Page 1 Third Presbyterian Church Tuesday Bible Study Old Testament Tour - Joshua Lesson 35 The Lord Commands Joshua Joshua 1:1-18 (NIV) 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them--to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates--all the Hittite country--to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.'" 12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 "Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: 'The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.' 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise." 16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!" QUESTIONS 1. Joshua was the one who was half way up the mountain as Moses talked to God. Joshua was one of the spies to scope out Canaan. Joshua has been right by Moses side and growing exponentially in the Lord. All this time Joshua was being prepared by God to be Moses successor. A. How do you think Joshua felt when God commanded him to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land? B. God is always preparing for something different and greater. What do you feel God is preparing you for now? How is God preparing you? If you don t feel that God is preparing you for something different and greater, then what about your life is inhibiting your preparation? 2. What causes you to feel discouraged or inadequate? How has God assured you that He is with you, fighting for you and positioning for you to be successful in what you are being led to accomplish? 3. What does this passage teach you about how to deal with negative emotions, such as fear, self-doubt, and discouragement? 4. Why do you think God reminded Joshua of the relationship the Lord had with Moses? 5. What events in your past remind you of God s faithfulness and help you to trust Him today? 6. How do you feel about the changes that are taking place in your life now? 7. Why do you think it is important to meditate on God s Word? 8. What concrete action can you take in the next few days to get over fear or discouragement? 9. How could you encourage a friend or family member who is feeling burned-out or discouraged?
Page 2 The Necessary Mobilization to Enter the Promised Land, 1:1-18 (1:1-18) Introduction Allegiance Loyalty: allegiance or loyalty is an absolute essential in life. No group of people can be held together without allegiance, without being loyal to one another. Even nations and governments demand the allegiance of their citizens. For example, America challenges its citizens to pledge their loyalty to the nation and its principles. When confronting the American flag, American citizens are asked to declare their allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Without loyalty, a body of people falls apart, disintegrates. Loyalty is a necessity an absolute imperative to hold together any relationship. Allegiance is essential with any business, civic, or social club; with any athletic team, army, spy network, or nation. The Israelites were about to face the challenge of their lives. They were now to cross the Jordan River to begin their conquest of the promised land. Army after army would oppose the Israelites, threatening to erase them from the face of the earth. The struggle for the promised land would last for years. If allegiance and loyalty were ever called for, it was now. Mobilization was needed a mobilization of the entire nation had to be carried out in order to march and conquer the promised land. And underlying the mobilization there had to be total commitment, a commitment of allegiance and loyalty. The promised land could be conquered only if the people were loyal, only if they pledged their allegiance to the Lord and His people. This is the message of the opening chapter of Joshua. This is, The Necessary Mobilization to Enter the Promised Land, 1:1-18. 1. The call of God to Joshua: He was the aide and military commander to Moses (v.1-9). 2. The command of Joshua to the officers (v.10-15). 3. The pledge of the officers to Joshua: Loyalty allegiance (v.16-18). 1. (1:1-9) Call, of Joshua Promised Land, Territory Victorious Life, Assurance Assurance, of God's Presence Presence, of God Charges, List of Courage, Duty Strength, Duty Word of God, Duty Fear, Duty Discouragement, Duty: the great book of Joshua opens with the call of God to Joshua. Joshua was the chief aide to Moses and the military commander of the armed forces of Israel. God had already called and commissioned Joshua to replace Moses upon the death of Moses. Now, Moses had just died, and the people had been in deep anguish and mourning over his death for thirty days (Deut. 34:8). As soon as the thirty days of mourning were over, God immediately spoke to Joshua, restating His call to him 1. God issued an arousing call to Joshua. The people's hearts were gripped with a deep sense of grief and anguish, broken over the passing of the man who had led them for so long. Keep in mind that Moses was the Father of the nation Israel. Through the guidance of God, Moses had founded and established the nation of Israel. Moses had freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and given them the law at Mt. Sinai and led them through the wilderness wanderings. Despite all the trials suffered by both Moses and the people, the people respected and revered, even loved, this dear man who was the father of them as a people. When he died, the people were bound to be deeply affected, gripped with an intense, perhaps almost unbearable, sense of grief. It seems that Joshua himself had fallen into a spirit of despair over the death of Moses, that he was lingering in grief well beyond what he should. For this reason, God forcefully spoke to the heart of Joshua and gave him an arousing call: "Moses My servant is dead! Arise! Fill the gap! Take up the mantle of leadership! Prepare the people to cross the Jordan River into the promised land."
