INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

 

The Book of Joshua stands as a herald to a new generation of God’s people ready to claim the Promised Land as their possession. As they emerge from their former slavery in Egypt and their forty years of wanderings and trainings in the desert, they now find themselves on the banks of the Jordan River, ready to access the PromiseLand in order to conquer it. In this book there are fantastic stories of faith and courage in battle after battle as the people of God take hold of the land that God promised them centuries earlier.

 

Though we Christians are not taking land from anyone, these accounts are still very applicable to us for we are called to lay hold of the blessings and the promises of God in and through Jesus Christ. We are called to conquer sin and overcome this world through the Gospel. The struggle that the Israelites experienced, are in many ways, the same for us. The method of conquest still involves faith, obedience born of faith and absolute dependence on God who faithfully leads his people to victory.

 

Some facts about the book are as follows: The author is Joshua, except for the last part that might have been written by a High Priest. The setting is the land of Canaan circa 1406 BC.  There are three sections: first, entering the Promised Land (1:1-5:12); then, conquering the land (5:13-12:24) and finally, dividing the land (13:1-24:33).

 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 1

 

GET READY!

 

Joshua 1:1-18

Key Verse 1:2

1.  The Lord’s command to get ready (1-15)

God commissioned Joshua to enter the Promised Land with the charge to “get ready”.  This means to get ready to take Moses’ place as the leader, embracing the challenge. It also means to get ready to fight the battle and lay siege to the inheritance of God. And finally it means to determine to be strong and courageous. This spiritual readiness comes from God, but it also comes from a decision to study the word of God, speak the word of God and obey the word of God. To get ready means to also rally others’ support and depend on the Lord. The people needed to be ready to believe and hold onto the promises of God.

2. All of God’s people responded in unity (16-18)    When Joshua engaged his faith to answer God’s call, all of the people responded. We wonder if such response is possible in this day and age. But it is possible if we answer God’s call to get ready in God’s way and trust God to bring about a spiritual unity among us.

Prayer: “Lord, I know that you have called me, in this generation, for a holy task. Help me to hear your words, “get ready” and embrace my calling with courage born out of faith in you.”

 

One Word: Be strong and courageous

Monday, July 2

 

THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GOD

 

Joshua 2:1-24

Key Verse 2:11

 

1. Rahab’s faith (1-7)

Rahab heard stories about God’s power, mercy and love. She realized that this God is the true God. She wanted to know him and be one of his people. When the spies came, she made a decision to trust God and cast her lot in with the people of God. God saw her faith through her decisions and her actions and honored her faith and adopted her into his own family. Rahab made a confession of faith to the spies which encouraged them. Strengthened by her faith they told Joshua, “The Lord has given us this land.” We can all be sources of encouragement and strength to the people of God at crucial moments.

 

2. The scarlet cord (12-23)

Rahab requested that her family be saved. The spies gave her a scarlet cord to hang as a signal. Everyone in the house marked by the cord, would be saved. By faith, Rahab hung the cord. We have a scarlet cord in the blood of Jesus that saves us. It is the blood of Jesus that forgives the sins of repentant sinners, changes lives and establishes all kinds of people in God’s redemptive history.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for adopting me into your family and saving me from my sins by the blood of Jesus. Help me to live as one of your holy people.”

 

One Word: Hang the scarlet cord by faith

Tuesday, July 3

 

GO AND STAND IN THE RIVER

 

Joshua 3:1-17

Key Verse 3:8

 

1. Follow the Ark of the Covenant (1-8)

Joshua and the people went to the Jordan. Before them was a raging river. Joshua prayed and God gave him wisdom. The officers commanded the people to follow the Ark of the Covenant, which was God’s presence and contained the Ten Commandments. They needed to fix their eyes on the ark and follow God’s leading. Then God would lead them safely through the Jordan and onto victory. Today we must focus our eyes on Jesus and the word of God. The psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

 

2. Go stand in the river (9-17)

The river was surging. Joshua told the priests to do something that sounded ridiculous and dangerous. But it was a challenge that required faith, humility and self-denial. They could obey when they had absolute faith in God and in his word. When the priests had the right attitude, it influenced the whole community to have faith in God. Those who serve a priestly duty must set the example of faith and obedience.

