Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-10-05
for SUNDAY $cbool8.
STAR LESSON FOR OCTOBER 6.
By Rev. ]. E. Gilbert, DID,,
SECRETARY AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
JOSHUA. IsRAEL's NEW LEADER. Josh i:l.,l

SUCCESSION.-The death of Moces In
the land of Moab made Joshua the leader
of Israel. He had been prepared for the
place by series of events extending
through many years. Probably he received
military education in Egypt, for soon
after the exodus he led the forces to VIC
tory IN the struggle with Amelek Ex.
XVII I'D. Afterward he was a close COM
panion or minister of Moses in the wonder
lul deeds of Sinai (Ex, xiv 49, He was
one or the twelve spies selected to explore
the land OF Canaan, uniting with Caleb in
bringing good report for which he was
rewarded tNum.. xiv:3O) and by which he
obtained information that helped him In
subsequent campa ms. Some time before
the death OF Moses he was formally set
forth in the eyes of the people as the sue
cessor to the great lawgiver (Num., xvii:
1879, and declared to be full of the spirit
OF God Deut.. xxiv:9)
THE COMMAND oversees / and 2l.-
But, though well qualified and fully au-
thorized. Joshua was not permitted to act
except by divine direction. 1t was not his
part to plan and execute but o listen and
obey. The Almighty was king of Israel
and His will only, when proclaimed was
the sole rule of conduct. How long the
people remained In camp on the east of
Jordan cannot be known-they would never
have departed had God not ordered One
Joshua whether by audible word or i'm
preston matters not. The order was very
simple and impressive. 1t alluded to the
death of Moses only as 1t imposed leader
snip upon the successor. Go thou and all
this people," was tl.a utterance that al
lowed no delay or debates. Then was pre-
scented the objective point, unto the land
which I do give thee" that land of prom
lse conveyed by warranty deed to Abraham,
four centuries before, but reserved until the
iniquity of the Amortes should Lave ex-
hs ''sted divine patience Gen., xv:16)
THE POSSESSIONS oversees 3 and y.
The marching orders delivered to Joshua
were accompanied by divine directions con-
cerning the land to be entered; It's bound
aries were plainly announced, covering the
region which God had set apart as the
home of Israel. surveyor could run the
line In our day-from the Wilderness the
place Of encampment, to the River Eu-
thence up that stream and then westward
TO the Mediterranean, as to include the
land OF the Httites: 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
given to Moses eek. xxiii:2). This magnfi-
cent domain was ample for the achievement
Of a people who were called Of God to
high and holy mission. There was, how
ever, one condition in the gift-so much
only should be owned as the people should
possess. Wherever foot should tread title
would be acquired Deut., xi:2,), an in
centive to heroic endeavor.
THE PROMISE (verse GA deed in
escrow Is valued according to the laws
terms of its delivery, SO 1t might have been
thought that God had made conditions that
Israel could hardly meet. To cross a river,
invade populated land. subdue its forti-
fed towns Oeut, iv:D, establish a govern
ment and maintain a permanent residence
was indeed a great undertaking from which
many would turn in despair. To attempt
this with men who had descended from
Egyptian bondsmen, wanderers for nearly
forty years in the wilderness, would seem
to some foolhardy. But over against the
difficulties the Almighty set His promises.
Il will be with thee" he said to Joshua,
"as I was with Moses" eek, iii:12). The
deliverances wrought by the mighty hand
Of God as matters of history, to be men,
toned as guarantee of future favors. Even
in that day the divine presence was a
pledge OF security and success phil,
iv:13) Joshua was assured of victory over
every foe (Deut., vii:2D.
THE MISSION (verse CIT is al
ways well for 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
efforts. And when God gives information
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 sue
cessful warfare against the inhabitants,
and so taking possession of the country he
was also to be permitted to arrange the
preliminaries Of settlement He would not
be called away from his high Office until
he had effected division and awarded per-,
manent 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 settlements definite and diff
ficult but important task was thus COM
mitted to him.
FIDELITY oversees and 9).-In the
execution of such trust a high-grade man
was needed. No weak or irresolute soul
could enter the place and hope for anything
but utter defeat. 1t is also true that the
cause depends upon him who incarnates it
and represents it. Joshua, selected not
only by popular suffrage, but by divine Wis