ISRAEL AT PEACE

Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible….

ISRAEL AT PEACE 

Joshua 21:44   

⁴⁴ And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. 

The history of Israel is the history of a nation in tumult.  In all their history there seems to be only two times when they were at peace.  Here in Joshua 21:44 and during the time of Solomon.  The peace in Joshua’s day is unique in that it came quickly and it was complete. 

There were elements to that peace which are common to any real peace God’s people experience. 

The first was plainly stated in Vs. 44, “God gave them rest on every side”.  Peace in this life is a gift of God.  The Psalmist can say, “I will heed what God the Lord shall speak for he shall speak peace to His people.”  Psalm 85:8.  This is to be understood in distinction from Isaiah’s statement, “There is no peace says my God to the wicked,”, Isaiah 57:21.  In like manner Romans 5:1 assures the believer, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” 

Secondly, they were committed to a leader who had their best interest as his primary concern, Joshua 1:16-18.  Israel has great leaders – Moses, Gideon, David, Solomon, and Hezekiah are only examples.  But with the exception of Moses, there was none the equal of Joshua.  He is a rare example of a Biblical hero which had no real criticism in his conduct or any moral failing.  He fully supported Moses.  His response to Israel as a returning spy is an example of his faith.  And his success is apparently complete. 

But the writer of Hebrews in 4:8, “If Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on”.  This rest is given only through faith in Jesus Christ of whom Joshua could be no more than a type.  We are called to a full assurance that we have entered a rest that is unassailably secure because of its founder. 

Another reason Israel had rest was that their enemies were God’s enemies.  “Not one of all their enemies withstood them.”  As long as Israel did not make common cause with God’s enemies, their peace was secure.  When they made peace with these enemies, they did so only by capitulation.  There is no peace for a believer with an enemy of God without compromise.  We should carefully note the commentary on their compromise with the Gibeonites, “But did not ask counsel of the Lord”, Joshua 9:14B.  Remember who your enemy is. 

Application: 

1.       No sin is so unimportant that you can compromise with it.

2.       Read and apply Philippians 4:7-8  ^“ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.