Page 3 It was time for Joshua to arise and cease his mourning over the death of Moses. It was time for him to take up the mantle of leadership and lead God's people. He was now the appointed leader of the nation, the Commander-in-Chief. Leading the people to claim their inheritance in the promised land was now his duty. And it was time to begin the mobilization. It was time to make the final preparations to cross the Jordan River and actually enter the land that had been promised to God's people for such a long time. But the arousing call was not all that God had to say to Joshua. 2. God gave three wonderful promises to Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 1:2-5). These were ancient promises, promises that had been given to God's people ever since their birth through Abraham. At long last, these promises were to be fulfilled and personally experienced by the Israelites. Their fulfillment was on the verge of taking place. a. There was the promise of the promised land (Joshua 1:3-4). The Israelites were to secure and occupy all the land, every place they marched. Note that God Himself gives the land to His people. It is a gift from God Himself; however, it was the people's responsibility to march forth and claim the land, claim it by faith in the promise of God. The promised land was theirs a gift of God but they had to lay claim to the promised land. They had to march forth, laying hold of the promised land. As they marched forth, they would secure the land that flowed with milk and honey. (See Deeper Study #2, Promised Land Joshua 1:3-4 for more discussion.) Note the enormous territory promised by God. The boundaries of the land are described by their furthermost point in each direction: South: the desert (the Negev) North: Lebanon East: the Euphrates River West: the Mediterranean Sea b. There was the promise of conquering all enemies (Joshua 1:5). This is a picture of the believer's full and victorious life. As the Israelites marched forth, they would face opposition. There would be enemies who would confront and wage war against them. These enemies would do all they could to defeat the Israelites and either enslave or kill them. But the great promise of God is that of victory and triumph. They would conquer all the enemies who opposed them. Thought 1. A full and victorious life is one of the great promises of God. The genuine believer who marches forth laying claim to the promised land will be victorious. There is only one condition: the believer must trust God, really focus upon God, marching forth and seeking the great promised land of God. This believer will conquer all the enemies, trials, and temptations that confront him. He will live a full and victorious life through the presence and power of the Lord. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35, 37-39). c. There is the promise of the continued, unbroken presence and rest of God (Joshua 1:5). The Israelites would defeat all enemies by the presence of God. God promised to be with them, to never leave them nor forsake them. The unfailing presence of God would always be present with His dear people. His unfailing presence would guide His people and give them victory over all enemies. What a promise from God, the glorious promise of His unfailing presence! Page 4 Thought 1. What a promise God has given us! The promise of His unbroken presence, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what enemy, trial, or temptation may face us no matter what trouble, difficulty, or problem no matter the size, the strength, or the destructive potential of the obstacle God will be with us. His unfailing presence will never leave us nor forsake us. "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:20). "Let your conversation [behavior, conduct] be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). "And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of" (Genesis 28:15). "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" (Exodus 33:14). "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5). 3. God gave a forceful charge to Joshua, a charge to be "strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9). Note that the charge is repeated three times (Joshua 1:6-7, 9). a. God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous in his task, that of leading Israel to inherit the promised land (Joshua 1:6). He was the military commander of an army that faced formidable enemies, and he knew that years of warfare lay ahead. The land promised by God was a vast territory possessed by a number of powerful nations whose people were brutal and savage, wicked and evil to the core. Their "cup of iniquity" had become so full that God was now using the Israelites as His instrument of judgment against them. (See Deeper Study #1 Joshua 11:20 for more discussion.) In facing such enemies year after year, the days of warfare and the sight of maiming and killing could easily begin to wear upon Joshua. God knew this; therefore, he charged Joshua to be strong and courageous in his task of conquering the promised land. It was his task to conquer the land and to divide it among God's dear people. He and the Israelites were to be the instruments of God's justice and judgment against the Canaanites who had become so evil and corrupt. Throughout the days, months, and years of warfare, this dear servant of God was to stay the course. He was to be strong and courageous throughout the struggle.
Page 5 b. God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous in obeying God, in obeying His law, His Word (Joshua 1:7-8). He was to obey everything that Moses had written. Note exactly what God told Joshua to do with the Word of God: He was to obey all God's law. He was not to turn away from God's Word. He was never to stop sharing God's law or Word. He was to meditate on God's Word day and night. This would assure obedience. The result of his obedience would be prosperity and success. All that he and the Israelites put their hands to would prosper and be successful. c. God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous in overcoming fear and discouragement (Joshua 1:9). Having to face enemy after enemy, year-after-year having to make the decision to send young men, husbands, and fathers into battle time and again who would be witnessing the bloodshed and horror of battle after battle all this could break down the strength and courage of any commander and army. God knew this, and He cared for Joshua. Therefore, God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous in overcoming whatever fear or discouragement attacked him. To encourage and assure Joshua, God gave him the promise of His continued, unbroken presence. God promised that He would go with Joshua wherever he went, never forsaking or leaving him. Thought 1. There are two strong lessons for us in this charge given to Joshua. 1) We must be strong and courageous in obeying God. We must keep His law, His commandments and Holy Word. We must never turn away from His Word; rather, we must meditate on it day and night. If we obey God, living in His Word and keeping His commandments, we will prosper and be successful in whatever we do. Whatever we put our hands to will be blessed by God. God will give us purpose, achievement, and fulfillment throughout life. But note: this promise is given only to those who obey God by meditating in His Word day and night, only to those who do exactly what He says. