[SLIDE 1] the Hebrew Scriptures Are Referred to As the Tanakh • Tanakh Is an Abbreviation for the 16 Scrolls That Make up the 3 Sections of the Hebrew Scriptures

______JOSHUA

[SLIDE 1] The Hebrew scriptures are referred to as the Tanakh • Tanakh is an abbreviation for the 16 scrolls that make up the 3 sections of the Hebrew scriptures... the Torah, N’vi-im and Ketuvim • The first section (scroll) is the Torah, the 5 Books of Moses, referred to as the law

The 2nd section is known as the N’vi-im or The Prophets • Why prophets? Because a prophet is an individual who receives a message from God (which is His Word) to declare to the people • The writings of the Prophets is God declaring His Word to Israel through various leaders (like Moses) and the first we will study is Joshua • The writings of the prophets make up 8 of the 16 scrolls • Scrolls 2-5 make up the Early Prophets which include Joshua, Judges, Samuel (1 scroll) and Kings (1 scroll) • The Early Prophets take us from the time Israel enters into the land until they are taken out of the land by the Babylonians • Scrolls 6-8 make up the Later Prophets and include Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel • Scroll 9 makes up the 12 Minor Prophets which include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi • The Later Prophets and the 12 Minor Prophets ministered around the time of the Babylonian and Assyrian Exiles

The 3rd section is known as the Ketuvim or Writings • It makes up the remaining 7 scrolls • Scrolls 10-12 include the 3 poetic books... Psalms, Proverbs and Job • Scroll 13 is called the Five Megillot and include The Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther • The Five Megillot were read on the various Feast Dates • Ruth is read on Pentecost, Esther is read on Purim, Song of Solomon is read on Passover, Lamentations is read on the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple and Ecclesiastes is read on Sukkot • Scrolls 14-16 are other books which include Daniel (written in Babylon), Ezra / Nehemiah (1 scroll written about the rebuilding of the 2nd Temple) and Chronicles (1 scroll giving the history of Israel from a Levitical view)

• It records the conquering of Canaan by Israel under the leadership of Joshua, who was Moses’ successor • The first chapter records God commissioning Joshua to take the land • It’s divided into 3 sections o Section 1: The Moment of Commission (Vs. 1-2) o Section 2: The Mandate of Commission (Vs. 2-9) o Section 3: The Mission of Commission (Vs. 10-18)

[SLIDE 2] Section 1: The Moment of Commission Joshua 1:1–2 (NKJV) 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise”

This first verse connects Joshua with Deuteronomy • At the end of Deuteronomy Moses dies and here in the first verse it says... after the death of Moses

The descriptions of Moses and Joshua are important to note • Moses is referred to as the servant of the LORD • Joshua is referred to as Moses’ assistant • By the end of his life, Joshua would be called the servant of the LORD (Joshua 24:29) • There are 3 important things to note

FIRST... Joshua did not replace Moses • He will assume the responsibilities of leadership, but the special face to face relationship Moses had with God does not seem to be given to Joshua • Also, Joshua does not take on the role of Mediator between God and the people the way Moses did • When the people were at Mount Sinai, they chose Moses to talk to God for them and they would do whatever Moses said to do • However, this relationship isn’t given to Joshua • He will speak as a prophet (Joshua 24:2), he will intercede for the people (Joshua 7:6-9), he will fulfill the Covenant (Josh 8:30-35) • But Joshua will never equal or replace Moses

Deuteronomy 34:10–12 (NKJV) 10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, 12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

• That is a spiritual principle... no one is replaceable because each of us bring gifts, characteristics, talents, relationships that are unique to us

SECOND... Joshua continues the vision God gave to Moses for Israel • Hence the significance of being called the servant of Moses • Joshua wasn’t coming in with a new fresh vision • Joshua was simply the next leader to accomplish God’s will for Israel • Depending on Joshua’s faithfulness to the vision God gave to Moses would determine if Joshua was a servant of the LORD or just serving himself • Of course, we learn at the end of Joshua’s life he earns the distinction of being called the servant of the LORD (Joshua 24:29)

