Inheriting by faith - Fai ma tofi i le faatuatua

Scripture Focus: Iosua 13:1-14

Now Joshua was old and well advanced in years. Yahweh said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed. “This is the land that still remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites; from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim, on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad under Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath; all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians; them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” With him the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them: from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah; all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out. Nevertheless the children of Israel didn’t drive out the Geshurites, nor the Maacathites: but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day. Only he gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The offerings of Yahweh, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spoke to him.
- Joshua 13:1-14 (WEB)

Study:

The passage in Joshua 13 reminds us that inheriting God's promises often requires faith and perseverance through incomplete victory. Joshua is old, yet much land remains unconquered; God commands him to allocate the inheritance regardless, trusting that God’s promise will be fulfilled in time. The text highlights that while some lands and peoples remain unconquered, the tribes of Israel are to claim what has been promised by faith. Notably, the tribe of Levi receives no land but is given a spiritual inheritance through their service to God. This teaches us that receiving God's blessing is not always tied to visible possession but rooted deeply in trusting God’s faithfulness and timing.

Application:

In our own lives, we might feel like Joshua—facing challenges and waiting for God’s promises to be fully realized. This passage encourages us to step forward in faith, claiming what God has promised even when circumstances seem incomplete or uncertain. Just as God promised the Israelites land inheritance, He promises us spiritual blessings and guidance. We are to live in faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and His promises sure, even when full victory or clarity hasn't yet come. Additionally, like the Levites, some may serve God in ways without earthly reward, but their inheritance in Him remains eternal and invaluable.

Reflection Questions:

• What promises of God am I currently waiting to fully receive?
• How can I live by faith today, even when I don’t see the full picture?
• In what ways am I serving God that might not yield immediate earthly reward?
• How does knowing God’s faithfulness impact my trust in His timing?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to inherit Your promises by faith, trusting in Your perfect timing and faithfulness. Strengthen me to persevere even when the inheritance seems incomplete or delayed. Teach me to serve You wholeheartedly, knowing that my ultimate reward is found in You. Amen.

Tags: Bible study, Joshua 13, faith, inheritance, God's promises, perseverance, trust in God, tribe of Levi, spiritual inheritance