What can we learn about obedience from Joshua's actions in Joshua 22:7? Text of Joshua 22:7 “Now to the half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given an inheritance in Bashan, but to the other half Joshua gave an inheritance on the west side of the Jordan among their brothers. When Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them.” What Joshua Actually Did - Completed the land-grant exactly as Moses and the LORD had directed (cf. Numbers 32:33–34; Deuteronomy 3:12–17). - Honored the promise made by the two-and-a-half tribes to help their brothers until conquest was finished (Joshua 1:12-18). - Released them at the proper time—neither early nor late—showing careful attention to God’s timetable. - Blessed them verbally before they crossed back over the Jordan, adding words of encouragement and affirmation. How Joshua’s Actions Model Obedience - Precision: Obedience means doing the right thing in the right way. Joshua did not alter the inheritance boundaries or the timing. - Completion: Starting a task for God is good; finishing it is better. Joshua waited until every promise was fulfilled (Joshua 21:45). - Consideration: He cared for the spiritual and emotional welfare of the people, proving that obedience includes loving service, not cold duty (Galatians 5:13). - Submission to prior revelation: Joshua obeyed directions originally given through Moses, showing that God’s earlier commands remain binding until He says otherwise (Deuteronomy 34:9; Matthew 5:17-18). - Blessing others: Obedience positions us to be channels of blessing. Joshua’s benediction reminds us that faithful leaders impart God’s favor, not merely enforce rules (Numbers 6:24-26). Personal Takeaways - Finish what God assigns; partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). - Stay aligned with Scripture and godly authority even when cultural or personal preferences pull differently. - Remember that obedience and blessing travel together; when we submit to God, we equip ourselves to speak blessing into others’ lives (Psalm 1:1-3). - Keep watch on timing—God’s schedule matters as much as His instructions (Ecclesiastes 3:1). - Let every act of obedience be wrapped in love and encouragement, just as Joshua paired command-keeping with heartfelt blessing (John 13:34-35). Supporting Scriptures - Deuteronomy 28:1 – “If you diligently obey the LORD your God … the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” - John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” - James 1:25 – “He who looks intently into the perfect law … and continues in it … this man will be blessed in what he does.” Obedience, when patterned after Joshua’s example, becomes a joyful partnership with God—precise, completed, loving, and always accompanied by His blessing. |
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