We shall continue with the study of the Book of Joshua this week.
For devotional purposes, the reading of the territories may appear to be a bit boring, but it is helpful to read passages like this with the help of a map of the Bible relevant to the time of Joshua. You may come to notice that the territories allotted to Judah and Benjamin were the most extensive among the tribes described in chapters 13-19:
(1) The account of Caleb is being repeated in Judges 1:9-15. Please also read that passage to get a better understanding of the events.
(2) In taking the land so allotted, apart from the help of the Lord, what help did Judah get in taking part of the land?
(3) Why was the event surrounding Caleb being repeated so many times in the Bible? What significance might it have?
(4) What might be the reason for Caleb, instead of conquering Kiriath Sepher himself, giving an opportunity for someone to capture it with the reward being the marrying of his daughter?
(5) What kind of a wife did his daughter, Acsah, prove to be?
(6) What is the main message to you today that you can apply to your life?
本週我們繼續研讀約書亞記。請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
讀分地的記述，作為靈修默想是有點兒乏味的；但若然能翻到聖經地圖觀看，會較容易投入。在第13-19章的分地記載中，你會發現猶大和便雅憫支派所得之地域最廣。
(1) 迦勒得地的記述，在士師記1:9-15重述時有更多資料；請參閱。
(2) 猶大支派是怎樣得地的？
(3) 你認為聖經為什麼特別重複記載迦勒得地的事蹟。有何重要性？
(4) 為何迦勒不自己去攻取基列西弗，而故意給與別人機會去攻取，並以女兒為獎賞？
(5) 你可以怎樣形容押撒這位妻子？
(6) 今日給你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As we read about the process of allotment of land to individual tribes, we understand that God has ensured that it would be a fair process, and the allotment would be commensurate with the population size of each tribe (Num. 26:54). And as we read of the details of the boundaries of the land allotted to Judah, our focus would naturally be on this particular tribe. However, Judges 1 helpfully clarifies that, as much as the land so allotted would be meant for Judah, this was never meant to be an individualistic event. The tribe of Simeon and the tribe of Judah joined together in some of their campaigns (1:17).
Judges 1 also clarifies that it was not just Caleb who took the city of Hebron; it was the tribe of Judah that “advanced against the Canaanites living in Hebron…and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai” (Judges 1:10). Caleb might be the leader in the campaign and a good part of Hebron might end up being his land, but he was representing the entire tribe of Judah.
This is part of the reason why I enjoy reading the Book of Joshua and the events surrounding the division of the Promised Land. There was more unity and harmony and less division and individualism. And, as much as Joshua was the true leader, time and again the division of the land was performed before the high priests and other tribal leaders. Even more important is the fact that the division was performed before the Tent of the Meeting and according to what the Lord commanded Moses.
I pray that our churches can learn from these Israelites — yes, these Israelites whom we love to criticize. At least, during this crucial period of the beginning of their nation, they learned to fight against their common enemies with one heart, as one nation and according to the command of the Lord, and learned to put aside individualism and individual interests. No, they were not perfect, but they were far more perfect than at any other time in their history and far more united than many of our churches today.
在約書亞記分地的記載中，我們曉得這是一個公允的過程，神是把各支派人口的多少計算在內的。不過，當我們讀到各支派的地界時，就好像第15章所記載有關猶大支派的地界時，我們的焦點自然是放在猶大支派的身上。士師記第一章重述猶大得地的過程中，卻提醒我們，分地、得地絕非是個別支派的事，乃是以色列人整體的事。故此，西緬和猶大是合力作戰的(士1:17) 。
士師記第一章也給我們看到，攻取希伯崙也並非是迦勒個人的事，而是「猶大人去攻擊住希伯崙的迦南人，殺了示篩、亞希幔、撻買」(1:10) 。迦勒可能是希伯崙主要的受益人，也是這些戰役的首領，但他是猶大支派的代表。
這是我愛讀約書亞記和這分地過程的原因。這裡是團結與和諧多於紛爭與自我。約書亞雖然是神所指派的領袖，但分地是他與眾祭司和各支派領袖同工的。當然更重要的是，分地也總是在神的會幕前，照神吩咐摩西的吩咐而行的。
今天的教會真的需要從這些以色列人身上學個榜樣。對，這些常常被我們批評的以色列人是我們的榜樣。在這正式成為一國的開始時刻，他們學習到齊心，成為一個國民去與敵人爭戰，一切都是按照著神的吩咐而行，不以個人為念，乃以整體為重。對，他們並不是完全的，但在那時刻他們卻比任何一個時代更完全，亦比今天不少的教會更同心！
(1) Probably, we do not find the reading of the names of all these towns very relevant to us. However, imagine yourself being a modern-day descendant of the tribe of Judah:
a. What might the mentioning of your town mean to you?
