Joshua Claims Territory

Joshua was the last to receive his inheritance. We see in this sequence the magnanimity of this great leader. He was not striving to reap all the benefits by virtue of his office, which he could readily have done. He shunned the temptation to which leaders are constantly exposed, namely, to enhance their own coffers with little consideration for those in less favorable positions. Joshua was last served, though the eldest and greatest man in Israel. He sought the good of his country above any private interests of his own. He is a great example to all who serve in public places whether in civil or church leadership.

It is further noted that he did not take the inheritance to himself without the people's consent and approbation. The record says that the children of Israel gave it to him. They loved their leader. No wonder the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua (Joshua 24:31 Judges 2:7). Such unselfish service begets love, which, in turn, prompts obedience. No one really has a right to leadership until he has learned to serve unselfishly. Christ, who pleased not Himself (Rom. 15:3), is the great exemplar of unselfish service.