EPIC Daily Reading: Day 5

EPIC: The Story of God's People

BLOG Daily Reading
Day Five: Division of the Land
Joshua 17-20

Summary:
The division of the Promised Land continues in today’s reading. Joshua appoints a team of land surveyors to scout the entire land and write up a description of each territory including boundaries lines and physical features. What follows is an interesting account of these land reports and to which tribe they were allotted. The section ends today with a description of the “cities of refuge.” These cities were established by God to be a safe haven for those who were being avenged by another for accidentally killing another. In a day where the law of the land was “eye for an eye” and any offense could be avenged blood for blood, God sets up a plan for people to be “innocent until proven guilty.” This is another step toward bringing order and justice into a land of chaos and violence.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 20:1-5
1 Then the LORD said to Joshua: 2 "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

4 "When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. 5 If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought.

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 17-20

Question of the Day:
God is the ultimate place of refuge—a place of safety and care. How have you sought refuge in God this week?

Prayer Focus:
God, I trust in your son Jesus today who is my refuge from sin and death.