be terror-stricken, so as
to render little or no defense. R5350:3
Joshua 7:9
Unto thy great name -- Pray, pleading God's glory. R5380:6*
Joshua 7:11
Accursed -- Should read "devoted." All the spoils of Jericho
were devoted to the Lord in advance. R5350:6
Joshua 7:25
And Joshua said -- As a good illustration of the technique of the so-called
Higher Critics, see their comments on this verse contained in article R3397:5
Burned them -- Picturing the Second Death, which will be the ultimate
punishment of all who willfully reject the Lord's ways; Achan himself will
share in the redemption. R5351:1
Stoned them with stones -- Representing the Millennial age rule, when all who even
secretly love evil will be manifest and destroyed. R3091:2
Joshua 8
Joshua 8:33
Mount Gerizim -- These peaks are 800 feet high and a mile apart,
separated by a valley of 1500 feet wide. The acoustics are such that
conversation can be carried on from peak to peak, or from peak to valley,
without difficulty. R479:5, R3091:2
Joshua 8:34
Read all the words -- In the Millennial age, under the antitypical Joshua, the
law of God will be distinctly set before all as a standard of conduct. R3091:2
Joshua 10
Joshua 10:3
Adoni-zedek . . . Japhia -- Mentioned by name in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets of Egypt.
R1652:2, R1994:1
Joshua 10:10
And the LORD -- Not Joshua. R3344:3*
Discomfited them -- Used violence on them. R3344:3*
Slaughter at Gibeon -- Type of God's deliverance of regathered Israel. D555
In the last days, the Lord
"shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon." (Isa. 28:21) R564:6
Joshua 10:11
Hailstones -- The immense hailstones killing so many seems quite in
line with the interpretation that the day was dark instead of light. PD38/48
Joshua 10:12
Then spake Joshua -- Type of Christ. A79
Sun -- Shemesh, sunlight. R3344:2*
Joshua addressing in prayer the
Lord as the Sun. R1381:5
Stand thou still -- Continue thy mighty help for us in battle. R1381:5
Dum, be dim, let this darkness
continue which accompanies the hail-storm and so greatly terrifies the
Amorites. R3344:5*
The obscurity of the sun and moon
was really a great phenomenon, of which Joshua made use to discomfit the foe, commanding
the sun and moon to stay hidden. PD38/48; Q828:1; R3344:5*
That the sunlight continue without
the orb itself being visible. R1381:5
Upon -- In. R3344:5*
Gibeon -- The last beams of the sun setting in the west, still
lighting Mt. Gibeon. R1381:8
And thou, Moon -- Yareach, moonlight. R3344:2*, R1381:5
God's peaceful blessing. R1381:5
The valley of Ajalon -- The rising moon casting its beams directly through the
valley of Ajalon. R1381:5
Joshua 10:13
And the sun -- Shemesh, sunlight. R3344:2*
Stood still -- Dum, remained dim; the great darkness accompanying the
storm continued. R3344:6*
Not by a stoppage of the earth on
its axis, but possibly by clouds reflecting the sunlight. R1381:5, R1813:3,
PD38/48
Totally different from the
reference in Hab. 3:11. R1813:3
And the moon -- Yareach, moonlight. R3344:2*
Stayed -- Amad, continued dim as it was. R3344:6*
Upon their enemies -- The force of this continued obscuration of the sun and
moon upon the Amorites can be better understood when we remember that they were
worshippers of the sun and moon. R3344:6*
Book of Jasher -- Now lost--this is not an eyewitness account. R1381:4
Stood still -- Typical of the power to be displayed in the time of
trouble at the hands of Christ. A61
The enemies of Joshua were
sun-worshippers, and the darkness of the day foreboded that their Sun-god was eclipsed.
PD38/48
And hasted not -- Did not press or force its way through. R3344:6*
To go down -- Bo, to go in. R3344:6*
About a whole day -- The sunlight, usually so bright in Syria, did not press
through the clouds all that day. R3344:6*
Joshua 10:35
He utterly destroyed -- Proving that God can destroy souls. R1882:1
Joshua 10:42
And their land -- At the end of the six-years' war after entering Canaan.
