“throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Joshua 24:16-33

Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! 

And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.

Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”

“Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

“See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”

After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.

Joshua's own readiness to commit himself wholly to God remains unwavering at the end of a long life. The eagerness of the people to follow him in renewing the covenant is in itself sufficient tribute to his leadership. His 'we shall serve the Lord' is echoed and re-echoed by the voice of the people: 'It is a high note on which to conclude the book, and verse 31 indicates the strength of Joshua's influence for good. The contrast between this and the book of Judges, which follows, is marked. Verse 32 rounds off the history of the patriarchs as Joseph's bones are buried in the promised land.

Why?

Joshua witness "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord",  

So all of the Israelites be encouraged to witness we will serve the Lord because he is our God.

Joshua shows his caring for his people, but he has his life limit so he said to Israelites to remember God's word and serve the Lord.

Even make stone be a witness among Israelites. But people's hearts is easy to turn to the world and attracted by our selfish mind and turn away from the Lord. We are weak and we need to remind by the Holy Spirit every day. 

Only we experienced the goodness of the Lord we will keep and obey the word of the Lord. We have emotion and ambition in our flesh. Reading the word of the Lord in the morning is a good way to remind us of sins.

You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. Joshua declared the characters of the Lord. For the Lord is holy, so we have to be holy to serve Him.

God is jealous, it means the Lord is righteousness. No one can stand before the Lord if he is no holy.

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jealous God: The Lord and us can not allow have any other gods.

約書亞沒有因為百姓說必事奉耶和華而高興，反而指出耶和華是忌邪的神。

約書亞要求百姓提出行動，即除掉外邦的神。我們敬拜時可能很感動，或是聽道時很感動，願意為主奉獻自己。下一步是除去心中的偶像。我們的信仰不能腳踏兩條船。23約書亞說：你們現在要除掉你們中間的外邦神，專心歸向耶和華─以色列的神。

約書亞死後，長老還在世時，以色列人還敬畏神，但是這些長老離世後，就變質了，忘記以前立的約。

以前大家依賴摩西、約書亞帶領，自己不能站起來嗎？

約書亞沒有立接績的人，這要神同意。這是一個時代的結束。同時各支派有自己的事，誰要聽誰呢?

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How?

Be aware of the Lord, God is love and God is jealous. Walking with the Lord is the way to serve the Lord. 

 

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord

 Joshua 24:1-15

Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. 

Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out.

I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and you took possession of their land.

So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua assembles the peoples at Shechem to renew the covenant sworn thereafter their first victories in the land. Here, as in Deuteronomy, the covenant pattern follows that of contemporary treaties is followed by a rehearsal of his past favors. The stipulations are made in 14-15, with a warning about the consequences of disobedience.

Why?

Joshua was worried people of Isreal will forsake the Lord and go to worship the gods in Canaanite.

The Lord is faithful to his people, Israelites, their ancestors were chosen by the Lord, now the promise to Abraham comes true, so remember the grace and promised to them.

At last, no matter Israelites what the have chosen, Joshua declared for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Expresses his faith and desires.

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23章從以色列人過約旦河以後的事，帶領以色列人繼續爭戰。對象是眾長老、首領。

24章從亞伯拉罕說起，要以色列人放下一切惡習，不要被先祖所影響。對象是所有支派。

亞伯拉罕的父親是敬拜別神的。神揀選雅各，沒有不愛以掃。只是對雅各有使命。

告訴以色列人不要假裝，如果想選別的神，就去選，不必等到約書亞死後。勸以色列人不要受影響。要離棄先祖所拜的神，神帶領亞伯拉罕脫離，從父輩中脫離出來。我們要選擇，不要看別人。別人就是周圍的人。看風俗習慣，潮流。迦南人當時文化是比較高的，在耕種等方面，卻連宗教也受影響。

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How?

So am I, as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!

Joshua's Farewell to the Leaders

 Joshua 23:1-16

You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you.

Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.

“But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.

Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. 

If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.

