Scripture

The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains, who had iron chariots.

Observation

As the people advanced into the countryside, The tribes had varying levels of success in driving out the prior inhabitants. For some of the tribes, they could take some of the land, not all of it. For others, the best they could do is take the Canaanites as slaves.

The worst was the tribe of Dan, who were confined to the hill country and were not allowed onto the plains. Later, when they grew more numerous, they were able to take the Amorites as slaves.

Application

The Lord had promised the land of Israel to His people. They had been instructed to kill all the inhabitants of the land. Yet, they were unable or unwilling to do this, and the pagan customs of these people would be a stumbling block for the Israelites for generations to come.

The gift of the land was both a promise and a task. It was given to them by the Lord, but they had to take possession of it.

In the same way, our maturity as disciples is both grace and responsibility. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be holy people, but we also have to repent, or turn away from, our sins.

God gives us the land, but we have to destroy the inhabitants. We have the promise of holiness, but we have to choose God’s way.

This is a lifelong battle, but the rewards go beyond this life and into eternity.

Prayer

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for making it possible for me to live without sin. Please help me to dedicate myself to you each and every day. Amen.