B48
Joshua 11
Joshua 11:1
Jabin -- Mentioned by name in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets of Egypt.
R1652:2, R1994:1
Joshua 11:23
Took the whole land -- At the end of the six-years' war after entering Canaan.
B48
Joshua 13
Joshua 13:14
None inheritance -- The Ancient Worthies, part of the antitypical tribe of
Levi, the household of faith, may after the ending of their earthly service
receive a spiritual inheritance. R4389:4
Joshua 13:22
Balaam also -- Type of the class that teaches error for profit. F166
Not only did God punish the
Israelites according to the terms of their Law covenant, but he also punished
the Midianites and Balaam. R5323:5
Joshua 14
Joshua 14:6
Caleb -- A descendant of Abraham through the rejected son Esau,
and adopted into the tribe of Judah. His faithfulness and reward have special
meaning to us who by nature are children of wrath, typified by Esau. R3091:1
Joshua 14:8
My brethren -- Note the absence of any evil speaking against those who
sinned. R3091:6
Joshua 14:9
Thine inheritance -- Caleb did not expect, and was not promised, a heavenly
inheritance. R4071:2
Joshua 14:10
These 45 years -- Link No. 22 in the true Bible chronology. B48
From the sending of the spies to
the division of the land, leaving one year from the leaving of Egypt to the
sending of the spies. HG44:3
Forty-six years after the exodus.
R1980:3; B48
Joshua 14:12
Anakims -- Among these entrenched enemies are traditions of men,
religious customs, nominalism, sectarian pride, ambition and love of show.
R3091:5
I shall be able -- This well illustrates the progress of the spiritual
Israelite. He looks back to the beginning of his experiences and rejoices that
the Lord has kept him and has faith to see himself victor over the strongest
and most entrenched enemies of the flesh. R3091:5
Joshua 14:13
Joshua blessed him -- In order to inherit the promises we, like Caleb, must
have faith in God and a corresponding obedience. R3092:4
Joshua 14:14
Wholly followed -- These words have special weight in view of the fact that
Caleb was only an Israelite by adoption. R3091:1
Joshua 17
Joshua 17:12
Could not drive out -- Compromising with their enemies, they suffered from them
in future years; so with the Christian compromising with the sins of his flesh.
R4064:4, R4061:3
Dwell in that land -- Hence, had the Jews waited for full possession before
beginning the Jubilee arrangements they would never have begun them at all. B184
Joshua 18
Joshua 18:1
Shiloh -- Twenty miles north of Jerusalem. R3252:2
Joshua 20
Joshua 20:2
Cities of refuge -- A step in advance (of other nations) along the lines of
tempering justice with mercy. R3092:3
Christ is our refuge from the
demands of justice. R4079:6
Joshua 20:3
Killeth any person -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
Unawares -- The trial sought to determine whether the slayer had
laid in wait for his victim, hunted him, or smote him in secret; maliciously or
with guile; whether there was previous enmity between the two men or hatred of
the slain on the part of the slayer. R3092:5
And unwittingly -- Christ is a refuge from unintentional sins only. R3093:2
From the avenger -- Anyone who, even through error or accident, took a life
was worthy of death under the decree, "He that sheddeth man's blood, by
man shall his blood be shed." (Gen. 9:6) R3092:3
Joshua 20:6
He shall dwell -- Antitypically, it is necessary that we continue to abide
in Christ, that we do not put off the robe of Christ's righteousness, or we
become liable again to the demands of justice, and that without mercy. R3093:4
Until the death -- Thus putting a heavy penalty upon carelessness, passion,
etc. R3092:6
Of the high priest -- Until Christ, Head and Body, will have died. Then the
new dispensation will be ushered in. R3093:4
As long as Christ continues in the
priestly office, until he is able to present all the redeemed faultless before
the throne of God, at the end of the Millennial reign. R4080:1
Joshua 20:9
Killeth any person -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
Joshua 23
Joshua 23:4
Nations that remain -- Had the Jews waited for full possession before beginning
the Jubilee arrangements they would never have begun them at all. B184
Joshua 23:6
Book of the law of Moses -- Including Genesis. R1623:4
Joshua 23:10
Chase a thousand -- Armed with the divine Word. R5606:4
Joshua 23:14
Not one thing -- It is appropriate to have a daily review of the
blessings we enjoy. R2737:1
In the smallest and greatest
affairs of our lives he has ever watched for our interests. R5387:5, R5538:3
Joshua 23:15
All evil things -- Calamities, as chastisements. A125
Joshua 24
Joshua 24:1
Joshua gathered -- Remembering Moses' command in Deut. 27. R1869:1
All the tribes -- Representatives of all the tribes. R3093:2
Joshua 24:2
Served other gods -- Israel's forefathers prior to Abraham were idolaters.
