Today’s reading: Joshua 16:1–17:18
Chapters 16 and 17 of Joshua deal with the allotment of land to the line of Joseph through the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Like we’ve seen in earlier passages, certain tribes fail to drive out the inhabitants, who are enemies to the Israelites, and completely take over the land.
“However, [the Ephraimites] did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer” (Joshua 16:10).
“Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out” (Joshua 17:12-13).
Despite God’s clear instructions to drive out all the inhabitants of the land He had given to Israel, it didn’t happen. Instead, some of the groups responded in partial or incomplete obedience. Although it may have seemed like an easier solution and an insignificant deviation from God’s instruction, this choice would result in far-reaching consequences for the nation of Israel for years to come.
Why is partial or incomplete obedience so tempting? How is it harmful to us spiritually? How does or has regularly taking in God’s Word helped you make good choices when it comes to obeying God and living fully for Him? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