b. How might the awareness that this is part of God’s Promised Land mean to you?
c. Given the current political and spiritual situation in Israel, how would you view this promise of God?
(2) What relevant thoughts might the above reflections have on you as a Christian?
(3) What is your “Promised Land”?
(4) How has the possession of your “Promised Land” come about?
(5) This allotment to Judah ends on a sour note in v. 63. What further insight does Judges 1:19 provide concerning their failure?
(6) What are the spiritual implications of their failures?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
(1) 這裡所列的城鎮可能對你沒有多大意義，但對今天的以色列讀者又如何？試想像自己是他們當中屬猶大支派的後裔：
a. 讀到你所住的城市時，你會有什麼感想？
b. 特別當你想到那是神的應許時，你會有什麼感想？
c. 按今天以色列的政治和屬靈的光景，你會怎樣看神這應許？
(2) 作為基督徒你會怎樣回應以上的思想？
(3) 今天你的「應許地」是什麼？
(4) 你的「應許地」是(可以)怎樣得到的呢？
(5) 第63節提到猶大得地的記述在完結時有點美中不足。按士師記1:19所言，那原因是什麼？
(6) 他們失敗對我們可有什麼屬靈教訓？
(7) 今日給你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As Christians looking at the land of Israel from the outside, we often struggle with whether or not we should support Israel in claiming and maintaining their land in the Middle East based on the territories marked out by Moses and Joshua according to the divine revelation of the Lord. We struggle with whether the “promise” would still be valid, as they, as a nation, have turned away from Him, and even crucified the Holy One. We struggle with whether God would necessarily renege on His promise even though they have not been faithful. We also struggle with the realization that the people that they have displaced, the Palestinians, include many Christians in their midst. We certainly bemoan the fact that Israel is hostile toward Christians, especially missionaries who seek to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, within their land.
As we struggle with these thoughts, we are reminded by the Apostle Paul who loved his own people more than his own life (Rom. 9:3), that “if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again” and one day, “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:23, 26).
So, whatever stand we might take with regards to the land issue, we should join Paul in interceding on their behalf, that they might soon “look on…the one they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10) so that they may truly take possession of their eternal Promised Land — the heavenly one that were longed by their forefathers, including Abraham. (Heb. 11:16)
我們作為外邦的基督徒是否應該支持今天以色列對他們按聖經中神藉摩西和約書亞所給予的地界主權的堅持，可能有點猶疑。我們可能懷疑這「應許」是否仍然有效，因為以色列作為一個民族已離棄神，甚至把那聖者釘在十字架上。我們同時想到，雖然他們失信，但神卻仍然是信實的。不過，我們知道他們今天要趕出國境的巴勒斯坦人中有不少是基督徒，而且今日的以色列政權是不容許我們在他們中間傳耶穌基督(他們的彌賽亞)救世的福音的。
不過我們曉得使徒保羅是極愛他的骨肉之親的，甚至勝於自己的性命(羅9:3) 。同時，他提醒我們；「而且他們(指以色列人)若不是長久不信，仍要被接上，因為神能夠把他們從新接上……(而且有一天)以色列全家都要得救」(羅11:23, 26) 。
故此，不論我們今日對他們在地的主權持什麼的態度，我們需要像保羅一樣為以色列祈求，盼望他們能早日「仰望……他們所扎的」那位(亞12:10) ，以至他們能進入那真正應許之地，就是他們的祖宗亞伯拉罕所盼望那天上有根基的城(來11:10, 16) 。
(1) As we read the allotment to the descendants of Joseph, take a moment to reflect on how the life of Joseph differed from those of his brothers. If you had to choose a word to describe Joseph, what might that be?
(2) While Judah was chosen over Joseph in the Messianic lineage, how did God reward Joseph for his faithfulness to Him?
