Who was Joshua?
Seriously, why does he get his own book in the Bible?
One of the scouts sent into the Promised Land by Moses
Was chosen as the next leader of the Israelites because of his unshakeable faith in GodLed the Israelites in battles where whole cities/peoples were destroyed
JOSHUA
JOSHUA 1:1-18God sends Joshua into Canaan
Tells him to be brave, steadfast, and true to the Law
Plans to attack Canaan from the east by crossing the Jordan River
THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
JOSHUA 2:1-242 spies are sent into Jericho and go to a lodging house Rahab was the owner and a prostitute
Recognized them as Israelites
She hides the spies from the king’s men
RAHAB AND THE SPIES
Agrees to help them escape if they promise that her family will be safe during the invasionA red cord hung in her window lets the
Israelites know NOT to harm anyone in this house
How do you think Rahab’s actions were
viewed? Was she a traitor? Was she a hero?
Biblical writers show Rahab as doing the will of God She would embrace him as the true
God Even though she was a Canaanite and
a prostitute, she is shown as worthy Has a significant role in the history of
Israel and the ancestry of Jesus Son: BoazGreat grandson: King David
JOSHUA 3:1-17; 4:1-24The Israelites begin the battle march to
Jericho, but the Jordan is in the way The priests touch the riverbed and the
water stops flowing 1 man from each tribe carries a stone
across the river Build a memorial on the other sideCalled “Gilgal”, meaning “circle”
CROSSING THE JORDAN
JOSHUA 5:10-15The Israelites are able to enjoy the wealth
of CanaanNo more MANNA!
Joshua meets the captain of God’s army (angels)Like Moses, Joshua is told to remove his
shoes before walking on holy land A sign that God will be with them on the
battlefieldSHALOM: deep peace of God
IN THE PROMISED LAND
Israelites laid siege to Jericho for 6 days Priests would lead the soldiers
First 7 carried rams’ hornsNext group carried the Ark
On the 7th days they circled the city 7 times, then stormed the wall
THE FALL OF JERICHO
“devotion to God for destruction”God’s command in the Book of Deuteronomy
An order to destroy EVERYTHING in the conquered area
Includes inhabitants, people, and their possessions (including animals)
Take NOTHING for yourself
THE ‘BAN’
Possible explanations for the ban...1) Exclusive devotion to God
Israelites have been tempted for false gods/worship before
May have meant to prevent drifting from the faith
2) God can bring good out of evil Emphasized that total trust/faith in
God and following the Law will lead to victory and happiness
Pride in one’s power and disobedience will lead to disaster
JOSHUA 7:1-26Scouts report that Ai will be easily defeated,
but Israel loses God tells Joshua that someone broke the ban
by taking valuables from Jericho The thief, Achan, is stoned and the goods are
burned/buried MESSAGE: Give total obedient devotion to
God
DEFEAT AT AI
JOSHUA 10:12-14City of Gibeon makes an alliance with Israel 5 local kings siege Gibeon in retaliation Joshua and the Israelites attack during the nightThe next day, Joshua asks God to stop the sun The kings, referred to as the “Amorites” are found and executed
THE SUN STANDS STILL
JOSHUA 20:1-6DEUTERONOMY 19:1-13
The 12 Tribes of Israel Symbolic number
12 Apostles 12 Judges
CONQUESTS, TRIIBAL DIVISIONS, and CITIES OF REFUGE
Cities of Refuge Likely appeared during the time of King David Meant to protect people guilty of accidental or unintentional killing byvictims’ families (blood vengeance)Sanctuary: universal custom, offering aid to the persecuted and homeless
Begs his people to never forget what God has done for them
Renewal of the Covenant at ShechemJoshua is buried in his tribal land
One of Israel’s greatest leaders Strong, courageous, careful, honest,
faithful, and an upholder of the Law
DEATH OF JOSHUA