Bristol Bay Church Bible Reading

When reading through the Bible chronologically, one mother approached me. She said, “I had to stop reading through the Bible with my preteen son because he didn’t understand all the war and fighting.”

I suggested that it was important to be sensitive to the child and that they could continue in the New Testament instead. But it’s just as important to discuss the subject and understand God’s Word in that area.

War in the Bible is a sensitive subject on which God gives his thoughts and opinions. What does God’s Word say about war?

God’s original plan

First, God originally created a world of peace without bloodshed: The Garden of Eden. But blood was shed to cover Adam and Eve with the skins of animals in the Garden after they sinned.

Second, God intends for heaven and the final world to be peaceful (Isaiah 11:6).

Sin brought an imperfect world

But in between, we deal with an imperfect world as the result of sin coming into the world (Romans 5:12) and our enemy Satan continuing his rampage.

Rev. 12:9 tells us, “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

We know that Satan is described in I Peter 5:8 as the enemy, who walks through this world as a roaring lion, constantly looking to devour and destroy.

Jesus also warned us of what the final days would look like before his coming. His words in Matthew 24:5-6 tell us not to be alarmed when nations fight against nations. But we will hear of “ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” He describes these as the birthing pains that lead to the second coming of Christ.

Who is with us when war happens

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God was very clear with them that He was always available. They needed as a nation visible signs. After thousands of years living in captivity and in one place, they were insecure about leaving. But God gave them the cloud by day as a sign of his presence and the fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). He also instructed them about his desire to rescue and be with them in times of war.

“When you arrive in your own land and go to war against your enemies who attack you, sound the alarm with the trumpets. Then the LORD your God will remember you and rescue you from your enemies, (Numbers 10:9, NLT).”

God is very much aware of what is happening on earth and intervenes for His people when they call on him (Psalm 91:15).

Joshua at war

When we first meet Joshua, he has been given a big task, but God tells him not to be afraid. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NLT).”

What was his task? To lead the Israelites into the land they had been promised. They had wandered for 40 years, but the time had come for them to settle down again. But they had some enemies in front of them.

The first group Joshua encounters is the town of Ai. Scholars tell us that the city of Ai was a military stronghold. It’s often strategic to take out the city that the military occupies, which would explain why certain towns were chosen to be destroyed and why God allowed others to be taken over by quieter, more peaceful means.

But in the end, God had a plan for Israel to occupy the Promised Land.

“So Joshua took control of the entire land, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. He gave it to the people of Israel as their special possession, dividing the land among the tribes. So the land finally had rest from war.” Joshua 11:23

We started this year's Bible Reading Journey about 10 weeks ago. I am praying for your time as you read and study his Word. I like to use two sites when I study the Bible: Bible Gateway and Blue-Letter Bible. I may refer to these sites occasionally. Enjoy your Bible Reading with a cup of tea or coffee. I am having a Diet Pepsi on this warm Alaskan Day (feels like 26 degrees). Well, warm in my house.

I have started a new format for study questions. You can choose from Create, Explore, Word Study, or Questions. You can complete one section or more. Many relate to each other. Unfortunately, I have not been the most creative in the Create section.

Blessings.

March 22

Deuteronomy 33-34

Joshua 1-2

March 23

Joshua 3-6

March 24

Joshua 7-9

I Chronicles 2:7

March 24

Read Joshua 7-9

I Chronicles 2:7.

March 25

Read Joshua 10:1-12:6

March 26

Read Joshua 12:7-15:19

March 27

Read Joshua 15:20-17:18

March 28

Read Joshua 18:1-19:51

Questions to Ponder for March 22-28

March 22

Read Deuteronomy 33-34 and Joshua 1-2

Explore:

Read Deuteronomy 33 where Moses blesses the tribes. Consider the idea of blessing. What does a blessing look like in the Bible? Maybe a Bible dictionary will help (BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries) Explore the idea of creating a Biblical blessing for your family.

Word Study

Read Deuteronomy 33:8. “Thummim and Urim” are mentioned. Consider the meaning of these words.

1) Are these still used in the Judaism?

2) What were their purposes?

3) Do Christians have similar functions or thoughts on reaching out to God?

Questions

1) In Joshua 1:1, how does the NIV refer to Joshua? Son of Nun. What is his title? Moses Aide. How does this compare to his job or title in the KJV? Consider which title is more accurate, looking at the definition in Strong’s/Blue Letter Bible. (minister, H8334 )

2) In Joshua 2:9, the harlot hid the men. She said, “I know that the Lord has given you the land.” Consider the meaning of the word “know.” How did she know?

March 23

Read Joshua 3-6.

