An Introduction to Joshua Israel Inherits the Promised Land Through the Bible in One Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Warrior February 14, 2016 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 “… the major purpose of the Book of Joshua is to describe God’s giving of the promised land of Canaan to his people Israel.” D. M. Howard, Jr., “Joshua”

Agenda Introduction Canon History Joshua, the Man Joshua & Moses Purpose Theme Summary Analysis Exposition Issues Application Test Agenda “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

An Introduction to a Book of the Bible Provides Three Things: 1.Information: general information about the book 2.Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the book 3.Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the book Introduction “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua: First of the Historical Books Canon “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 “The Bible is history, not of Israel but of the God of Israel and Israel.” David Pawson

Joshua Continues Where Deuteronomy Ended History Joshua “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua and Deuteronomy are Linked by Moses’ Death and Joshua’s Leadership History Deuteronomy 34 Joshua 1 Moses’ DeathJoshua’s Leadership “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua’s Name Joshua means “the Lord saves” or “the Lord delivers” In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) the name Joshua is rendered Iesous which is the same Greek name we translate as Jesus Originally, named Hoshea, which means salvation or deliverance (Num 13:8; Deut 32:44) Moses changed his name to Joshua (Num 13:16) Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua Experienced the Following Events Deliverance from Egypt Giving of the law at Sinai The spying mission into Canaan Forty years of wilderness wanderings Death of the “old generation” Moses’ interactions with the Lord Moses’ death Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua’s Leadership Experience At Moses’ request led Israel in defeating the Amalekites at Rephidim (Ex 17:8-14) Accompanied Moses to the foot of Mt. Sinai when Moses received the law (Ex 24:13) Near tent of meeting when God met Moses face to face (Ex 33:11) One of twelve men sent into Canaan to spy out the land and one of two spies who recommended taking the land (Num 13-14) Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua’s Leadership Experience…. 2 One of two Israelites from the “old generation” who will enter the promised land (Num 14:6-9,30) The Spirit of God dwells in him (Num 27:18-23) Appointed as successor to Moses by the Lord (Deut 31:3,7,14,23) Filled with the Spirit of wisdom (Deut 34:9) Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua: the New Moses Joshua Carries on the Work of Moses Moses laid hands on him (Deut 34:9) The Lord’s promises to Moses pass to Joshua (Josh 1:3) As the Lord was with Moses he will be with Joshua (Josh 1:5,9) The new generation of Israelites promised to obey Joshua as they obeyed Moses (Josh 1:17) Sent out spies (Josh 2:1; cf. Num 13:1-6) Joshua and Moses “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua: the New Moses… 2 Joshua Carries on the Work of Moses Led a miraculous crossing over the Jordan River (Josh Chs 3-4; cf. Ex 13:17-14:31) Told to “take off his sandals for he is standing on a holy place” by a divine being (Josh 5:13; cf. Ex 3:5) Led a covenant renewal with Israel at Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim (Josh 8:30-25; cf. Deut 27-28) Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua: the Book Joshua, the Man “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 “The book rightly bears his [Joshua’s] name but in the end it must be realized that the book is not about Joshua – it is about God.” Hill and Walton, “A Survey of the Old Testament”

Purpose of the Book of Joshua Purpose The purpose of the Book of Joshua is to show how the Lord kept his covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to the nation of Israel. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

The Promise and the Fulfillment Purpose At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The L ORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.”. Gen 12:6,7 So the L ORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there.. Josh 21:43 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 PromiseFulfillment

The Major Theme of the Book of Joshua is “Inheriting the Promised Land” The promise of a land was originally made to –Abraham (Gen 12:7; 13:14,15,17; 15:18-21;17:8; 22:17) –Isaac (Gen 26:3,4) –Jacob (Gen 28:4,13; 35:12) –Succeeding generations (Gen 15:13-21; 48:4; 50:24) –Exodus through Deuteronomy is saturated with the references to the promised land (120 times in Deut) Themes “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 “The comprehensive theme of the book may be summarized as this: The Lord fulfills his promises to give the land of Canaan to his covenant people as an inheritance.” A. L. Harstad, “Joshua”

