GENESIS. The Book of Beginnings

GENESIS The Book of Beginnings

Joshua chosen by God to succeed Moses

Setting: Purpose: JOSHUA The Book of Conquest The book of Joshua takes place in Canaan, the land of promise. The story picks up at the end of Deuteronomy with the death of Moses (1406 B.C.) and continues until the death of the elders associated with Joshua (1375 B.C.) 1. To record the Hebrew conquest of Canaan under Joshua 2. To show the completion of redemption out of Egypt. Israel was redeemed not only out of Egypt but also into the promised land. If the second book of the Bible is called Exodus, then this one should be, to coin a new word, Eisodus. J. Vernon McGee

Title & Author: Themes: Key verses: JOSHUA The Book of Conquest Joshua (Yehoshua) = Jehovah is salvation same as Jesus (Yeshua) in the N.T. The Faithfulness and Power of God Joshua as Israel s New Leader The Land Both Conquered and Remaining (13:1; 21:43-45) The Law (1:7, 8; 8:30-32, 34; 22:1-5; 23:4-6) Obedience and Disobedience of Israel Joshua 24:14,15 14 "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Key words: JOSHUA The Book of Conquest possession 11 times inheritance 49 times Key principle: Purpose: The battle is the Lord s 1. To record the Hebrew conquest of Canaan under Joshua 2. To show the completion of redemption out of Egypt. Israel was redeemed not only out of Egypt but also into the promised land. If the second book of the Bible is called Exodus, then this one should be, to coin a new word, Eisodus. J. Vernon McGee

JOSHUA The Book of Conquest Key Passage: Joshua 1:1-11 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, 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. 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.' "

Overview of the Historical Books The historical books continue the story of God s covenant people, the nation of Israel: The Theocratic Books - Joshua records the conquering and division of the promised land. Judges and Ruth describe the period of the theocracy, led by regional judges, before a formal monarchy was established in Israel. The Monarchical Books - Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles record the development and subsequent division of Israel s kingdom, ending with the captivity of the Southern Kingdom at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 B.C. The Restoration Books - Ezra/Nehemiah and Esther describe God s preservation of Israel during the exile and the return of a remnant of Jews to their homeland after seventy years of exile.

JOSHUA The Book of Conquest Christ in Joshua Although there are no direct Messianic prophecies in the book, Joshua is clearly a type of Christ. His name Yeshua ( Yahweh Is Salvation ) is the Hebrew equivalent of the name Jesus. In his role of triumphantly leading his people into their possessions, he foreshadows the One who will bring many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14; see Rom. 8:37). Joshua succeeds Moses and wins the victory unreached by Moses. Christ will succeed the Mosaic Law and win the victory unreachable by the Law (see John 1:17; Rom. 8:2 4; Gal. 3:23 25; Heb. 7:18 19). The Commander of the army of the LORD (5:13 15) met by Joshua is evidently a preincarnate appearance of Christ (cf. 5:15 with Ex. 3:5). Rahab s scarlet cord (2:21) portrays safety through the blood (Heb. 9:19 22); and amazingly, this gentile woman is found in Christ s genealogy (Matt. 1:5).

JOSHUA The Book of Conquest Things to think about.. The people of Canaan were exceedingly wicked, they were an idolatrous people who posed a threat to the true worship and the future of Israel (Lev. 18:24-30). The Lord had given them time to repent but they would not (Gen. 15:13-16). The Lord graciously allowed them to turn to Him and be saved but they would not (Ex. 12:48, see also Rahab). God used the Israelites as His instrument of judgment against the inhabitants of Cannan (Josh. 11:18-30). The bottom line: We ALL deserve the wrath of God, that He saves any is a testament to His love and kindness. The wrath of God is a terrifying thing (Heb. 10:31) but He always extends mercy to those who come to Him (John 6:37).

JOSHUA Outline Israel Claims its Possession (1-5) Faith believes God s Word 1 Faith counts the cost 2 Faith makes a move 3 Faith strengthens its stand 4 Faith pays the price 5 Israel Conquers its Possession (6-11) Central Campaign 6-8 Southern Campaign 9-10 Northern Campaign 11 Israel Colonizes its Possession (12-24) Declaring the spoils of victory 12 Dividing the spoils of victory 13-21 Dedicating the spoils of victory 22 Defending the spoils of victory 23-24

JOSHUA Outline Conquering the Land (Chaps 1 12) Preparation and entrance into Canaan (1 5) Victory in central Canaan (6 8) Victory over southern kings (9 10) Victory over northern kings (11 ) Summary of defeated kings (12) Dividing the Land (Chaps 13-24) Allotments for the twelve tribes and cities for refuge and Levites (13 22) Joshua s last messages (23 24)

JOSHUA Outline Conquering the Land (Chaps 1 12) Preparation and entrance into Canaan (1 5)

RAHAB AND THE TWO SPIES Joshua 2 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."

THE SCARLET CORD Joshua 2:17-21 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace Heb.11:31 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.

