Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a destructive emotion characterized by a desire for what others possess, is a theme that can be explored through the life and leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses and a central figure in the Old Testament. While the Bible does not explicitly state that Joshua himself was envious, the narratives surrounding his leadership provide insights into how envy can manifest and be addressed within a community of faith.Joshua's Leadership and the Absence of Envy Joshua, the son of Nun, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. His leadership is marked by faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. The absence of envy in Joshua's character is notable, especially considering the immense responsibility and honor bestowed upon him. Joshua's humility and reliance on God set a standard for leadership that contrasts with the destructive nature of envy. Envy Among the Israelites While Joshua himself may not have exhibited envy, the Israelites under his leadership often struggled with this sin. The conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, involved the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. This division could have easily led to envy and discontentment among the tribes. However, Joshua's fair and divinely guided allocation of the land helped to mitigate such feelings. In Joshua 18:3, Joshua addresses the Israelites, saying, "How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?" . His leadership encouraged the people to focus on God's promises rather than on what others possessed. The Sin of Achan A significant episode that highlights the consequences of envy and covetousness is the sin of Achan, as described in Joshua 7. Achan's desire for the spoils of Jericho, which were devoted to the Lord, led him to take forbidden items. This act of disobedience resulted in Israel's defeat at Ai and brought trouble upon the entire community. Joshua 7:21 records Achan's confession: "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them" . Achan's envy and covetousness serve as a warning of the personal and communal consequences of such sins. Joshua's Example of Contentment Joshua's life exemplifies contentment and trust in God's provision. His unwavering faith and commitment to God's commands demonstrate the antidote to envy. In Joshua 24:15, he famously declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" . This statement reflects a heart focused on serving God rather than being consumed by what others have. Lessons from Joshua's Leadership Joshua's leadership offers several lessons on dealing with envy: 1. Trust in God's Provision: Joshua's reliance on God's promises and his contentment with God's plan for his life serve as a model for overcoming envy. 2. Fairness and Justice: By distributing the land fairly among the tribes, Joshua minimized the potential for envy and strife. 3. Addressing Sin: Joshua's swift action in dealing with Achan's sin underscores the importance of addressing envy and covetousness within a community. 4. Focus on God's Promises: Joshua consistently directed the Israelites' attention to God's promises, encouraging them to find satisfaction in their relationship with Him rather than in material possessions. Through the life and leadership of Joshua, the Bible provides valuable insights into the nature of envy and the ways in which it can be overcome through faith, obedience, and a focus on God's provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:28,29And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Superstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus. The Letter of the Church of Rome As in a Race Saw I the Disputers, the Children of Strife, [Trying] ... The Sixth Commandment The Covenant of Works In Judaea A Call to Judgment Hebrews xi. 28-31 Doctrines of the Ophites and Sethians. The Census of Israel Resources What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
    |