 

Prayer: “Lord, I confess that I don’t know which way I should go. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and obey your word.”

 

One word: Stand in the river, by faith

Wednesday, July 4

 

THE TWELVE STONES

 

Joshua 4:1-24

Key Verse 4:21,22

 

1. Have a sense of history (1- 9)

After crossing the Jordan, God wanted his people to gather twelve stones. He wanted to teach them to have a sense of history which is to perceive the divine providence of God ruling and guiding history as it unfolds. These stones became a constant reminder of God’s grace. Their children would see the stones, hear the story, and learn about God.  Without a sense of history a culture cannot survive and only live with a sense of futility and despair. Those with no sense of history are destined to repeat it. God was concerned with the spiritual condition of the people.

 

2. The priests played a pivotal role (10-24)

The Ark of the Covenant was held on the shoulders of the priests in the midst of the Jordan, with the waters held up by the mighty power of God, so that all of the people could walk across. There were millions. The priests stood for a long time. They knew they held the fate of all the people. They stood and waited on the word of God. Our responsibility as servants of God is tremendous.

 

Prayer: “Lord, help me to be your servant and stand by faith so that others may be saved.”

 

One Word: Find yourself in God’s history

 

Thursday, July 5

 

CIRCUMCISE THE ISRAELITES AGAIN

 

Joshua 5:1-15

Key Verse 5:2

 

1. God’s strategy is the best (1-12)

The Canaanites were strong but they were defeated by their own fear. There was a great temptation for the Israelites to seize the moment without waiting on God. But God had a better plan. Before embarking on the conquest, God wanted the new generation among them to be circumcised. They needed to prepare their hearts for the battle through repentance. It required faith. They also resumed celebrating the Passover. To repent, have faith and be thankful is always God’s strategy.

 

2. Have an awe and respect for God (13-15)

This was an angel of the Lord, the commander of the Lord’s army. As a sign of respect, Joshua fell face down and took off his sandals. He humbled himself before this angel. Awe and respect is the only reaction we should have before the Holy God. Having a sense of awe and respect is recognizing God’s power, authority and great love for his people.

 

Prayer: “Lord, grant me faith, repentance and thanksgiving to win the spiritual battle”

 

One Word: Have an awe and respect for God

 

 

 

 

Friday, July 6

 

THE CONQUEST OF JERICHO

 

Joshua 6:1-27

Key Verse 6:2

 

1. “I have delivered Jericho” (1-19)

The city of Jericho was impregnable, a symbol of power and strength. Its destruction would put the fear of God into the heart of every Canaanite and show that Israel’s’ God was superior to the Canaanite gods. God told Joshua that Jericho was already delivered into his hands. The enemy was already defeated! This gave Joshua great confidence. Although we fight many spiritual battles every day, some of which seem impossible, we have the assurance that the war has already been won by Jesus. We do not have to be paralyzed. We can overcome through Christ’s power.

 

2.   Devote everything to the Lord (20-27)

God was carrying out his severe judgment. This judgment required that everything be destroyed. (Deut 13:12-18) Rehab and her household were saved because she had faith. God’s purpose was twofold, to follow through with his justice and to keep the peoples’ faith and religion pure. He wants our hearts devoted to him.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you that you have gone ahead of me and fought and won the battle through your own suffering, death and resurrection. Help me to fight the spiritual battle with confidence in you.”

