Possession Through Obedience: Lessons from Joshua 12:6
"Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh." - Joshua 12:6

As we delve into Joshua 12:6, we are reminded of the foundational pillars of obedience and divine possession in our faith journey: "Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh." This passage encapsulates a significant transition in the history of Israel and holds profound lessons for us as believers.
### Contextual Understanding
In the verses leading up to Joshua 12:6, we find a detailed account of the victories gained by Moses and the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Moses, empowered by God, led the Israelites through numerous battles, and by divine instruction, defeated formidable foes. The specific mention of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh receiving their inheritance signifies more than just land; it encompasses the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people.
### The Role of Obedience
Moses exemplifies the essence of servanthood — he was a servant of the Lord. His leadership was marked by obedience to God's commands. This obedience was not merely in the big decisions but also in the small, daily acts that built trust and laid the groundwork for future victories. The act of smiting the enemies was not done in Moses' own strength but through divine empowerment. We too are called to be obedient servants, relying not on our own understanding but trusting in the instruction of the Lord.
In our daily lives, obedience may manifest in various forms — whether it is through our relationships, our work, or our personal challenges. The act of trusting God's guidance in these moments is what leads to spiritual possession. Are we allowing God to direct our steps? Are we engaging in the battles that He has placed before us?
### Understanding Possession
The word “possession” resonates powerfully within the framework of faith. For the Israelites, possessing the land was a representation of God’s promise and favor. Each tribe’s inheritance signified a tangible manifestation of God’s provision. As believers, we possess promises of God, some of which are spiritual and others that can overflow into our physical lives.
To possess means we take hold of what God has prepared for us. But this possession is often intertwined with our willingness to engage in the battles that lead us there. God has a unique inheritance for each of us — our calling, our purpose, our spiritual gifts. Are we ready to claim it by engaging in necessary battles, standing firm on His Word, and following in faith?
### Reflection and Action
As we reflect on Joshua 12:6, let’s ask ourselves — what are the areas in our lives where God is calling us to respond obediently? What battles are we avoiding, and how might our delay in engaging hinder the fullness of God's promise in our lives?
Obedience leads to possession. God rewards our faith and determination to follow Him, even when it seems challenging. For the Israelites, the victories that Moses and the children of Israel gained led to their inheritance. In our lives, personal victories in faith often lead to a more profound possession of what God promises us.
### Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we meditate on Joshua 12:6, instill within us the courage and tenacity to engage in the battles before us. Help us to be obedient servants, trusting in Your promises, and willing to possess what You have prepared for us. May we not shy away from challenges but face them with Your strength, knowing every battle won is a step closer to the inheritance You have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Joshua 12:6 Artwork
Joshua 12:6 - "Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh."
"Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh." - Joshua 12:6
Joshua 6:12 - "¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD."
"¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD." - Joshua 6:12
Joshua 1:12 - "¶ And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,"
Joshua 12:12 - "The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;"
Joshua 6
Joshua 6:27 - "So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country."
Joshua 24:12
Joshua 24:12
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 6:6 - "¶ And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD."
Joshua 1:12-16
Joshua 1:12-16
Joshua 6:17-25
Joshua 6:2 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 12:21 - "The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;"
Joshua 12:11 - "The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;"
Joshua 12:13 - "The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;"
Joshua 12:17 - "The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;"
Joshua 12:15 - "The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;"
Joshua 12:10 - "The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;"
Joshua 12:18 - "The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;"
Joshua 12:14 - "The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;"
Joshua 12:19 - "The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;"
"¶ And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying," - Joshua 1:12
"The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;" - Joshua 12:12
Joshua 6:25 - "And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho."