Introduction “The book of Joshua records the invasion of Canaan by Israel and its partition among the tribes. It tells in detail how they crossed the Jordan and secured a bridgehead, describes more briefly two campaigns which broke the power of the Canaanites and summarizes Israel’s further military progress. The account of the partition includes a full description of Judahite territory, and notes on the Kenite settlement of Hebron and the difficulties experienced in N Manasseh. After referring to the levitical settlements and the problem of the Transjordanian tribes, the book closes with an account of Joshua’s spiritual testament, the climax being the national covenant at Shechem.”1 The name Joshua means “Jehovah is his help” or “Jehovah the Savior”. Needless to say that Joshua lived up to his name. He is the son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim and Moses’ successor. What do we know about him? • He is a soldier. See Exodus 17:8-16 • He is a servant to Moses and even accompanied him on Mt Sinai to receive the tablets. See Exodus 32:17 • He is a spy. See Numbers 13:16-17 • He is a leader. Deuteronomy 31:23 Obedience, leadership and faith are trademarks that you will be able to see throughout the book of Joshua. Joshua 1 tells you of his commissioning by God to lead the Israelites into the promised land. The commission comes with a promise “I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go” Joshua 1:6-7 (emphasis mine). Joshua was strong and courageous and conquered the promised land. Joshua did follow the law and did not turn to the right or to the left. Joshua was successful wherever he went. The truth is that we too can experience the success that Joshua did. We too can live on this promise, “One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you.” Joshua 23:10 Through this study, I invite you to conquer your promised land and live a life worthy of the call to be strong and courageous. Are you ready? Let’s go…. 1 The New Bible Dictionary Personal Thoughts Week 1 The Commission of Joshua and Reconnoitering of the Land (Joshua 1-3) Memory Verse: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4 The book of Joshua is a history (His-story) book. It tells of God’s people first taking possession of the occupied land we know today as Israel. Joshua – which means Jesus in English - had been Aide-de-Camp to Moses and is now the leader prepared by God for the epic conquest of the Promised Land (just as Jesus takes us to our Promised Land!). As we embark on our own epic study of Joshua, we – each of us who walks with God – can know we are as valuable to Him as 10,000! A key instruction given to Joshua was not to be afraid but to meditate continually on God’s Word, remembering He is near and that He keeps Him promises – powerful words to live by! Personal thoughts and notes ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ BIBLE PASSAGES: READ JOSHUA 1:1-11; JOSHUA 2; JOSHUA 3:1-3 AND JOSHUA 3:17. Basic (Day 1): What do these passages reveal about God? How does this apply to me? Dig Deeper (Day 2): Who is Joshua? Read Numbers 13; 14; 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9 and Joshua 1:1-2. What about Joshua’s life or character is worth copying or emulating? Thinking on the account of Rahab in Joshua 2, what does this story tell us about God’s character? Why? Dig Even Deeper: (Day 3): Read Joshua 1:6-9 and fill In the chart below. An example has been done for you. Instructions Promises (v.6) Be strong and courageous (v.6) For you shall cause this people to inherit the land I swore to their fathers to give them. Of God’s instructions listed above, which challenges or inspires me most? Why? Of the promises listed above, which one do I need to cling to most? Why? Dig Even Deeper (Days 4 and 5): For the rest of this week, work on the Bible memory passages. They will help you grow in trust and obedience! These are promised to claim – match God’s Word to your moments of need! Week 2 Memorial Stones by the Jordan; Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal (Joshua 4-5) Memory Verse: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.” Romans 8:5-7 The book of Joshua is the story of God’s people taking possession of modern-day Israel. But the story begins long before Joshua’s time as God had made a “covenant” promise to Abraham to give the people the land of Canaan. A covenant is a legally binding promise – in this case to redeem. After 40 years of wandering in the desert – a punishment for an entire generation who complained that life had been better in as slaves in Egypt – the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River as God halted the flow of water. Thus they came the outskirts of the land that was promised, i.e. the “Promised Land” (a foreshadowing of the kingdom of God) to prepare for battle. The first preparations were not military, however, but spiritual as God’s people demonstrate their grateful dependence on Him in three ways: 1) building a memorial to commemorate crossing the Jordan 2) circumcising a new generation and 3) celebrating the feast of Passover symbolizing the blood sacrifice which covers sin. One of many things we can learn from this week’s lesson is obedience and devotion to God before motion! Personal thoughts and notes ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ BIBLE PASSAGES: READ JOSHUA 4:19-24 AND JOSHUA 5 Basic (Day 1): What do these passages reveal about God? How does this apply to me? Dig Deeper (Day 2): Memorials: Read Joshua 4:20-24. Why did Joshua set up the memorial stones? For reflection/journaling: Are there spiritual markers in my own life I would like to remember (and pass along)? How might I memorialize these events (plant a tree, donate to a mission, celebrate a personal holiday, etc.)? Dig Even Deeper (Day 3): Circumcision: Read Joshua 5:4-9. The practice of circumcision (Gen. 17:9-14) had been largely abandoned during the 40 years wandering in the desert, as had Passover celebration for which circumcision was required (Ex. 12:48). Read Genesis 17:9-14. According to these verses, what was the purpose of circumcision in the Old Testament? Now read Romans 2:29 and Colossians 2:11. While circumcision in the Old Testament represented purification and identification, what do you think is meant by circumcision of the heart in the New Testament? Do I have a circumcised heart? Respond in prayer. Dig Even Deeper (Day 4): Passover: Read Joshua 5:10-12. After circumcision had been completed, it was time to once again celebrate the Passover feast (Ex. 12:1-28) which had ceased during the 40 years wandering. The Passover remembers the tenth and worst plague in Egypt where the firstborn son in every family was to die. God told the Israelites to wipe the blood of a spotless lamb over the doorpost of their houses and then the death angel would “pass-over” them. Reread Joshua 5:12. What happened the day after the Passover feast? Read John 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 5:7. How is Christ described in these passages? Read John 19:14 which describes the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. When was Jesus crucified? Dig Even Deeper (Day 5): The Commander of the LORD’s Army: Read Joshua 5:13-15. What does this visit suggest? How can this encourage you in your battles – large or small? Respond in prayer and, like Joshua, meditate on those memory verses. Week 3 Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6-8) Memory Verse: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.