Reason To Stay Focused

Joshua 15:20-17:18

How did Israel go from conquering everyone everywhere they went to what is seen in today's OYCB reading?

• Joshua 15.63: The tribe of Judah was unable to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem.
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• Joshua 16.10: The tribe of Ephraim was unable to drive the Canaanites out of Gezer.
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• Joshua 17.13: The tribe of Manassah was unable to drive the Canaanites out of their region.
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• Joshua 17.16: The tribes of Ephraim and Manassah (sons of Joesph) were unable to drive the Canaanites out of the lowlands in their regions.

What changed?

I had to fast-forward a bit and read ahead:

So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. [Joshua 21.43-45]

According to the Bible, Israel DID successfully conquer the Promised Land. But apparently, it did not happen immediately. However, that should not be seen as strange because God said early-on that it would be done over a period of time:

“I will send my terror ahead of you and create panic among all the people whose lands you invade. I will make all your enemies turn and run. I will send terror ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you. I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land. And I will fix your boundaries from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the eastern wilderness to the Euphrates River. I will hand over to you the people now living in the land, and you will drive them out ahead of you. [Exodus 23.27-31]

Interesting. Israel had every reason to stay focused and not lose heart. Everything was happening as the LORD said it would.

Repeat: Everything was happening as the LORD said it would!

Father, help me to be a student of Your Word enough to know what You have said and act accordingly!