The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 69 We're finishing the book of Joshua today.  The people have entered the land, conquered the nations and are ready for rest.  Joshua has one final word to give the Israelites before he passes. Let's hear those powerful words again. DAILY READINGS Joshua 22-24 & Psalm 69 DAILY NOTES Joshua 22:4 A reminder that the land was given as rest for the people. Joshua 22:10-12 As the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh go home, they fear their ties with the people of Israel will be cut in future generations.  So, they build an altar as a witness for future generations of their take with Israel.   The rest of Israel see this as the others turning away from God and were prepared to go to war against them. Joshua 22:30 The Israelites believe the testimony of the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Joshua 23 Joshua reminds the people that God's blessings and curses are still relevant. Joshua 24:15...

DAY 68 This is, by far, the most chapters we've read in a one day.  You'll see, however, that some of them are pretty short and most follow the same pattern.  The Israelites have conquered the promised land and now it is time to allot the land to the different tribes. Since you've got a little more reading to do and since a lot of it is names of territories and cities, I won't include any notes today. DAILY READINGS Joshua 13-21 & Psalm 68 OTHER OBSERVATIONS Here's an assignment for you.  We believe scripture to be "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).  Can you find those elements in today's reading? Stay blessed...john

DAY 67 The word of the day is conquest.  Joshua and the Israelites continue their advance into the promised land.  Every nation that rises against them is defeated.  A recurring theme to pay attention to is that of the Divine Warrior.  This is a role God plays in Holy War literature.   God continually stands with the Israelites in battle, often participating (see Joshua 10:11, 15).  It's an interesting observation to watch for. DAILY READINGS Joshua 9-12 & Psalm 67 DAILY NOTES Joshua 9 The Gibeonites hear of Israel's victory and devise a plan to make peace with them so that they are not defeated.  Remember how Jacob's cunning ways play out for him?   Their plan is to act as if they have come from a far away place.  That would entitle them protection from the Israelites. The plan works.  Joshua makes peace with them and a covenant.   Joshua 10 The Israelites defeat another group of na...

DAY 66 Joshua prepares the people for battle.  They have crossed the Jordan into the land God had promised them and now it is time to overcome the nations.   DAILY READINGS Joshua 5-8 & Psalm 66 DAILY NOTES Joshua 5:1 All the kings beyond the Jordan heard about the Israelites movement, that they had crossed over (again).  As a result, their hearts melted and their spirit was gone.  They are fearful of what is to happen to them. Joshua 5:2-9 The Lord tells Joshua to circumcise the people.  They had not practiced circumcision, the sign of the covenant between them and God, since they were in the wilderness. Now, all that they faced in Egypt, everything they were and everything endured is "rolled away."  They are, officially, a new people. Joshua 5:15 The command of the army of the Lord gives Joshua the same instructions Moses was given at the burning bush. Joshua 6:1-16 The city of Jericho has closed itself.  No on...

DAY 65 We're entering a new land today.  We have a new leader, but we still have the same God and the same promise.  As we've read, you can almost feel the rise of expectation building as Moses gives his final commands and blessings and as Joshua takes his new place among the people. Today's Bible Project video illustrates a review of what the book of Joshua is about.  It gives a great outline you can follow to understand the book better. DAILY READINGS Joshua 1-4 & Psalm 65 DAILY NOTES Joshua 1:1-9 God gives Joshua the command to leave the people into the new land since Moses has died. Joshua is reminded that the Lord will go before the people; no one will be able to stand against them because of God's power.   Still, Joshua is reminded 3 times to be strong and (once very) courageous. The law of God is to remain in the mouth of Joshua (and the people).  They are called to meditate on it day and night. Joshua 1:13 This new...