Daily Lesson for Monday 8th of December 2025

In contrast with verse 1, where the tribes on the east side are called by their usual form (Reubenites, Gadites, etc.), here a different expression is used: “sons of Reuben,” “sons of Gad,” and “the half-tribe of Manasseh,” which is in contrast to the “sons of Israel” (Joshua 22:11, NASB), thus representing a different entity.

Image © Bible Adventure Collection at Goodsalt.com

In the narrative, the expression “the whole congregation of Israel” refers only to the nine and a half West Jordan tribes, underlining the rift that developed between the two groups. Indeed, the underlying question of the ensuing story is whether the tribes on the east side of the river can be seen as Israelites.

We would expect a smooth conclusion to the story; however, tension arises as the tribes from the east are reported to have erected an altar at the Jordan. The text here does not offer any reason for the act, nor does it describe the function of the altar or specific activity related to it. The ambiguity concerning the meaning of this altar is increased even more if we observe the flashbacks to the first crossing of the Jordan, in chapters 3 and 4, where all Israel entered the edge of the Jordan to cross the river into mainland Canaan. Here a part of Israel comes to the region of the Jordan, but now to cross the river in the opposite direction.

In both cases, a structure of stones is erected. The first served as a memorial, while the second is perceived to be an impressive altar. The question that inevitably comes to mind is: “What do these stones mean?” (compare with Joshua 4:6,22). Is this altar built for sacrifices, or is it only a memorial? Are these other tribes already starting to fall into apostasy?

Lack of consultation with Joshua, Eleazar, or the tribal leaders creates room for a misunderstanding that potentially can lead to terrible conflict.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25d-11-accusations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=25d-11-accusations

As we work our way through the book of Joshua this quarter, we will see that he is ready to 
Fight The Good Fight – Hymn 613 and to move forward into the Promised Land. We may still use last quarter’s theme hymn as this will pop up throughout this quarter as well: 
Hymn 620 – On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand. These two hymns will resound throughout the quarter.

This week we learn many ways of how to 
Fight The Good Fight – Hymn 613 as the people of Israel are taught “not to serve their fellow Israelites but Yahweh Himself”. This way Christians are to “render their service as if they were working with God”:  
Working O Christ, With Thee – Hymn 582.

With “Conflict Resolution” we are taught that 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348 which instructs that we are to follow “Jesus Christ her Lord”.

Our dear Sister Ellen White tells us in Patriarchs and Prophets that we are to put ‘trust in Him” (Friday): 
Hymn 279 – Only Trust Him.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/11-living-in-the-land-singing-with-inspiration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11-living-in-the-land-singing-with-inspiration

Key Thought. With the land conquered, Israel started to unite in their identity. The tribes that had their land on the other side of the Jordan were allowed to go back to their land and built an altar to remember their commitment to one another..
December 13, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Joshua 22:5-20.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these verses tell us about the commitment of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh
3. Personal Application: How would our relationships in the church be transformed if we prayed for each other more than we do? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Wasn’t building an altar of remembrance a type of idolatry? Doesn’t the commandment tell us not to make statues, images, and stuff like that? Why can paintings or statues of Jesus or other humans be dangerous?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Joshua 22:13-15.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why do the Israelites choose Phineas as the head of the delegation to the 2 ½ tribes?
3. Personal Application: How do we keep out past negative experiences from causing us to mistreat or shun positive experiences with others in the present? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I think many people have had bad experiences in their lives and it affects how they react or overreact to similar situations today? Most people jump to conclusions instead of having the grace and foresight to patiently listen to others before jumping to conclusions. We have one mouth which the Bible says is full of deadly poison, and two ears to listen with. We should listen more before we speak..” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Joshua 22:21-29, Proverbs 15:1.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What can we learn from the response of the eastern tribes?
3. Personal Application: How do you handle false accusations? Think of some principles that should guide your attitude in these situations. Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “When I am accused of something, I just consider the source. I’m a much better person than those who might be jealous or hateful. I don’t even need to acknowledge such nonsense. I just ignore them.? ” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Joshua 22:30-34.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does this incident give us insight into conflict resolution and ways of helping keep unity in the church?
3. Personal Application: Why is it important to listen to the opinions of others rather than just try to ramrod your opinion through without “wasting time” in debate? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/living-in-the-land/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=living-in-the-land

Daily Lesson for Sunday 7th of December 2025

Joshua affirms that the tribes from the other side of the Jordan have fully satisfied the obligations set out by Moses and himself, which meant a significant dedication to, and sacrifice on behalf of, Israel’s common cause. They fought alongside their brothers for “many days,” which in reality meant about six to seven years (compare with Joshua 11:18, Joshua 14:10, Deuteronomy 2:14). Their wives and children were left at home, on the east side of Jordan, yet they decided to fight loyally along with their brothers, facing the threat of injury and death in war.

Image © Erik Stenbakken at Goodsalt.com

These verses indirectly underline the importance of the unity of the nation and that of the land. They also prepare the way for the ensuing story, which is ultimately about unity. Will the Israelite tribes stay united, despite the strong natural border that the Jordan forms between them? Will they allow geography to set its mark on their national identity, or will they let their common worship of the only God keep them as His chosen nation, united and strong under His theocratic guidance?

Joshua explains the only way that such fidelity has been possible: they did not serve their fellow Israelites but Yahweh Himself, who charged them with their mission.

We find this same principle in the New Testament. The apostle Paul admonished Christians to render their service as if they were working for God and not only for human beings (see Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:4). What higher calling is there than working for, ultimately, the Creator of the cosmos?

In everyday life, we often face challenges and difficulties that can easily discourage us and make us want to give up the fight. That’s easy, at times, to do. Yet, we can call upon the power of the Lord, who promises to be with us and enables us to do what He asks of us. If we keep our higher calling before us, we can be motivated to press on ahead, despite the inevitable challenges and discouragements that are part of our fallen existence here.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25d-11-commitment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=25d-11-commitment

Is this True, Somewhat True, or False? Understanding types and antitypes is essential to our spiritual growth. Join the Hit the Mark panel as they answer this and other questions from Sabbath School Lesson 10 – The True Joshua. It’s the fastest hour of the week!

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/the-true-joshua-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-true-joshua-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school