Joshua 1-9

If you remember, Joshua was a helper to Moses for many years.  God chose him to be Moses’ replacement as leader of Israel.  He was filled with the Spirit of wisdom because Moses Had laid hands on him. (Deut. 34:9).  Joshua’s name means “Lord is my Savior” in Hebrew.  The name Jesus means the same thing in Greek.

The author of the book is thought to be Joshua.  The purpose of the book is to give the history of the conquering of the Promised Land and to show that God fulfilled His promise of providing the land to His people.  It is the first of the 12 historical books:  Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.

Joshua 1 – Joshua Prepares the People

In the first chapter Joshua prepared the people to cross the Jordan.  Moses and the entire generation of disobedient Israelites were now dead.  God has Joshua lead the people into Canaan.  God assured Joshua that He would be with him and never leave.  “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.” – Joshua 1:5.   God told him to be strong and courageous and to not let the Book of the Law depart from his mouth.  He was to meditate on it day and night and do everything that was in it.  (Joshua 1:8).  God told Joshua to remember what He commanded him.  “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Going into a foreign unknown land can be dangerous and would require the Israelites to set their hearts on the Lord.  God warned them to not forget the things they have seen and to keep them in their hearts.  They were to teach their children and pass God’s truths to the generations.  It was by God’s design that Israel would march alone to conquer Canaan.  God would always be with them and give them success.

How often do you spend time in the Word?  How do you let it be your source of encouragement and guide for living?  How can you be strong and courageous?

Principle:  God will never leave you or forsake you.

Joshua 2 – Joshua Sends Spies

Joshua was very clever soldier.  He trusted God and he knew he had to show his trust by his actions.  The best way to enter the land was to destroy the city of Jericho.   Joshua sent 2 spies to check out the land.  The king of Jericho heard the spies were in the city and went to look for them.  God probably brought the spies to Rehab’s house, because He knew her faith.  Rehab, who was a prostitute, protected them and hid them on the roof of her house.  She risked her life.  This showed great courage.   

Why would they have gone to a prostitute’s house?  Maybe it was because her house was part of the city wall and they could reach it easily and it was a good way of escape.  Another reason may be since she was prostitute, the townspeople wouldn’t be surprised that 2 strangers came to see her.

She told the spies that she knew God had given them the land and how God had parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape Egyptian slavery.  She acknowledged that their God was the God of heaven and on earth.  She asked them to promise to protect her family, because she had shown kindness to them.  The spies agreed. (Joshua 2:1-14).

The king locked the gates to trap the spies inside Jericho.  Rahab helped the spies escape by letting then down from her window by a rope and told them to hide in the hills.  She would bring her family into her house and when the Israelites came back to destroy the city.  She tied a scarlet cord from her window so when they returned those in her house would be spared.  The men returned to Joshua and told him everything that happened.  They said the people of Jericho were melting in fear.  They were sure that God would bless them and they would be able to enter the land. (Joshua 2:15-22). 

The scarlet cord reminds us of the blood put on the doors in Egypt at the first Passover when God killed every firstborn in Egypt as judgment.  God told the Israelites to put blood of a sacrificed animal on their doors for a sign.  When God saw the blood, He passed over that house and no one in that house was killed (Ex. 12:12-13).   This also reminds us of the blood of Jesus who saved us from God’s punishment for our sins when He died on the cross.

Rahab is mentioned in Matthew as an ancestor of Jesus.  She was not an Israelite, but God chose her because of her faith.  Rahab became the wife of Salmon, the great-great-grandmother of King David.  She is mentioned again in Hebrews 11:31 as one of great faith.  Then she is mentioned again in James 2:25 for what she did for the spies.

James 2:26 tells us that “faith without deeds is dead”.  Rahab’s faith was definitely alive.  Her actions defined her faith in God.  She showed faith, courage and love.  She is a heroine for all believers. 

How do you show your trust in God?  Do your actions show it?  How do you have faith like Rahab?

Principle:  God protects the faithful.

We can learn a lot for the story of Rahab: 

God uses common people to help us support our faith.

 God uses all circumstances to stretch our faith.

God uses many methods to sustain our faith.

What unusual person has God sent in your life to speak to you?  Through what circumstance is God stretching your faith?  When has God put you in danger and how did you react?  Who has God put in your life to get your attention?

Joshua 3 – Another Miraculous Crossing

The Israelites camped for 3 days by the Jordan.  Then Joshua told the people to follow the ark as they crossed the Jordan leaving about 1,000 yards between them and the ark.  They were not to go near it.  They were to follow it because they didn’t know the way since they had never been that way before (Joshua 3:1-4).  This is a picture for us to follow Jesus’ every step.  “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21.

