Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting a heart posture that acknowledges God's providence, mercy, and faithfulness. In the narrative of the Israelites, thankfulness is often expressed in response to God's deliverance, provision, and fulfillment of promises. This entry explores the theme of thankfulness from the perspective of the Israelites, particularly during the leadership of Joshua. The Israelites' Journey and Expressions of Thankfulness The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is marked by numerous instances where thankfulness is both commanded and expressed. After their deliverance from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving to the Lord: "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him" (Exodus 15:2). This song reflects a deep gratitude for God's miraculous intervention at the Red Sea. Throughout their wilderness journey, the Israelites were reminded to maintain a posture of thankfulness, even as they faced trials. The provision of manna and quail, water from the rock, and the guidance of the pillar of cloud and fire were all occasions for gratitude, though often met with grumbling instead. Thankfulness Under Joshua's Leadership Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites entered a new phase of their history, marked by the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Joshua, a faithful servant of God and Moses' successor, led the people with a focus on obedience and gratitude to God. 1. Crossing the Jordan River: As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, God instructed Joshua to set up twelve stones as a memorial. This act was to serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and to inspire thankfulness among future generations: "In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever" (Joshua 4:6-7). 2. The Fall of Jericho: The miraculous victory at Jericho was another occasion for thankfulness. The Israelites followed God's unusual battle plan, and the walls of Jericho fell. This victory was a testament to God's power and faithfulness, prompting the Israelites to give thanks for His deliverance. 3. Covenant Renewal at Shechem: At the end of Joshua's life, he gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem to renew their covenant with God. Joshua reminded the people of God's faithfulness and called them to serve the Lord with sincerity and thankfulness: "Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14). This renewal was an act of gratitude for God's continued guidance and blessings. Conclusion The narrative of the Israelites, particularly under Joshua's leadership, highlights the importance of thankfulness as a response to God's faithfulness and provision. Through memorials, victories, and covenant renewals, the Israelites were continually reminded to cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God's hand in their history and future. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 19:49,50When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: Nave's Topical Index Library Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty Li. Gratitude. Ebenezer! The Meeting Hereafter. More Light and Less Love Guidance in the Way The Season of Epiphany. Rom. xvi. 5 CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). Nature of Covenanting. Resources What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With Thankfulness: Come Before God With Thankfulness: Expressed in Psalms Thankfulness: Habitually offer Thankfulness: Jesus Set an Example of Thankfulness: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thankfulness: Offer Sacrifices of Thankfulness: Resolve to offer Thankfulness: Saints Exhorted To Thankfulness: Saul, to the Kenites Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Praise Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Prayer Thankfulness: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thankfulness: should be offered for all People Thankfulness: should be offered for all Things Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thankfulness: should be offered for Deliverance from Indwelling Sin, Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thankfulness: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thankfulness: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God in Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs Thankfulness: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thankfulness: should be offered in Everything Thankfulness: should be offered in Private Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in Public Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: Always Thankfulness: should be offered: As the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food Thankfulness: should be offered: On Behalf of God's Servants Thankfulness: should be offered: Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To God Thankfulness: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thankfulness: should Enter God's Gates With Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In Thankfulness: The Israelites, to Joshua Thankfulness: The People of the Island of Melita (Malta), to Paul Thankfulness: The Spies, to Rahab Thankfulness: The Wicked Averse To Thankfulness: To God of Abraham Thankfulness: To God of Abraham's Servant (Eliezar) Thankfulness: To God of Deborah Thankfulness: To God of Hannah Thankfulness: To God of Jehoshaphat's Army Thankfulness: To God of Jethro Thankfulness: To God of Joseph Thankfulness: To God of Melchizedek Thankfulness: To God of Miriam Thankfulness: To God of Rachel Thankfulness: To God of Samuel Thankfulness: To God of the Jews Thankfulness: To God of the Levites Thankfulness: To God of the People of Israel Thankfulness: To God of the Queen of Sheba Thankfulness: To God of the Sailors Thankfulness: To God of the Shepherds Thankfulness: To God: Before Receiving Food, by Jesus Thankfulness: To God: Blind Bartimaeus Thankfulness: To God: One of the Ten Lepers Whom Jesus Healed Thankfulness: To God: The Demon-Possessed Man Who Was Exorcized Thankfulness: To God: The Lame Man Healed by Peter Thankfulness: To God: The Man Who Was Paralyzed Thankfulness: To God: The Roman Centurion for his Boy Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead Related Terms |
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