a symbol of the future life

Joshua 11:21-23 (JDV)

Joshua 11:21 At that time Joshua proceeded to exterminate the Anakim from the hill country – Hebron, Debir, Anab – all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua completely destroyed them with their cities.
Joshua 11:22 No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites, except for some remaining in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.
Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that Yahveh had told Moses. Joshua then gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. After this, the land had rest from war.

a symbol of the future life

The events described in the book of Joshua really happened. This is not a myth, contrived to make a theological statement or to produce an emotional or psychological frame of mind. This is history.

As such, today’s text gives its original audience a confidence that the land in which they live was promised by God, and the battles securing that land were fought and won.

But as I have been suggesting in this study, it also speaks to the theological issue of the future state of the righteous. The promised land was a symbol of the future life of believers in Christ.

Like the future life of the believer, the promised land was to be won in battle.
Like the future life of the believer, the promised land was to be free from opposition.
Like the future life of the believer, the promised land was to be a place and time for renewal.

Lord, we are seeking a land of blessing and freedom from sin.