Joshua 4

Joshua 4:1

Not Too Difficult and Not Out of Reach

The purpose of these verses is to show us that what God asks of a man or His people is not burdensome. No personal effort is required: it is “not too difficult … nor … out of reach”. God’s commandment is also given in audible – “in your mouth” – and comprehensible – “in your heart” – language. God, from His side, has made everything so that man can fulfil His commandments without any effort and thereby enjoy the blessing. Why? Because every human effort is doomed to fail. Why? Because man is naturally corrupt.

This is what Romans 10 is talking about, where these verses from Deuteronomy are quoted and explained: “For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”” (Romans 10:5-8).

Paul speaks here of people who have pursued a law of righteousness, but without achieving that goal. Only when a person sees the uselessness of his efforts does he see Christ as the end of the law. Then he has finished his efforts and believes for righteousness (Romans 10:3-4). The end of the law is not achieved if one keeps it, but if one acknowledges that it is impossible to keep the law. Then the heart is focused on Christ.

Then the purpose of the law is quoted: ‘Do this and you shall live’ (Romans 10:5; Leviticus 18:5). God thus indicates that one can earn one’s own righteousness by keeping the law. But no one has kept the law. There is another way to get righteousness and that is by faith. Only then there is no longer any question of one’s own righteousness.

When it comes to faith, all personal effort to come to heaven is excluded. That is what Paul means when he quotes from this section in Deuteronomy and says, ““Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” In the word ‘ascend’ lies the thought of reaching heaven by one’s own strength. As long as that is thought, the work of Christ falls short and He is brought down again.

Paul adds not to say in the heart: “Who will descend into the abyss?” With this he indicates that one does not have to descend into the abyss to erase one’s own guilt in a kind of penance. That is also impossible. Who can ever descend into the depths of misery in which Christ descended? Whoever tries to do so, brings Christ up from the dead, as it were. Own attempts to penance are proof that it is considered superfluous that He died, for he who does this thinks he can pay his own debt.

Moses also speaks about crossing to the other side of the sea. As if somewhere on earth, in a faraway place, the commandment is available. If any man could pick it up from there, we could accomplish it. But it is not necessary to travel around town and country or make pilgrimages and then believe that we have fulfilled God’s commandments. For example, many people have travelled to the east to find their salvation in Eastern religions.

Moses speaks to the remnant that has come to conversion in the foreign world and has learned that it is totally dependent on the grace of God. They have not been able to accomplish the law, so what should they do? How can they be restored? Should they go and get that grace in heaven or on the other side of the sea? These questions cannot be understood without the key of Romans 10 and therefore certainly cannot be solved.

Once the people have accepted their Messiah, Christ, God will give His laws into their minds and write them in their hearts (Hebrews 8:10). Then all the promises made by God will be fulfilled to a people who know Him. He is gracious to their iniquities, and will not remember their sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

How can God bestow grace on a people who have spoiled all completely? This is only possible through Christ. For those who are connected with Christ by faith, the commandments of God are neither unattainable nor impracticable. For them God works in the mouth and in the heart, so close. The heart believes, the mouth confesses. It is about Christ. He that has Him has salvation, has restoration.

For us, the path of restoration begins when we confess Jesus again as Lord. This means that every member of the people will acknowledge the rights of the Lord Jesus to his life. For such believers the commandments of God are not burdensome (1 John 5:3). Those commandments are not those of the law of Moses; for those commandments are given to sinful man, and he is not able to keep them. The commandments John writes about, are commandments that fit completely with the new life, the eternal life.

Whoever believes in the righteous actions of God knows that God has come very close in Christ. He has come so close that He has put His word “in your mouth and in your heart”. We have been saved because the word of faith has been preached to us. The content of the preaching is: confess Jesus as Lord with the mouth and believe with the heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

The order is remarkable: first the mouth and then the heart. The mouth is mentioned first because our faith can only be perceived by others through what they hear and see from us. You can’t say that someone is saved if you don’t notice anything of it in his speaking and behavior.

Joshua 4:2

Not Too Difficult and Not Out of Reach

The purpose of these verses is to show us that what God asks of a man or His people is not burdensome. No personal effort is required: it is “not too difficult … nor … out of reach”. God’s commandment is also given in audible – “in your mouth” – and comprehensible – “in your heart” – language. God, from His side, has made everything so that man can fulfil His commandments without any effort and thereby enjoy the blessing. Why? Because every human effort is doomed to fail. Why? Because man is naturally corrupt.

This is what Romans 10 is talking about, where these verses from Deuteronomy are quoted and explained: “For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”” (Romans 10:5-8).

Paul speaks here of people who have pursued a law of righteousness, but without achieving that goal. Only when a person sees the uselessness of his efforts does he see Christ as the end of the law. Then he has finished his efforts and believes for righteousness (Romans 10:3-4). The end of the law is not achieved if one keeps it, but if one acknowledges that it is impossible to keep the law. Then the heart is focused on Christ.

Then the purpose of the law is quoted: ‘Do this and you shall live’ (Romans 10:5; Leviticus 18:5). God thus indicates that one can earn one’s own righteousness by keeping the law. But no one has kept the law. There is another way to get righteousness and that is by faith. Only then there is no longer any question of one’s own righteousness.

When it comes to faith, all personal effort to come to heaven is excluded. That is what Paul means when he quotes from this section in Deuteronomy and says, ““Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” In the word ‘ascend’ lies the thought of reaching heaven by one’s own strength. As long as that is thought, the work of Christ falls short and He is brought down again.

Paul adds not to say in the heart: “Who will descend into the abyss?” With this he indicates that one does not have to descend into the abyss to erase one’s own guilt in a kind of penance. That is also impossible. Who can ever descend into the depths of misery in which Christ descended? Whoever tries to do so, brings Christ up from the dead, as it were. Own attempts to penance are proof that it is considered superfluous that He died, for he who does this thinks he can pay his own debt.

Moses also speaks about crossing to the other side of the sea. As if somewhere on earth, in a faraway place, the commandment is available. If any man could pick it up from there, we could accomplish it. But it is not necessary to travel around town and country or make pilgrimages and then believe that we have fulfilled God’s commandments. For example, many people have travelled to the east to find their salvation in Eastern religions.

Moses speaks to the remnant that has come to conversion in the foreign world and has learned that it is totally dependent on the grace of God. They have not been able to accomplish the law, so what should they do? How can they be restored? Should they go and get that grace in heaven or on the other side of the sea? These questions cannot be understood without the key of Romans 10 and therefore certainly cannot be solved.

Once the people have accepted their Messiah, Christ, God will give His laws into their minds and write them in their hearts (Hebrews 8:10). Then all the promises made by God will be fulfilled to a people who know Him. He is gracious to their iniquities, and will not remember their sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

How can God bestow grace on a people who have spoiled all completely? This is only possible through Christ. For those who are connected with Christ by faith, the commandments of God are neither unattainable nor impracticable. For them God works in the mouth and in the heart, so close. The heart believes, the mouth confesses. It is about Christ. He that has Him has salvation, has restoration.

For us, the path of restoration begins when we confess Jesus again as Lord. This means that every member of the people will acknowledge the rights of the Lord Jesus to his life. For such believers the commandments of God are not burdensome (1 John 5:3). Those commandments are not those of the law of Moses; for those commandments are given to sinful man, and he is not able to keep them. The commandments John writes about, are commandments that fit completely with the new life, the eternal life.

Whoever believes in the righteous actions of God knows that God has come very close in Christ. He has come so close that He has put His word “in your mouth and in your heart”. We have been saved because the word of faith has been preached to us. The content of the preaching is: confess Jesus as Lord with the mouth and believe with the heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

The order is remarkable: first the mouth and then the heart. The mouth is mentioned first because our faith can only be perceived by others through what they hear and see from us. You can’t say that someone is saved if you don’t notice anything of it in his speaking and behavior.

Joshua 4:3

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:4

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:5

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:6

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:7

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:8

Faced with the Choice

Moses summarizes the whole content of his speech on the law in the terms “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26). Love is the condition for fulfilling the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5). The choice that Moses sets before them also has consequences for their offspring. Parents who choose to follow the Lord wholeheartedly can generally count on it that their children will follow them in their choice. The same applies to a choice for adversity.

In the choice that Moses sets before the people here, we stand at the beginning of the history of the people in the land. At the end of the history of the people in the land, Jeremiah will once again set this choice before the people just before they go into exile: “You shall also say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death”’” (Jeremiah 21:8). The choice there is to voluntarily take the place of judgment and leave the city and surrender to the enemy sent by God.