R1869:2
Joshua 24:6
Out of Egypt -- Type of the kingdom of darkness. F458
And the Egyptians -- Type of the opponents of God's people. F458
And horsemen -- Type of fallen angels and fallen men. F458
Joshua 24:7
Brought the sea -- The Red Sea, type of the Second Death. F459
Joshua 24:9
And called Balaam -- Type of those who teach error for profit. F166
Joshua 24:14
Put away the gods -- Perhaps because idolatry still lurked among them;
perhaps merely guarding against the tendency. R3094:1
Joshua 24:15
Evil -- Undesirable. R3094:2
Choose you this day -- "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord
be God, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21) We should come to a positive decision
whether we will serve God or Mammon (selfishness); settling the matter at once
and for all time that we will be the Lord's. OV198:7; R2950:4
Indecision is one of the greatest
foes to character building while the liberty or privilege of choosing, exercising
our wills, is one of the grandest blessings accorded to humanity, and is an
important element of man's likeness to his Creator. SM755:1, R757:1, R758:1,
R765:1
As Joshua asked them to decide
whether or not they would be faithful to the Lord, so we should come to a full,
positive decision as respects our course of life. OV198:7; R4780:1
To perceive the Lord's will on any
subject would be to settle it without any temporizing. R4780:2
A will-less man is a
good-for-naught. OV196:T
Illustrated by Elijah and the
priests of Baal. R4740:1-6
Whom ye will serve -- Having chosen wisely we must bend our every energy to
the working out of that resolution. OV196:T
Whether the gods -- The choice was theirs. We have no right to attempt
compulsion. This is true during the Jewish and Gospel ages, but not during the
Millennial age. R3094:2
As for me -- Others may reverence whom they will; we can do naught
else than reverence our God. R2873:1
And my house -- Signifying the training of children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. A consecrated person should have a large and good
influence over his entire household. R3094:6; SM764:2
Parents must realize that few can
stand an education which recognizes neither God nor responsibility to him.
OV258:2, OV293:4
Will serve the LORD -- Whoever has this determination will be blessed. R5149:4
Every day we should renew our
covenant with the Lord. R4780:4
Joshua 24:19
Cannot serve -- You must not imagine that the promises you are making
can be kept without considerable effort. R3094:3
When the Jew agreed to that
covenant he signed his own death-warrant; for none of Adam's children can keep
it. R812:1*
Joshua 24:20
And do you hurt -- Typifying that God will send strong delusions to those
who receive not the love of the truth. (2
Thess. 2:11, 12) R1869:5
Consume you -- To Israel, a hasty visitation of the Adamic Death
penalty; to the consecrated, the Second Death. R1869:5
Joshua 24:22
We are witnesses -- The Lord's spiritual people should not only make a
covenant with the Lord in their hearts and minds, but should also witness it
before fellow-members of the Body of Christ by confession and baptism. R3094:6
Joshua 24:24
God will we serve -- Any rival occupying mind or heart is unfaithfulness to
him and a despising of our covenant. R1869:4
Will we obey -- "To obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Sam. 15:22)
R4206:6
Joshua 24:26
Wrote these words -- Corresponding to a public confession of our covenant
before the fellow members of the Body of Christ. R3094:6
Book of the law of God -- Including Genesis. R1623:4
Great stone -- Representing the memorial of our consecration--baptism.
R3094:6
An oak -- Or oak grove. R3094:5