Explore:

What happens in Joshua 3:16? Explore the miracle that happened. Why is it considered a miracle? Does this compare to another miracle the Israelites saw previously?

Word Study

Twice Joshua is said to have been “magnified” by the Lord. (to magnify H1431)

1) What are the two verses that refer to Joshua being magnified?

2) What is the meaning of the word “magnified?”

3) Why does the Lord point this out in the book Joshua?

Questions

1) Joshua 5 focuses on the circumcision of the people born in the wilderness. Why is this mentioned? What does it mean for the people and how is this related to their view of God? A

2) What wilderness provision does God end in Joshua 5:12? manna.

March 24

Read Joshua 7-9 and I Chronicles 2:7.

Explore:

Explore the crossing of the Jordan and the crossing of the Red Sea. What started with crossing the Red Sea, and what ended with crossing the Jordan? Is there often a starting point and an ending point in the things of God? Explore this concept by putting your ideas into pictures. Perhaps it's a comic book idea.

Word Study:

I Chronicles 2:7 mentions a person by name in Joshua 7 and I Chronicles 2:7 as “the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed (KJV).” Write down a few facts about this person and what he did that cursed the Israelites. What does his name mean? What is his purpose in these passages?

Questions

1) What is the difference between the attack of Ai in Joshua 7 and Joshua 8?

2) What does the Bible say about war.

March 25

Read Joshua 10:1-12:6

Explore

Explore a map of Joshua’s conquests. Find Gibeon.

Word Study

In Joshua 11:6, God tells Joshua not to be afraid. Consider the word “afraid” used here. Strong refers to the following lexicon code: “Be not afraid H3372” When examining the transliterated word afraid in Hebrew yārē', which of the following could be a definition:

a) To fear

b) To stand in awe, reverence

c) To make terrified

d) All of the above (correct answer D)

Questions

1) Joshua 10:1 mentions that the Israelites made peace with the Gibeonites. How did this happen? Read Joshua 9 for an answer.

2) What miracle happened in Joshua 10:13?

March 26

Read Joshua 12:7-15:19

Explore

Read Joshua 13:33. What was the inheritance of the tribe of Levi? Explore the tribe of Levi and their role in Israel.

Word Study

Caleb mentions the place Kadesh-Barnea during his discussion with Joshua and Caleb’s request for land. What does this refer to? The Hebrew transliteration is qāḏēš barnēa, which means holy. How would you describe Kadesh Barnea after reading the referenced verses in Blue Letter Bible at H6947 - qāḏēš barnēaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)? You can also read more information here: What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Joshua 14:7-The place the spies were sent out from and returned to with the news of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 2:14 The Israelites wandered another 38 years because they believed the spies' bad report. The distance between Kadesh-barnea and the brook Zered was approximately 50 miles,

Numbers 20:1 Miriam, Moses' sister died in Kadesh-barnea

Questions

1) According to Joshua 14:14, why did Caleb receive Hebron as a piece of land for his

family?

2) What is happening in Joshua Chapter 15? Can you name one significant event and why it would be significant?

March 27

Read Joshua 15:20-17:18

Explore

Explore the significance of a Wadi, as mentioned in Joshua 15:47, the “Wadi of Egypt (NIV).” The NLT calls it a “Brook of Egypt.” The KJV calls it the “River of Egypt.” Use Bible Hub to explore this geographical feature. Topical Bible: Wadi A wadi is a river that only has water in the rainy season. Look at the information on a wadi and how it applies to our lives in the above article.

Word Study

The firstborn is a specific classification for legal action in Israelite culture, made law through the birthright. What are the rights of the firstborn?

Deuteronomy 21:15-17

2 Chronicles 21:3

Questions

1) In Joshua 17:4, a group of people had to come before Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelites' leaders to ask for a track of land. Why were they unique and had to ask?

2) As in the original Bible, there are no chapter numbers and verses; here, it would be good to read Joshua 16 and 17 together. What do you notice about the tribe of Manasseh and his inheritance in relationship to his being the firstborn? Also Read Joshua 13:29-31. Consider commentary on https://biblehub.com/commentaries/joshua/17.htm and Firstborn - Nave's Topical Bible

March 28

Read Joshua 18:1-19:51

Explore

Research the land given to Joshua as an inheritance, according to Joshua 19:49-50: Timnath-serah. What do you find interesting or significant about the land or the choice of land given to Joshua?

Word Study

Joshua 19:51 says, “So they made an end H3615 of dividing the country.” When looking at the word used for “end” in Hebrew kālâ, what other significant endings in the Bible were represented by this word?