Love is the motive, obedience is the expression and holding fast to Him gives the power to persevere (Deuteronomy 30:20). If that is present, life can be lived as God intended. The expression “this is your life” can also be translated as “He is your life”.

Joshua 4:10

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:11

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:12

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:13

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:14

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:15

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:16

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:17

Introduction

By proposing to the people the choice between blessing and curse and life and death, Moses has completed the expounding and diligently teaching of the law (Deuteronomy 1:5) and completed the legislation. To finish all the work the LORD has given him, some things have to happen. Just before his death he wants to turn over the leadership of the people to Joshua. He then wanted the book of the law he had just written to be kept by the priests next to the ark of the covenant.

The LORD also commands him to write another song and to teach it to the people as a testimony. About the contents of that song we read in Deuteronomy 31-32. In Deuteronomy 33 we hear how this man of God blesses the tribes of Israel in a farewell speech. Finally, Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses. Herewith the Pentateuch closes.

Moses Encourages the People and Joshua

Moses knows that the time to say farewell has come. In Deuteronomy 31:14 the LORD tells him so too. He is now one hundred and twenty years old, far above the age that other people reach, as he himself says in the psalm written by him (Psalms 90:1; 10). God has something to say to us with his life. It is not without reason that the Scriptures divide the one hundred and twenty years of his life into three special periods of forty years (Acts 7:23; 30).

Moses says farewell, but does not leave the people to themselves. Joshua will take over and continue his task. We do not hear any complaint or reproach from Moses. With love he passes on the leadership. It is in God’s way to determine that not he, but Joshua will bring the people into the land.

In Joshua we have a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people through the Holy Spirit. In our time the Holy Spirit leads the church through brothers who have authority by their way of life and wisdom. Not acknowledging this is a denial of the authority of the Spirit.

In every possible way Moses encourages both the people and Joshua. He recalls the victories over Sihon and Og. When we think back to the victories God has given us in the past, it also encourages us with a view to a future battle. What God has done in the past, He can still do today. This idea gives confidence for the future.

Men who have walked with God in their lives are pre-eminently capable to encourage others. The encouragement “be strong and courageous” is not a hollow sound, nor is the promise that the LORD will go with them and not fail or forsake them. Moses has shown and experienced this himself.

“Not fail” means that we can always count on Him for advice and guidance, for strength and courage. “Not forsake” means that He is always with His people on the way to and in the battle in the land to make it their own. So He is always with us, to help us make our blessings our own and enjoy them with Him. He is with us according to His promise until our whole task on earth is accomplished: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Therefore we do not have to fear for the enemy, for “if God [is] for us, who [is] against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We too always need to hear this encouragement. Blessed when God gives people who have experienced this in their lives and encourage us with this. In this way, Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Also the Hebrews are encouraged: “He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). We are also encouraged by these statements of Scripture.

Joshua 4:18

Reading of the Law Every Seven Years

After Moses has transferred the leadership to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel, he takes the law he has written. He makes sure that the people will always be reminded of God’s Word. In the same way Paul, when he says farewell, commends the believers “to God and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32). Peter also wants God’s people to always be reminded of God’s Word when he is no longer among them: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you [already] know [them], and have been established in the truth which is present with [you]” (2 Peter 1:12-13). People fall away, but God’s Word remains.

This section is about the Word of God. Next the authority of the Spirit, presented in Joshua, belongs the Word of God. God’s Spirit and God’s Word belong together. The authority of the resurrected and glorified Lord Who exercises that authority through His Spirit and guides us through His Spirit will never conflict with the Word of God. It is always consistent with it.

Knowledge of God’s Word is of great importance to test everything that presents itself as the voice of the Spirit. We can read and study God’s Word at home, but here is the reading in a meeting of God’s people. The meetings to preach the Word are of great importance. The expression “the place which He will choose” appears here for the last time in this book. It gives extra emphasis to the meeting of the church around the Lord Jesus to listen to God’s Word.

The reading should be done in the year of remission of debts, the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:1) and at the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15), which is celebrated when the whole harvest has been gathered. That is the appropriate time to read out the whole law. At this Feast of Booths in the sabbatical year not only the men are present (Deuteronomy 16:16), as in the six previous years, but also the women and children come.

This seven-yearly reading is not a substitute for teaching in the houses (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) or teaching by priests (Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). It is much more to support and confirm or, if necessary, to correct all other teaching. It will bring the thoughts of the people as a whole back into line with the Word of God. This will keep the unity of the people.

