Study 28: Joshua 16,17:1-13

In this study, we dive deep into the book of Joshua, exploring the powerful lessons on obedience and the dangers of compromise in our walk with God. Using the stories of the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, we’ll see how partial or delayed obedience to God's commands leads to lasting consequences, both for them and for us today. This discussion calls us to reflect on where we may be holding back in our faith, reminding us that true victory comes when we fully rely on God’s strength and follow His lead without hesitation. Join us as we explore how these ancient truths still resonate in our daily lives, encouraging us to walk in complete faithfulness.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction to the Study (00:00 - 01:17)

Key Point:

• Overview of the previous land allotment to Judah and the significance of Caleb’s role in driving out adversaries from Hebron.

• Importance of addressing recurring issues from our past.

2. Caleb’s Example of Full Obedience (01:18 - 04:30)

Scripture Reference: Joshua 15Key Point:

• Caleb’s commitment to fully driving out adversaries from Hebron (Joshua 15:13-19).

• Caleb ensures his daughter Axa marries a godly warrior, paralleling our need for faithful obedience in relationships.

  
  

3. Transition to Joseph’s Inheritance (06:15 - 08:00)

Scripture Reference: Joshua 16:1-4Key Point:

• Introduction to the land allotment for the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh).

• The study shifts from Judah’s inheritance to Joseph’s descendants and their compromise in fully obeying God.

  
  

4. Compromise of Ephraim (08:01 - 09:08)

Scripture Reference: Joshua 16:10Key Point:

• Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites in Gezer, choosing forced labor instead.

• Discussion on how partial obedience leads to lingering consequences and undermines God's full plan for us.

  
  

5. The Call to Fully Trust God (09:09 - 10:30)

Key Point:

• Failure in spiritual matters is never due to God’s inadequacy, but rather our unwillingness to fully rely on Him.

• Trusting in God’s power is essential for victory over the persistent challenges in life.

6. Manasseh’s Compromise and Its Consequences (10:31 - 13:30)

Scripture Reference: Joshua 17:12-13Key Point:

• Like Ephraim, Manasseh also failed to drive out the Canaanites.

• The consequences of delayed or partial obedience are seen over generations, leading to long-term struggles for Israel.

7. The Strength to Overcome (13:31 - 15:00)

Key Point:

• God's power is always available, but we must exercise it. When the Israelites grew stronger, they still did not fully obey God’s command.

• Strength must be used for God's purposes, or it results in spiritual weakness.

  
  

8. Lessons on Delayed and Partial Obedience (15:01 - 17:30)

Key Point:

• Delayed obedience or partial obedience is still disobedience.

• Missing God’s timing due to fear or compromise can result in missed opportunities and long-term consequences.

  
  

9. Personal Reflection: Full Obedience vs. Compromise (17:31 - 19:58)

Key Point:

• Listeners are encouraged to examine areas in their lives where they may be compromising.

• Call to choose full obedience and reject the false security of partial obedience.

  
  

10. Closing Prayer and Charge (19:59 - End)

Key Point:

• Call to embrace full obedience and rely fully on God's strength.

• Encouragement to reject compromise and live with a contagious, faithful abandonment to God’s will.

Scripture References

Joshua 15:13-19 – Caleb’s Obedience and Victory

Timestamp: 01:18 - 04:30

Context: Caleb, representing full obedience to God, drives out the sons of Anak from Hebron. His faithful obedience stands as a contrast to later tribes who compromise. Caleb ensures his daughter marries a man of similar devotion to God.

Use in Study: Demonstrates the importance of addressing adversaries from our past and how faithful obedience leads to victory.

Joshua 16:1-4 – Inheritance of the Descendants of Joseph

Timestamp: 06:15 - 08:00

Context: Introduction to the land allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph. The passage sets the stage for the discussion on their compromises in driving out the Canaanites.

Use in Study: Illustrates the beginning of Joseph’s tribe receiving their inheritance but failing to fully obey God's command regarding their enemies.

Joshua 16:10 – Ephraim’s Compromise

Timestamp: 08:01 - 09:08

Context: Ephraim did not fully drive out the Canaanites in Gezer and instead subjected them to forced labor.

Use in Study: Highlights the dangers of partial obedience and how it leads to long-term issues, warning the audience about the consequences of compromising God’s command.

Joshua 17:12-13 – Manasseh’s Failure to Fully Obey

Timestamp: 10:31 - 13:30

Context: Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites, and though they grew stronger, they imposed forced labor instead of obeying God’s command to remove the inhabitants completely.

Use in Study: Emphasizes that even when given strength by God, we must choose full obedience. Delayed or partial obedience creates long-term spiritual weakness.