Genesis 2:1-2

Genesis 49:33

Deuteronomy 32:45

I Kings 9:1 Solomon

Questions

1) Who was Eleazar? Eleazar (Eleazer) -

March 22

Read Deuteronomy 33-34 and Joshua 1-2

Explore:

Read Deuteronomy 33 where Moses blesses the tribes. Consider the idea of blessing. What does a blessing look like in the Bible? Maybe a Bible dictionary will help (BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries) Explore the idea of creating a Biblical blessing for your family. (Give thought to the Scripture and your personal ideas.)

Word Study

Read Deuteronomy 33:8. “Thummim and Urim” are mentioned. Consider the meaning of these words. (Let thy Thummim H8550 and thy Urim H224 )

1) Are these still used in the Judaism? The last time “Thummim and Urim” are mentioned in the Bible is Ezra 2:63. It ended with the first temple.

2) What were their purposes? The Urim and Thummim were used as a way to hear from God.

3) Do Christians have similar functions or thoughts on reaching out to God? We don't use physical objects but we do listen to God through his Word and prayer.

Questions

1) In Joshua 1:1, how does the NIV refer to Joshua? Son of Nun. What is his title? Moses Aide. How does this compare to his job or title in the KJV? Moses's minister. Consider which title is more accurate, looking at the definition in Strong’s/Blue Letter Bible. (minister, H8334 ) The Blue Letter Bible under Strongs says that Joshua before becoming a leader ministered to Moses. He helped him in a various specific way related to his work for God.

2) In Joshua 2:9, the harlot hid the men. She said, “I know that the Lord has given you the land.” Consider the meaning of the word “know.” How did she know? The KJV Bible uses the word "perceived." This know means she had a spiritual understanding.

“And she said unto the men, I know H3045 that the LORD hath given you the land.”

March 23

Read Joshua 3-6.

Explore:

What happens in Joshua 3:16? The Jordan River was parted and the people walked across on dry land. Explore the miracle that happened. Why is it considered a miracle? A miracle is something that happens at the hand of God. A parting of water for people to walk across on dry land has only happened as referred to God in the Bible. Does this compare to another miracle the Israelites saw previously? The Jordan River and the Red Sea.

Word Study

Twice Joshua is said to have been “magnified” by the Lord. (to magnify H1431)

1) What are the two verses that refer to Joshua being magnified? Joshua 3:7 and 4:14

2) What is the meaning of the word “magnified?” To grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things

3) Why does the Lord point this out in the book Joshua? Because the Israelites needed to know who their new leader would be and that he was blessed by God.

Questions

1) Joshua 5 focuses on the circumcision of the people born in the wilderness. Why is this mentioned? It talks about the people totally separating themselves unto God. What does it mean for the people and how is this related to their view of God? As a circumcised people, it showed their dedication to the one true God and the following of His commandments.

2) What wilderness provision does God end in Joshua 5:12? manna.

March 24

Read Joshua 7-9 and I Chronicles 2:7.

Explore:

Explore the crossing of the Jordan and the crossing of the Red Sea. What started with crossing the Red Sea, and what ended with crossing the Jordan? God opened up the waters of the Red Sea so they can head to the Promised Land. The Jordan was the entrance into the Promised Land. Is there often a starting point and an ending point in the things of God? Explore this concept by putting your ideas into pictures. Perhaps it's a comic book idea. (Give your own personal ideas)

Word Study:

I Chronicles 2:7 mentions a person by name in Joshua 7 and I Chronicles 2:7 as “the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed (KJV).” Write down a few facts about this person and what he did that cursed the Israelites. What does his name mean? Troubler. What is his purpose in these passages? He is considered an example of what sin does in our lives to cause trouble.

Questions

1) What is the difference between the attack of Ai in Joshua 7 and Joshua 8? The sin of Achan.

2) What does the Bible say about war. (Read the article above.)

March 24

Read Joshua 7-9 and I Chronicles 2:7.

Explore:

Explore the crossing of the Jordan and the crossing of the Red Sea. What started with crossing the Red Sea, and what ended with crossing the Jordan? Is there often a starting point and an ending point in the things of God? Explore this concept by putting your ideas into pictures. Perhaps it's a comic book idea.

The Israelites started their journey to the Promised Land when God parted the Red Sea, and they walked across to freedom. Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant led them into the Promised Land when God parted the Jordan River. Most people who entered the Promised Land had not seen the Red Sea part. The parting of the Jordan was a significant moment in the History of these younger Israelites.

Word Study:

I Chronicles 2:7 mentions a person by name in Joshua 7 and I Chronicles 2:7 as “the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed (KJV).” Write down a few facts about this person and what he did that cursed the Israelites. What does his name mean? What is his purpose in these passages? Achan, who brought disaster on Israel by taking plunder that had been set apart for the LORD. His name literally means "to trouble, to disturb, to bring calamity."