Some years have elapsed since the division of the land. Joshua has reached the end of a long life and is appointing no single successor. It is therefore vital to ensure that the leaders keep the law and remain faithful to God - the God who keeps his promises. It is God who has given them the land, God who has driven out great and powerful nations: 'You must hold fast to the Lord your God, keeping covenant with him.

Why?

Joshua worries about his people after he passed away they may turn away from the Lord and associate with the survivors of these nations.

Joshua reminds them it is the Lord who fought for them. All they conquered were great nations and strong enemies. 

Be strong and be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left is the most important to Israelite and to all Christian today.

Even on the last day, Joshua was caring about the future of the Israelites. So he called the leaders and elders came to him. And he did not choose anyone to be the leader of them.

The Lord did not choose a new leader is to test them how their heart may obey the word of the Lord.

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約書亞的遺命

1. 神已經為他們打仗得到這些土地，要繼續往前走。靠主繼續爭戰。只要稍微有點破口，就會失去一切。

2.神是不改變的神，認識神經歷神，為使我們信心成長，一步步可以往前走。

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How?

Be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, the word of the Lord is the only way to survive on the promised land.

伯沙撒王的悲歌 但5:22-24

 2021/6/27  台南聖教會   高敏智牧師

但5:22-24

兩個大罪 1. 無知 2. 故意要羞辱 神

1.無知

泊秦 淮 【 唐 】 杜牧

煙籠寒水月籠沙，

夜 泊秦淮近酒家。

商女不知亡國恨，

隔 江猶唱後庭花。

國之將嬴，還在飲酒狂歡

2.故意要羞辱 神

伯沙撒王的父親拿布甲尼撒王幾次認識神，受到神的管教，知道悔改。但是伯沙撒王居然拿聖殿的金杯來喝油作樂。如同

非利士人的首領 聚集，要 給他們的神 大袞獻 大祭，並且 歡樂，他們 正宴樂的 時候， 就說：叫參孫 來，在 我們 面前戲耍 戲耍

大衛問站在旁邊的人說這 未受割禮的非利士人是誰呢竟敢 向永生神的軍隊罵陣嗎?

神的忿怒臨到

場景：

伯沙撒王為他的一千大臣設擺盛筵，與這一千人對面飲酒。

伯沙撒歡飲之間，吩咐人 將他父尼布甲尼撒從耶路撒冷殿中

所掠的金銀器皿拿來，王與大臣、皇后、妃嬪好 用這器皿飲酒。

於是他們 把耶路撒冷神殿庫房中所掠的金器皿拿來 ，王和大臣、皇后、妃嬪

就用這器皿飲酒。他們飲酒， 讚美金、銀、銅、鐵、木、石所造的神 。

當時， 忽有人的指頭顯出，在王宮與燈臺相對的粉牆上寫字。

王看見 寫字的指頭 就變了臉色，心意驚惶，腰骨好像脫節，雙膝彼此相碰，

大聲吩咐將用法術的和迦勒底人並觀兆的領進來，對巴比倫的哲士說，誰能

讀這文字，把講解告訴我，他必身穿紫袍，項帶金鍊，在我國中位列第三。

於是 王的一切哲士 都進來，卻 不能讀 那文字，也 不能把講解 告訴王。 …

1. 在你國中有一人，他裡頭有聖神的靈 

這不是自己說的，是別人看出來的。1. 欽佩 2.相信 3.知道你有聖神的靈。

在你國中有一人， 他裡頭有聖神的靈。

你父在世的日子， 這人心中光明 ，又有 聰明智慧 ，好像 神的智慧 。

你父尼布甲尼撒王，就是王的父，立他為術士、用法術的，

和迦勒底人，並觀兆的 領袖 。

在他裡頭有 美好的靈性 ，又有 知識聰明 ，能 圓夢 ，釋 謎語 ，解 疑惑 。

這人名叫但以理，尼布甲尼撒王又稱他為伯提沙撒，

現在可以召他來，他必解明這意思。

----------  約瑟  -----------

法老對臣僕說：像這樣的人，有神的靈在他裡頭

，我們豈能找得著呢?法老對約瑟說：神既將這事都指示你，可見沒有人像你這樣

有聰明有智慧 。你可以掌管我的家 我的民 都必聽從你的話。法老又對約瑟說：我派你

治理埃及全地 。 創 41:38 40

不可使慈愛、誠實離開你，要繫在你頸項上，刻在你心版上。這樣，你必在神和世人眼前

蒙恩寵，有聰明 。你要專心仰賴耶和華，不可倚靠自己的聰明，在你一切所行的事上都要認定他，他必指引你的路 。 箴 3:3 6

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穿著 基督徒 的 衣服 ，在世界走一回，直到 走累了 。才發現 衣服 也是 世界的 …