Joshua 10:11 – God’s Strength at Beth Horon

Timestamp: 16:18 - 17:15

Context: During the battle with the Amorites, God hurled hailstones, killing more enemies than Israel's swords did. This shows that victory comes from God’s power, not human effort.

Use in Study: Reinforces the point that God’s strength is always sufficient to overcome our challenges, but we must rely on His power and act in full obedience.

Ephesians 4:1-3 – Walking Worthy of God’s Calling

Timestamp: 39:59 - 41:25

Context: A call for believers to walk in humility, patience, and love, keeping unity through the Spirit.

Use in Study: Linked to how growing stronger in God requires serving others and exercising unity. It emphasizes that spiritual strength comes from living out God’s call with humility and gentleness.

Numbers 27:5-8 – Zelophehad’s Daughters' Inheritance

Timestamp: 33:31 - 34:24

Context: The daughters of Zelophehad were granted inheritance in the absence of sons, ensuring fair treatment.

Use in Study: Referenced as an example of God ensuring justice and care within His people, highlighting how His commands promote fairness and accountability in the community.

Joshua 3 – Crossing the Jordan River

Timestamp: 16:18 - 17:15

Context: God parts the Jordan River to allow Israel to cross into the Promised Land, showing His provision and faithfulness.

Use in Study: Used to remind listeners that God’s power is always present and sufficient, as demonstrated by His past faithfulness to Israel.

Joshua 6 – The Fall of Jericho

Timestamp: 16:18 - 17:15

Context: God brings down the walls of Jericho as Israel follows His instructions, demonstrating His might.

Use in Study: A reminder that God achieves victory when His people fully trust Him and obey His commands, no matter how unlikely success may seem from a human perspective.

1 Samuel 17 – David’s Victory Over Goliath 

Timestamp: 19:36 - 20:21

Context: David’s faith and obedience to God in facing Goliath shows that God’s strength triumphs over all enemies.

Use in Study: Implied in the discussion of Judah’s responsibility to fight for their brothers (Benjamin’s territory), just as David fought for Israel. God calls us to stand for others in obedience and faith.

Word Study

Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – Peace, Completeness, Welfare

Scripture Connection:While the word shalom is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, its theme of peace and completeness is closely tied to the idea of obeying God’s commands fully. The failure of Ephraim and Manasseh to drive out the Canaanites resulted in a lack of peace and ongoing conflict, preventing the full realization of shalom in their inheritance.

Key Meaning:Shalom is a broad Hebrew term that encompasses more than just peace; it refers to wholeness, soundness, and welfare. In the context of the sermon, shalom represents the peace and completeness that comes only when we fully obey God’s commands, as partial obedience leads to spiritual unrest and incomplete blessings.

Use in Sermon Context:The absence of shalom in the lives of the Israelites, particularly Ephraim and Manasseh, illustrates how compromise with God’s will disrupts the completeness and peace He desires for His people. The sermon challenges listeners to pursue full obedience to experience the fullness of God’s shalom.

2. Hesed (חֶסֶד) – Covenant Loyalty, Steadfast Love, Mercy

Scripture Connection:The theme of hesed is implied in the way God remains faithful to His people, despite their compromises and failures. His covenant loyalty and mercy are evident in His continued presence and support, even when the tribes of Israel fail to fully obey.

Key Meaning:Hesed refers to God’s steadfast love, kindness, and loyalty within the covenant relationship. It implies a love that is not based on merit but on God’s enduring faithfulness. In this study, despite Israel’s failures, God’s hesed remains as He continues to offer strength and guidance, calling them back to full obedience.

Use in Sermon Context:The sermon reflects God’s hesed through the examples of Joshua 3 (crossing the Jordan) and Joshua 6 (the fall of Jericho), where God’s faithful love and power are evident. Despite Israel’s shortcomings, God continues to show His covenant love by providing strength and opportunity for restoration.

3. Kherem (חֵרֶם) – Devoted to Destruction, Ban

   
   

Scripture Connection:Although kherem is not directly mentioned, it is related to the command given to the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites completely. God’s instruction to Israel was to devote certain enemies and cities to destruction (kherem), ensuring they did not influence or corrupt the Israelites. Failure to carry out this command, as seen with Ephraim and Manasseh, leads to compromise and the continuation of Canaanite influence.

Key Meaning:Kherem means something that is devoted to God for destruction or set apart under a ban. It was often used in the context of warfare when God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy certain enemies or cities that could lead them into idolatry.

Use in Sermon Context:The failure of Ephraim and Manasseh to carry out God’s command (implied kherem) by not driving out the Canaanites fully is a key example of partial obedience. The result of not fulfilling the kherem leads to ongoing spiritual compromise and disobedience, preventing Israel from fully realizing the inheritance God had promised.