We’ve finally arrived at the last verse of Joshua chapter 11. Five Lessons from that “pericope” of Scripture, but critically important to understanding the history of ancient Israel.
And verse 23 is a summary statement, for sure. Almost a biography! One of the most astounding lives ever lived, in fact. (Of course Joshua is a “picture, symbol, type” of Jesus in many ways!)
“So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.” Joshua 11:23
Remember, the name Joshua means “Jehovah is salvation!” Or as I sometimes quip, “Jesus saves!”
The verb “took” is “laqach” in Hebrew, “seized, captured, laid hold of, acquired.”
But strangely, “laqach” here is written as an “imperfect” verb, in its sense of timing! (Simply a point of grammar. This does NOT mean there is anything WRONG with the verb!)
“Imperfect,” meaning what then? Just that Joshua indeed “captured” the land, “exterminated” (this action now completed, in the past) the heathen … but having done so … he remains prepared to “fight” any other enemy that might appear or reappear!
How wise!
Then comes the expression, the phrase, “the whole land!” Written “kol eretzs” in Hebrew. The implication is that no wicked conclave still existed, We’d say “border to border, coast to coast!” The whole Land now Israel’s!
Wow!
What obedience!
Joshua did “according to all that the Lord had said to Moses!”
Unlike so many other leaders Israel had through Bible times!
Now, the Land can be subdivided to the respective Tribes of Israel!
Home, finally!
In the Promised Land .. because of a man’s obedience!
Amazing!
I too will some day be “HOME” … because of a Man’s perfect Obedience!
In Heaven … and because of JESUS!
Praise His Name!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Oh, that last line, to be repeated numerous times in the Book of Joshua. “And the land rested from war.” Now Joshua is a peace-maker, rest-bringer! Like Jesus … Matthew 11:28 … “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Wow!