Joshua 19–Judges 7 | The Old Testament NIV — Daily One-Hour Reading | Day 15

Today’s one-hour reading covered Joshua 19–24 and Judges 1–7, moving from the final distribution of the Promised Land into the beginning of Israel’s turbulent period under the judges. The final chapters of Joshua complete the tribal land allotments, establish the Cities of Refuge, and distribute cities to the Levites. Joshua then addresses Israel’s leaders, reminding them to remain faithful to God. At Shechem, he renews the covenant with the people and delivers his famous challenge: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” Joshua declares that he and his household will serve the Lord before he dies at the age of 110. Judges opens with Israel struggling to fully drive out the inhabitants of Canaan. After Joshua’s generation passes away, a new generation turns to other gods, beginning a recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, cries for help, and deliverance through judges raised up by God. The reading introduces several of these judges, including Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Deborah and Barak lead Israel to victory over the Canaanite army, with Jael playing a decisive role in Sisera’s death. Israel later suffers under Midianite oppression, and God calls Gideon to deliver His people. Despite reducing Gideon’s army to just 300 men, God brings about a victory that demonstrates Israel’s deliverance does not depend on having the largest army. This reading marks a transition from the leadership of Joshua to the repeated struggles of Israel during the time of the judges, highlighting the importance of covenant faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and God’s repeated acts of deliverance. The chapter range reflects whatever I reached during this one-hour reading session—not a goal to complete a certain number of chapters. This is also a personal time capsule—a record of ME reading the Bible that my children can return to years from now. One hour. Every day. Keep reading.