(3) It does appear that the blessings of a godly person do get passed on to future generations. What then might be your legacy to your future generations?
(4) Again, as a footnote, this allotment to Ephraim also ends on a sour note. How does this footnote differ from the last one in 15:63 for Judah?
(5) Does such a difference matter? Why or why not?
(6) What might be the warning it gives to us today?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
(1) 讀到約瑟的後裔得兩份地時，讓我們回想約瑟與他的兄弟們有什麼重要的分別。
(2) 你可以用什麼詞語來形容約瑟的生命呢？
(3) 這樣看來，一個敬畏神的人，他所得的賞賜確能傳到下一代。你說對嗎？
(4) 你想你留給下一代會是什麼遺產(legacy) ？
(5) 以法蓮的分地同樣有美中不足的結語，但與猶大的分地(15:63) 之結語有什麼不同？這分別是否重要？為什麼？
(6) 這裡給予我們什麼提醒或警告？
(7) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
In our younger years, we seldom think of the impact of what we do and who we are might have on future generations. Our entire focus is on our present and our own future. As we become parents, our focus naturally shifts to our children and their well-being. In trying to provide the best for them, we do think of their future as well — future as in their career and their ability to prosper financially. As Christians, we also care if they would commit their lives to Jesus and be useful to His kingdom.
But not all children of godly Christian parents turn out to be committed followers of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, we cannot help but ask “why?”
In the reading of the allotment of land to the descendants of Joseph, we witnessed that the devout and faithful life of Joseph had not only preserved the entire family of his father, but had brought blessings to his own children in that his descendants were counted as two tribes — Manasseh and Ephraim. Yes, these were material blessings, but if God rewarded Joseph’s descendants with material blessings because of his faithfulness, how much more would He bestow spiritual blessings on our descendants because of our faithfulness to Him.
I was listening to a well-known Christian leader lamenting about how one of his friends, a faithful minister of the gospel, appeared to have neglected his family because of his devotion to his ministry, resulting in one of his sons turning to drugs and crime, and who “only” returned to the Lord in his adult years. I could not help but see the matter quite differently.
In my experience, often it is the children themselves who have chosen a path of rebellion in spite of the godly example of their parents (and not because of their negligence). The story told by this Christian leader was just one of the many examples of how faithful God is to those who, in spite of their godly life, have children who have strayed away from their faith. Their children may not follow Christ in their rebellious teen years, but the godly example and the unceasing intercession of their parents would eventually cause them to return to Christ. I truly believe, it is only a matter of time. The conversion of St. Augustine is another case in point.
年輕時，我們很少會想到我們所作的和我們的生命會怎樣影響我們的下一代；我們的注意力總是自然的放在自己的身上和自己的前途上。當年紀漸長，我們的注意力也漸遷移到子女和他們的前途上—就是他們的事業和經濟上。當然，作為基督徒，我們亦會關注到他們是否把生命交托給主，為祂所用。
但是，不是每一個基督徒的子女，包括愛主事主的基督徒父母的子女，都一定是乖乖的作主耶穌的門徒。我們不禁的問：「為什麼會如此？」
讀到約瑟一族得兩份的地業，瑪拿西和以法蓮像其他支派一樣被看為獨立的支派，我們就看到約瑟的敬虔和順服生命帶來了不單是他父家的保存，更是「福及」子女。地業當然是屬地的福氣而已，但若然因我們的順服與敬虔，子女能得屬地之福，何況是屬靈的福氣，神豈會是不加添！
有一次我聽到一位著名的基督徒領袖談到他認識的一位忠心的牧者。按他所言，這牧者為愛主事主之故，忽略了兒子，以至兒子吸毒、離棄神。要到他年長時，「才悔改」歸向神。我不同意他「才悔改」的結論。
兒女的反叛、離開神，往往是他們的選擇，不一定是愛主事主的父母忽略所至。其實以上的故事正顯明了神的信實。愛主事主的父母的兒女，雖然在年青時離開神，但父母敬虔的榜樣和不斷的代禱，是會叫兒女至終回轉的。我深信祇不過是時候的問題。聖奧古士丁是其中一個好例子。
This passage highlights the allotment to the daughters of Zelophehad. What do you think is the reason for the biblical author to mention this event in particular?