The Major Theme of the Book of Joshua is “Inheriting the Promised Land” 2 The concept of the land of Canaan as God’s gift to Israel appears over 50 times in Joshua The book of Joshua is structured around this topic (see Analysis) Chapters contain specific details of inheritances Joshua begins and ends with statements concerning inheriting land –Joshua 1:1-6 –Joshua 24:1-33 Themes “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 It is important to realize the inheriting the land is a major part of the COVENANT the Lord made with his people.

An Introduction to the Book of Joshua: Israel Inherits the Promised Land Summary The Lord commissions Joshua to lead Israel in conquering the land promised to Abraham (Chapter 1). Joshua leads Israel in preparing to enter (Chapters 2- 5), conquering (Chapters 6-12) and distributing the land to the 12 tribes (Chapters 13-22). Joshua leads the people in a renewal of the covenant just before his death (Chapters 23-24). “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

An Introduction to the Book of Joshua: Israel Inherits the Promised Land I.Commission of Joshua (Ch. 1) II.Conquest of Canaan (Chs. 2-22) III.Covenant Renewal of Israel (Chs ) Analysis “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 “… the idea is emphasized that it was Jehovah who fulfilled his promise to the fathers in establishing Israel in the land of Canaan.” William Hendriksen, “A Survey of the Bible”

An Introduction to the Book of Joshua: Israel Inherits the Promised Land I.Commission of Joshua (Ch. 1) II.Conquest of Canaan (Chs. 2-22) A.Preparing to Enter the Land (Chs. 2-5) B.Conquering the Land (Chs. 6-12) C.Distributing the Land (Chs ) III.Covenant Renewal of Israel (Chs ) Analysis “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

The Theme and Structure of the Book are Given in Joshua’s Commission Commission of Joshua Chapter 1 (R:1:1-9) “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Exposition “Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River” v.2 “No one will be able to stand up against you…” v.5 “…you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers” v.6 “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you…” v.7 Chapters 2-5 Enter the Land Chapters 6-12 Conquer the Land Chapters Distribute the Land Chapters 23,24 Covenant Renewal

Rahab and the Spies of Jericho Only two spies sent out (not 12 as before) Rahab’s faith in God allows her to escape judgment The scarlet cord in the window is reminiscent of the blood on the doors of the Israelites during the “Passover ” Entering the Land “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Preparing to Enter the Land Chapter 2

Israel’s Crossing the Jordan Melted the Hearts of the Canaanite Kings Parallels the crossing of the Red Sea (Ex 14) Confirms the Lord’s commitment Validates Joshua’s succession of Moses Established memorials These two water crossings bracket early Israelite history –Deliverance from Egypt –Entrance into promised land Entering the Land “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Preparing to Enter the Land Chapter 3 -4 “Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the L ORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” Joshua 5:1

Final Preparations Show Israel is Ready to Conquer the Land Passing the faith to the new generation: first time since Egypt –Circumcision (Josh 5:2-9) Male children born in the wilderness are circumcised Circumcision is a sign of the covenant –Passover (Josh 5:10-11) Signs that Israel is ready to inherit the land –Cessation of manna (Josh 5:12) –Commander of the Lord’s army (Josh 5:13-15) Entering the Land “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Preparing to Enter the Land Chapter 5 (R:5:13-15)

Israel Conquered the Land with Three Military Campaigns Conquering the Land 3 Northern Campaign Chapter 11 Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph 1 Central Campaign Chapters 6-8 Jericho, Ai 2 Southern Campaign Chapter 9,10 Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Conquering the Land Chapter 6-12

