Yahweh
gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers. They possessed it, and lived in it. Yahweh gave them rest all around, according to all that he swore to their fathers. Not a man of all their enemies stood before them. Yahweh delivered all their enemies into their hand. Nothing failed of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
Joshua 21:43-45
Joshua 21 [41.] All the cities of the Levites among the possessions of the children of Israel were forty-eight cities with their pasture lands. Each of these cities included their pasture lands around them. It was this way with all these cities.
Joshua 21 [43.] So Yahweh gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers. They possessed it, and lived in it. Yahweh gave them rest all around, according to all that he swore to their fathers. Not a man of all their enemies stood before them. Yahweh delivered all their enemies into their hand. Nothing failed of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
Joshua 22 [1.] Then Joshua called the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. You have not left your brothers these many days to this day, but have performed the duty of the commandment of Yahweh your God.
Meaning:
- Fulfillment of God's Promise:
So Yahweh gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers: The opening declaration emphasizes the fulfillment of the promise God made to the patriarchs. The land was given to Israel as an inheritance in accordance with God's covenant.
- Rest and Victory:
Yahweh gave them rest all around, according to all that he swore to their fathers: The concept of "rest" here goes beyond physical cessation of warfare; it signifies a state of peace and security. God's faithfulness brought about a period of tranquility in alignment with His promises.
Not a man of all their enemies stood before them. Yahweh delivered all their enemies into their hand: The verses highlight the divine intervention in ensuring victory over their enemies. The Israelites experienced unparalleled success as God fought on their behalf.
- Faithfulness of God's Word:
Nothing failed of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass: The conclusion reinforces the unwavering faithfulness of God's word. Every promise, every good thing spoken by Yahweh, was fulfilled without exception.
- Significance:
Divine Fulfillment: These verses underscore the divine fulfillment of God's promises. The land, rest, and victory—all were granted according to His word.
Total Victory: The narrative portrays a comprehensive victory over enemies, highlighting God's role in ensuring the success and security of His people.
Relevance for Today:
Confidence in God's Promises: Joshua 21:43-45 instills confidence in the reliability of God's promises. Believers today can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass, and His faithfulness endures.
Rest in God's Faithfulness: Just as the Israelites experienced a period of rest, believers can find rest in the assurance that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Cross-References:
1 Kings 8:56: "Blessed be Yahweh, who has given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he promised by Moses his servant." A parallel passage acknowledging God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Joshua 23:14: "Now, behold, today I am going the way of all the earth. You know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which Yahweh your God spoke concerning you. All have happened to you. Not one thing has failed of it." Joshua's affirmation of the fulfillment of God's promises.
In Our Spiritual Journey: Reflecting on Joshua 21:43-45 prompts us to ponder the faithfulness of God in our lives. Are there promises we are waiting on? How does the unwavering fulfillment of God's promises to Israel inspire our trust in Him?
despair - misery
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible