January 12, 2024

Even though God had given each tribe land, some still needed to be divided. The Levites set up the Tabernacle in Shiloh and the seven tribes that had yet to move on to their land set up around them. Joshua sent three surveyors out to bring back a description of each land the tribes were to inherit. It seems they were reluctant to leave the presence of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. That's why, even though we are comfortable in our surroundings, we must not linger there forever but must move into the territory that God gives us so we can testify to His goodness. I can't blame them for not wanting to move out independently; they had lived in harmony for so long that it probably seemed unnatural to part from the rest of their family. 

I can understand their hesitancy. When Richard's dad passed away two years ago, there was, and still is, much to do, but we sold our house and moved into his estate right away because thieves and robbers knew he had passed and were coming in and taking what they wanted. There was a lot that needed to be subdued! His sister also had a portion of his estate to move into, but there was an inhabitant that had to be removed so she and her husband could subdue her land of inheritance. It took some time, but we continued to move forward. It was unknown territory and beyond what we had expected, It's still challenging, but we are almost done! God gives each of us a portion, but it's up to us to take it and use it for His good.

And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you? Joshua 18:2-3