Judges 1:22-26 – The House of Joseph
Today’s reading is concerned with the house of Joseph. Because of God’s special blessing on Joseph (see Genesis 48; 49:22-26) and because the tribe of Levi would not inherit a land of its own (Numbers 18:20; Joshua 13:33), Joseph had been divided into two tribes – Ephraim and Manasseh.
We are told the LORD was with the house of Joseph as they moved to claim their allotted inheritance. This not only reminds us of the tribe of Judah in verse 19, but of the man Joseph in the book of Genesis. Throughout his many adversities, it is said of Joseph time and time again that the LORD was with him. Now, the LORD is with his descendants as they take possession of the land He was giving them.
God’s extraordinary blessing on Joseph can especially be seen in one remarkable event. The house of Joseph’s allotted land included the city of Luz, which Jacob had called Bethel (which means “house of God”) after he dreamed of a ladder between heaven and earth as he slept there. The tribes of Joseph send spies to scout out the land. The spies happen to meet a man who agrees to show them a way around the city’s defenses. This is no mere accident. It is God’s provision for His people. With the man’s help, Joseph captures Bethel easily, preserving the lives of the man and his family. The man then moves outside the Promised Land and founds another city, which he calls “Luz.”
God governs all events and causes them to work for His glory and His people’s good – this is called Providence. What we often think of as mere coincidences or “accidents” are things He has ordained to come to pass. As with this “accidental” meeting in today’s reading, He uses even the smallest occurrences to further His purposes.
Questions
- Which tribes made up the house of Joseph?
- How did God bless the tribes of Joseph in today’s reading?
- What is Providence?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will help us to trust His Providence.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.