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21). "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:25). "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14). "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all" (1 Tim. 4:15). 2) We must be strong and courageous as we march throughout life. Fear and discouragement can be conquered only as we are strong and courageous. God is with us, and He will never leave nor forsake us. This is His promise to us just as it was to Joshua. His unfailing presence is always with us wherever we go. Therefore, we must stand strong and courageous against all the enemies, trials, and temptations that confront us. No matter how many crushing problems, tough situations, or difficult people we face no matter how many lustful temptations or terrifying trials we face God is right there with us. God will deliver us and give us victory over
Page 6 the enemy that confronts us. We must stand strong and courageous, conquering and fulfilling our task for the Lord. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephes. 6:10-13). "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Cor. 16:13). 2. (1:10-15) Promised Land, Preparation for Longing, for the Promised Land Rest, Spiritual Spiritual Rest, Promised Israel, Rest Promised Mobilization, of Israel: the great book of Joshua opens with the command of Joshua to the officers to mobilize the people for the march into the promised land. At last, the long-awaited command was given: prepare the people to march into the promised land. This was the command for which the people had longed and yearned to hear, the command to prepare to cross over the Jordan River to claim their inheritance promised by God. 1. The long-awaited command came: prepare the people, mobilize them to march and cross over the Jordan (Joshua 1:10-11). The commander of the army, Joshua, gave the command; and the orders went down through the ranks of the officers. Note the reference to three days: the people had to be mobilized to march within three days. This shows just how organized the Israelites were, for the population was over two to three million people. For that many people to break camp, secure food, and prepare their livestock to march within a three day period demonstrates just how organized the nation was. 2. Note the special command given to the two and one half tribes of East Jordan (Joshua 1:12-15). Joshua commanded them to remember the words of Moses (see outline Numbers 3:1-42 and notes Numbers 3:1-42 for more discussion). Moses had already given theses tribes the land of East Jordan. They were already experiencing the promised rest of their inheritance. But note: this had been a special concession given to them, a concession made only because of their insistence. In return for the special concession, they had promised to fight alongside their fellow Israelites as they sought to conquer their inheritance. Consequently, Joshua commanded them... to leave their wives, children, and livestock in their land of East Jordan (Joshua 1:13) to mobilize their fighting men and lead the other tribes in marching across the Jordan (Joshua 1:14) to fight alongside the other tribes until they secured their promised rest and possessed their inheritance of land (Joshua 1:15). They could then return to their own land and people (Joshua 1:15) Note the emphasis upon the "rest" (shaqat) that God promised His people. To the Israelite, "rest" meant secure borders and peace from enemies, success and prosperity in whatever they did, fruitfulness of land and crops, a strong commerce and economy among the businesses of the nation. Simply stated, "rest" meant that the people could go about their daily lives in peace, living full and satisfying lives.
Page 7 Thought 1. The word "rest" (shaqat) has spiritual and theological significance for the believer. When a person trusts Jesus Christ as his Savior, God gives that person "rest"... the rest of salvation and deliverance the rest of peace of heart and mind the rest of assurance and confidence the rest of purpose, meaning, and significance the rest of fulfillment and satisfaction The genuine believer experiences a deep-seated rest, a rest of peace, assurance, and confidence within the deepest recesses of his heart. He knows where he has come from, why he is here, and where he is going. God floods his soul with the rest of His presence. When the genuine believer yields his life totally to Christ and claims the wonderful promises of God, God floods him with spiritual rest (see Joshua 11:23; Joshua 14:15; Joshua 21:44; Joshua 22:4; Joshua 23:1). "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29). "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13). 3. (1:16-18) Loyalty, to Leadership Allegiance, to Leadership: the great book of Joshua opens with the pledge of the officers to Joshua, the pledge of loyalty and allegiance. Obviously, this pledge was made by all the officers serving under Joshua and not just the officers of the two and one-half tribes of East Jordan. What a strong encouragement these officers were to Joshua! Their pledge was one of total loyalty and allegiance, a pledge that boosted Joshua's confidence in his call and ability to lead the people. 1. The officers pledged their loyalty (Joshua 1:16-17). They would obey Joshua and go wherever he sent them. They would obey him just as they had obeyed Moses. Joshua could command and they would obey. He could send and they would go. He had their word, their pledge of complete and total obedience. 2. The officers demonstrated their great hope and faith in God (Joshua 1:17). They actually prayed for Joshua, prayed that the Lord would be with him just as He had been with Moses. 3. The officers demonstrated their total commitment to their commander (Joshua 1:18). They passed a decree that any rebel would be executed. If any officer refused to carry out the orders of Joshua, no questions would be asked. He would be executed. The point is total and absolute commitment to obey the orders of Joshua. 4. The officers challenged Joshua with stirring words of encouragement. They challenged him to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:18). They were willing to follow him, and they pledged their loyalty totally to him. They wanted only one response from him: that he would be strong and courageous, that he would lead them as a strong and courageous commander.
Page 8 Thought 1. The officers pledged their loyalty and allegiance to Joshua. They committed themselves to follow him totally and completely. If he commanded, they would obey. If he sent them, they would go. Loyalty to those who lead us is commanded by God. God expects us to be committed and loyal to our leaders, in particular to godly leaders. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation" (Phil. 2:29). "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves" (1 Thes. 5:12-13). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible Joshua.