(1) It
appears that the designation of daughters as “sons” who would then be able to
inherit family property had parallels in Ancient Near East cities during the
Late Bronze Age (Hess, Joshua, 258), and Joshua and the Israeli leaders
certainly affirmed this right: “So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with
the brothers of their father, according to the Lord’s command.” (Jos.
17:4) What does this tell us about
“women’s rights” in this respect even in the time of Joshua? (Num. 27:8-11)
(2) However, if the
right of these daughters was there in the first place, why then did they
have to go to the high priest, Joshua and the leaders to ask for it,
saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our
brothers”? (17:4) (Num. 27:1-7)
(3) What lesson should we learn from this event?
(4) As we read this passage of allotment, we get a sense that sometimes the demarcation lines might not be very neat among tribes, and we know that even during the allotment, the size of some tribes did play a part in the determination of land so allotted in order to be fair (Num. 26:54):
a. If you were an Israelite of the time, how should you look upon the allotment of the land and its fairness?
b. How should one look at his tribal loyalty or distinctiveness as part of the People of God?
c. Have you ever complained to God about not being fair to you?
(5) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
(1) 你認為聖經為何特別要提到西羅非哈的女兒也得分地呢？
(2) 似乎女兒與「兒子」一同看待，能承繼家族的產業，古時近東的文化有類似的記載(Hess, Joshua, 258)。約書亞和以色列的領袖同樣在此作出肯定：「於是約書亞照耶和華所吩咐的，在她們的伯叔中，把產業分給她們」(書17:4) 。這事件可以給我們對當時女性的地位有什麼認識？(可參民27:8-11)
(3) 既然神早已吩咐要給她們產業權，為何她們仍需到約書亞和領袖前索取？
(4) 這事件可給我們什麼功課？
(5) 讀到這裡分地的記載時，我們看到有時地的分界線不一定是非常清楚的；我們亦曉得拈鬮的分配是與各支派的人數多寡有關的(民26:54)，以示公允。
a. 如果你是當時的以色列人，你會怎樣看自己所得之地？公允與否是否重要？
b. 作為神的選民，他們該如何看待支派的利益和身份？
c. 你曾否覺得神不公允對待你？曾否因此發怨言？
(6) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As we continue to reflect on Israel’s effort to drive away the enemies from their Promised Land, we cannot help but think of the same failures in our lives as Christians in driving out some of the toughest temptations in our lives. I invite you to meditate on the lyrics of the following hymn which, I am sure, will speak to our struggles in this respect:
1
O Jesus, I have promised
to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle
if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
if Thou wilt be my guide.2
O let me feel Thee near me!
the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
But Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.3
O let me hear Thee speaking
in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will.
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou guardian of my soul.4
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
there shall Thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised
to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my Friend.
John E. Bode (1816-1874)
讀到以色列人未能完全的趕出敵人時，我們不能不想到自己在試探中的掙扎。就讓我們一起細思以下詩歌的歌詞：
主耶穌我曾應許，永遠服事我主； 我救主我的朋友，懇求與我相聚， 主若時常在我旁，我將奮鬥不懼； 主若時常引我路，我便隨從無慮。
我既生存在世間，容我與主相近； 我見迷亂的景物，聽見誘惑聲音； 今生身外和心內，常有仇敵相侵； 但望耶穌和我親，將我靈魂保存。
求主常發慈悲聲，容我靈耳聽清； 不顧情慾的狂浪，不聞悖逆之音； 請用聖言印證我，使我進退遵循； 護庇我靈的主啊，出言使我聽聞。
主耶穌對眾門徒，曾有應許相告； 主得榮耀的處所，主僕必能得到； 耶穌啊，我曾許願，永遠服事殷勤； 我救主我的朋友，賜我恩惠依循。
(1) Why did the people of Joseph complain?
(2) Was their complaint justified? Why or why not?
(3) What was Joshua’s immediate reply?
(4) Was the excuse of the people of Joseph lame or valid? Why?
(5) How does it speak to their spiritual condition and their mentality?
(6) What word would you use to most appropriately describe their attitude?
(7) Why was Joshua so tough on them?