[SLIDE 4] This brings up an important principle about leadership A leader is a person with God given capacity and God given responsibility to influence a specific group of God’s people towards God’s purposes

• Leadership is not about fulfilling my vision for God which often results in building a monument to the leader • Leadership is about fulling God’s vision for people which results in building a community who bring the transforming power of God to the world • Joshua is given the capacity to lead, the responsibility to lead and the people to lead by God • How he leads will determine if he is leading them towards God’s purposes to transform the land by driving evil out of the land and establishing a community of faith called Israel • OR if he will simply build a kingdom for himself like all the other nations

• His death divides Israel’s history into 2 distinct time periods • The first period revolves around Israel’s unbelief in God’s Promise • The second period revolves around Israel’s faith and fulfillment of God’s Covenant through Joshua • But the most important implication of Moses’ death is the mantle of authority doesn’t rest on Joshua’s shoulders until Moses is dead and only then does God command Joshua to ARISE! • Which means the authority Joshua is operating under is the authority of Moses expressed through the Torah, the Word of God, given by Moses • In the same way, we operate under the authority of Jesus that was given to us after His death through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and expressed through the Word of God... who is Jesus • And Jesus commands us to ARISE... to GO into all the world making disciples of all men teaching them to obey all that I’ve command you (the Word of God) • Joshua becomes a type of the Spirit filled life

[SLIDE 5] Section 2: The Mandate Of Commission Joshua 1:2–9 (NKJV) 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

• Joshua is given 2 commands by God • In vs. 2 Joshua is commanded to arise, go over the Jordan with the people to the land which I AM giving to them • In vs. 6 Joshua is commanded to be strong and of good courage • These 2 commands are empowered by 7 promises of God o In vs. 2 God says I am giving the land o Then God says I have promised the land (as I said to Moses) o In vs. 4 God says the land will be your territory o In vs. 5 He says no man will be able to stand before you o Then He says I will be with you o Then He says I will not leave you nor forsake you o In vs. 6 God says I swore to the fathers of the children of Israel to give them the land as an inheritance • In light of all that I am promising to do... Joshua arise and go over the Jordan and be strong and courageous • Here’s the principle... God always empowers you to do what He commands you to do • God gives Joshua the power and the authority to fulfill His commands

[SLIDE 6] Verse 4 gives the boundaries of the land they are to take • From the wilderness (Negev in the south) to Lebanon in the north, from the great river (Pishon) to the Euphrates river, to all the land of the Hittites to the Mediterranean • The land of the Hittites (based in Turkey) would have been a reference to pockets of occupation within the land of Canaan

Vs. 8 God gives Joshua the key to success... the Book of the Law • The Book of the Law is the Torah, the teachings of Moses • Joshua is the meditate in it day and night (Hebrew meditation does not mean one empties the mind, but fills the mind with the consciousness of God, His works and His Word (law). • He is to observe to do all that is written in it • NOTE: Joshua and the Israelites will face many battles ahead • But the keys God gave to success were not based on military might, but spiritual power gained through obedience to God’s Word

• The phrase “be careful to obey” is used 40 times in the Hebrew Scriptures and when it’s used it’s used in reference to keeping and obeying God’s words or commands • Joshua was not to deviate from God’s Word in the slightest... to the left or to the right

Vs. 9 the guarantee of success is God’s Presence with Him • Many Christians read these verses and thing they apply to their personal prosperity or success • Be strong, be courageous, be fearless, don’t be discouraged... God is with you wherever you go... so go for it! • That’s not what God is saying.. this verse is connected to Joshua obeying what God has commanded Him to do

[SLIDE 7] Section 3 is the Mission of the Commission Joshua 1:10–18 (NKJV) 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’ ” 12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, 15 until the LORD has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” 16 So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”

