The whole
assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting
there (Joshua 18:1).
After forty years of
travel, the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle) stood at Gilgal during the military
campaigns for Canaan. Yesterday we read that even after the three campaigns,
there was still work to do. In 18:2 we read that seven of twelve tribes still
had not secured their inheritance, and frankly they would not until the days of
King David. Once the initial campaigns were accomplished, the Tabernacle was
moved from Gilgal and set up in Shiloh. There it would remain until the early
days of Samuel (probably around 300 years or more), but we’ll get to that story
in a couple weeks. In the mean time, Shiloh would serve as the spiritual
capital of Israel during the years of the judges.
Darker days were
ahead. If you want to see what’s coming, read Psalm 78:56-64. But for the time
being, Shiloh was Israel’s spiritual center.
Everyone needs some
sort of spiritual center, some place that takes them back to their spiritual roots. It might be the church
(or river or lake) where you were baptized. It might be a passage of Scripture
that has become especially meaningful to you over the years. It may be one of
the names of God in which you have found your deepest need supplied. Or it
could be the memory of someone special who prayed with you to receive Christ.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Where is your spiritual
center? Ask God to take you back there for a few moments. It’s a wonderful way
to get your bearings and remember your first love.
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