Study 33: Joshua 21-22

In this study, we dive deep into Joshua 17, where the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh express dissatisfaction with their allotted inheritance despite God's blessings. This study unpacks their sense of entitlement and how it mirrors the human tendency to overlook God's provision when it doesn't align with our expectations. Through this passage, we explore themes of humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and recognizing that any increase or strength He gives is for fulfilling His purposes, not our own desires. Join us as we reflect on aligning our hearts with God's will and embracing a life of service to His kingdom. This episode encourages listeners to worship through understanding the Word and living it out purposefully.

Sermon Outline

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Purpose of StudyTimestamp: 00:01 - 01:23

  • Opening welcome and prayer.

  • Introduction to the study of God's Word in Joshua.

  • Review of the purpose: understanding faithfulness, obedience, and unity through systematic study.

  Chapter 2: Review of Previous Study (Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge)Timestamp: 01:23 - 03:13

  • Recap of the Cities of Refuge, also referred to as "Cities of Mercy."

  • Key point: God's mercy in both the Old and New Testaments, woven together in a seamless narrative of God's love.

  Chapter 3: Joshua 21 – Inheritance of the LevitesTimestamp: 03:13 - 08:37

  • The Levites were given towns instead of land as their inheritance (Joshua 21:41-42).

  • Key point: God’s Word, presence, and mission are meant to be distributed among His people through the Levites.

  • Application: Experiencing God’s presence requires sacrifice, just as each tribe gave up land for the Levites.

  Chapter 4: Cost of Following GodTimestamp: 08:18 - 10:47

  • Following God comes with a cost, just as the tribes sacrificed towns for the Levites.

  • Key scripture: Joshua 21:43-45—God’s faithfulness in delivering His promises to Israel.

  Chapter 5: Transition to Joshua 22 – The Eastern Tribes' ReturnTimestamp: 11:31 - 12:33

  • The two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-tribe of Manasseh) fulfilled their mission of helping Israel conquer the land.

  • Joshua sends them back to their homes, acknowledging their faithfulness.

  Chapter 6: The Eastern Tribes Build an AltarTimestamp: 19:15 - 22:06

  • Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh build a large altar by the Jordan as a reminder of their connection with the rest of Israel.

  • The altar’s purpose: a witness to future generations of their shared worship of Yahweh.

  Chapter 7: Misunderstanding and ConflictTimestamp: 22:56 - 26:02

  • The rest of Israel misinterprets the altar as rebellion and prepares for war against the Eastern tribes.

  • Key point: Assumptions lead to conflict when communication breaks down.

  Chapter 8: Confrontation and ClarificationTimestamp: 38:44 - 40:56

  • Phineas and Israel's leaders confront the Eastern tribes.

  • The Eastern tribes explain that the altar was meant to preserve unity, not create division.

  • Key scripture: Joshua 22:21-29—The tribes affirm their loyalty to Yahweh.

  Chapter 9: Resolution and Restoration of UnityTimestamp: 50:59 - 55:57

  • Israel acknowledges the Eastern tribes’ true intentions, and peace is restored.

  • The altar is named "A Witness Between Us That the Lord Is God" (Joshua 22:34).

  Chapter 10: Reflection on Listening and ObedienceTimestamp: 57:07 - 58:18

  • Emphasis on listening to God’s voice and the importance of discerning truth in the midst of assumptions.

  • Application: Avoid conflict by seeking clarity through communication and prayer, ensuring God's peace and unity prevail.

Scripture References

1. Joshua 20: Cities of Refuge (Implied)Timestamp: 01:23 - 03:13

   • Context: The speaker reviews the previous study on the cities of refuge, calling them "Cities of Mercy." The discussion emphasizes God's mercy in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating the continuity of God's character.

2. Joshua 21:41-42: The Levites' InheritanceTimestamp: 03:13 - 08:37

   • Context: This passage highlights how the Levites were given 48 towns, including cities of refuge, instead of land. The sermon uses this to illustrate how God’s Word, presence, and mission were meant to be spread among His people through the Levites' placement within each tribe.