• As they are about to go across the Jordan, Joshua reminds the 2 ½ tribes who chose to remain on the East side of the Jordan of their commitment to the LORD • Your wives and your livestock will remain, but your mighty men of valor will help their brothers conquer the land before they return home • Vs. 16 Israel responds the same way they responded to Moses at Mount Sinai... all that you command us we will do and wherever you send us we will go... just as we heeded Moses • The people covenant to put to death anyone who rebels against Joshua’s command and they charge Joshua to be strong and courageous. • 3 times God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous and the 4th time the people charge Joshua to be strong and courageous

[SLIDE 8 ] Joshua 2:1–7 (NKJV) 2 Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.” 4 Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. 5 And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” 6 (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.) 7 Then the men pursued them by the road to the Jordan, to the fords. And as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.

Rahab is a Canaanite woman who was a prostitute • Often a woman turned to prostitution because she had no means of taking care of herself... either she was widowed or divorced or violated and unable to find a husband • She will become the first Canaanite convert to believe in Israel’s God

• She will also be included in the lineage of Messiah • This adventure in Jericho lasts 3 days and sets the stage for Joshua 6 when Jericho is captured in a miraculous attack by God Himself • The use of Joshua’s full name signifies a new section in the story • Joshua’s name occurs 138 times, but his full name is used 10 times

[SLIDE 9] Vs. 1 tells us Joshua sent spies secretly into the city • Joshua is camping at Shittim (Acacia Grove), near the Jordan River • Shittim is an interesting place because it is where Israel rejected God and worshipped idols by giving themselves over to Moabite Women • It is also reminiscent of the 12 spies that went into the land 40 years later and came back with a bad report... only 2 had a good report • Thus Joshua sends 2 spies and them come to Rahab’s house, which was most likely an inn or tavern where men would frequent and often they would share information with each other • Word gets back to the King of Jordan and he sends out a search party to capture the Israelite men, but Rahab hides them • She tells the search party they left the city • The search party runs out to find them

Joshua 2:8–13 (NKJV) 8 Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men: “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. 10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, 13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”

31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. James 2:25 (NKJV) 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

• Rahab’s treatment of the spies was based on her faith in the God of Israel • She knew Israel’s God gave them the land • She knew the entire land was melting in fear because of Israel • She knew God delivered Israel at the Red Sea and the defeat of the 2 Amorite Kings... Sihon and Og. • Because she believed and feared the God of Israel, she knew what she was doing by giving them a place to hide • I scratch your back, you scratch mine! I show you kindness, you show me kindness and deliver my family from death

Joshua 2:14–16 (NKJV) 14 So the men answered her, “Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.” 15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall. 16 And she said to them, “Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward you may go your way.”

• The spies agree and they pledge when God gave the land they would deal kindly and faithfully with her • In the Hebrew it’s chesed ve chemet or grace and truth • It’s interesting John said and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14) • It’s also interesting how Jericho means the City of the Moon or The Place of Fragrance... it was known for idolatry and perfumes (which were originally invented by the Egyptians) • Thus Jericho represents the world system and here is Rahab trapped by the world system, but because of her faith in God she experiences grace and truth... so we have the story of redemption

Joshua 2:17–24 (NKJV) 17 So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, 18 unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. 19 So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. 20 And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.” 21 Then she said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window. 22 They departed and went to the mountain, and stayed there three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but did not find them. 23 So the two men returned, descended from the mountain, and crossed over; and they came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all that had befallen them. 24 And they said to Joshua, “Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.”

• The spies insist they would be free from the oath unless she tied a crimson cord to her window • Rahab agrees and the spies report back to Joshua • Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands! • More important than how many men were guarding Jericho • More important than the strategic weak points of the city • Joshua received the most important intelligence he could have received from the spies... God is giving us the land! • Contrast that to the 10 spies who said... the giants in the land are too big • And now the stage is set for Joshua to conquer Jericho and we read concerning Rahab in Joshua 6

Joshua 6:25 (NKJV) 25 And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.