穿上 基督 不再是自己活著 ，在道路成為 眾人的喜樂 。才發現生命榮耀就是 基督 …

2. 你 雖知道這一切 ，你 心仍不自卑, 竟向天上的主自高

至高的神曾將國位、大權、榮耀、威嚴賜與你父尼布甲尼撒；因神所賜他的大權，各方、各國、各族的人都在他面前戰兢恐懼。他可以隨意生殺，隨意升降。但他心高氣傲，靈也剛愎，甚至行事狂傲，就被革去王位，奪去榮耀。他被趕出離開世人，他的心變如獸心，與野驢同居，吃草如牛，身被天露滴濕，等他知道至高的神在人的國中掌權，憑自己的意旨立人治國。

你是他的兒子，你雖知道這一切，你心仍不自卑 竟向天上的主自高，使人將他殿中的器皿拿到你面前，你和大臣、皇后、妃嬪用這器皿飲酒。你又讚美那不能看、不能聽、無知無識、金、銀、銅、鐵、木、石所造的神，卻沒有將榮耀歸與那手中有你氣息，管理你一切行動的神。因此從神那裡顯出指頭來寫這文字。

羅1:21-24他們 雖然知道神，卻不當作神 榮耀他，也不感謝他。

他們的 思念變為虛妄，無知的心 就昏暗了。自稱為聰明，反成了愚拙，將不能朽壞之 神的榮耀變為偶像, 彷彿必朽壞的人和飛禽、走獸、昆蟲的樣式。

所以，神 任憑他們逞著心裡的情慾 行污穢的事，以致彼此玷辱自己的身體。

3. 就是神已經數算你國的年日到此完畢。

所寫的文字是： 彌尼，彌尼，提客勒，烏法珥新。

講解是這樣：

彌尼， 就是神已經數算你國的年日到此完畢。

提客勒， 就是你被稱在天平裡，顯出你的虧欠。

毘勒斯（烏法珥新）， 就是你的國分裂，歸與瑪代人和波斯人。

伯沙撒下令，人就把紫袍給但以理穿上，把金鍊給他戴在頸項上，又傳令使他在國中位列第三。當夜，迦勒底王伯沙撒被殺。

------------------------------------

算到今夜

對我的靈魂說：靈魂哪，你有許多財物積存，可作多年的費用，只管安安逸逸的吃喝快樂吧！

神卻對他說：無知的人哪，今夜必要你的靈魂；你所預備的要歸誰呢？

凡為自己積財，在神面前卻不富足的 ，也是這樣。 路 12:19 21

我們經過的日子都在你震怒之下 詩 90:9 12

我們度盡的年歲好像一聲歎息 。我們一生的年日是七十歲，若是強壯可到八十歲；

但其中所矜誇的不過是勞苦愁煩，轉眼成空 ，我們便 如飛而去 。

求你指教我們怎樣數算自己的日子 ，好叫我們得著智慧的心。

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你們要防備假先知。他們到你們這裡來, 外面披著羊皮，裡面卻是殘暴的狼 。憑著 他們的果子，就可以認出他們來 。 太 7:15

…………………………………………………………………

從前 引導你們、傳神之道給你們的人, 你們 要想念他們，效法他們的信心, 留心 看他們為人的結局 。 來 13:7

And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God.

 Joshua 22:21-34

Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel: “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day. If we have built our own altar to turn away from the Lord and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the Lord himself call us to account.

No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you—you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.

It is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the Lord. “And we said, ‘If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the Lord’s altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.

And Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, said to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, “Today we know that the Lord is with us, because you have not been unfaithful to the Lord in this matter. Now you have rescued the Israelites from the Lord’s hand.”

And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God.

The fear that, once they are across the Jordan, Israel may at some future time disown them prompts the building of the altar which caused such misunderstanding. This was neither a sign of idolatry nor a second sanctuary. It was a token of solidarity with the rest of Israel to whom they were bound by faith and worship of the one God.

Why?

The tribes of Gad the Manasseh built this altar is for a witness to their future descendant and the Israelites in West Jordan. To remind them to have the same God, The Lord. And this altar does not offer any burnt offerings and sacrifices.

At this time Israelites on both sides of  Jordan have the same faith in the Lord, and we sware obey the Lord and worship the Lord forever.

Even though a few generations later, both of the Israelites turn away from the Lord. These are the sins of men.

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人總是用自己的想法強加在別人身上，以為別人也知道。

築壇是為了合一，若是如此，為什麼不先說。如果留在河東本來就會有分開的後遺症。既然如此為何不要河西的應許之地，卻要河東地。

神本來就不要人另外築壇，如此行本身就不對了。以後難免被人拿來祭拜。過約旦河上已經立石為記，同時也在河中放12個石頭。他們為何不立石碑，石塊，人總是喜歡找一些理由，為自己保留一點點。明明知道這個不好，以後會有後遺症，以後再來補破洞。既然要奉獻為什麼不百分之百。為什麼還要留一點破洞?

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How?

Worship the Lord and keep faith in the Lord, need the experience the grace of the Lord and be humble myself.

The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan

 Joshua 22:1-20

Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

When Joshua sent them home, he blessed them, saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth—with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron, and a great quantity of clothing—and divide the plunder from your enemies with your fellow Israelites.”

When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.

“The whole assembly of the Lord says: ‘How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the Lord and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now? Was not the sin of Peor enough for us? Up to this very day we have not cleansed ourselves from that sin, even though a plague fell on the community of the Lord! And are you now turning away from the Lord?

If the land you possess is defiled, come over to the Lord’s land, where the Lord’s tabernacle stands, and share the land with us. But do not rebel against the Lord or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the Lord our God.

Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh have fulfilled their obligations to help in the conquest. Now they return home, with Joshua's blessing and a share of the spoil.

Why?

At this moment Israelites were faithful to the Lord, and fully obey the word of the Lord, do not allow anyone of Israelite to break faith with the God of Isreal. So when they heard The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan. They were angry and assembled an army to fight their brothers.

Joshua blessed them to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. To love the Lord have to with all my heart and with all my soul and all my mind to against the world.

These two and a half tribes obey the obligation to conquer with other tribes, they have done their job and they brought a lot of plunder to go back to their land in the east of Jordan.

Even the Israelites could share their land with them if their land is defiled. It shows the loving heart in Israelite and obeys the word of the Lord.

How?

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約書亞稱讚他們。

所有的行動都是因為愛主，不是求利益。依靠耶和華，不是倚靠自己。

事奉就是要付出、擺上。

沒有打招呼，沒有事先溝通協調，不可冒然行事，讓人了解我們的動機，以免引起內戰，紛爭。

才不過幾天，以色列人和河東的兩個半支派，已經開始有不同的看法。因此要有客觀的信仰。以我們現在來說，就是以聖經為規範。各人不要單顧自己的事，也要關心別人，彼此相通。

以為自己是對的，因此沒有溝通就去做了，只是錯在沒有事先溝通。

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True love and real Christian is showing the love among the people and all his behavior.

Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Joshua 21:20-45 

The rest of the Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted towns from the tribe of Ephraim.

The total number of towns of the Gershonite clans came to thirteen, together with their pasturelands.

The Merarite clans (the rest of the Levites) were given:

The total number of towns allotted to the Merarite clans, who were the rest of the Levites, came to twelve.

The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasturelands. Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.

Why?
God's word is the truth and fulfilled to his people.

Not one of their enemies withstood them. When they obey the word of the Lord, it is true, when they turn away from the Lord, God's love turns to the warning and gives them the training and testament. 

