Joshua 22:1-4 - Experiencing the LORD's Rest

When we come to Joshua 22, the conquest of the Promise Land by the twelve tribes of Israel is complete. The battles have been fought and won. The inheritance of the land has been successful distributed to all the tribes, the “Cities of Refuge” have been designated, and the priestly tribe of the Levites have settled in their forty-eight cities among the tribes to lead the nation spiritually with the Word of God.   Matter of fact, Joshua 21:43-44 ends this conquest with these words: “So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.”   It is at this point, after seven years of battles, in Joshua 22:1-4, that Joshua gives a honorable discharge to the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. The first thing Joshua did was to commend them (Josh. 22:1-3). These two and a half tribes had promised Moses that they would remain in the army until all the land was conquered, and they kept their promise (Numbers 32; Deuteronomy3:12-20). After the death of Moses, they had pledged that same loyalty to Joshua, their new leader (Joshua 1:12-18). These tribes had been loyal to Moses, to Joshua, and to their brothers from the other tribes. One Bible version put it this way: "For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you" (22:3).   Why had they been so loyal to their leaders and fellow soldiers? Because they were first of all loyal to the Lord their God. It was His mission they were carrying out and His name they were seeking to glorify. In the service of the Lord, far above our devotion to a leader, a cause, or even a nation is our devotion to the Lord. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).   Then in Joshua 22:4, Joshua released them from the army. Having fulfilled their mission and kept their promise, the tribes were now free to go home; for God had given His people rest. The concept of rest is important in the Book of Joshua and means much more than simply the end of the war. The word carries with it the meaning of both victory and security, and it involved Israel having their "resting place" in the land. God promised to give His people rest (Ex. 33:14; Deut. 12:9-10; 25:19; Josh. 1:13,15), and He kept His promise (Joshua 11:23; 14:15; 21:44; 22:4; 23:1).   The spiritual application of this rest for God's people today is made in Hebrews 3 and 4. When we trust Christ as Savior, we enter into rest because we're no longer at war with God (Rom. 5:1). When we yield ourselves completely to Him and claim our inheritance by faith, we enter into a deeper rest and enjoy our spiritual riches in Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." When we come to Jesus for salvation, He gives us rest. And yet we find a deeper rest, when we take His yoke of discipleship, and follow Him daily!   Imagine what it would be like for these soldiers to return home after being away for these seven years! Think of the love they would experience, the joys they would find, the treasures they would share! That's just a small picture of what happens when the children of God enter into the rest God gives to those who will yield their all to Him and trust His Word.   God bless!