ISRAEL CROSSES THE JORDAN Joshua 3

Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. Joshua 3:17

MEMORIAL STONES Joshua 4 1 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 "Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, 'Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.' " 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them: "Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever." Joshua 4:1-7

THE COMMANDER OF THE LORD S ARMY Joshua 5:13-15 "As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you friend or foe?" "Neither one," he replied. "I am commander of the LORD's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for this is holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told." Joshua 5:13-15

JOSHUA Outline Conquering the Land (Chaps 1 12) Preparation and entrance into Canaan (1 5) Victory in central Canaan (6 8)

DEFEAT OF JERICHO Joshua 6 1 Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him. Joshua 6:1-5

ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE AT JERICHO Over the past century four prominent archaeologists have excavated the site: Carl Watzinger from 1907-1909, John Garstang in the 1930's, Kathleen Kenyon from 1952-1958, and currently Bryant Wood. The result of their work has been remarkable. First, they discovered that Jericho had an impressive system of fortifications. Surrounding the city was a retaining wall fifteen feet high. At its top was an eight foot brick wall strengthened from behind by an earthen rampart. Domestic structures were found behind this first wall. Another brick wall enclosed the rest of the city. The domestic structures found between the two walls is consistent with Joshua's description of Rahab's quarters (Josh. 2:15). Archeologists also found that in one part of the city, large piles of bricks were found at the base of both the inner and outer walls, indicating a sudden collapse of the fortifications. Scholars feel that an earthquake, which may also explain the damming of the Jordan in the biblical account, caused this collapse. The collapsed bricks formed a ramp by which an invader might easily enter the city (Josh. 6:20). Of this amazing discovery Garstang states, "As to the main fact, then, there remains no doubt: the walls fell outwards so completely, the attackers would be able to clamber up and over the ruins of the city. The Foundations of Bible History; Joshua, Judges (London: Constable, 1931), p.146.

FAILURE AT AI BEFORE VICTORY Joshua 7 & 8 1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel. 2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, "Go up and spy out the country." So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few." 4 So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirtysix men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

JOSHUA Outline Conquering the Land (Chaps 1 12) Preparation and entrance into Canaan (1 5) Victory in central Canaan (6 8) Victory over southern kings (9 10)

FOOLED BY THE GIBEONITES Joshua 9 22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, "Why have you deceived us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you dwell near us? 23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves--woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God." 24 So they answered Joshua and said, "Because your servants were clearly told that the Lord your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 25 And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us." 26 So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. 27 And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. Joshua 9:22-27

THE SUN STANDS STILL Joshua 10 8 And the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." 9 Joshua therefore came upon them suddenly, having marched all night from Gilgal. 10 So the Lord routed them before Israel, killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them along the road that goes to Beth Horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 And it happened, as they fled before Israel and were on the descent of Beth Horon, that the Lord cast down large hailstones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died from the hailstones than the children of Israel killed with the sword. 12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." 13 So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. Joshua 10:8-14

6:1 Central Jericho Victory through Faith 7:1 Campaign Ai Defeat through Sin 8:1 Restoration 9:1 Southern Gibeon Deception 10:1 Jerusalem, The Sun & Moon Campaign Hebron, Jarmuth, Stand Still Lachish, Eglon 11:1 Northern Campaign SUMMARY OF THE CONQUEST Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph 11:16 Summary There was not a city that made peace Surprise attack by the Waters of Merom It was of the Lord to harden their hearts

CALEB S REQUEST Joshua 14 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.' 10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said." 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. 14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. Joshua 14:9-14

Dividing the Land The Inheritance The land will be divided among the tribes according to the numbers of people in the tribes. The Levites received 48 different cities within the borders of the different tribes. Different Levite families received different cities (21). The tabernacle was set up at Shiloh (18). They appointed six cities of refuge (20).

All the Land Is Given So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. (Joshua 21:43-45)

Joshua s Warnings Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed. Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all the good things have come upon you which the LORD your God promised you, so the LORD will bring upon you all harmful things, until He has destroyed you from this good land which the LORD your God has given you. When you have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you. Joshua 23:14-16

Joshua s Final Challenge Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:14,15

Joshua Dies The people agree to follow God (24:16-22) Joshua sets up a stone to be a witness of the covenant between God and the people (24:23-28). Joshua dies at the age of 110; Eleazar, the High Priest, also dies (24:29-33). Joseph s bones, brought from Egypt, are buried at Shechem which Jacob had bought for a burial plot (24:32).

Joshua & Ephesians There is a book in the New Testament which is very similar to the book of Joshua. It is the book of Ephesians. The book of Joshua says "Be strong" (Joshua 1:6,9,18)! Does the book of Ephesians say the same thing (Ephesians 6:10)? The book of Joshua is about soldiers who had to win battles. Is the book of Ephesians about soldiers (Ephesians 6:11-18)? The book of Joshua is about Israel possessing the land. The book of Ephesians is about Christians possessing the riches and the blessings which they have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)! Every Christian is a spiritual billionaire! But not every Christian realizes how rich he really is, and very few really possess and enjoy these riches. God s victory on the cross gives us who believe His promised possessions. But the promised possessions require my desire for them, my determination to possess the promises, and my dependence upon God in the necessary conflict and conquest. Only then can I experience and enjoy my God-given possessions.