Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-10-25
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
International Lesson Comments For
October 70.
Subjects; Joshua and Caleb. Josh. xiv, Sis
CioIien Text. Josh. xi2.. A-Memory
Verses, l2.is-commcatary on the
Days Lesson.


Explanatory. The period 81 conquest
from the taking OF jericho until the time
OF our present lesson. when the people
were gathered 1t Gi,gal 10 divide the land,
was about SIX years. The question Is often
urged, Tn what principle can the right
eousness of God III eXtcrmInatlng the Ca
Iiaanites be vindicated: They were de-
stroyed Tor their excuses. wllfui. hahltual
and incurabie wickedness. Lev. is: 2i-3O.
Their abominable customs show that the
groSscst vices had become inherent in their
national character. In the destruction of
the Canaaaitcs by Gods peop.c the ma
tons were convinced. not only Of the SUI
premc power OF the God OF Israel. but also
of His utter adherence OF the abominG.
tions for which they were destroyed. Vice
Is infectious. Ii any oil these Ido.atrous
tribes were spared they would faint the
Hebrews. Moreover this growing corrup-
ton might have polluted the whole ancient
world.
The cause of the defeat OF ri. and the
terrible punishment melted on; upon Achan
for his sin. should be dwclt upon. The
defea; laugh; the ls,aelitcs the necessity
of strict obedience To God. After the
taking OF Al comes the story OF the Gibeon-
ties. which is followed by the conquest OF
southern Palestine. Then we have an ac-
count OF the conquest in the north where
the waters OF Merom. Finally. after about
SIX years of war. the land was so far sub.
ducd that it could be divided among the
different tribes. Divided the land" They
agreed upon the portion to be given each
tribe.
6. Children of Judah" Judah was the
fourth son of Jacob. I'm Gilgal." This
was the first place where the lsraelites
camped after crossing the Jordan into
Canaan. Thou knowest." etc. Caleb
was OF the tribe OF Judah, and was APP
pointed to assist in making the division
of the land. Lest he might be charged
with trying to choose the best for himself.
he brought others of his brethren when he
came before Joshua that they might be
witnesses to his justice. Caleb had been
one OF the spies to go under Moses direc-
ton to spy out the land. He gave faith
ful report, and had faith in God, and God
promised him the land which he travcrsed
in his search. Deut. l: 36. Joshua was &c.
quainted with this fact. and Caleb quotes
that fact to him before the witnesses, that
1t might stand as his motive in making
his plea for a certain portion. Caleb came
with his request before the lots were cast
for the land. The promise OF God was
sufficient and Caleb would show that it
would be in vain and needless to try by lot
to fix upon his portion in Canaan All the
people seemed to fully consent that Hebron
corning me and thee" Joshua was the
only other spy that was faithful and be-
lieving. and both were permitted to enter
Canaan.
I. Forty years cd was l." ''Thc whole
circumstance was so clearly fixed in his
mind that Caleb remembers his age. and
the place, so that he can refresh .loshuas
memory. They were the two Oldest men
in Israel at this time. \ recollection of old
times would cheer them. especially now
That the promises made TO them were ready
to be fulfilled" Moses" etc Caleb
manifested great respect for Moses. In his
character Moses was the man OF God"
in his occupation the servant oi the
Lord" In mine heart" He spoke his
honest opinion in the matter OF which he
was sent to search out. He was not in
iiuenced by fear or favor, but spoke the
truth and that only.
8. My brethren Words OF tenderness
for his old comrades. Heart melt"
The other ten spies. by their evil report
Of Canaan, influenced the people to rebel
against going in to possess the land. so that
fear caused their courage to fail. and they
turned again to wander in the wilderness.
Wholly followed the Lord" He had done
his duty and constantly aimed at the glory
OF God. Caleb is one of those men whom
we meet with seldom in Bible history. but
whenever we do meet them we are the
strong. modest and cheerful. there is hon.
esty in his face courage and decision in
the very pose of his body, and the calm
confidence of faith in his very look and
attitude
9. Moses swears" Moses declared by
authority from God that Caleb should be
rewarded. Mum. Il: "a; Deut. |: &c.
only been brought through the perils OF
the wilderness. but he had been preserved
from death in this war of conquest. Length
of years only caused him to more deeply
desire to be perfectly obedient.
II. Yet i am as strong Though
cighty-tive years old he felt as able to en-
ter his possessions that God gave him as
when the promise was first made. God
would not appoint him to place and pro-
long his days and then change because of
his age. 'All our times are in His hands
all events At His command" What though
the sons OF old Anak were tall. and giants
in strength. What though Hebron lay in
mountainous region. he could so gladly
and confidently
u. Give me this mountain Though
it was already his. by promise. he would
respect the position and authority OF
Joshua. and have it granted him lawfully
Though it was the most difficult to over.
come. and he was old. yet he was strong
in faith as we'll as strong physically. The
only equipment he needed was Gods con.
tinued presence, which he believed would
insure victory over giants and walled cities.
His faith for the overthrow of those enc.
mics had only waxed stronger since his
first discovery of them. forty-iive years be.
fore. His truthfulness. piety and faith.
funess in former years had grown. so that
his relish was keen for the BATTLE
Il. Joshua blessed him" He not only
admitted the claim, but. in public and
earnest manner. prayed for the divine
blessing tc assist the efforts of Caleb in
driving out idolatrous occupants. No
doubt Joshua commended Caleb for his
courage and piety. and mentioned this sin.
gular providence as a reward for his de.
cntnl life