The book of Joshua speaks of a high-point in the history of God’s
people, Israel. By faith, they took possession of the land which the
Lord had provided for them. The book of Judges tells of the downward
slope - “ ... The people of Israel did what the Lord considered evil
... “ (Judges 2:10-15). Although this was a bad time in the history of
Israel, there was also some encouragement - “Then the Lord would send
judges to rescue them from those who robbed them” (Judges 2:16). Sadly,
the people wouldn’t listen to the judges (Judges 2:17-19). There were
difficult times ahead for the people of Israel. The Lord allowed the
nations to remain in the land. This was His way of testing His people
(Judges 2:20-23).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be ...
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