SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER
Today’s Reading: Joshua 15
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Here is David Reynold examining the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin with its beige-coloured limestone walls. There are about 800 bell-shaped caves located in the area. Many of these caves are linked via an underground network of passageways that connect groups of 40-50 caves. The town of Beit Guvrin replaced the city of Maresha, one of the Judean cities mentioned in the Bible as a city fortified by Rehoboam (Joshua 15:44 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-8).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Joshua 15:19
She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Joshua 15:16-19 is repeated in Judges 1:12-15. This is evidence of good history. Othniel and Achsah, husband and wife, were first cousins. This arrangement is not uncommon in modern times amongst the indigenous people of the middle east. What was uncommon in ancient times is that a woman would own property. Men of God, such as Caleb, have always recognized women’s rights. In Jesus’ time, women were not allowed to be witnesses in court. Yet, the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus was Mary Magdalene, God’s choice as a witness in the court of human history.
There is an archaeological excavation 13 km southwest of Hebron. There they found two spring-fed chambers, upper and lower, each chamber tapped by a well. The experts believe this is Debir, mentioned in our reading. This is desert land and Achsah needed the blessing of these springs. God has promised to supply our needs. Ask! (Philippians 4:19). Jesus cried out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink” (John 7:37-39).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m asking You for a blessing. Caleb was an example of Your generous heart. I praise You for Your gift of the wells of Salvation. Please give me grace to drink deeply of the Springs You provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen! (for worship today, we may want to read several times Isaiah 12).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Today’s reading and our key verse cause me to think of the woman at the well. Jesus gave her “living water” (full story in John 4:1-42). I’m expecting the blessing of Isaiah 55 (for the entire chapter click here). I want the blessing of God’s thoughts. How can this be? Want to get wet? Isaiah says to go out in the rain. He’s giving a picture of soaking in God’s thoughts, which are expressed in God’s Words. Because I’m soaking every day in God’s Words as I do this blog, I’m confident that I’m thinking God’s thoughts after Him. The result is that God’s purposes are being accomplished and as Isaiah 55:12 tells me, I “shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing.” This is a great blessing!
Yours for being greatly blessed,
David
Another view inside the Bell Cave at Beit Guvrin.
The Bell caves must be amazing. So many towns & villages mentioned. I do wonder if first cousins still marry in the Holy Land. Holocaust Day of remembrance was yesterday, I believe. A mind boggling event. 6,000,000 Jewish people killed. Heart breaking event. Praying for Jewish people to make Aliyah. (journey to Israel) and to know Jesus as Messiah. Amen.
I agree with you Doreen, the Bell Caves do sound amazing,I have learned so much more Biblical history through David’s blog.
I join you in praying for the Jewish race, God’s chosen people, and I join everyone in praying for our world, for our leaders, may God’s will be done.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).
Thank You, Lord, for springs of living water that bring life wherever they go. Send Your Word, Lord, throughout this world. Bless all Your workers, all Your people, with Your glorious presence. Help us work diligently so others will see and come to know You, in Jesus’s great name, amen
I also join Doreen and Anne in prayer for the Jewish .people. It is very sad to see in the news what is going on there at present. I am also praying for the people of Ukraine that they will get their country back.
Hope you are feeling better today Doreen.
Blessings to all Eleanor M.
Also thinking about those who have not been on here for abit.🙏🙏
Good afternoon everybody
I have great news I’m able to walk on my own and at times with the help of my Walker
I saw my surgeon yesterday and he is very pleased with my progress
Hallelujah and praise the Lord
For it is the Lord that gets all the praise all the glory all the adoration for what he’s doing in my life amen
Praise God. Blessings on you.
Happy for you Marilyn!
Praise God 👍
God Bless You All!!!
Yes prayers for the Jewish Nations.
So happy to read the blog every day and
praying with you and for you.
Pray for my niece Samantha. This will be her 3rd week
at work. Pray that she will continue and be Blessed and enjoy.
Prayers for Samantha, that she feels great in her new job and that God will guide, help, and, gift her with the knowledge and wisdom she needs to do well. Amen