
Joshua 11 says that the defeat of the southern Canaanites stirred the northern nations into a uniting to go against Israel and finally crush the increasing menace that a snowball may gather momentum and confidence from every victory. The united enemy proceeded south to enter into a life and death struggle with Israel. Israel's force is described as being in number as the sand by the seashore. The description which is used of Israel in Genesis 22 and by Balaam in his prophecies against the people of the LORD. The language is repeated frequently in the Scriptures. Battle was started by the waters of Merom. Joshua was assured by Yahweh that despite the numerical superiority of the enemy He would deliver them into Israel's hand. Israel pursued the mighty army which fled from them until they were utterly destroyed. All the chariot horses were hamstrung to render them useless in battle. Verses 10-15 describe the destruction of Hazor and other northern cities. Verses 16-20 say that none of the Canaanites from the north to the Negev in the south all opposed Israel and were exterminated except for the Gibeonites. Verses 21-22 tell us that all major opposition was extinguished leaving Israel with the task of mopping up the Canaanitish remnants and the apportioning of the Promised Land to the tribes. Only some of the giants, or Anakim and the coastal plain of Philistia survived this onslaught.
Isaiah 15 is described as an oracle, or prophetic word, concerning Moab. It foretells the destruction of Kir, the chief city, in a single night. It also forecasts the overthrowing of Moab's priests, its gods and the nation's worship. The people would be clothed in sackcloth as a recognition of their misery and mourning of Moab's devastated state. As they attempted to flee the Moabites were surrounded by scenes of horror and bloodshed.
2 Timothy is the last letter the Apostle Paul writes. The Apostle has been hunted throughout the Roman world as a criminal, and then taken to Rome and placed in a cold dark cell awaiting execution by beheading. The year is 63-64 AD. The fire which destroys half of the buildings in Rome was blamed on the Christians by Nero; and Paul as a recognised ringleader of the hated sect is to be made the chief scapegoat. The introduction to this letter additionally contains the greeting of mercy (to grace and peace) which start all the letters before the Apostle's second imprisonment; excepting Philemon which is a personal letter. As one gets older one becomes even more conscious of the need for Divine mercy - for without it we are all doomed. The words of this letter are Paul's last and chosen very carefully to warn and advise. The first great charge was to safeguard the deposit of the sound teachings which were believed. Timothy's love of the truth goes back to his mother and grandmother (Lois and Eunice). Timothy had been given the gift of prophecy by the laying on of the hands of the elders. Paul encourages this faithful young man to stir up that gift and to be invigorated to enthusiastically testify as to what Timothy knew to be true. What a hope he has embraced and he stands unshakable in his conviction that, "Jesus Christ had abolished death and brought life (Zoe) and immortality (deathlessness) to light through the gospel" (v10). Timothy is exhorted to follow the great example of faith and love that had been lived out and constantly exhibited by Paul. The Apostle says that he has fathered Timothy in the gospel. Sadly in Paul's time of needing support he is abandoned by many. Paul names two in particular - Phygellus and Hermogenes - as foremost in his abandonment. But he commends Onesiphorus, who appears to have been killed for his going to Rome to aid the aged and suffering Apostle.
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here...
https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-may-25th-joshua-11-isaiah-152-timothy-1/?feed_id=92789&_unique_id=6831baab16e0e
No comments:
Post a Comment