Both the sabbatical year and the Feast of Booths speak of the realm of peace. That is the time when all God’s promises have been fulfilled and everyone lives in his original inheritance. Reading the law will bring to the people the memory of all these promises and the ways of God to its fulfilment. The people only can confirm that all that God has said has come true. They will honor Him for it.

The book of the law is given to the priests who carry the ark. Normally, it is the task for the Levites to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions the priests do so (Joshua 3:3-8; Joshua 6:6; 1 Chronicles 15:11-12). The book of the law is also given to the elders. They are by their age the natural leaders of the people and should give the example of obedience.

Joshua 4:19

Reading of the Law Every Seven Years

After Moses has transferred the leadership to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel, he takes the law he has written. He makes sure that the people will always be reminded of God’s Word. In the same way Paul, when he says farewell, commends the believers “to God and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32). Peter also wants God’s people to always be reminded of God’s Word when he is no longer among them: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you [already] know [them], and have been established in the truth which is present with [you]” (2 Peter 1:12-13). People fall away, but God’s Word remains.

This section is about the Word of God. Next the authority of the Spirit, presented in Joshua, belongs the Word of God. God’s Spirit and God’s Word belong together. The authority of the resurrected and glorified Lord Who exercises that authority through His Spirit and guides us through His Spirit will never conflict with the Word of God. It is always consistent with it.

Knowledge of God’s Word is of great importance to test everything that presents itself as the voice of the Spirit. We can read and study God’s Word at home, but here is the reading in a meeting of God’s people. The meetings to preach the Word are of great importance. The expression “the place which He will choose” appears here for the last time in this book. It gives extra emphasis to the meeting of the church around the Lord Jesus to listen to God’s Word.

The reading should be done in the year of remission of debts, the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:1) and at the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15), which is celebrated when the whole harvest has been gathered. That is the appropriate time to read out the whole law. At this Feast of Booths in the sabbatical year not only the men are present (Deuteronomy 16:16), as in the six previous years, but also the women and children come.

This seven-yearly reading is not a substitute for teaching in the houses (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) or teaching by priests (Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). It is much more to support and confirm or, if necessary, to correct all other teaching. It will bring the thoughts of the people as a whole back into line with the Word of God. This will keep the unity of the people.

Both the sabbatical year and the Feast of Booths speak of the realm of peace. That is the time when all God’s promises have been fulfilled and everyone lives in his original inheritance. Reading the law will bring to the people the memory of all these promises and the ways of God to its fulfilment. The people only can confirm that all that God has said has come true. They will honor Him for it.

The book of the law is given to the priests who carry the ark. Normally, it is the task for the Levites to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions the priests do so (Joshua 3:3-8; Joshua 6:6; 1 Chronicles 15:11-12). The book of the law is also given to the elders. They are by their age the natural leaders of the people and should give the example of obedience.

Joshua 4:20

Reading of the Law Every Seven Years

After Moses has transferred the leadership to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel, he takes the law he has written. He makes sure that the people will always be reminded of God’s Word. In the same way Paul, when he says farewell, commends the believers “to God and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32). Peter also wants God’s people to always be reminded of God’s Word when he is no longer among them: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you [already] know [them], and have been established in the truth which is present with [you]” (2 Peter 1:12-13). People fall away, but God’s Word remains.

This section is about the Word of God. Next the authority of the Spirit, presented in Joshua, belongs the Word of God. God’s Spirit and God’s Word belong together. The authority of the resurrected and glorified Lord Who exercises that authority through His Spirit and guides us through His Spirit will never conflict with the Word of God. It is always consistent with it.

Knowledge of God’s Word is of great importance to test everything that presents itself as the voice of the Spirit. We can read and study God’s Word at home, but here is the reading in a meeting of God’s people. The meetings to preach the Word are of great importance. The expression “the place which He will choose” appears here for the last time in this book. It gives extra emphasis to the meeting of the church around the Lord Jesus to listen to God’s Word.

The reading should be done in the year of remission of debts, the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:1) and at the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15), which is celebrated when the whole harvest has been gathered. That is the appropriate time to read out the whole law. At this Feast of Booths in the sabbatical year not only the men are present (Deuteronomy 16:16), as in the six previous years, but also the women and children come.