God's promise never failed. Keep the promise of the Lord and follow Jesus Christ will come true.

--------------

利未人分三個支派。哥轄又分祭司家族的亞倫支派及哥轄家族。等於4個支派。

原來各支派得到的土地，都要交出這些城給利未，有奉獻的含義，因為他們得到的土地也是白白得來的，所以也交出去。有利未人的產業就是神，所以有利未人的地方就有神的祝福、神的公義、作為、榮耀。透過利未人彰顯神的公義、榮耀。利未人他們領受神的恩典，也要去對外彰顯神的榮耀。

四面平安，不是的沒有敵人，但是沒有任何敵人能夠站立在他們面前。在神面前，敵人若有似無。因為在神面前敵人沒有任何作為。好像清朝末年，歐美國家在中國土地上分地盤，土地上依然住著中國人。

我們已經因耶穌基督已經得勝，已經得著，但是敵人依然在，神也就容許他們存在。這卻也是我們最軟弱面對的地方。

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How?

My God is great, my God is love, knowing the Lord is the best blessing in my life. 

This provision ensures that the leaders of the nation's faith and worship are dispersed throughout the land

 Joshua 21:1-19

Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribal families of Israel at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, “The Lord commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock.” So, as the Lord had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:

So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these towns and their pasturelands, as the Lord had commanded through Moses.

The total number of towns for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, came to thirteen, together with their pasturelands.

Total Israelites toke lot by Joshua for Levite have 48 towns. 36 towns in the west of Jordan river(13,10,13 towns from the southern, middle, north area), 12 towns in the east of Jordan.

The Levites receive no tribal inheritance: God is their inheritance. But they are given 48 cities, with pasture, by the other tribes. This provision ensures that the leaders of the nation's faith and worship are dispersed throughout the land.

Why?

Levites haven't land but have 48 towns distributed around every tribe's land. The Lord let them have places to rest with their family and distributed them around the whole Israelites. More important is to remind their faith in the Lord, let Levite be the center of their living. 

And the cities of refuge belong to Levite.

How?

God's plan and arrangement always is the best and complete. Trust in the Lord, God is good!

Cities of Refuge

 Joshua 20:1-9

Then the Lord said to Joshua: “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

They are to stay in that city until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then they may go back to their own home in the town from which they fled.

So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. East of the Jordan (on the other side from Jericho) they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh. Any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.

Six cities, three to the east of the Jordan, three to the west - all belonging to the Levites - are designated 'cites of refuge', to protect who caused accidental death from subsequent vengeance and blood feud.

Why?

The cities of Refuge are said through Moses for the Lord said, so Joshua said to Israelites.

If anyone killed a person accidentally, after explained to the elder then he may stay there from the avenger. But it not allow anyone who was intended to kill others. The elders of the refuge city will investigate it.

This is the love design from the Lord to protect his people.

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設立逃城目的要保護過失傷人、殺人的。死者的親人可能會做出更嚴重的錯誤。報仇的人在盛怒之下，容易殺人。所以也防止殺人事件發生。逃城內對於過失殺人的人也會有公正判決，確定是否過失殺人。人報仇時好像行公義，替天行道，其實往往是自己怒氣的發作。逃城是保護的意思。消滅更多的冤仇。

逃城、神的救恩，不僅涵蓋以色列人也包括外邦人，福音不僅給予猶太人，也給外邦人。只有在耶穌基督裏，人才有可能得到真正保障、喜樂，得著力量、安息。

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How?

Listen and love others is the foundation of a Christian.

The Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded

Joshua 19:40-51

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan according to its clans. 19 towns

When the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it. They settled in Leshem and named it Dan after their ancestor.

When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.

Dan, assigned land which brought them up against the Philistines and other tough enemies in the south, failed to conquer it and eventually settled in the far north.

The division is completed with the gift of Timnath-serah called Timnath here in Judge 2:9 to Joshua.

Why?

Joshua is completed his mission in his life. He led Israelites to conquer the promised land and keep walking with the Lord, obey his command. Finally, he may settle in his town, Timnath-serah.

