Joshua 16-18

I fell behind in my efforts here last week. I hope to keep to the schedule of readings this week. God, help me.

The plot thickens. As reported in Joshua, chapter 16, the tribe of Ephraim defeated, but did not entirely eradicate the non-Jewish people living in the territory “given” to them. It seems the LORD fights for the Israelis whenever they are thoroughly and completely victorious, and the Israelis fail whenever they are not thoroughly and completely victorious. Additionally, the enemies not killed and allowed to live in the territory are forced into slavery. Were the Israelis tempted not to eradicate their enemies so that they could force them to serve as slaves?

From my point of view the Israelis ought to have understood the evils of slavery, since their ancestors had been enslaved in Egypt (See the Bible’s book of Exodus.). How could they, in good conscience, force others into slavery? I know the ancients had a different view of the institution of slavery. To them it was, well, an uncontested social institution. Still, I see temptation written all over Ephraim’s situation.

A similar situation develops for the tribe of Manasseh. They fail to defeat their enemies fully and enslave the survivors of battle instead (Joshua 17).

So what situation am I content to tolerate in my own life, despite the fact that it feels or is, in fact, unjust? Which condition am I willing to “let be” even though I can discern temptation(s) connected to it? LORD, have mercy...