 

One Word: Defeat your Jericho by faith

Saturday, July 7

 

THEY HAVE VIOLATED MY COVENANT

 

Joshua 7:1-26

Key Verse 7:1

 

1. God sees us as one community (1-13)

One man decided to be unfaithful to the Lord. But the Lord’s anger burned against all of Israel. Why? God sees us as one person, but he also sees the whole community. When one sinned, they all sinned. That is why they needed to consecrate themselves. They needed to act together to remove the sin from among them. Even today, God views us as one in the body of Christ so we must consecrate our hearts with every Bible study, restoring our covenant relationship with Jesus. This is not just for our own sakes but for the sake of the whole community of believers.

 

2. Achan was caught (14-26)

Achan thought that he could get away with it if he remained quiet. He took a chance and lost. His heart was not devoted to God, so Achan was devoted to destruction. If Achan’s sin went unpunished, unlimited looting could break out. God dealt with the problem swiftly and cleansed the community. Though our hearts may not be right all of the time, we can depend on Jesus for his mercy to make us right.

 

Prayer: “Lord, I know that I am part of the body of Christ. Help me to think about others.”

 

One Word: Consecrate our hearts today.

Sunday, July 8

 

GO UP AND ATTACK AI…AGAIN

 

Joshua 8:1-35

Key Verse 8:1

 

1. The Lord delivered Ai into their hands (1-30)

After Israel had been cleansed of Achan’s sin, Joshua had prepared the attack on Ai again, for it was God’s will and strategic plan. Joshua had learned to confess their sin, deal with the problem, refocus on God and move on, depending on God and not on human wisdom. When they applied these spiritual principles and obeyed God absolutely then God gave them total victory. In Christ, yesterday’s defeat will be tomorrow’s victory. We must never be discouraged. At the Lord’s direction we can try again and again, by faith.

2. The renewal of the covenant (31-35)                              In light of their victory, Joshua was eager to do the right thing. He renewed their covenant with God. They built the altar with uncut stones so as to focus on God and not on the stones nor on the craftsmen. (Ex20:25) Joshua may have copied the Ten Commandments on the stones. (Deut 27:2,8) They were the heart of God’s laws. Joshua read the entire word of God and not just part of it. We must be sincere about our relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: “Lord, how often I just want to give up on what I know you have called me to do. Help me to renew my heart and my faith to try again.”

 

One Word: Renew our relationship with Jesus.

Monday, July 9

 

MAKE A TREATY WITH US

 

Joshua 9:1-15

Key Verse 9:14

1. Two types of opposition (1-13)                    The Israelites met opposition in two ways, militarily and by deception. The deception was very thorough and they failed to see through it. As we preach the word of the God we will experience similar things. Satan will attack us from all fronts. There will be pressures from many angles. There will be direct pressures as well as deception. If we do not wear the full armor of God we will be soundly defeated. We must cling to the word of God and find his wisdom to fight the good fight on both fronts. Pray and find God’s guidance.

2. They did not pray (14-15)                                    As a strategist, Joshua knew enough to ask God in prayer before his troops went into battle, but this peace treaty seemed innocent enough. And so Joshua and his men made the decision on their own, failing to seek God’s guidance and rushing in to deal with the matter with their own plans. Sometimes innocent is not so innocent.

Prayer: “Lord, I realize I am in a spiritual battle with all kinds of tactics being used against your people. Help me to be vigilant and prayerful always.”

One Word: Keep your eyes and your heart alert

 

Tuesday, July 10

WE HAVE GIVEN OUR OATH TO THE LORD

Joshua 9:16-27

Key Verse 9:19

1. We must keep our oaths (16-22)                             After the treaty was ratified, the Gibeonites’ true identity was revealed. By failing to seek God’s guidance and going ahead with their own plans, they now faced an angry people and an awkward alliance. Joshua and his advisors had made a grave mistake. But because they had made an oath, they kept their word for God commanded that oaths be kept and breaking an oath was serious. It also shows that justice and rule of law prevailed. It also made them unpopular. Like Joshua, we must take our oaths to God and people seriously.

2. They received merciful bondage (23-27)        What ever happened to these deceptive Canaanites? God had mercy on them. They were forced to be water carriers at the house of God, that is, assigned to slavery to the Tabernacle. This was God’s mercy to them, for daily they were brought into the glory and joy of the Lord in his Tabernacle. (Ps 84:10). It was a good bondage. Later they served a high position in the Temple. God is merciful.