3. Joshua 21:43-45: God's Faithfulness in Delivering His PromisesTimestamp: 08:18 - 10:47

   • Context: The speaker focuses on God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises to Israel by giving them the land and rest from their enemies. This scripture is used to remind listeners that God can be trusted and is always faithful.

4. Joshua 22:1-4: Return of the Eastern TribesTimestamp: 11:31 - 12:33

   • Context: The two and a half tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are sent back to their land after helping conquer Canaan. This scripture is used to highlight their faithfulness to God's mission.

5. Joshua 22:10: The Eastern Tribes Build an AltarTimestamp: 19:15 - 22:06

   • Context: The Eastern tribes build an altar by the Jordan River. The speaker explains how this act was meant to symbolize their connection to the rest of Israel and preserve unity, rather than create division.

6. Joshua 22:12: Israel Prepares for WarTimestamp: 22:56 - 26:02

   • Context: When the rest of Israel hears about the altar, they prepare to go to war against the Eastern tribes, believing they are rebelling against God. This scripture illustrates how assumptions can lead to conflict when communication is lacking.

7. Joshua 22:21-29: The Eastern Tribes Explain the Altar’s PurposeTimestamp: 38:44 - 40:56

   • Context: The Eastern tribes clarify that the altar was built as a witness between them and the other tribes, not as an altar for sacrifices. They affirm their loyalty to Yahweh and their commitment to unity. This scripture highlights the need for clarity in communication to prevent misunderstandings.

8. Joshua 22:34: The Altar is Named "A Witness Between Us That the Lord Is God"Timestamp: 50:59 - 55:57

   • Context: After resolving the conflict, the altar is named to symbolize the unity between the tribes and their shared worship of God. This scripture is used to emphasize the restoration of peace and unity among God's people.

9. Romans 13:7: "Render Honor Where Honor is Due" (Explicit)Timestamp: 13:37 - 14:14

   • Context: This scripture is referenced to highlight the importance of honoring those who have been faithful in their service to God, like the Eastern tribes who fought for seven years before returning home.

10. James 1:19-20: "Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Become Angry" (Explicit)Timestamp: 39:45 - 40:27

• Context: This passage from James is used to encourage listeners to be patient and discerning, especially when anger is involved. It is connected to how the Israelites’ quick anger almost led to unnecessary conflict.

  
  

Word Study

1. Nachalah (נַחֲלָה) – Inheritance, Possession

   1. Context in Study: The word "nachalah" is connected to the inheritance given to the tribes of Israel, particularly in Joshua 21, where the Levites are given towns instead of land. In Hebrew, "nachalah" refers to a possession or inheritance that is passed down, usually from God as a promised gift.

   2. Relevance: The concept of "nachalah" is central to the study of Joshua 21, where God fulfills His promise by providing the Israelites with their allotted inheritance. The Levites’ unique inheritance of towns (rather than land) shows that God Himself was their portion, underscoring a spiritual dimension to the term.

   3. Timestamp: 03:13 - 08:37 (Levites’ inheritance of towns instead of land).

2. Ed (עֵד) – Witness, Testimony

   1. Context in Study: The word "ed" refers to the name of the altar built by the Eastern tribes, which was called "A Witness Between Us That the Lord Is God" (Joshua 22:34). "Ed" means witness or testimony, signifying the altar’s purpose as a lasting symbol of unity and shared faith.Relevance: This word captures the role of the altar as a reminder for future generations that the tribes on both sides of the Jordan worship the same God, preserving their unity despite physical separation.

   2. Timestamp: 50:59 - 55:57 (the naming of the altar).

3. Chesed (חֶסֶד) – Loving-kindness, Mercy, Faithful Love

   1. Context in Study: The concept of "chesed" is implied throughout the study, especially in the discussion of God's mercy shown in both the Old and New Testaments. "Chesed" refers to God's loyal, covenantal love, which underpins His relationship with Israel and His acts of kindness toward them.

   2. Relevance: The resolution of the misunderstanding between the tribes in Joshua 22 reflects "chesed" as they choose reconciliation and peace instead of conflict, embodying God’s covenantal love and mercy.

   3. Timestamp: 01:23 - 03:13 (God’s mercy in both Testaments).