(8) What
have you learned in avoiding the same mistake in the following areas?
a. Life in general
b. Your relationship with God
(9) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
(1) 約瑟的子孫為何有所埋怨？
(2) 他們的埋怨有道理嗎？為什麼？
(3) 約書亞立刻作出什麼回應？
(4) 約瑟的子孫所持的理由是否屬藉口而已？
(5) 你可以看到約瑟子孫得到分地時的心態和他們屬靈的光景嗎？
(6) 你可以用什麼詞語來形容他們？
(7) 為何約書亞要用如此強硬的態度對待他們？
(8) 你可以怎樣避免犯上他們的錯誤，特別在對人生的態度和與神的關係上？
(9) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
In chapter 17 of Joshua, we read of one of the rare complaints
lodged by the people of Joseph. The
pretense was that of being too numerous a people with too small a portion of
land allotment. Such pretense was
challenged by Joshua. He did not
necessarily dispute the fact that they were a numerous people, but he did point
out the following:
(1) Their land was not restricted to the hill country, but extended to the forested hill.
(2) All they had to do was to clear the forest.
(3) They should also drive the Canaanites away from the plain, because they could.
As far as we can tell, the people of Joseph did not drive away the Canaanites from the plain, but they did carry out extensive deforestation in the land so allotted to them, as attested by archaeological findings (Hess, Joshua, TOTC, 261).
In other words, they had opted for an easier way out and it should serve as a warning to us as Christians.
Joshua was not being harsh on the people of Joseph. As they themselves attested, they were truly blessed by the Lord with a large number of descendants — Manasseh and Ephraim’s combined population outnumbered that of Judah (Num. 26). In other words, they should be able to muster enough manpower to drive out the Canaanites. If they felt inadequate they could have asked for help from Joshua and the other tribes. And according to Joshua, they certainly could do so by themselves, even though their enemies had iron chariots. In other words, it was a matter of a lack of faith and trust in the Lord, and an unwillingness to deal with their enemies. In the end, they chose the easier way out — they would rather clear the forests and allow the Canaanites to remain on the plain.
I wonder how much our spiritual life resembles the condition of the people of Joseph. God has promised us joy and peace in Him if we are willing to leave our comfort zone and trust in His strength to combat our enemies within. Instead, we are happy to co-exist with our enemies — our sinful habits and worldly pursuits — and choose instead to consume our energy to clear the forests — in doing many good works and even serving in the church. But history has shown us that Israel’s co-habitation with their enemies had finally led to their spiritual demise — it led them into idol worship, and they ended up in exile — losing everything that they had toiled and labored for.
Dealing with our sins and leading a life of purity and godliness is certainly hard work, but if we think we can substitute it with Christian service, even sacrificial service, we are just fooling ourselves. Our sins will catch up with us; it is a matter of time.
在約書亞記第17章我們讀到以色列人於分地時少有的埋怨。約瑟支派以人口眾多為理由，埋怨所得之地過小。但約書亞卻不同意。他不是否認約瑟支派的人口眾多，而是指出：
(1) 山地的樹林也屬他們；
(2) 他們若砍伐清除樹木；
(3) 趕出迦南人就有足夠居住的地方。
據我們所知，約瑟的子孫並沒有趕出迦南人，但卻大批的清除該地的樹林，這是現今考古的發掘可以證明的。(Hess, Joshua, TOTC, 261)
換言之，約瑟的子孫選擇了自己的力量所能作的，卻不願意憑信心行神早已吩咐的。這是我們信徒的鑑戒。
其實，約書亞對約瑟的子孫並非苛刻。他們也自言人口眾多是神的賜福：瑪拿西加上以法蓮的人數是超越任何支派的 (見民26章) 。換言之，他們擁有最龐大的兵力，定能勝敵；若然人數不足，更可要求其他支派幫忙，何況還有神的應許與幫助呢！故此約書亞說：「迦南人雖有鐵車，雖是強盛，你也能把他們趕出去。」(書17:18)
故此，這並非能力的問題，是信心的問題。可惜約瑟的子孫選擇了自己的力量所能作的，不願意信靠神。他們的結局是我們知道的。與敵人共存，至終引至他們被引誘去跟從偶像，帶來被擄的命運，喪失現在勞苦所得的一切。
我們是否也像他們祇選擇自己的力量能作的事，不願意信靠神呢？我們選擇擺上時間和精神去事奉，因為這些是自己的能力可以付出的，卻不願意對付內裡的罪和順服神的旨意，因為這信服的功課要付上的實在太難了。但順從實在勝於獻祭，一日不對付罪，總有一天會被罪所勝所毀。
It appears that as some of the tribes (in fact, five tribes) began to conquer and move into parts of the Promised Land, Joshua had moved their headquarters from Gilgal to Shiloh together with the Ark of the Covenant (where it remained until the time of Eli in 1 Sam. 1):
(1) Why did Joshua put the blame for not occupying the remaining Promised Land on the people of Israel?
