Men's Group Study Guide
Introduction
Finally, after six chapters of storytelling and dividing land we come to the final chapter of land distribution. All the tribes have now been given their allotment by God’s divine instruction. These 51 verses are fairly boring. However we do see in verses 1-9 a prophecy fulfilled from the book of Genesis. There is also a little something for us to see in verses 40-48 when the tribe of Dan is given their territory. Let’s remember that ALL of Gods word is still profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction. Let’s dig for some nuggets and pray that God will give us some more simple but profound truth to apply to our own lives.
STUDY NOTES: verses 1-51
Vs.1-9 The second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah....... vs.9 The inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah, for the share of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of that people. In Genesis 49:5-7 the great man Jacob basically curses his two sons Simeon and Levi. In verse 7 Jacob says that they will be divided and scattered throughout Israel.
Throughout the distribution of the land in the book of Joshua we see this curse/prophecy come true. If we look in Genesis chapter 34 we can see how Jacob came to this rather harsh decision. Whatever the specifics are, this seems to be the reason why the tribe of Simeon is getting shafted in the land distribution. All they really get are thirteen cities and some villages. If we were playing Monopoly, Simeon wouldn’t be considered a major player if you know what I mean. His anger and desire to see justice done got the best of him (Romans 12:17-21 / Hebrews 10:30-31). It has been the mistake of so many men, including myself, to seek out our own justice and retribution for injustice that has been shown towards us in some way. This can be a very sincere feeling, that when followed thru to its final end, will more often times than not have a negative outcome for us. So logically, it would be best for us to remember that the manner and the timing of the repayment of man’s wickedness is God’s prerogative.
Vs.10-39 The third lot came out for the children of Zebulun according to their families, and the border of their inheritance was as far as Sarid…… vs.39 This was the inheritance of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages. These verses showed the geographical perimeters for the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher and Naphtali.
Vs.40-48 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families…….vs.48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. Here in these nine verses we see not only the cities that were given the tribe of Dan, but more specifically we are told how they expanded upon what was given to them. What we don’t see in these verses is why they chose to expand their borders and what the result was. If we look in Judges chapter 18 we can read a more detailed account of this development and learn another important lesson for obedience. The short version goes like this. The descendents of Dan finally get their inheritance. The remaining inhabitants in the land, (the Amorites / Judges 1:34) actually divert the tribe of Dan from coming in and settling in the land that was allotted to them. Through this conflict they turn in another direction (Leshem) and seek a victory for themselves on their own. So they draw their swords on a people that are quiet and secure (Judges 18:27). Wow. What a great picture of true might and courage…… Not really. After establishing themselves in this little town they name it Dan and instantly take on the idolatry that was found there. They may have come into the promised land, but this tribe missed out on every single blessing of the Lord. They ended up completely outside His will (the promised land). Psalm 40:8 / Matt.26:39 / Isaiah 50:4-11
Vs.49-51 When they had made an end of dividing the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua son of Nun…… vs.51 These were the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided as an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the country. Joshua was the true picture of a man’s man. His humility before the Lord. His obedience. His faith and trust and diligence. All accompanied by the precious and priceless characteristic of patience. He led them in and waited until the end to receive what had been promised to him. These characteristics that were continually serving others are a perfect picture of Jesus and of a higher purpose for all of us as men. Galatians 5:22-26 / Colossians 3:12-14
TRUTH APPLIED:
Q. 1 Have you ever missed out on something from God because you were unwilling to control your emotions?
Q. 2 Do you understand the difference between sinful and righteous anger?
Q. 3 Is anger something common in your day to day life and if so, why?
Q. 4 Is the will of God what you are seeking in your life through prayer, or do you go from day to day doing whatever feels right to you?
Q. 5 Do you have patience to wait for His promises?
CONCLUSION:
When the children of Israel were first freed from slavery they had to follow a pillar of smoke and fire on their journey through the desert (Exodus 13: 17-22). At night it was the pillar of fire and during the day it was smoke. This was what God provided to guide them on their exodus. When the pillar stopped they would have to stop, pitch camp and wait until it was time to move again. They never knew how long that would be. When the pillar started to move they were to follow after. They had no idea how long that would be either. If you look at a map you can see that Egypt was not very far from where the promised land ended up being. It definitely would not require forty years of travel to get there. But because of their lack of faith, constant complaining, and severe deficiency of faith that first generation missed out on the promises of God. The Lord has shown great mercy on many, many people before us and provided us with examples of what not to do? (Psalm 103:17 / Luke 1:49-55) Not to mention the increasing quantities that are being poured over us. Patience and mercy are powerful characteristics for us to have and also to offer to others. We should pray and thank the Lord right now and more regularly for the patience that He shows us. I strongly believe that when we do this more often, we can experience those promises spoken of in His Word, and help others to do the same.