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但人沒有遵行神的話，沒有把迦南人趕出去，結果沒有得到應許之地。同樣信主的人，卻沒有參加聚會，沒有服事，不冷不熱，不知道遵守神的話，神的恩典將會被暫時收回，神會管教人。

神照著約書亞所求的賜給他那塊地，忠心的僕人，可以向神求心中想要的。忠心的僕人也有資格來求取獎賞。約書亞求了之後就把結果交給神。仍然把神的事放在優先。

分土地是在會幕前用抽籤的，也都是神的心意。教會中最好的方法不是投票，而是大家有同樣的領受，放下自己的想法，尋求神的心意。

-----------------

How?

A good leader obeys the word of the Lord and does the right things before the Lord. Victory belongs to the Lord, what we have to do the prepare our heart and obey the word of the Lord.

The inheritance of Issachar, Asher and Naphtali

 Joshua 19:17-39

The fourth lot came out for Issachar according to its clans. 16 towns.

The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher according to its clans. total have 22 towns, but 7 towns have not gotten. It is located the most north area.

The sixth lot came out for Naphtali according to its clans.  19 towns. These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali, according to its clans. Two towns have not gotten. nest to Asher

These are the north Israel four tribes.  Issachar is the neighbor of Manasseh on the north. Zebulun is located between Naphtali and Issachar.

Why?

There are some famous towns, such as Shunem, Beth Shemesh, Carmel.

Have not gotten town needs their jobs to fight and this is the promised land of the Lord.

How?

Go with faith for the Lord has promised them. Do not be afraid!

如鷹展翅飛翔 ：賽40:27 40:27 -31

 經文 : 賽40:27 40:27 -31

台南聖教會 20210620   高敏智牧師

一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平； 一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平； 一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平； 一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平； 一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平； 一切山窪都要填滿，大小岡削平；

高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。 高低的要改為平坦，崎嶇必成原。

耶和華的榮耀必然顯現 耶和華的榮耀必然顯現 耶和華的榮耀必然顯現 … 賽40

人生困境 永遠 的答案 …在山的後面。飛的高看的遠

如風箏起飛：生命中有阻力才有飛翔的機會

1. 陽光、 創意 、飛翔 … 環境的 環境的 阻力 ，就是我們飛翔的動力 ，就是我們飛翔的動力 ，就是我們飛翔的動力 ，就是我們飛翔的動力 

2. 就是少年人 就是少年人 也要 疲乏困倦； 疲乏困倦； 疲乏困倦； 強壯的 也必 全然跌倒。 全然跌倒。 …. 

3. 他們奔跑 卻不 困倦， 行走 卻不 疲乏。

1. 為何說，我的道路向耶和華隱藏？ 

雅各啊，你為何說我的道路 雅各啊，你為何說我的道路 雅各啊，你為何說我的道路 雅各啊，你為何說我的道路 向耶和華隱藏？  以色列啊，你為何言我的冤屈 神並不查問？ 你你豈不曾知道嗎？ 你豈不曾聽見嗎？ 永在的神耶和華，創造地極的主，，並不疲乏，也不困倦； 

2.他的智慧無法測度。

我們接力賽的第四棒

“第四棒 ”傳奇故事的關鍵點     第四棒選手跑的超級快，出人意料之外

1. 真的有我們這個 “接力隊 ”的存在。 沒有這個隊，跑再快也沒有用

2. 真的歡迎接納 “超級好朋友 ”加入。  教會要歡迎人的加入

3. 真的 “同心向 ”的一起盡力奔跑。   在競賽中是同心協力，跑的方向一致才能得勝

4. 一起得著金牌 “獎賞 ”   一個最快，其他人一同特獎賞。

3. 他們必 如鷹展翅上騰

但那等候耶和華的 從新得力 從新得力 。 他們 必如鷹展翅上騰； 必如鷹展翅上騰； 必如鷹展翅上騰； 他們 奔跑卻不困倦，行走疲乏。 奔跑卻不困倦，行走疲乏。 奔跑卻不困倦，行走疲乏。 奔跑卻不困倦，行走疲乏。 奔跑卻不困倦，行走疲乏。 如在蘇伊士運河擱淺的長榮長賜輪，最後脫困是…等候 (漲潮 )的那一刻 …潮水的力量大過人，人們抓住這個機會。，抓住那個感動

