The book of Joshua chronicles the taking of possession of the land of Canaan. The book is a historical book, meaning it contains an account of events. In other words, the details in the book are primarily DESCRIPTIVE rather than PRESCRIPTIVE. To interpret it correctly requires that we read it as a historical account, draw from the account the PRINCIPLES that directed the actions, and APPLY the principle (not necessarily the actions themselves) to our lives.
It opens with a conversation between God and Joshua. Joshua was appointed as leader over Israel by Moses just prior to Moses' death (Deut 34). He had been with Moses throughout the Exodus and had been (along with Caleb) one of the two spies who came back with a favorable report of the land prior to Israel's disobedience and 40 years in the desert.
In v.2, God tells Joshua "Moses is dead, now arise and cross the Jordan, and take the land I am giving you." For Israel, this is a new day. They have followed Moses for all of their lives. They all grew up hearing about the Exodus, the disobedience of their parents which led to the desert wanderings, and the promise that God had made. Now, at this critical time of transition, God said-- it is time to take what I wish to give.
God lays out the boundaries of the possession in v.4. In v.5, he promises to be with Joshua as He was with Moses.
In v.6 we see that Joshua is an instrument of God's will. God was going to use him to fulfill God's promise. This is an important principle. God could have struck down all of the inhabitants of the land, "beamed" all of Israel into the land...even had dinner miraculously on the table when they arrived. However, God did not fulfill His promise in this way...He used a man and His people. We can learn from this. God wants to fulfill His Word in our communities and around the world; however, He will do it through His people.
In v.7-9 we see the key to success. Know the Word of God and walk in it...so that you can/will possess what God desires for you.
In vv.10-18, Moses commands the people to get ready for war. They are about to cross into enemy territory and begin to conquer the land. Yes...fulfilling the will of God requires work and struggle and effort...all of which are made possible by the power of God who guides and provides.
In this section we also see the submission of the people to the authority God entrusted to Joshua. God calls men to places of authority but their ability to lead also requires that the people submit to that authority. Historically speaking...if the church ever came to fully embrace this one principle (speaking of the church as a whole...not just the one I pastor), a pastor's ministry would be fast-forwarded 3-5 years or more. Many hessitate to follow a new pastor after a changing of the guard (so to speak.) They want to see how the pastor leads before they submit to leadership. Not so in this account with Joshua. It was enough for the people that Moses told them- Joshua is your new leader. Once God spoke on who was to lead, they got in line with Joshua and submitted to the authority he received from the Lord. Because they submitted to the leadership early, they saw God's hand at work in incredible ways right from the beginning.
Proverbs 24:11-12 are my takeaway today. They speak to a situation I was struggling with at present...so it is cool to me, even if it only connects for me.
"Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, 'see, we did not know this,' does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does he not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?"
I have been struggling over getting involved in a matter that I ordinarily would not. However, God desires that we step out and rescue those who are headed for destruction. We cannot say that we did not know...because the one who weighs our hearts (God) knows the truth and renders to us according to our actions. My course of action is not optional. My obedience is. I will choose to obey.
Grace,
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Thank you for being vulernable in your study, it helps me to grow in mine.
I am looking forward to this study in Joshua. I was reminded while I read it how many times I saw Be Strong and courageous. I wonder if this is stated so many times because first it was so important but second because the children have already proven that they are not strong and do not have courage. I am reminded about Joshua and Caleb and the spies. It seems like a really easy thing, to be strong and have courage we are on God's side why would that be hard but I can understand how that is not always that easy. This spoke to me with some things I am struggling with in my personal walk. It is always interesting to me that God chooses to use us. We are so dirty and unfaithful but God still chooses to love and use us. I am a treasure to Christ and this gives me hope to keep going and growing in Him!!
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