Chronological Reading Plan for Mar 25, Josh 12-15

Today's readings are Josh 12-15. Tomorrow's are Josh 16-18. 

Josh 11:16-12 are an historical record of the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua. God has used the aggression and fear of the Canaanite kings to refine His people and to give them the land of promise. The record is a startling display of what faith and trust in God can do. It is also a stern rebuke to those who were fearful of entering the land. 

Josh 13-15 begins a description of how the conquered lands are distributed among the tribes. Note, not all of the lands promised are yet under the Hebrews' control. Some of them will not be part of the kingdom of Israel until David's and Solomon's time. God's promises are always true, faithful and timely but not always according to our idea of how and when they will work out. 

The dividing up of the lands is prophetic. The tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh get the Transjordan land. They initially questioned Joshua's leadership. Joshua proved them wrong by leading the way Moses led. In any event, they get the land they asked for, east of the Jordan River. This will prove problematic for them in the future. 

With all land west of the Jordan determined by the casting of lots, Ephraim and Manasseh occupy land in the middle of Canaan. Ephraim gets its land first because Joseph pronounced a greater blessing over him. Ephraim is unsuccessful in defeating Gezer but takes its people as servants. Manasseh also fails at defeating all of the cites in its allotment. Ephraim complains that their land is too small. Joshua encourages them to drive out the rest of the Canaanites. Ephraim would like to enjoy the blessings without doing the work!

The Tabernacle is erected in Shiloh. Joshua encourages the remaining tribes to take their lands. 

Benjamin gets a small portion sitting between Ephraim and Judah. These two tribes will fall into conflict with each other in the future. Simeon occupies land with the borders of Judah in concert with Jacob's blessing in Gen 19:7. 

Dan fails to take the land they've been allotted, choosing instead to go North and occupy land at the border. This will have ominous repercussions as they will be the very first tribe to fail in being faithful to God. Keep an eye on them. 

Here's a map of the allotments. Notice the clear distinctions between the tribes to the north, the tribes to the south and the tribes east of the Jordan.  After Dan moves north, only Judah, Simeon and Benjamin remain in southern Canaan. This will have historical significance as our story unfolds.