(2) What were they “waiting” for?
(3) What reasons might have contributed to their “waiting”?
(4) How did the survey of the remaining land (which had already been conquered but not occupied) differ from the spying of the land (by the 12 spies)?
(5) As much as the remaining land would be allotted to the remaining seven tribes, do you get a sense that they were to take possession by themselves, or with the help of the five tribes who had already possessed a good part of their land?
(6) How was the ultimate decision concerning specific allotment of land made? (See v. 10) What was its significance?
(7) As we continue to read more of the process of allotment to each tribe (and thus each family), reflect on the following thought of the psalmist (David’s inheritance was passed on to him as part of the tribe of Judah):
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Ps. 16:5-6)
How did David look at his assigned “lot”? Was he talking about land only?
Can you say the same about your assigned “lot” from the Lord? Why or why not?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
正當五個支派相繼的佔領和進住所分的地土時，約書亞就把大本營由吉甲遷到示羅，會幕與約櫃也隨之安放在那地(直到撒母耳記上開始的時候) 。
(1) 為何約書亞把未得之地的責任推在以色列餘下的支派身上？
(2) 你認為他們在等候什麼？
(3) 是什麼引至他們耽延呢？
(4) 其實所謂未得之地早已被征服，祇是各支派尚未進去把餘民(征服後重回空置城邑的人) 趕出。現在派人劃地勢與昔日派十二探子察地有什麼不同之處？
(5) 餘下的支派是否單獨的在分地後攻取自己的地土？(可參書22章)
(6) 現在為餘下支派分地與先前的分地的方法主要相同之處是什麼？(18:10)
(7) 繼續讀到分地的詳情時，讓我們思想大衛如何論到他的地界(他當然是承受了猶大支派所得之地的一部份) ：
「用繩量給我的地界，坐落在佳美之處；我的產業實在美好。」(詩16:6)
大衛怎樣看自己所得之地？
他是否單指地土而言？
你能否像大衛一樣的論到你的「地界」呢？為什麼？
(8) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
Normally, waiting is a virtue, because waiting often means patience. However, Joshua chastised the remaining seven tribes by saying, “How long will you wait before you began to take possession of that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”.
Joshua’s point was that the country had already been “brought under control”, meaning that the kings and rulers of the land had been overcome and their strength had been significantly weakened, and whoever remained in those cities could not resist the direct takeover by the Israelites. The five tribes — Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, Reuben and Gad — had been given their land and they had proceeded to possess them, but the other seven tribes did not make any attempt to get theirs. They appeared to be comfortably settled in the region around Shiloh.
Joshua has not pointed out the reasons for their waiting, but it is not too hard to surmise what their reluctance might have been. Some of the commentators suggest that it is due to the fact that:
(1) This generation had been nomads all their life, they did not really see the urgency to possess land which would mean a drastic change to their way of life.
(2) Residing close to Shiloh meant being close to the Tent of Meeting, to Joshua and to the remaining tribes; this afforded a great sense of security and a sense of community as well.
(3) As much as the country was brought under their control, many Canaanites had returned to those cities conquered by Joshua and the Israelites. To get rid of them required quite a bit effort and potential loss of their own lives.
As a result, they were content to continue their nomadic lives, in relative comfort and ease. However, they had completely overlooked one very important aspect of their exodus from Egypt, and that was being God’s Chosen People. Possession of the Promised Land was not only for their own benefit, but also for the sake of the name of the Lord, so that “all the peoples of the earth might know that the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God” (Jos. 4:24). In other words, their waiting had meant that they had lost their sense of mission as the people of God. I wonder if God might be asking us the same question today, “How long will you wait?”.
