“Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:43-45).

When Israel claims the land that they have been promised, the LORD takes care to designate cities of refuge and to divide the land among the tribes. This is a land where justice prevails and worship of the one true God is cultivated among its inhabitants. 

This section of the book of Joshua, after the land has been divided and allocated as an inheritance for the tribes, ends with a proclamation. The Lord has fulfilled all his promises. As the text says: “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed, all came to pass” (Josh. 21:45, ESV). Scripture is clear that the Lord will keep and honor all his promises, because that is who God is. The people have received land, victory over their enemies and rest and safety. The Lord not only honored his promises, but also acted on behalf of Israel. The Lord has been true to his promises, and all came to pass. 

Remember the faithfulness of our God, and that he will keep every promise in Scripture as his character requires. God is merciful, just, good, true and holy. He will keep his promises, and all will come to pass. 

Catherine Rybicki, Charlotte, N.C.

Extended Scripture: Joshua 20–22