Joshua told the people to “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5.  God wanted them to be holy and ready.  They probably needed to wash themselves and offer sacrifices to Him to show they were sorry for their sins.  We need to confess our sins and be ready for Him.  We can’t work for God if we are sinful. 

Are you willing to consecrate yourself to God’s purposes?  What sin do you need to confess?  Are you ready for God to use you?

The priests were to carry the ark and walk into the river.  They had to step out in faith and stand in the middle of the rushing river.  They had to be strong and courageous.  They would be the last ones to cross.  There are times when we, too have to step out in faith not knowing what will happen.  We just need to trust God.

The ark was a wooden box and in it were the 10 Commandments.  It symbolized the presence and power of God being with His people.  God has always led the people and was still leading them.  By following the ark they were allowing God to lead them.  If they didn’t follow the ark they would get lost and wouldn’t know where to go or how to live.

How are you allowing God to lead you?

(Joshua 3:9-13)  Joshua told them that God was the one giving the instructions.  He didn’t want the honor for himself.  He wanted God to get the honor.  He told them that God was alive and not like the gods of the Canaanites who could not do anything.  God is still alive today.  Jesus is alive and will help us each day of our lives.  God would help them with their enemies.  We have enemies today, too.  We have mostly spiritual enemies.  “For our struggles is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Eph 6:12.

When the priests reached the water and their feet touched the water, the water stopped flowing.  God stopped the water and gathered it up in a heap.  This sounds a lot like the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea when they fled Egypt.  The priests stood in the middle of the dry Jordan with the ark while everyone else crossed over. (Joshua 3:14-17) 

How do you consecrate yourself and wait on the Lord to do wonders?  How do you step out in faith?  Do you trust God and put your feet in the water?

Principle:  God is sovereign and controls all of nature and circumstances.

God does miracles all around us every day.  He not only does big ones, but many small ones.  We just need to look for them and recognize them in all situations.  There are miracles we can see and those we can’t see.  We can see the miracles of nature.  The trees and grass becomes green in springtime, the flowers bloom, the sun shines, the rain falls, the cool breeze blows – these are miracles!  There are many unseen miracles, too.  The guardian angel that protects you from accidents, the phone rings with that long awaited  job offer, that raise in salary you’ve been waiting for, that good report from your doctor, that perfect dress you found, and on and on – these are miracles!

Do you prepare each day for what God has in store for you?  Do you expect His miracles?  Do you spend time in prayer asking him to open your eyes to see His miracles?  

Joshua was a man of faith and believed that God would help the Israelites cross the Jordan.  The priest showed their faith and obedience by standing in the middle while everyone else crossed.  The people showed their faith and courage and crossed the river.   The book of James tells us that faith is dead without action.  God wants us to step out in faith and do what He commands.

Joshua 4 – The Memorial Stones

After they had crossed the Jordan, the Lord commanded Joshua to have a man from each of the 12 tribes were to take a stone from the middle of the Jordan to use as a visible monument and would serve as a remembrance that God had cut off the waters of the Jordan for the people to cross.  “That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.” – Joshua 4:14.

Then the Lord commanded the priests come out of the Jordan.  As soon as they did the water of Jordan returned.  Joshua took the 12 stones and set them up at Gilgal.  They were to tell their descendants that these stones was represented what God did that day.  “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” – Joshua 4:24.

We have memorial monuments today.  We have communion to remember that Jesus died for us.  We have baptism which memorializes what Jesus has done in our personal lives.  We have church steeples that all can see and know that is where God is worshiped.  We have testimonies from believers of what God has done for them in their lives.  We need to remember all God has done and never forget that He is always with us and is doing miracles every day.

How do you recognize the miracles God does in your life?  Do you take them for granted?  How do you remember what Jesus has done for you?  What are your memorial stones?

Principle:  Setting up physical memorials to spiritual milestones reinforces the reality of God’s power.

This crossing of the Jordan event in Israel’s history was important.  It signified the cutting off of their past and entering into a new life.  The stones were to remind them their old life was buried in the Jordan and now they were able to walk in a new life.  Our baptism signifies we are burying the old life and entering into a new one.

Joshua 5 – Preparing for Victory

All the Amorite kings heard how God dried up the Jordan so Israel could cross and were afraid to face Israel.  (Joshua 5:1)  God told Joshua to make flint knives and circumcise the people.  All the circumcised men had died in the wilderness because of their disobedience so now their children who were born in the wilderness needed to be circumcised.  After they were circumcised they camped until they were healed.  This time of healing would be a blessing and protection from God.  Circumcision symbolizes the cutting off of the old life and replacing it with a new one.  It was the reinstating of God’s covenant with Israel. (Joshua 5:2-9)

Israel trusted God in this time of vulnerability.  They completely depended on God’s protection.  They learned what it meant to trust God through obedience.  We need to recognize our need for God and depend on Him.  He is in control.

