How does Joshua 18:23 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? The Verse in Context “Avvim, Parah, Ophrah.” (Joshua 18:23) Why a Simple List Matters - These three names appear within the larger catalog of Benjamin’s inheritance (Joshua 18:21-28). - Each city marks a literal plot of ground within the Promised Land—surveyed, assigned, and received. - A list of towns might feel mundane, yet God records it to show that every square foot He pledged was delivered. God’s Faithfulness Displayed - Promised Land guaranteed: “To your offspring I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7; cf. 15:18-21; 17:8). - Forty years in the wilderness did not void the covenant (Numbers 14:30-31). - The allotment in Joshua 18 proves that not one detail of the promise was overlooked—Avvim, Parah, and Ophrah included. From Promise to Possession 1. Promise announced to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). 2. Promise reaffirmed to Moses (Exodus 6:8). 3. Promise executed through Joshua (Joshua 21:43-45). • “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45) 4. Promise experienced by each tribe—Benjamin’s list (Joshua 18:21-28) stands as tangible proof. Implications for Us Today - God’s faithfulness is meticulous; if He keeps track of villages, He will keep track of our lives (Matthew 10:29-31). - His timing may stretch across generations, yet fulfillment is certain (2 Peter 3:9). - We can anchor our hope in every word He has spoken: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) |