Questions

1) What is the difference between the attack of Ai in Joshua 7 and Joshua 8? One was done with God's blessing and one without.

2) What does the Bible say about war? Read article on War in the previous issue.

March 25

Read Joshua 10:1-12:6

Explore

Explore a map of Joshua’s conquests. Find Gibeon. (See an online map)

Word Study

In Joshua 11:6, God tells Joshua not to be afraid. Consider the word “afraid” used here. Strong refers to the following lexicon code: “Be not afraid H3372” When examining the transliterated word afraid in Hebrew yārē', which of the following could be a definition:

a) To fear

b) To stand in awe, reverence

c) To make terrified

d) All of the above (correct answer D)

Questions

1) Joshua 10:1 mentions that the Israelites made peace with the Gibeonites. How did this happen? Read Joshua 9 for an answer. The Gibeonites deceived Joshua causing Joshua to grant them safety. Joshua kept his promise and made peace with the Gibeonites.

2) What miracle happened in Joshua 10:13? The moon and the sun stood still.

March 26

Read Joshua 12:7-15:19

Explore

Read Joshua 13:33. What was the inheritance of the tribe of Levi? Explore the tribe of Levi and their role in Israel. God was the inheritance of the Levites who became the priests for the Israelite nation.

Word Study

Caleb mentions the place Kadesh-Barnea during his discussion with Joshua and Caleb’s request for land. What does this refer to? The Hebrew transliteration is qāḏēš barnēa, which means holy. How would you describe Kadesh Barnea after reading the referenced verses in Blue Letter Bible at H6947 - qāḏēš barnēaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)? You can also read more information here: What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Joshua 14:7-The place the spies were sent out from and returned to with the news of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 2:14 The Israelites wandered another 38 years because they believed the spies' bad report. The distance between Kadesh-barnea and the brook Zered was approximately 50 miles,

Numbers 20:1 Miriam, Moses' sister died in Kadesh-barnea

Questions

1) According to Joshua 14:14, why did Caleb receive Hebron as a piece of land for his

family? Because God promised him a piece of land for bringing the good report.

2) What is happening in Joshua Chapter 15? Can you name one significant event and why it would be significant? The Promised Land was divided among the Israelites. Caleb was given a special piece of land for his work as the Spy.

March 27

Read Joshua 15:20-17:18

Explore

Explore the significance of a Wadi, as mentioned in Joshua 15:47, the “Wadi of Egypt (NIV).” The NLT calls it a “Brook of Egypt.” The KJV calls it the “River of Egypt.” Use Bible Hub to explore this geographical feature. Topical Bible: Wadi A wadi is a river that only has water in the rainy season. Look at the information on a wadi and how it applies to our lives in the above article.

Word Study

The firstborn is a specific classification for legal action in Israelite culture, made law through the birthright. What are the rights of the firstborn?

Deuteronomy 21:15-17 double portion of the inheritance.

2 Chronicles 21:3 rights to kingship.

Questions

1) In Joshua 17:4, a group of people had to come before Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelites' leaders to ask for a track of land. Why were they unique and had to ask? A group of three women. Because they were women they did not have a right to the land. But Joshua granted them land.

2) As in the original Bible, there are no chapter numbers and verses; here, it would be good to read Joshua 16 and 17 together. What do you notice about the tribe of Manasseh and his inheritance in relationship to his being the firstborn? Also Read Joshua 13:29-31. Consider commentary on https://biblehub.com/commentaries/joshua/17.htm and Firstborn - Nave's Topical Bible

Manassah was the first born of Joseph so his family received a double portion of land.

March 28

Read Joshua 18:1-19:51

Explore

Research the land given to Joshua as an inheritance, according to Joshua 19:49-50: Timnath-serah. What do you find interesting or significant about the land or the choice of land given to Joshua? He did not ask for the land, they offered it to him. It was on a mountain which made it easier to protect. It had no cities so he had to build from scratch.

Word Study

Joshua 19:51 says, “So they made an end H3615 of dividing the country.” When looking at the word used for “end” in Hebrew kālâ, what other significant endings in the Bible were represented by this word?

Genesis 2:1-2 God ended his work on the 7th day.

Genesis 49:33 Jacob gave his last words.

Deuteronomy 32:45 Moses last reading of the Law.

I Kings 9:1 Solomon finished building the temple.

Questions

1) Who was Eleazar? Eleazar (Eleazer) -

Questions? Call Pastor Val at 907-952-3317 or email pastorval@bristolbay.church

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