Conquered to Possess
I was challenged by Emily over at Little Roots Co . to make a bible reading plan for the year. I decided to start in the book of Joshua since I was reading a novel about Rahab. Some of the recurring themes in Joshua are the sovereign leadership, protection, and provision of the Lord. In the case of the Israelite nation, God was conquering their enemies before their eyes and providing them with the Promised Land. The first half of Joshua details the crossing of the Jordan (into the Promised Land) and the conquests of foreign nations, the most famous being the fall of Jericho. In chapter 13, we find Joshua, well advanced in years and reflecting on the many battles won in the past. God reminds him, however, that the job is only halfway done. The book opened with God telling Joshua to "be strong and courageous 1 " as he fought for the land that was promised. Now, God is reminding him "I myself will drive [the foreign nations] out from before the people of Israel. Only all...