나는 이스라엘 안에 항상 존재하는 종교적 배교와 지배...

나는 이스라엘 안에 항상 존재하는 종교적 배교와 지배 문화로의 동화라는 위협에 저항하고 극복하도록 용기를 불어넣는 이야기로 여호수아서를 읽을 것을 제안한다. 역사적, 문학적 증거에 따르면, 이이야기는 주전 7세기 말 이스라엘 자신이 정복당한 민족, 정복당한땅이 되어 앗수르 제국의 속국이 되었을 때 처음 형성된 것으로 보인다. - P228

 "여호수아의 우뚝 솟은 모습은 모든 이스라엘 백성의 구원자가 될 수도 있는 요시야의 초상을 은유적으로 연상시키는 데 사용되었다." "
다시 말해 여호수아서는 주전 7세기 앗수르의 위협을 정교하게은유화한 책으로, 여러 세기 전 이스라엘 백성이 그 땅에 들어올 때고대 가나안 족속과 그들이 대표하는 거짓 숭배의 위협으로부터 강제적으로 그리고 완전히 분리되라는 하나님의 명령을 받은 이야기의 형태로 주조되었다. 이 책은 무력 저항이 불가능한 상황에서 종교적 동화에 대한 저항을 불러일으키고, 그 위협을 말 그대로 삶과 죽음의 문제로 제시하기 위해 고안된 텍스트다.  - P229

여호수아 이야기는 신명기 역사가들의 시대에 이스라엘이 직면한 도전을 극화하기 위해 그보다 훨씬 이전 시기의 문화적 기억을 끌어오며, 이스라엘에게 대가를 치르는(그리고 가능하다면 공격적인) 저항의 자세를 촉구한다. ‘문화적 기억‘이라는 개념은 사회인류학에서 쓰이다가 성서학 연구에 도입된 것으로, 검증 가능한 사실보다는 집단 구성원들이 공유하는 이야기에 기반을 두고 과거를 이해하는 방향을 제시한다. 그것은 "기억된 역사"이며, 기억의 목표는 집단의 정체성을 명확히 하고 강화하며 미래에 대한 희망을 창출하는것이다."  - P230

여호수아서의 가장 놀라운 점은, 공식 역사 기록에서 거의찾아보기 힘든 정직한 태도로 이스라엘의 역사를 ‘기억‘한다는 데 있다. 이 책은 이스라엘의 (상대적으로 소수에 불과한) 영적 성공과 함께이스라엘의 실패를 보여주며, 그 내용은 흥미로운 이야기부터 끔찍한 이야기까지 다양하다. 더 나아가 이스라엘과 그 하나님에 대한 언약적 신실함을 보여주기 위한 가나안인들의 단호한 노력도 서술한다 - P230

이스라엘에 의한, 이스라엘에 대한 이러한 솔직한 비판은 이스라엘이 그 땅에서 고난을 겪은 전체 이야기 (여호수아서-열왕기) 내내 계속되며, 바벨론 유배에서 절정에 이른다. 이러한 특징적인 어조는 이모음집의 전통적인 명칭인 전기 예언서가 현대의 명칭인 신명기 역사서보다 더 나은 표현이 될 수 있는 이유를 보여준다. 여호수아서는일종의 예언적 계시다. 여기서 계시는 신학자 로완 윌리엄스가 말하는 것처럼, "특정한 과거, 곧 ‘생성적‘으로 보이는 과거에 비추어 현재의 삶을 의문시하고 주의를 기울일 때 나타나는 개념이다."  - P231

다른모든 예언서와 마찬가지로 여호수아서는 세심한 독자들에게 자신에대해 질문하는 태도를 고취시킨다. 특히 우리가 종교적, 문화적 타자에 대해 품는 타고난 우월감과 관련해 말하는 많은 이야기들에 의문을 제기한다. 더 나아가 고대 근동의 정복 이야기와 명백히 대조적인것은, 여호수아서가 공포에 질린 가나안인들을, 그리고 적과 맞선 상황에서도 편들기를 거부하는 신적 전사를 생생히 묘사함으로써 전쟁의 폭력성을 미묘하고도 예리하게 비판한다는 점이다. - P231

기독교 신구약성서에서 ‘정복하다‘를 의미하는히브리어와 그리스어 nikean 동사가 거의 항상 은유적으로 기능한다는 점은 주목할 만하다. 그것은 하나님께 반대하는 세력에게 거둔영적인 승리를 나타낸다. 아마도 가장 초기의 성서적 언급이라 볼 수있는 것으로는, 예언자 미가의 "[하나님] 우리의 죄악을 발로 밟으신다"라는 선언이 있다. 미카7:19 동사 ‘카바쉬 ‘k-b-sh‘의 가장 유명한 성서적사례는 창세기 첫 장에 나오는데, 여기서 인간은 "생육하고 번성하여땅에 충만하라, 땅을 정복하라"창 1:28는 명령을 받는다.  - P231

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.12 (영문판)

32This is the inheritance Moses had given when he was in the plains of Moab across the Jordan east of Jericho.

33But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.

- P39

These verses describe the territory given as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben. The boundaries of the fertile land are described in detail, and the Israelites are reminded that they defeated the king of the Amorites and the princes who were allied with him in order to receive this land. The Israelites also remember that they put to the sword Balaam, who practiced divination. God’s people remember that He has not only granted a rich inheritance for the tribe of Reuben but that He has also led them to triumph over powerful enemies. - P40

We can see that God cares about the details of His promises and that He can help us overcome any challenge, even ones that seem intimidating and impossible. - P40

Heavenly Father, I know that You love me and care about the details in my life. When I face difficult decisions, lead me by Your Spirit so that I might make the wisest choice. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen. - P41

13But the Israelites did not ...

13But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maakah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.

14But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the food offerings presented to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.

- P35

Joshua is now very old, but there are still large areas of the promised land that have not been taken over. God tells Joshua specifically which areas are meant to be a part of their inheritance. However, He also makes clear that He will not just stand by and watch as the people finish the task of occupying the land. God Himself will help them take possession. - P36

In this passage, we see that both God and His people have their roles to fulfill and that God’s actions and our obedience to Him work together to achieve His purposes. - P36

The promises of God are always fulfilled, but He gives us the privilege of collaborating with Him to complete His plans. - P36

Under Moses‘s leadership, two and a half tribes received their inheritance onthe east of the Jordan. The tribe of Levi does not receive a separate inheri-tance of land because God has other plans for them. The Israelites are alsoreminded that they failed to drive out all the people from the land. Conflictand hardship will plague future generations because of this failure.  - P36

We maynot always recognize the full impact of our decisions, but God does. WhenHe calls us to eliminate all idolatrous influences from our lives, we shouldtrust that He knows what is best.  - P36

We should be quick to obey so that wecan remain His holy people and accomplish what He has called us to do. - P36

The level of detail in the record of boundaries and city names attests to itsimportance. The list reflects the goodness of God; He keeps His promises.
Today, all who faithfully follow Him have the reassurance and excitementthat they also have a rich inheritance of eternity with Him. - P37

Dear God, forgive me for the times I have offered You only partial obedience. Instead of selfishly choosing my own way, I want to be reminded of the privilege of serving You. Help me to use my time and talents for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P37

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.12 (영문판)

6Moses, the servant of the Lord, and the Israelites conquered them. And Moses the servant of the Lord gave their land to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh to be their possession. - P30

This passage looks back at the kings the Israelites defeated as they made their way into the promised land. The names of the kings and their respective territories are carefully recorded, reminding God’s people of the divine favor they have experienced under Moses’s leadership. They have been able to conquer the territories on the east side of the Jordan River, and two and a half tribes have even decided to settle there because of the fruitfulness of the land. - P32

Taking time to appreciate our history with God reminds us to stay strong as we go forward. When we encounter future struggles, we will have greater trust and confidence because we will remember His continued faithfulness to us. - P32

Under Joshua‘s leadership, Israel conquers even more cities across a broadlandscape of hills, mountains, and wilderness. The long list of thirty-onedefeated kings reminds the people of the formidable battles they have beenable to win because they serve a powerful God who is faithful to keep Hispromises. They have been able to conquer these kings because Joshua hasbeen committed to serving the Lord.  - P32

May we model his devotion and listencarefully for God‘s direction, knowing that there is no challenge too greatfor Him. We can also keep a written record of God‘s power and faithfulnessin our lives and read over our list whenever we are tempted to doubt or fearany challenges ahead. - P32

Tangible reminders are helpful in remembering my own history with God.
A small keepsake or note prompts me to smile as I think about His faith-fulness in the past. I offer praise and thanks to God as I am grateful onceagain for all that I have, and I am encouraged as I go forward that He willcontinue to be with me. I keep more tangible reminders in strategic placesso that I can continue to remember as my story with God unfolds. Sometimes, I  - P33

also put a reminder in my calendar to take time to appreciate cer-tain people or events. I remember how the Holy Spirit has spoken throughthese individuals or through different situations, and I am ever thankful andrenewed in my joy that I get to walk with Him each day. - P33

Father, thank you that You have been faithful in every season of my life. I remember my history with You and give thanks and praise because You have been a continual source of provision, protection, and strength. You deserve all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P33

The Hivites living in Gibeon ...

The Hivites living in Gibeon tricked the Israelites into making a treaty of peace, but the other nations do not even attempt to do so. God in His sovereignty allows their hearts to remain hardened against Israel. This does not mean that they have no will of their own; the people from these cities are not without sin, and they face the consequences of their actions. - P28

We may be tempted to think God unjust for hardening their hearts, but the reality is that all people are prone to sin and God is the only judge who knows all and understands what is truly just. - P28

As we trust in Him, we will also grow to understand that He sometimes administers His judgment in ways we do not expect. - P28

Having defeated even the Anakites—the giants in the land-Joshua takesthe entire area that God had originally assigned to Moses. The Israeliteshave persisted through a long period of waiting, traveling, and fighting, andthe tribes finally receive their inheritance. They can settle into the promisedland that now has rest from war.  - P28

When we seek the fulfillment of God‘spromises, we sometimes go through a long period of waiting, working,
and struggle. During this time, we can either become impatient and lazyor faithful and hardworking.  - P28

May we not give up during long periods ofdifficulty but see these times as opportunities to demonstrate our trust inGod and grow in our faith through our waiting. - P28

Instead, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to simplyworship and pray in a relational way to focus on the relationship betweenGod and myself. I needed to remember that God was my good and lovingFather and that Christ was the foundational rock beneath my feet. Evenif everything else was being shaken around me, I would be able to remainsecure and confident if I remembered my relationship to Him.
A few days later, I do not yet have tangible answers or solutions to what liesahead, but I feel radically different. I have a sense of assurance that I do notneed to worry so much. At the proper time, the answers will become clear. Irecognize that, during this season, I am being refined in my confidence andsecurity in God regardless of what is happening around me. - P29

Dear Lord, I confess that it is sometimes difficult to endure when I feel that a situation is unjust or when I go through long periods of waiting and struggle. In these times, help me to draw closer to You so that I may grow in my faith and character. In Your name I pray, amen. - P29