The Land Joshua: Sweeping into the Promised Land

Joshua is Sent The Book of Joshua tells about one of Israel’s greatest heroes, the man chosen by Moses to lead the Israelites into Canaan. The book opens with God’s sending Joshua to Canaan, urging him to be brave, and reminding him to keep the law.

Turning to God The story of Joshua reminded the exiled Jews in Babylon centuries later of their need to turn to God again. Joshua represented everything Israel was supposed to be – completely faithful and trusting in God.

Rahab and the Spies Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho. They stay in the house of a woman named Rahab. Rahab offers to help them if they will promise to keep her family safe when Jericho is invaded. The spies return with news of the city’s terror as it awaits invasion.

Doing the Will of God We might criticize Rahab for betraying of the city. The biblical writers saw her role as being divinely given. God’s way, it seems, is to choose the most unlikely persons to accommodate his purposes in the world.

Crossing the Jordan River Joshua orders the march; and as soon as the feet of the priests touch the riverbed of the Jordan, the waters cease to flow. One man from each tribe carries a stone across the river and builds a memorial called Gilgal (circle of stones).

God’s Doing, not the Israelites’ The land of Canaan was God’s gift to the Israelites. They saw God as being on their side in their struggle to claim the land.

Israel in the Promised Land Once in Canaan, the people eat for the first time the produce of the Promised Land. In a mysterious encounter, Joshua meets the captain of the army of the Lord. This encounter is a sign that God will be with Joshua in the coming battle at Jericho.

Jericho: And the Walls Came Tumblin’ Down Joshua’s soldiers lay siege to Jericho, surrounded the city, and cut off its supplies. For six days seven priests carrying rams’ horns lead the Israelites out of camp along with the ark of the Covenant. On the 7 th day, Jericho falls, and only Rahab and her family are saved.

The Ban: “Devotion to God for Destruction” The ban was essentially an order to destroy everything in the conquered town ▫Inhabitants ▫Possessions ▫Animals The theological lesson: ▫Devotion to God must be total and exclusive.

Pagan Practices of the Canaanites Fertility rites to the God known as Baal. The sacrifice of children to the Gods in order to appease them.

Faith

Obedience

Courage

Breaking the Ban: Defeat at Ai After Jericho’s destruction, Joshua’s men scout the town of Ai and predict an easy conquest. Yet Israel is defeated because someone broke the ban. The guilty party, Achan, is executed by stoning.

The Twelve Tribes of Israel Eventually, Joshua captures all the land and subdues Israel’s enemies. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is reported. Twelve, the number of tribes, became symbolic for the Israelites – and later for Christians.

The Death of Joshua In a solemn farewell, Joshua begs the people never to forget the one God who has done so much for them, and he warns them of the consequences if they do forget. The Israelites renew the covenant at a place called Shechem and Joshua’s work is done. He dies and is buried in his tribal land.

Joshua: A Model for Israel One of Israel’s greatest leaders Strong Courageous Honest Unshaken by Failure Upholder of the Law Great love for God