May 1st, Joshua 20; May 15th, Judges 10; May 31st, 1 Sam. 1; June 15th, 1 Sam. 16.

After the record of how the land was allotted to the tribes (Joshua 12-21), instructions and warning follow in the closing chapters. Divided interests cannot fail to bring in difficulty and strife. This appears to be the lesson in connection with the two and one-half tribes separated from their brethren by the river Jordan. Their choice was governed by self-interest, not guidance from God. Material advantages had ruled their thoughts. Now we see that misgivings trouble them (ch. 22:24, etc.). This is one of the results arising from not being fully in God's place- resulting in lack of assurance, fear as to the future and effort to provide against possible emergencies. It necessitates, in some degree, confidence in the flesh; this brings a lack of rest and peace, which is only enjoyed by leaving all in God's hand. Hence, these tribes built their great altar through fear and uncertainty. It is another step dictated by expediency, for they are not in the simple path of dependence on God. This only leads to further difficulty, and even conflict threatens. How much better to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, to give Him and His claims first place, and rely upon the following promise that all needful things shall be supplied. Paul followed this course (Phil. 3 and 4).

Moreover, this altar-building appeared to deny the unity of Israel and looked like rebellion, which would bring judgment upon the whole assembly. It is a serious thing for God's people to act in any way which shows divided interests. Christians who follow the path of fleshly interest and put present, material advantages first, practically deny the truth of that separate, not-of-the-world place which goes with oneness in life and interest with God and Christ. From this very thing how much has arisen to bring difficulty and strife into the company of God's people! We cannot sacrifice what is of moral and spiritual worth for present and material gain without suffering loss ourselves, and in measure bringing loss to others also.

The two last chapters give Joshua's final appeals to God's people. First, he declares how God had acted for them, and gives assurance of what He will do. On this . ground he appeals for courage and obedience. They are to be a separate people, cleaving to the Lord. If faithful to their high calling, no opposing power could effectually resist them. The lesson abides for us. We are first called to remember God's great grace in Christ, blessing us with every spiritual blessing, and His great and precious promises as to the future. Faith must lay hold of them and act. upon them, accounting Him to be faithful who has promised. Our responsibility is to obey His revealed will. Victory is then assured.

But God is righteous as well as gracious, light as well as love. Because He must be sanctified in those who draw near to Him Joshua warns as to disobedience, and then reviews God's work for His people. This they, and we too, need to have constantly before us. In grace God had taken Abraham out of idolatry, giving him wonderful promises and blessing him richly. In like manner He had dealt with Abraham's people, and now they were in the very land promised to him. This is something like Eph. 2. The apostle calls us to remember our former place, and shows how in mercy and grace God has blessed us in Christ.

On the ground of these things Joshua calls the people to fear and serve the Lord in separation from the evil among the nations. Compare Ephesians 4. The people declare their purpose to be faithful, and a memorial is set up to remind them of their pledge.

Joshua's closing messages foreshadow failure, and the beginning of the book of Judges shows this to have quickly developed after his death and that of the elders who outlived him.

Judges has three main divisions.

Chaps. 1-3:4 are introductory, setting forth the general failure of Israel to take possession, violation of covenant obligations, and Jehovah's attitude and action toward them in view of their disobedience.

Chaps. 3:5 -16:31 recount the several periods of servitude to which Israel was subjected because of departure from the Lord. The deliverers He repeatedly raised up were in answer to the people's cry of distress. Spiritual lessons are to be gathered from a study of the nations which afflicted Israel; they represent different aspects of evil to which we fall a prey through disobedience to God. Likewise, the Judges, and the circumstances connected with them, teach us the ways and means used by God to effect deliverance and restore blessing when there is repentance and self-judgment as to the past.

Chaps. 17-21 form a distinct section in which the shameful conditions characteristic of the Judges-period are set forth, in which idolatry, immorality, and violence prevailed. It is a terrible record of departure from God's Word, and consequent lawlessness among those professedly His people. These two things go together, and our own days are a witness of it.

Ruth presents a pleasing contrast to the sad history of Judges, and shows how amid the abounding evil God still works, keeping alive a testimony, and through adverse circumstances fulfils His purpose. This little book is full of what illustrates the grace of God and the blessings of redemption.

Primarily, the application is to Israel in the last days when that nation shall be restored to the land, redeemed and "built up" through Christ, of whom] Boaz is a type. Naomi pictures the present state of Israel, the result of unbelief and departure from God, and away from His land, while the daughters-in-law may well illustrate two prominent features of the nation's condition at the time of the return-the apostate part which is associated with Antichrist, as Orpah, who clings to her heathen people and gods, and the believing remnant in whom the nation is revived and blessed. This finds its type in Ruth who, despite all contrary circumstances and the helplessness of Naomi, has God and His land before her soul. She is a beautiful example of faith.

Many moral and spiritual lessons here apply to both believer and unbeliever. It is thus with all Scripture; every part of it is freighted with profit and instruction for all.

These brief comments touch only some salient features. We are taught first what always makes man empty, barren and unhappy. It is self-choice and consequent departure from God. Whatever the test, man fails under it. It is God's right! to test, man's privilege to turn to Him under it; but here he breaks down, turning to his own way, the bitterness of which God must allow him to learn to break his will and smite! his pride and boast, until, humbled and broken in spirit, he acknowledges God's dealings and confesses his need. Such was Naomi's experience; such is that of every soul that finds the blessing in God's grace and love. When we are stripped of all vain trust, then God has tidings of mercy for the destitute and sorrowing soul.
"They came to Bethlehem," God brings back to the point of departure; thus the soul is made to reach bottom. Then the rise begins into a sphere of expanding blessing. The following chapters show steps of progress in the soul's experience as it grows in grace and in the knowledge of the Kinsman-Redeemer-our Lord Jesus Christ. The energy of faith leads to deeper acquaintance with Him, and obedience to His word opens the way to larger supplies. Assurance, protection, provision, and fellowship result (ch. 2).

But there is also exercise and testing, for apart from such spiritual experiences the full blessing is not enjoyed. Yet these only serve to give what confirms, commands, and sustains the child of faith, as hindrances are met and removed, so that joy and rest may be complete.

It is thus we are brought to find our all in and through Christ. For the soul's full rest it must learn
that only in Him, our Boaz, is strength found. Thus we come into! the realization and enjoyment of our relationship so that fruit-bearing results-the fruit of the Spirit.