In a prior joint venture of Israel–between Joseph and Pharaoh, king of Egypt–the interaction of Israel was extended, in a fashion that was outside of the control of the congregation of Israel. In that sense, that venture serves as one kind of model for modern international relationships. We will explore more of those types of ventures, to provide additional insight about; lessening collateral damage through faithfulness to the way of the LORD. To do that, we have included some of the joint ventures that were ordained for Israel, so as to provide for Israel’s progressive immersion into the world, at large.
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Joint Venture: Joshua and the stale bread
In the modern day, several nations have geographical places known as, territories. These territories are disconnected areas–either remote ones, or, places that are in the same locality, but, they are not a part of the main geographical space of the family of the founders of the nation. They are included as territories because; they are places for which the founders and their descendants bear responsibility. Originally, it seemed that Israel would have a limited ability to partake of this nation-strengthening exercise of, responsibility and accountability.
There was some opportunity for establishing territories; but, that was only available for remote ones. In the early time of the development of the nation; this, here, was Israel’s limitation, as pertained to remote lands.
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it: And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword: But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
(Deuteronomy 20:10-15)By exercise of that commandment, a remote territory would allow Israel to exercise its authority; even though, Israel did not have a significant immediate responsibility for its well-being, or accountability for any damage that might be done to it. However, for near places, Israel was not allowed to exercise authority over, have direct responsibility for, or be accountable to, territories of that sort. Israel had the following there was also this limitation, as pertained to the opportunity for either responsibility, or accountability, for territories.
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– Explore Collateral Damage and the Heart of God: Part Twenty-three –