Prayer: “Lord, there are times when I don’t want to keep my oaths or I can’t keep them. Please help me to uphold your justice and mercy by keeping my oaths to you and to others in my life.”

 

One Word: Stand firm and keep your oaths.

Wednesday, July 11

 

THE LORD NEVER ABANDONS

 

Joshua 10:1-15

Key Verse 10:6-7

 

1. Seek shelter in the Lord (1-7)

The Amorites were hoping that Gibeon would serve as a front line defense and not defect. But after hearing about the treaty, they sought revenge. Gibeon sent a message saying, “Save us!” It was hard to ask for protection for they had just deceived Israel, but they trusted God and believed that Joshua would keep his promises. Their faith was growing and they sought shelter in God and God’s people. Joshua responded to their distress call. We too need to hear the distress calls of those who are suffering under the oppression of sin.

2. God answers far fetched prayers (8-15)                                                                 Joshua was facing five armies. God encouraged him and he made an immediate response to the promise of God, with faith, marching his whole army into battle. God fought for Joshua. The enemy was in shambles. They could have considered the battle already won, but God wanted no one left standing. And so Joshua prayed based on the word of God and God’s will. Though it seemed like a far fetched prayer, God saw his heart and answered.

Prayer: “Lord, there are so many people around me sending out distress calls. Help me to reach out to them with the Gospel knowing you are with me.”

 

One Word: Pray and fight the spiritual battle

Thursday, July 12

 

THE LORD FOUGHT FOR ISRAEL

 

Joshua 10:16-43

Key Verse 10: 42

1. Experience complete victory (16-27)             Placing the foot on the neck of their captives symbolized complete domination. When the commanders faced their enemy and did this they could experience total victory. We have some ferocious “inner” enemies called sin, self and Satan — and also our fears. We cannot overcome unless we step on their necks. Many people don’t get to this point and let their spiritual enemies linger. But we must go all the way and see our sin for what it is, kneeling helpless under the cross of Jesus.

2.  Victory because of the Lord (28-43)           Joshua was eager to fulfill God’s task. He could have the right attitude because he was not fighting for himself or to satisfy his own desires. He was not content with a small victory. He was seeking total victory for the glory of God. He sought to conquer the whole region. And that is what he did with the help of the Lord. People never survive on small victories. We tend to stop to enjoy a little victory. But why quit? We have no reason to quit, Jesus is with us and we must move on to total victory.

Prayer: “Lord, forgive me for being satisfied with partial victory. Help me to achieve total victory for your glory alone knowing you are with me.”

 

One Word: Experience complete victory in Jesus

Friday, July 13

 

OBEY THE LORD DESPITE THE ODDS

 

Joshua 11:1-23

Key Verse 23

1. Do not fear; God will lead his people (1-6)     Kings joined forces to battle against the Israelites. Jabin’ power came from building alliances with dozens of kings. Jabin had a clear advantage over Joshua. But God’s people should not cower before the “seeming” advantages of opposing forces. They need to focus their eyes on Jesus and take steps to honor the Lord, for those who honor God can be victorious regardless of the odds.

2.     Obedience: the secret of his strength (7-23) Joshua attacked them by surprise, carefully obeying all instructions given by God, and Hazor was destroyed. This was God’s wise strategy brought about through Joshua’s faith and obedience. This former capital symbolized the wicked culture. Its complete destruction broke the back of Jabin’s coalition and weakened the will of the people to resist. There are so many factors in life that we cannot control, but a choice to obey God is one aspect of life that we have some control over. Today, let us choose to obey God in one way.

Prayer: “Lord, so often I focus on the impossibilities of the situations I am in and am quick to give up all hope. But help me to focus on Jesus and set out to bring honor and glory to your name.”

 

One Word: Choose to obey the Lord