Today I’m being nice to you! (Only today, obviously….) Much of chapters 13-19 of the book of Joshua consists of long and detailed lists of boundaries and towns – which I’m going to spare you, save this one passage! These essentially define the land allotted to each tribe, and in which they can now settle.
At one level, it’s a good reminder that this is an actual historical document which defines boundaries which will be determinative in the life of Israel for centuries to come. At a deeper level, the sub-text to all of this detail is the vital truth that God keeps his promises. Each of these tribes was promised a share of the land: and each now received it.
Today’s passage is interesting, however, because it indicates that, despite their victories, a large proportion of the population that made up the tribes were somewhat reluctant to spread out and now settle in the land (18:3) – one can imagine that ‘safety in numbers’ factored quite high in their considerations.
In that sense, the very practical process of settling down – inhabiting towns, building (or rebuilding) dwellings, farming crops and livestock – was an act of faith. For it was only at this point that the ‘average’ Israelite would have to leave the security of a large and heavily defended camp and live in the land.
So, Joshua has to give seven of the tribes a ‘nudge’ to get on with it (18:3-4). He has to be even more direct with the tribe of Joseph who had already been awarded their land, which is the subject of 17:14-18. ‘Our land is too small,’ they complained. To which Joshua effectively said: ‘Actually, your faith is too small.’ There was a large forested area in their land which could be cleared and settled. This would require facing opposition, but also good old-fashioned hard work: creating brand new settlements alongside the much easier task of inhabiting the existing ones.
It is a healthy reminder that faith and action often go together. To ‘believe’ is not a passive thing: it is active, it thrives when it is lived out day-by-day. You could say that faith works! We demonstrate faith in very practical ways: in how we live, in what we invest in, in taking the opportunities which the Lord gives us.
Perhaps today, spend a few minutes reflecting whether there is a particular part of your faith which God is nudging you to put into practice. And if there’s nothing that stands out, why not ask the Lord to show you any people whom your faith can actively bless today.