This seven-yearly reading is not a substitute for teaching in the houses (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) or teaching by priests (Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). It is much more to support and confirm or, if necessary, to correct all other teaching. It will bring the thoughts of the people as a whole back into line with the Word of God. This will keep the unity of the people.

Both the sabbatical year and the Feast of Booths speak of the realm of peace. That is the time when all God’s promises have been fulfilled and everyone lives in his original inheritance. Reading the law will bring to the people the memory of all these promises and the ways of God to its fulfilment. The people only can confirm that all that God has said has come true. They will honor Him for it.

The book of the law is given to the priests who carry the ark. Normally, it is the task for the Levites to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions the priests do so (Joshua 3:3-8; Joshua 6:6; 1 Chronicles 15:11-12). The book of the law is also given to the elders. They are by their age the natural leaders of the people and should give the example of obedience.

Joshua 4:21

Reading of the Law Every Seven Years

After Moses has transferred the leadership to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel, he takes the law he has written. He makes sure that the people will always be reminded of God’s Word. In the same way Paul, when he says farewell, commends the believers “to God and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32). Peter also wants God’s people to always be reminded of God’s Word when he is no longer among them: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you [already] know [them], and have been established in the truth which is present with [you]” (2 Peter 1:12-13). People fall away, but God’s Word remains.

This section is about the Word of God. Next the authority of the Spirit, presented in Joshua, belongs the Word of God. God’s Spirit and God’s Word belong together. The authority of the resurrected and glorified Lord Who exercises that authority through His Spirit and guides us through His Spirit will never conflict with the Word of God. It is always consistent with it.

Knowledge of God’s Word is of great importance to test everything that presents itself as the voice of the Spirit. We can read and study God’s Word at home, but here is the reading in a meeting of God’s people. The meetings to preach the Word are of great importance. The expression “the place which He will choose” appears here for the last time in this book. It gives extra emphasis to the meeting of the church around the Lord Jesus to listen to God’s Word.

The reading should be done in the year of remission of debts, the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:1) and at the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15), which is celebrated when the whole harvest has been gathered. That is the appropriate time to read out the whole law. At this Feast of Booths in the sabbatical year not only the men are present (Deuteronomy 16:16), as in the six previous years, but also the women and children come.

This seven-yearly reading is not a substitute for teaching in the houses (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) or teaching by priests (Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). It is much more to support and confirm or, if necessary, to correct all other teaching. It will bring the thoughts of the people as a whole back into line with the Word of God. This will keep the unity of the people.

Both the sabbatical year and the Feast of Booths speak of the realm of peace. That is the time when all God’s promises have been fulfilled and everyone lives in his original inheritance. Reading the law will bring to the people the memory of all these promises and the ways of God to its fulfilment. The people only can confirm that all that God has said has come true. They will honor Him for it.

The book of the law is given to the priests who carry the ark. Normally, it is the task for the Levites to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions the priests do so (Joshua 3:3-8; Joshua 6:6; 1 Chronicles 15:11-12). The book of the law is also given to the elders. They are by their age the natural leaders of the people and should give the example of obedience.

Joshua 4:22

Reading of the Law Every Seven Years

After Moses has transferred the leadership to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel, he takes the law he has written. He makes sure that the people will always be reminded of God’s Word. In the same way Paul, when he says farewell, commends the believers “to God and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32). Peter also wants God’s people to always be reminded of God’s Word when he is no longer among them: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you [already] know [them], and have been established in the truth which is present with [you]” (2 Peter 1:12-13). People fall away, but God’s Word remains.

This section is about the Word of God. Next the authority of the Spirit, presented in Joshua, belongs the Word of God. God’s Spirit and God’s Word belong together. The authority of the resurrected and glorified Lord Who exercises that authority through His Spirit and guides us through His Spirit will never conflict with the Word of God. It is always consistent with it.

Knowledge of God’s Word is of great importance to test everything that presents itself as the voice of the Spirit. We can read and study God’s Word at home, but here is the reading in a meeting of God’s people. The meetings to preach the Word are of great importance. The expression “the place which He will choose” appears here for the last time in this book. It gives extra emphasis to the meeting of the church around the Lord Jesus to listen to God’s Word.

The reading should be done in the year of remission of debts, the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:1) and at the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15), which is celebrated when the whole harvest has been gathered. That is the appropriate time to read out the whole law. At this Feast of Booths in the sabbatical year not only the men are present (Deuteronomy 16:16), as in the six previous years, but also the women and children come.

