The land Joshua received

Joshua received Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. There was nothing ordinary about this land. This was the land the tribe of Ephraim complained of (Ch. 17:15-18).

During the incident of Kadesh Barnea, God’s judgment was declared against the unfaithful nation, but Joshua and Caleb were promised entrance into the land of Canaan. On the one hand, Caleb, after the crossing of the Jordan River, first received Hebron as his inheritance. On the other, Joshua received his own inheritance after the allotment for each of the twelve tribes was determined.

Image of leader

Joshua’s inheritance of land is an image of an ideal leader. (1) He was obedient to all that God had commanded. He prioritized God’s will over his own wish. (2) He asked for his own land after all works were done. He could have used his achievements to keep the best land for himself, but he did not do so and asked for an insignificant land (Timnath-serah). He even requested to have land and received approval from the people. (3) It is normal for a God’s servant, who served spiritually, to receive material things as a reward. Even Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 9:11, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (4) Joshua continued to push his old body to build a city in the land he gained without losing his willingness. Such an amazing heart of a pioneer! Thus, Joshua completed the distribution of the land, a highly difficult task that was stirred up with all kinds of speculation from each tribe. He was not merely a fighter but a politician, an administrative expert, and a great leader. All who are in public duty should learn from Joshua’s life. Let’s recite an interceding prayer for our nation’s leaders so that they can do the same as Joshua. Also, let’s pray that we ourselves may be freed from selfishness.