Joshua 5:10-12

“And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.“

When the Israelites celebrated the Passover in Gilgal, something remarkable happened: the manna that had sustained them for forty years ceased, and they began to eat the fruit of the land (Joshua 5:10-12). This moment marked a powerful shift in their journey with God, from miraculous daily provision in the wilderness to enjoying the blessing of the land God had promised them.

From Manna to the Fruit of the Land

For the Israelites, manna was supernatural food – a daily miracle in a barren desert. It was God’s way of saying, “I am with you even in the wilderness.” But stepping into the Promised Land, they began to taste something different: the fruit of the land. This was not just about physical food but about a new season. God desired that His people enjoy His blessings, live joyfully, and draw closer to Him.

Eating the fruit of the land symbolises moving from survival to abundance, from wandering to establishing roots, from depending only on miracles to living in God’s long-term blessing. Both manna and the fruit of the land are divine provisions, but fruit of the land represents a settled life of growth, inheritance, and flourishing.

Offering God the Fruit of Our Labour

There is deep joy in presenting the Lord with offerings from the fruit of the land. Unlike manna, which simply fell from heaven, the fruit of the land requires labour, time, and care. When we give to God from what we have worked for, it is not just a gift: it is worship from the heart.

The earth itself is a gift from our Father. Just as children inherit land and possessions from their parents, humanity has been entrusted with creation by our Lord and Saviour. We are called to live fruitfully, multiply, possess the gates of the enemy (spiritual forces of darkness), and restore God’s glory on earth.

A Warning for Us Today

Yet, the Bible reminds us that not all who inherited the land remained faithful. After the first generation, many Israelites forgot the Lord, grew careless, and grieved God through their actions. They enjoyed the blessings without honouring the Giver.

This is a caution for us, too. As we eat the fruit of the land in our own lives, whether that’s success, provision, opportunities, or answered prayers, we must not forget the Lord. Blessings are never meant to replace our devotion but to deepen it.

Living in the Fruitful Season

As we step into this month and beyond, let us embrace the fruit of the land with gratitude and reverence for God. Let us never lose the fear and love of God as we enjoy His blessings.

May our prayer continually echo the words of Jesus:

“Father, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wish you and yours a blessed and fruitful October!