若不是耶和華 建造房屋，的人 就枉然 勞力； 若不是耶和華 看守城池，的人 就枉然 警醒。 你們 清晨早起，夜晚安歇 ，吃勞碌得來的飯 ，本是枉然 ； (+1 -1=0) 惟有 耶和華所親愛的 ，必叫他安然睡覺。 兒女是耶和華所賜的產業 ；所懷的胎是他給賞賜。 ………………………………凡敬畏耶和華 、遵行他道的人 便為有福！ 要吃勞碌得來的 ； (+∞ -1=∞) 你要享福，事情順利。妻子在的內室好像多 結果子 的葡萄樹； 你兒女圍繞的桌子 ，好像橄欖栽子。 看哪， 敬畏耶和華的人必要這樣蒙福 ！

∞ 的內涵 …   無限大中減少一些還是無限大

錢買不到的? 

•做過之事奉

•擁有之恩賜

•去過之國度  聖教會同工去過日本、韓國、以色列、雲南、廈門...

•圍繞之真愛

•得著之喜樂

•真實的安息 …

 

Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah

Joshua 19:1-16

This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Simeonites, according to its clans. The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah’s portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah.

Total Simeon has 13 towns

These towns and their villages were the inheritance of Zebulun, according to its clans. Total Zebulun has 12 towns.

Simen's land, furthest south, overlapped with Judah's, and Simeon became absorbed into the larger tribe.

Why?

All of these are lots by the Lord, so there is the best way to get the inheritance of their land.

How?

No matter how the result is, accept the grace of the Lord, it is good to us.

Joshua then cast lots for seven tribes in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord

 Joshua 18:1-28

 But there were still seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance.

So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you? Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me. You are to divide the land into seven parts.

So the men left and went through the land. They wrote its description on a scroll, town by town, in seven parts, and returned to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh. Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions.

The first lot came up for the tribe of Benjamin according to its clans. 

These were the boundaries that marked out the inheritance of the clans of Benjamin on all sides.

There were 12 towns.

The Israelites gather at Shilon, the land is surveyed and Joshua distributes the land among the seven remaining tribes.

Benjamin's land. Jerusalem seems to have been partly on Judah's land partly on Benjamin's.

Why?

Seven tribes have not yet received their inheritance, so Joshua asked them appointed three men each tribe, go out to measure the land God has promised them. Then Joshua may cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord. If it is not cast lots by Joshua there will be trouble to these seven tribes.

Benjamin was the first one to be chosen near Jerico city. But there were many cities are occupied by Canaanites.

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去繪地圖是危險的，他們願意付這代價。

我們常常不夠積極跟隨主，例如我們去吃Buffet等一下有大龍蝦上菜可以吃到飽，我們會去吃大碗滷肉飯嗎？會去喝一大杯汽水嗎？我們常常安於現狀，只要那次好的，失去對神的信心，如果知道神要給我們更好的，我們應該願意付代價，去得到那更好的。因此以色列人一直無法逐出迦南人。

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How?

Joshua did his role when he is getting old, everyone has his responsibility before the Lord to do their mission. It is to implement the plan and the word of the Lord.

Though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out

 Joshua 17:1-18

Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They went to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father, according to the Lord’s command.

There were towns belonging to Ephraim lying among the towns of Manasseh, but the boundary of Manasseh was the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. 

Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.

The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”

But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh— the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

These tribes were to have extended their territory by clearance and conquest. But the horses and chariots of the Canaanites holding the plains deterred them.

Why?

In the Bible sons and daughter has the same right to get the inheritance among relatives. So it is fair and righteousness.

People lost faith there were many reasons to explain. Ephraim and Manasseh have numerous people. They can conquer the plain area of Canaanite, but they afraid of their iron chariot. We rely on the Lord, not the horse and chariot.

This is the reason that the Israelites fail before the Canaanites for they did not listen to the word of the Lord.