Do you trust God in all things?  How do you prepare for victory?  Do you make holiness and worship a priority?

While they were camped, they observed the Passover and ate the first fruits of the Promised Land.  Finally, no more manna.  I am sure they were glad of that.  Manna sustained them in the wilderness, but now they had the fruit of the land.  This was just the beginning of the abundance the land had to offer. (Joshua 5:10-12)

Joshua 5:13 – 6:1-27 – The Battle of Jericho

When Joshua was near Jericho, the commander of the Lord’s army appeared to him with a sword.  The commander told Joshua to take off his sandals because he was standing in a holy place.  Joshua fell face down and did as he said.  (Joshua 5:13-15)  

This battle at Jericho would be a battle between the Lord and the Canaanites.  The Lord Himself will win.  God would demonstrate His power.  It is the same today.  Life is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power.  He is the Commander and He gives us orders.  We are to listen and obey.  He will give us strength and defeat our enemies.

Who is your captain?  Do you listen for His voice?  Do you obey His commands?  How do you look to Him for strength?

Some think the commander is Jesus Himself.  The Old Testament mentions someone thought to be Jesus in Gen. 32 – God or Jesus fought with Jacob, Judges 6 – God visited Gideon, Dan. 3 – When the king put the 3 Jews into the fire, he saw God or Jesus with them.  There are other passages with appearances of “the angel of the Lord”, which is also thought to be Jesus or God Himself.  Jesus declared Himself in John 8:58 to be existent before Abraham.  It is logical that He would be active in the world.

Principle:  God was active in the Old Testament and is active in the world today.

Joshua 6 – Victory at Jericho

The city of Jericho was on lock down.  No one entered and no one left.  They were terrified of the Israelites.  God told Joshua exactly how to capture Jericho.  They were to take the ark and all the armed men and march around the city wall once a day.  The 7 priests were to blow 7 trumpets, but the people were to be silence.  They were to do this for 6 days.  Then on the 7^th day they were to march around 7 times with the priest blowing trumpets, but on the 7^th time around when the trumpets sounded all the people were to give a loud shout and the walls of Jericho would collapse.  (Joshua 6:1-11)

The people needed to know that God was with them.  They needed to see the ark to help them know He was helping them.  We don’t need to see anything.  We know God keeps His promises and is with us at all times.  We know God is on our side and will fight our battles.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Rom 8:31.

The number 7 appears several times in this story.  In the Bible it usually means something is complete or perfect.  God’s plans were perfect for Joshua and the Israelites as they are perfect for us.  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jer. 29:11.  (This is my favorite verse.)

The next morning they did exactly what God said.  They didn’t argue.  It probably seemed strange to them as sometimes what God tells us to do seems strange.  God always knows best.  We shouldn’t doubt, but obey His instructions.  On the 7^th day they marched around 7 times and on the 7^th time when they shouted, the walls came down allowing the army to enter and capture the city.  The entire city was destroyed by the sword and burned.  Only Rahab and her household were spared. (Joshua 6:12-25)

God had already given the city to them and all they had to do was obey (Joshua 6:16).  God has given us victory over our enemies, too.  Our greatest enemy is sin.  Jesus defeated sin and gave us victory when He died on the cross for us.

Why would God kill everyone including women and children?  The civilization in Canaan was completely wicked and they had to be destroyed because they did not repent and turn the God.  Deut. 20:18 tells us they did detestable things in worshiping their gods and would teach the Israelites to do these bad things.  God patiently had given Canaan hundreds of years to repent from the terrible evil that infected every person and every part of their culture.  We cannot begin to understand God’s ways.  All we know is that His ways are true and just.  Only He is able to judge.  None of us are innocent.  We are all guilty of sin and deserve God’s punishment.

What is your Jericho?  What walls have you put up against God?  How strong is your faith?

Israel was instructed to keep away from their idols or it would bring trouble on them.  All the silver, gold, bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must be put into His treasury.  So they were to give everything to God. (Joshua 6:19)

Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who tries to rebuild the city of Jericho.  The Lord was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout the land.  (Joshua 6:26-27) 

The book of Joshua tells us many times that God was with Joshua helping him in everything.  God continued to counsel and direct him as to what to do.  All the inhabitants of the land heard of his wisdom and courage through the power and presence of God.  We need God in everything we do.  We need to seek His counsel, ask Him for wisdom and be faithful and obedient.

