Joshua 23
KingCommentsJoshua 23:1
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:2
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:3
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:4
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:5
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:6
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:7
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:8
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:9
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:10
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:11
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:12
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:13
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:14
Cities and Villages in Judah
Here the towns and villages are named according to the different territories in which they are located. In this way, the inheritance is enjoyed, in these different contexts. A village is not what we understand by it. It is more like a hamlet consisting of one family or two families of which the members live and work together. It speaks of individual believers who share blessings with each other in a smaller context, for example a family context.
A city speaks more of a local church. Every family is different, as is every local church. We notice this when we read the letters to the various churches in the New Testament. Taking possession of the land is not something of the study room, to enjoy those things only for ourselves. It is something we share with our families, fathers, mothers and children or also with the brothers and sisters with whom we form a local church.
If we don’t, we will capture the inheritance as Reuben and Gad did. Of these tribes only the men have captured the inheritance. Although, they did not do this for themselves, but for others. Their wives and children have never seen the inheritance. Not sharing with others what we have taken possession of is also visible in Ephraim and Manasseh: there are hardly any villages and towns mentioned of them. Judah really is a tribe after the thoughts of God.
Can each local church be considered a city, in the wilderness or in the mountains? We are all needed to build up each other and complement each other. This happens mainly in the local Bible reading. Can the church where we are be considered a church in the wilderness or in the mountain? Is it a city in the land, i.e. is it a church where the blessings of heaven are enjoyed, either in relation to life on earth or in relation to the position of believers in Christ?
Spiritually speaking, the border of Judah is a curious border. No tribe has a view like Judah. Those who live in the south have the view on Edom (Joshua 15:21-32). Edom is a brother nation and at the same time the most hateful enemy. Edom speaks of the flesh in the believer. This limit may not be crossed, that is to say that the flesh may not have the opportunity to enter the inheritance, because that will result in destruction of (the enjoyment of) the inheritance.
Then Joshua 15:33-47 mention the cities in the lowland. That is the low part of the land between the sea and the mountains of Judea. The low speaks of the realm of Christian life where heavenly blessings are shown, the practical life of faith of every day. In the letter to the Ephesians, those territories are seen in marriages and families and working environment. Wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), slaves and masters are all addressed (Ephesians 6:5-9).
There are also cities in the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60). This relates to knowing the blessings in Christ in the heavenly places. Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus that they will know their blessings (Ephesians 1:17-21). John is carried away “in the spirit to a great and high mountain” to see the new Jerusalem, that is the church (Revelation 21:10). Churches like Ephesus are located “in the hill country”. Are there still such churches in professing Christianity today?
Finally, the cities are mentioned in the wilderness of Judea, east of the mountains to the Dead Sea (Joshua 15:61-62). Judea is constantly reminded of the wilderness, its aridity. The awareness of all the blessings in heaven also includes the awareness that this world has nothing to offer for faith. In the kingdom of peace, however, the wilderness will blossom profusely “like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). That is what faith looks forward to.
Joshua 23:15
Enemies That Judah Could Not Drive Out
However much the Judeans may occupy a special place in God’s people, however much there are men and women in Judah like Caleb and Achsah, it is no guarantee for complete faithfulness. As a tribe they lack the strength (faith) to drive the enemy out to the last man.
Every testimony, every family has the responsibility to ensure that every enemy is driven out and that the land is possessed, so that all are satisfied. The history of the church on earth unfortunately shows that the enemy has not been completely eliminated.