This seven-yearly reading is not a substitute for teaching in the houses (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) or teaching by priests (Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). It is much more to support and confirm or, if necessary, to correct all other teaching. It will bring the thoughts of the people as a whole back into line with the Word of God. This will keep the unity of the people.

Both the sabbatical year and the Feast of Booths speak of the realm of peace. That is the time when all God’s promises have been fulfilled and everyone lives in his original inheritance. Reading the law will bring to the people the memory of all these promises and the ways of God to its fulfilment. The people only can confirm that all that God has said has come true. They will honor Him for it.

The book of the law is given to the priests who carry the ark. Normally, it is the task for the Levites to carry the ark (Numbers 4:15). On special occasions the priests do so (Joshua 3:3-8; Joshua 6:6; 1 Chronicles 15:11-12). The book of the law is also given to the elders. They are by their age the natural leaders of the people and should give the example of obedience.

Joshua 4:23

The Apostacy of Israel Foretold

The days of Moses are numbered by the LORD (Job 14:5). Now He is going to confirm the succession of Moses through Joshua. Moses has already openly called Joshua to be his successor (Numbers 27:22-23) and appointed him (Deuteronomy 31:7). Moses and Joshua stand together at “the tent of meeting”. Then the LORD appears to them in the pillar of cloud. This is the only appearance in this book. It is also the only time that the tent of meeting is mentioned.

True leadership always begins with a special look at the Lord Jesus, in the sanctuary, near to the Lord. Only then can leaders go outside to perform the task given to them. When deeply impressed by the glory of the Lord, they will serve the people as leaders in the right mind.

What the LORD says is not encouraging. He foretells in no uncertain terms that the people will turn away from Him. He does not speak of the possibility of this, but puts it as certainty. After the impression of His glory He now gives them a thorough impression of who the people are. Both impressions are necessary in order to serve in the right way. Something similar we see when Elijah takes his successor Elisha by the hand and leads him along a few places (2 Kings 2:1-11). They stop at every place. This is to be impressed on the one hand by God’s vision on them and on the other hand by what man has made of it.

At some point the people will see that the disasters hit them because the LORD is not among them. But God will continue to hide His face from them, for their feeling of God’s absence is not yet true conversion. The LORD hides His face from them by withdrawing from the temple the symbol of His favor and protection, the shechinah, the cloud as the dwelling of His glory (Ezekiel 9:3a; Ezekiel 10:18-19; Ezekiel 11:22-23). It has not returned to the rebuilt temple in the days of Ezra. This will only happen when the people, that is to say a remnant, have repented.

Joshua 4:24

The Apostacy of Israel Foretold

The days of Moses are numbered by the LORD (Job 14:5). Now He is going to confirm the succession of Moses through Joshua. Moses has already openly called Joshua to be his successor (Numbers 27:22-23) and appointed him (Deuteronomy 31:7). Moses and Joshua stand together at “the tent of meeting”. Then the LORD appears to them in the pillar of cloud. This is the only appearance in this book. It is also the only time that the tent of meeting is mentioned.

True leadership always begins with a special look at the Lord Jesus, in the sanctuary, near to the Lord. Only then can leaders go outside to perform the task given to them. When deeply impressed by the glory of the Lord, they will serve the people as leaders in the right mind.

What the LORD says is not encouraging. He foretells in no uncertain terms that the people will turn away from Him. He does not speak of the possibility of this, but puts it as certainty. After the impression of His glory He now gives them a thorough impression of who the people are. Both impressions are necessary in order to serve in the right way. Something similar we see when Elijah takes his successor Elisha by the hand and leads him along a few places (2 Kings 2:1-11). They stop at every place. This is to be impressed on the one hand by God’s vision on them and on the other hand by what man has made of it.

At some point the people will see that the disasters hit them because the LORD is not among them. But God will continue to hide His face from them, for their feeling of God’s absence is not yet true conversion. The LORD hides His face from them by withdrawing from the temple the symbol of His favor and protection, the shechinah, the cloud as the dwelling of His glory (Ezekiel 9:3a; Ezekiel 10:18-19; Ezekiel 11:22-23). It has not returned to the rebuilt temple in the days of Ezra. This will only happen when the people, that is to say a remnant, have repented.