Do others see the power of God in your life?  Do they see you as faithful and obedient?

Principle:  God’s power is unleashed when His people are faithful and obedient.

There is no doubt that the wall of Jericho fell by the power of God.  It is hard for some to believe this miracle.  The people trusted that if they did what God said, they would see victory.  They had faith.  We are saved by faith.  It too, is hard to understand.  The walls fell by faith.  Faith should motivate our whole lives.  Let us have the kind of faith that moves us to trust and obey God.  The walls fell because God said they would.  God keeps His promises.

How strong is your faith?  Do you trust God will do what He says?

Lessons from the story of Jericho:

We learn that God keeps His promises. 

We learn God’s ways are different from man’s ways. 

We learn the awesome power of God.

We learn the relation between grace, faith, and obedience.

We learn that trust and obedience brings victory and rewards.

Joshua 7 – Achan’s Sin

 Achan didn’t do as God commanded.  He took some of the spoils of Jericho for himself.  I guess he thought no one would notice.  What was he thinking?  God knows everything.  There is nothing we can keep Him from knowing.  “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” – Ecc. 12:14.  “… your sin will find you out.”  - Num. 32:23.  The Lord’s anger burned against Israel (Joshua 7:1-2).  This sin would have a huge effect on what would follow.

Why was God angry with all of Israel?   God viewed the nation as a unit.  There was sin in Israel’s camp and God wouldn’t continue to bless them as long as it was there.  This doesn’t mean Achan was the only one who had sinned, but his sin was a direct disobedience.  Our sin impacts everyone.   God is holy and no sin is a small matter to Him.  He must deal with us and the sin in our lives.

Joshua planned his next attack by sending men to spy out the small town of Ai.  They decided it would take only a few men to defeat this town so they sent 2-3 thousand.  Israel was defeated and 36 Israelites were killed.  This caused Israel to be afraid.  Joshua started to blame God since God had allowed them to be defeated.  Joshua thought other people would hear of this and not think God was great and good.  (Joshua 7:6-9)

Then God told Joshua the real reason they were defeated.  He told him that Israel had sinned by taking some of the valuables found in Jericho when God told them to put them in His treasure.  (Joshua 7:10-12)  God gave instructions and they must be obeyed just as it is important for us to obey God’s instructions in His Word. 

God revealed that Achan was the one who sinned and told Joshua that he must be punished.  Joshua       confronted Achan and he confessed his sin.  Evidence of his sin was found by finding the things he had stolen.  They were sure of his guilt.  Then all of Israel stoned him and his family.  The punishment was severe, but it was a warning to Israel.  They must obey God.  Now the Lord’s anger ended and Israel could expect God to bless them again.  (Joshua 7:13-26)

When have you tried to hide something from God?  What were the results?  Have you repented and asked God for forgiveness?

Lessons from Achan’s sin:

God will expose and punish sin in His timing.

God will punish sin severely.

God gives us examples of His wrath on sinners, so we should walk in fear of God.

God sanctions capital punishment.

Sin cannot be hidden from God.

Our sin can cause trouble for others.

We should confess our sins before we are caught.

We should be aware of covetousness which is idolatry.

Principle:  “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” – Luke 8:17

Joshua 8:1-29 – Ai Destroyed

God told Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Joshua 8:1.  God told him to take the whole army and attack Ai and He would deliver Ai over to them.  This was very different from the last time they tried to take Ai.  God’s anger had ended.  They were to do to them as they did to Jericho.  This battle would not be as easy as the battle at Jericho.  This would be a test of courage.  There would be more danger and more precautions needed to be taken.  God told Joshua exactly how to fight the battle.  He was to set an ambush and destroy the city completely, but this time they could take all the plunder for themselves (Joshua 8:1-29).  Joshua did as the Lord commanded and defeated Ai.

If you remember the last time Israel tried to take Ai, God let them be defeated because there was sin in the camp.  The spoils of previous battle at Jericho had belonged to God, perhaps because it was the firstfruits of the land captured by Israel.  It was this command that Achan had violated that led to defeat at Ai.  This was God’s punishment on them.  Now He changed their previous defeat into victory.  When we sin and disappoint God, we suffer defeat.  When we confess our sins, God will forgive us and give us victory.

Joshua made a plan for battle, moved his armies into position, and the fight was on.  God commanded Joshua to stretch out his javelin toward Ai.  “Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” – Joshua 8:18.  Joshua did as God commanded and Ai was defeated by the power of God.  This is similar to when Moses held out his staff so the Red Sea would open for Israel.  In Joshua’s first battle against the Amalekites, he was victorious as long as Moses held up his hands with his staff.  These were symbols God assigned to show the power of God through His appointed leaders.