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27:1 屬約瑟的兒子瑪拿西的各族，有瑪拿西的玄孫，瑪吉的曾孫，基列的孫子，希弗的兒子西羅非哈的女兒，名叫瑪拉、挪阿、曷拉、密迦、得撒。他們前來，

32:39 瑪拿西的兒子瑪吉，他的子孫往基列去，佔了那地，趕出那裡的亞摩利人。40摩西將基列賜給瑪拿西的兒子瑪吉，他子孫就住在那裡。

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How?

God's word is precise and can not be modified by anyone with any reason.

Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance

Joshua 16:1-10 

The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan, east of the springs of Jericho, and went up from there through the desert into the hill country of Bethel. It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz),[a] crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth, descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the region of Lower Beth Horon and on to Gezer, ending at the Mediterranean Sea.

So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.

They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.

Why?

Ephraim had not courage and faith to defeat the Cannatire there so later they were influenced by their culture. Then turn away from the Lord.

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以法蓮為次子，但是分地卻在前面，顯示以法蓮比較受賜福，雅各當時為約瑟兩個孩子祝福就是右手接在以法蓮身上。雖然其後代也沒有什麼特別功蹟。

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How?

God's word is good to us, if we do not fully obey the word of the Lord, there is nothing can explain to the Lord.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, according to its clans

 Joshua 15:20-63

This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, according to its clans:

The southernmost towns of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the boundary of Edom were:...a total of twenty-nine towns and their villages.

Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.

There were 60 cities in Judah territory.

Why?

Even Judah has huge villages and territory, but they could not dislodge the Jebusites, until a later time. for the city of Jerusalem is on the hill. And they have no faith to conquer this city.

How?

God gives us not always plain field but some hill way, to lead us to trust in him and training our faith in the Lord.

These are the boundaries around the people of Judah by their clans.

 Joshua 15:1-19

These are the boundaries around the people of Judah by their clans.

In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion in Judah—Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron.  From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him  to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?” She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

Judah's cities included those of Caleb - and also Jerusalem, or part of it. But the city was still unconquered much later, at the time of writing. 

Why?

The land of Judah seems huge, but there are many cities that were still unconquered.

Othniel is courageous and can fight for Caleb's daughter so he got it. Later Othniel became the Judge of Israel.

Caleb has the important city Jerusalem for his faithful to the Lord.

Caleb not only gets the city but also has a son-in-law.

How?

The Lord blesses those who obey the word of the Lord.

Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord

Joshua 14:1-15

Now these are the areas the Israelites received as an inheritance in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the tribal clans of Israel allotted to them. Their inheritances were assigned by lot to the nine and a half tribes, as the Lord had commanded through Moses.

Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him,...So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. (Deuteronomy 1:36)

Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.

Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.

I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.

Concerning the dividing of the land west of Jordan among the remaining nine and a half tribes. The inheritance of each tribe is decided by lot, by the high priest.

Caleb claims Hebron. Forty-five years after the spy episode Caleb remains a man of unwavering faith. Deuteronomy 10:21. There are still Anankim survivors to deal with. Hebron became Levite property, but Valen retained the surrounding land and villages.

Why?

It is a tough matter to divide the land for an inheritance to nine and half tribes. By lot to the nine and a half tribes to assign their inheritance in the land of Canaan, is the fair and best way. The lot is in hands of the Lord.

After 45 years later Caleb and Joshua are the only two spy followed the Lord wholeheartedly, so he asked the land that the Lord has promised him. And there were Anakites there, he has faith to defeat them, he is still vigorous to go out to battle as he was.

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應許的實現：一些利未人留在約旦河東的城邑。

約書亞和迦勒因為別人的不順服，以致跟著受苦，而且沒有怨言，沒有忘記神的應許。神也賜福他們，經過45年，身體依然健壯，可以享受神所應許的福，而不是因為年紀老邁，看的到，卻無法享受。專心跟隨主本身就是恩典與祝福，所以跟隨主的人先嘗到恩典。

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How?

How great the Caleb faith, even his promised land Anakites were there, he believed he may get the promised land God gives him through Moses. He followed the Lord wholeheartedly.