The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-09-27
THE SUNDAY-SCH0OL LESSON.
For October ), "Joshua Encour-
aged" Josh. /. LID

THE SUCCESSoR-The death Of Moses
in the land of Moab made Joshua leader of
Israel. He had been prepared for the place
by a series Of events extending through
many years. Probably he received a mill
tary education in Egypt. for ssOn after the
exodus he led the forces to victory in the
struggle with AmaIek. CEx. xviii. 49, After
ward he was a close companion or minis
ter Of Moses in the wonderful deeds at
Siani- eek. xiv, 49, He was one of the
twelve spies selected Numb. xiii, s. to ex-
plore the land of Canaan uniting with
he was rewarded Numb. XIV. So1. and by
which he obtained Information that helped
him in subsequent campaigns. Some time
before the death of Moses he was formally
set apart in the eyes of the people as sue
cessor to the great law-giver CNumb. XVII.
1Sz0,, and declared to be full OF the spirit
THE CoMMANDLWerses l and - But.
though well qualified and fully authorized.
divine direction. 1t was not his part TO
plan and execute, but to listen and obey.
Ths AImighty was kin Of Israel. and his
rule OF onduct. How long the people re-
manned in camp on the east of Jordan an
parted had not God so ordered. One day
the to advance came. to Joshua.
whether by audible word or inward impress
sion, matters not. The order was very SIM
pie and imperative. 1t alluded to the death
of Moses only as it imposed leadership upon
pie" was the u~tterance that allowed no de-
lay or debate. Then was presented the OBJ
1ectve point, unto the land which l do
by warranty deed to Abraham Gen XIV. 49,
four centuries before, but reserved until
the fniquity of the Amorites should have
The marching orders delivered to Joshua
concerning the land to be entered. its
boundaries were plainly announced, cover
the home. Of Israel. A surveyor could run
the line in our day from the wilderness.
the place of en~campment, eastward TO the
river Euphrates. 500 English miles: thence
up that stream and then westward to the
Mediterranean SO as to include the land
of the Hittites; thence south along the
coast to an indefinite distance on the way
to Egypt and to the place Of beginning. 1t
differed but slightly from the description
domain was ample for the achievements of
a people who were called Of God to a high
ana holy MISSION Ihere was, however, one
be owned as the people should possess.
Wherever the foot should tread title would
be acquired Deut- II. %. an incentive to
heroic endeayor.
TIL PRoMIsE-verse 8. A deed in
escrow is valued according to the terms of
its delivery So 1t might have been thought
that Goo had made conditions that Israel
could hardly meet. To cross a river. invade
a ponulated land. sp5dpe its fortified towns
maintain g permanent residence was indeed
a great undertaking: from which many
with men who had descended from Egyp-
tan bondmen. wanderers for forty years in
the wilderness. would seem foolhardy. But
over against the difficulties the Almighty
set bis promises. - will be with thee he
said to Joshua, ''as 1 was with Moses
lex iii. I'D The deliverances wrought by
the mighty hand of God were matters of
history. to be mentioned as guarantees OF
future favors. Oven in that day Divine
presence was pledged of security and sue
cess. Phil. Nv 49, Joshua was assured
OF victory over every foe. Oeut. vii, 30.
THE MISSION Verse 6-It is always we'll
for a man to know what he Is to do-the
precise nature and extent of his work
Then with singleness of purpose he can
summon his powers for more vigorous eff
formation on this point the man has added
ground for SteadfastneSs. In this instance
Joshua was not left in doubt concerning his
mission Appointed to lead the people over
Jordan into Canaan. and afterward to wage
successful warfare against the inhabitants,
and so taking possession OF the country, he
was also to be permitted to arrange the
called away from his high office until he had
effected a division and awarded permanent
quarters TO the several tribes. This would
be the final act of his life. His career would
begin with the crossing and end with the
settlement. A definite. but important, task
was thus committed to him.
FIDELITY Verses Z, 9-In the execution
Of suoh a trust a high-grade man was need
ed. No weak and irreSolute soul could enter
defeat It Is always true that the cause de-
ponds upon him who incarnates and repre-
sents it Joshua. selected not by popular
suffrage. but by Divine wisdom, trained and
called into service, has in his keeping the
welfare OF his people and the destinies Of