等待本是美德，因為能等待是忍耐的表現。但約書亞在此卻責備七個支派的人在耽延(NIV譯作等待/ waiting)(書18:3) 。
約書亞的意思是，該地已被「制伏」了，敵人縱非全被消滅，也因此大大被削弱了；餘下的，都是不能敵擋他們的。猶大、以法蓮、瑪拿西、流便和迦得已得地，惟有這七支派卻按兵不動，似乎安於停留在示羅。
約書亞並沒有指出他們耽延的原因，但像不少的解經家所猜想，個中原因是不難了解的：
(1) 可能這一代的以色列人已習慣了幾十年的遊牧生活，不願進住城市，全然的改變生活的方式；
(2) 留在示羅一帶有較大的安全感。一方面接近會幕；另一方面也與其他支派在一起；
(3) 雖然地已被「制伏」了，似乎因為沒有立時的佔領已有餘民進住，要趕出他們不易，總會帶來損傷。
故此，繼續遊牧的生活多舒服、安閒。他們失去了使命感，忘記了作神子民的身份。得地從來不是個人的事，乃是「要使地上萬民都知道，耶和華的手大有能力，也要使你們永遠敬畏耶和華你們的神」(書4:24) 。
不曉得今天神是否也在問你：「你要耽延多久？」
(1) How did Joshua allot the land to the Simeonites? (19:9)
(2) Was it also made “in the presence of the Lord”?
(3) What was his basis for taking away land from the tribe of Judah which was allotted to them with God’s permission earlier?
(4) How did the people of Judah react to it?
(5) What can you learn from them?
(6) Caleb and Joshua were the two faithful spies and both were rewarded with the land they asked for. While Caleb was the first to claim his land, Joshua was the last to claim his. How does this speak to the kind of leader Joshua exemplified?
(7) Although we know that Joshua was the successor of Moses and in exercising the leadership of dividing the land, he was the spokesman for the Lord, yet the Bible repeatedly puts Eleazar the priest ahead of Joshua (14:1 and 19:51). What might be its message?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how might you apply it to your life?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
(1) 約書亞是怎樣分地給西緬支派的？(19:9)
(2) 是在神面前分的嗎？
(3) 猶大的得地既然已早在神面前分的(15:1)，何以現在有所更改呢？
(4) 聖經有否記載猶大人對此之反應？為什麼？
(5) 我們從這事上可以學個什麼功課？
(6) 我們知道迦勒和約書亞是獨排眾議，全心信靠神的兩位探子。迦勒率先得了地土(14:6-15) ；約書亞則是最後才得地土。你可以看到約書亞是一位怎樣的領袖呢？
(7) 讀到約書亞記14-19章分地的過程時，我們看到開始和結束時，都是祭司以利亞撒和嫩的兒子約書亞，並以色列各支派的族長給他們分的。我們都知道約書亞是主要的領袖，為何聖經卻屢次的放祭司以利亞撒在他之前呢？用意何在？
(8) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
Joshua could have asked for his portion of land much earlier. He was one of the two faithful spies who followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Caleb had already been given his portion together with his tribe, Judah. Joshua’s tribe, Ephraim, had also been given their share. Yet, Joshua’s focus was on having everyone, not just some tribes, get their promised share of the land. This process had obviously taken many years, and now when he was truly old and advanced in years, he finally got his assigned share of the land after everyone else. This deference of enjoying his inheritance was not his alone, but his entire family’s obviously.
Joshua was such an example to all those who serve the Lord in that his primary focus was the carrying out of the mission given by God. Because of his singular focus and commitment, his comfort, ease and so-called entitlement were all put aside until the day when his mission was accomplished. There was no complaint, there was no second thought, and there was no giving up.
約書亞是可以一早就得到自己當得的地土的。與他一起作忠心探子的迦勒，早已率先要求，並取到地土。他所屬的以法蓮支派也早已得到所分的地土。但約書亞全心是要等到每一支派都獲得地土，才想到自己和自己的家人。這樣一等，就等到自己年紀老邁。他這樣的犧牲是令人敬佩的，也是我們事奉的人的榜樣。要完成神的使命是我們全心全意的焦點，把安舒和權利都放在一旁，直至使命完成為止。像約書亞一樣，沒有埋怨、不作他想、不氣餒。