Finding Our Identity in the Promised Land

"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20

"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:{verse.verse_number}

The land of promise is referred to with reverence and dedication; it is a space designated for inheritance, a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His people. In the book of Joshua, chapter 19, verse 20 offers a glimpse into the distribution of the land amongst the tribes of Israel, specifically mentioning: "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez." Each of these names, while seemingly just locations, carries profound significance for both the Israelites and for us today in a spiritual context.

As we consider these names, we can draw parallels to our own journeys in seeking a place of belonging and identity in our spiritual walk. In Joshua 19:20, we note the precision and importance of names. Each title in this verse represents more than mere geographical significance; they encapsulate the stories and heritage of God’s promises to His people. Just as these locations were determined by sovereign choice, so too are our identities chosen and established by God.

Rabbith, which translates to "the great or exalted place," can be seen as a symbol of taking our rightful place in the kingdom of God. As we come to faith, we are invited not only to step into our identity but also into a higher calling that exalts the name of Christ. This invitation requires us to forsake low living—a life less than God intended for us. We find affirmation in Romans 8:17 where it reads that we are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Accepting our identity as children of the King brings with it a responsibility to live up to His expectations, to shine our light in the world, and to exalt His name.

Moving to Kishion, which some sources denote as "hard," this name reminds us of the challenges that we face in our spiritual journey. The pursuit of righteousness is often met with difficulties and significant trials. Yet, it is within these trials that God molds and shapes us. James 1:2-4 encourages us that the "trying of our faith worketh patience." When we face our challenges, instead of wavering, we are to reflect on the strength that lies within the promise of God. Like Kishion, our trials may seem hard, but they serve a purpose in drawing us nearer to the Father and producing in us a steadfast faith that can endure.

Lastly, Abez translates to "the place of nourishment," symbolizing God’s provision. As we inhabit the land He has for us, we must constantly seek nourishment from His Word and His presence. Acknowledging Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), we find sustenance not in the physical, but in the spiritual. Our faith is enriched through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, and it is from this holy nourishment that we can flourish and bear fruit for the Kingdom.

In a world that often labels us as unworthy, lost, or broken, we are reminded through the inheritance spoken of in Joshua 19:20 that our identities are anchored not in earthly perceptions, but in God’s divine promise. As the Israelites took possession of the land, we too are called to take hold of the promises laid before us, shedding old identities and stepping boldly into the new creation God declares us to be.

So let us strive to recognize the depth of our inheritance through prayer and meditation on God’s Word. Embrace the exalted place He has called you to, acknowledge the trials He is utilizing to strengthen you, and partake of the nourishment He has freely provided. As we navigate our lives, may we continually seek to lean into the promises, drawing ever closer to the heart of our Shepherd, and finding our true identity in Him.

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Joshua 19:20 Artwork

Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"

Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"

"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20

"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20

Joshua 19:19 - "And Haphraim, and Shion, and Anaharath,"

Joshua 19:19 - "And Haphraim, and Shion, and Anaharath,"

Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"

Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"

Joshua 6:20

Joshua 6:20

Joshua 6:20

Joshua 6:20

Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."

Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."

"And Haphraim, and Shion, and Anaharath," - Joshua 19:19

"And Haphraim, and Shion, and Anaharath," - Joshua 19:19

Joshua 19:4 - "And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,"

Joshua 19:4 - "And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,"

Joshua 19:42 - "And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,"

Joshua 19:42 - "And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,"

Joshua 19:44 - "And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,"

Joshua 19:44 - "And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,"

Joshua 19:43 - "And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,"

Joshua 19:43 - "And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,"

Joshua 19:36 - "And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,"

Joshua 19:36 - "And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,"

"The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 20:1

"The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 20:1

Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"

Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"

Joshua 19:3 - "And Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Azem,"

Joshua 19:3 - "And Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Azem,"

Joshua 19:5 - "And Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah,"

Joshua 19:5 - "And Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah,"

Joshua 19:45 - "And Jehud, and Bene-berak, and Gath-rimmon,"

Joshua 19:45 - "And Jehud, and Bene-berak, and Gath-rimmon,"

Joshua 19:25 - "And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,"

Joshua 19:25 - "And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,"

Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"

Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"

Joshua 19:18 - "And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,"

Joshua 19:18 - "And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,"

Joshua 19:49 - "¶ When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:"

Joshua 19:49 - "¶ When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:"

Joshua 19:41 - "And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh,"

Joshua 19:41 - "And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh,"

Joshua 19:2 - "And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,"

Joshua 19:2 - "And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,"

Joshua 19:46 - "And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho."

Joshua 19:46 - "And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho."

Joshua 12:19 - "The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;"

Joshua 12:19 - "The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;"

Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"

Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"

Joshua 15:20 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families."

Joshua 15:20 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families."

Joshua 19:6 - "And Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:"

Joshua 19:6 - "And Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:"

Joshua 13:19 - "And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley,"

Joshua 13:19 - "And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley,"