The victory over Ai was complete.  All were killed and destroyed.  The people took the spoils of the city for themselves, just as God said they could.  Nothing else is said about further battles in this part of Canaan.  I am sure there were more, but Jericho and Ai were probably the major battles.

When have you obeyed and as a result, God gave you victory?

Believers are in constant warfare with the devil.  God is with us and we can be victorious if we stay faithful to Him.  God will see that we have the victory.  It may not be easy, because we still have to fight the war.  God guided Joshua in the battle to victory, just as He will guide us to victory.  We just have to listen, have faith and do what He says.

Joshua 8:30-35 – Renewed Covenant

Now there was a period of worship.  Joshua built an altar of uncut stones to the Lord on Mt. Ebal.  They offered burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings on it.  Joshua copied the Law of Moses on the stones.  They did just as Moses had commanded them to do in Deut. 27-28.  Half the people stood on Mt. Ebal and the other half stood on Mt. Gerizim with the ark in the middle.  By the ark being in the middle was a sign that God was there in the center of their lives. 

The uncut stones used for the altar were exactly like God had made them – without any added human workmanship.  This shows we can’t add anything to our salvation.  We can’t add or do anything, because salvation is by grace.  Jesus did all the work for us on the cross.

Burnt offerings were given to show that they had given themselves completely to God.  Fellowship offerings were given as a way to say thank you to God.  These offerings are like a picture of Jesus’ death.  Because of His death, we can give ourselves completely to God (burnt offerings); we can have fellowship with God (fellowship offerings).

There Joshua read all the words of the law, the blessings and the curses just like Moses commanded.  The stones with the law were there so the people couldn’t forget them, just as we have the Bible today.  This is God’s Word for us and we should read it often.  In the Deut. passage we saw that all the people agreed and answered with, “Amen”.

This is like it will be someday.  Similar things will happen.  There will be two sides – those who don’t know Jesus as Savior and those who do know Him as Savior.  On that day everyone will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord regardless of which side they chose.  “…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Phil. 2:10-11.

Which side will you be on?  Have you acknowledged Jesus as Lord of your life?

Principle:  God blesses people who obey Him in faith.

Joshua 9 – Deception of the Gibeonites

When the kings west of the Jordan heard about Joshua and Israel’s victories, they became afraid and came together to make war with Israel.  The people of Gibeon were also afraid, but instead of wanting to make war, they wanted to make friends with Israel.  Their plan was clever.  They loaded their donkeys with worn out sacks and old wineskins.  The men wore patched sandals and old clothes.  They pretended to be messengers sent from far away, but really they were neighbors from about 25 miles away.  They said had heard of the Israel’s God and they came to make a treaty with Joshua.

Joshua and the Israelites believed the Gibeonites and made a peace treaty with them and let them live.  He didn’t ask the Lord if their story was true or what he should do, which was a big mistake.  This was an important decision that Joshua made.  If you remember in Deut. 7, God told Israel not to make agreements with the inhabitants of Canaan.  They were to kill all the people of the land.  We should never make important decisions unless we ask God first.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…” – James 1:5.

Joshua did what he thought was right.  Joshua was not perfect and neither are we.  When we do what we think is right without asking God first, that is call “being wise in our own eyes”.  “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a foolish person than for him.” – Prov. 26:12.  God is definitely smarter than we are.  He sees and knows everything.  He wants the best for us and it is wise to seek His guidance before we act.  Heb. 11:6 says that “he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

What dangers are there when we do what we think is right instead of asking God first?  Do you seek God before making decisions, even small ones?  What are some rash decisions you have made?  What were the results?

Soon Israel learned the truth about the Gibeonites and wanted to kill them, but Joshua and the leaders said they had made a treaty and must keep their word.  They had sworn an oath before the Lord (Joshua 9:16-19).  God takes promises seriously and when a promise is made it should be kept.  So Joshua let them live.  They said they had heard of God and really wanted to serve Him.  God knew their hearts and their true thoughts.  So Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the community and the altar of the Lord (Joshua 9:26-27).

The Gibeonites became servants of Israel.  They had lied because they didn’t know the right way to serve God, but God blessed them.  Joshua made a mistake, but God still used that mistake.  He can use our mistakes, too.

Principle:  God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Lessons for us:

Your enemy will surprise you.  (Satan is a master of disguises.)

Don’t assume everything you hear is the truth.

Deception will ultimately be exposed.

Appearances are deceiving.

Seek counsel from God.

Keep your promises.

Next week we will continue our study in Joshua.  See you here.

I hope you will join me next week for more of Joshua.

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