DBG - March 16 - Joshua 13-15

In this chapter we being the division of land west of Jordan and Caleb claims his portion.

vs. 1-5 – An introduction to the division of the land of Canaan, west of Jordan.

vs. 6-15 – Caleb, the spy who gave the faithful report in Numbers 14, claims his allotment of land.  The promise made by Moses is not recorded previously in Scripture, but no one would dare call it unreasonable.  He claims the area around Hebron (“alliance”), formerly called Kirjatharba (“city of Arba”, or more literally, “city of a fourth” or “one of four cities”). 

In this chapter we have the allotment of Judah’s territory.

vs. 1-12 – The borders of Judah’s territory are described.

vs. 13-19 – Caleb defeats the sons of Anak and takes the territory he claimed.  The final city of Kirjathsepher was taken by Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, who was rewarded with marrying Caleb’s daughter.  She is not satisfied with the dry land they are given and requests the addition of springs to their allotment to ensure they had water for their livestock. 

vs. 20-62 – A description of the allotments to individual families. 

vs. 63 – The Jebusites still controlled Jerusalem and would until the days of David the king in II Samuel 5.

It is impossible to read these chapters without being moved by Caleb.  All other land was given by random allotment, but he was able to claim his own portion.  He chose not only a beautiful place, but one filled with history as it was the site of Abraham’s family tomb (Genesis 23).  It was still controlled by the enemy, the mighty giants of Anak.  Yet Caleb was unfazed in his faith, focusing on his prize.  We need more of this bold faith in our day!

Today’s hymn, “I Want That Mountain”, was written by Bill Harvey.  Bill Harvey was popular singer sometimes associated with John R. Rice.  This wonderful song encouraged the listener to not let anything stop us from seeing victory in our Christian labor. 

1 I saw the Giant of Prayerlessness upon the mountain high;
He laughed so hard at my unbended knee.
No longer in the Wilderness I'll stay, and so I cry:
I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

Chorus
I want that mountain!  I want that mountain!
Where the milk and honey flow, where the grapes of Eshcol grow,
I want that mountain!  I want that mountain!
The mountain that my Lord has given me.

2 There was a Giant of Laziness who said I wouldn't go
And witness for the One who set me free.
I'll come from out the Wilderness, I'll witness now I know;
I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

3 One faithless Giant upon the crest of Hebron's lofty height
Has vowed that he's the one to make me flee.
I'll climb from out the Wilderness! and trust Jehovah's might!
I want that mountain, it belongs to me!

4 Let ev'ry Giant of Distress and Unbelief and Sin
Get ready now to vacate, for you see:
I've come from out the Wilderness! I know I'm going to win!
I want that mountain, it belongs to me!