Distributing the Promised Land Distributing the Land “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Distributing the Land Chapter % of material in Joshua The most repetitious and boring reading But, perhaps the most important part of the book Validates that the Lord kept his promises to Israel R: 13:15-23

Distributing the Special Cities as Part of Fulfilling the Lord’s Promise Distributing the Land “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Conquest of Canaan Distributing the Land Chapter Cities of Refuge (Joshua chapter 20) –Commanded through Moses –Protection from a blood avenger for those who accidentally kill someone Levitical Cities (Joshua chapter 21) –Commanded through Moses –Tribe of Levi inherits, no land, but cities since they perform the sacrificial rituals

Joshua Renews the Covenant with Israel Joshua’s Farewell to Leaders (Josh 23:1-16) –Obey the Lord: remain in the land –Disobey the Lord: perish from the land Joshua’s Covenant Renewal (Josh 24:1-27) –Historical review of Israel (Josh 24:1-13) –Joshua’s challenge to serve God (Josh 24:14-27) Joshua will serve God (Josh 24:14,15) The people will serve God (Josh 24:18-27) Covenant Renewal of Israel “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Covenant Renewal Of Israel Chapter 23,24

The Book of Joshua Ends with Three Burials Joshua (Josh 24:29-31) Joseph (Josh 24:32) –His bones carried from Egypt (Gen 50:24,25) –Buried in Shechem in the land Jacob had purchased –God gave Abraham the promise of land at Shechem (Gen 12:6,7) Eleazar – son of Aaron (Josh 24:33) Covenant Renewal of Israel “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 Covenant Renewal Of Israel Chapter 23,24

The Complete Destruction of the Canaanites Remains a Major Issue Israel practiced “kherem” in the conquering of Canaan Kherem is the complete destruction of all living beings in devotion to one’s God We see kherem in the conquering of Jericho (Josh chapter 6) and later Ai (Josh chapters 7 and 8) Kherem was commanded by the Lord (Josh 10:40) and by Moses (Josh 11:12) Issues “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

How Do We Explain Kherem? Kherem was part of the Near Eastern culture Israel seemed to practice it only early wars of conquest and consolidation It was considered an act of judgment on the Canaanites for their sinful lifestyle –Sexual abuse in religious practices –Human sacrifice (especially of children) –Resistance to the Lord (Josh 9:1-4; 10:1-5; 11:1-5) Rahab submitted to the Lord and was spared (Josh 2:8-13) Issues “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

What Can We Learn from the Book of Joshua? Rahab’s faith in the Lord spared her from judgment (Josh 2:8-13; cf. Heb 11:31; Jas. 2:25) Achan was enticed by the attractiveness of sin –Violation of the covenant ban (Josh 7:201,21) –Received judgment (Josh 7:25) –Affected the entire nation of Israel – defeated at Ai Joshua and the men of Israel were deceived into sin by the Gibeonites (Chapter 9) Commitment to the Lord needs frequent renewal (Josh 1:16-18; 8:30-35; 24:21-27) Application “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

What one word best describes the content of the book of Joshua? a.Battle b.Inheritance c.Covenant d.Land e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

What two words best describes the content of the book of Joshua? a.Levitical cities b.Promised land c.Covenant renewal d.Moses’ law e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

What is the major theme of the book of Joshua? a.Destroying the sinful Canaanites b.Obeying the law of Moses c.Inheriting the promised land d.Renewing the covenant e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Why is Canaan described as the promised land? a.The Lord promised to destroy the Canaanites b.The Lord promised Canaan to Israel’s ancestors c.The Lord promised to be with Israel in Canaan d.Israel promised to obey the Lord in Canaan e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua’s name means: a.The Lord saves b.The Lord remembers c.The Lord conquers d.The Lord is present e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Joshua succeeded the following leader of Israel: a.Eleazar b.Aaron c.Moses d.Caleb e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Who is the main character in the Book of Joshua? a.Joshua b.The nation of Israel c.Moses d.The Lord e.None of the above Test “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6