ARCHAEOLOGY, FRIEND OF THE BIBLE

Today's Reading: Joshua 11-12

Key Verse: Joshua 11:15

As the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.

There are at least two ways to approach our readings. First, for inspiration, and second, for information. According to 11:10b, Hazor, a city state, was the "head of all those kingdoms." Verse 13 mentions "their mounds," or in modern times, they would call the mounds "tels." The central public buildings were destroyed, or simply fell down with age, and the people would build on top of the rubble. This would result in a hill made up of the ruins. The archaeologists, who have excavated Hazor, dated the main destruction by Israel in the late 15th century BC. Evidence of fire was found in several places.

Perhaps our key verse can inspire us to complete the commitments we've made. The word "discipline" is from the same root word as "disciple," "talmudim" in Hebrew. It means "student." The Apostle Paul, a lifetime student and teacher, wrote to the young Timothy, encouraging him to "study" or "be diligent."

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, we are confident that these stories of war are accurate as told. We're thankful that the archaeological digs confirm that, for if the history is true, it follows that the inspirational messages are worthy of our respect also. Please grant that we will have grace to be and do as Paul wrote: "Strong - faithful - enduring hardship - hard working - diligent - a worker - and unashamed." In Jesus' Name (the One who modeled all these qualities), Amen!

For more on today's reading, please visit 100words.ca