And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. Joshua 9:15
The marvelous providences connected with Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and with their occupancy of the Promised Land led many of the heathen to recognize the God of Israel as the Supreme Ruler. "The Egyptians shall know," had been the promise, "that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them" (Exodus 7:5). Even proud Pharaoh was constrained to acknowledge Jehovah's power. "Go, serve the Lord," he urged Moses and Aaron, "and bless me also" (Exodus 12:31, 32).
The advancing hosts of Israel found that knowledge of the mighty workings of the God of the Hebrews had gone before them, and that some among the heathen were learning that He alone was the true God. In wicked Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman was, "The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" (Joshua 2:11). The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith "Rahab perished not with them that believed not" (Hebrews 11:31). And her conversion was not an isolated case of God's mercy toward idolaters who acknowledged His divine authority. In the midst of the land a numerous people--the Gibeonites--renounced their heathenism and united with Israel, sharing in the blessings of the covenant. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 369)
Reflection: God is the Maker of all. With Him there is no distinction of nationality, race, or caste. He loves everyone, but He hates all sin. Let us renounce our sins to Him today.
The marvelous providences connected with Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and with their occupancy of the Promised Land led many of the heathen to recognize the God of Israel as the Supreme Ruler. "The Egyptians shall know," had been the promise, "that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them" (Exodus 7:5). Even proud Pharaoh was constrained to acknowledge Jehovah's power. "Go, serve the Lord," he urged Moses and Aaron, "and bless me also" (Exodus 12:31, 32).
The advancing hosts of Israel found that knowledge of the mighty workings of the God of the Hebrews had gone before them, and that some among the heathen were learning that He alone was the true God. In wicked Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman was, "The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" (Joshua 2:11). The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith "Rahab perished not with them that believed not" (Hebrews 11:31). And her conversion was not an isolated case of God's mercy toward idolaters who acknowledged His divine authority. In the midst of the land a numerous people--the Gibeonites--renounced their heathenism and united with Israel, sharing in the blessings of the covenant. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 369)
Reflection: God is the Maker of all. With Him there is no distinction of nationality, race, or caste. He loves everyone, but He hates all sin. Let us renounce our sins to Him today.
RSS Feed
