Joshua 1-3

Key Themes (Joshua)

The book of Joshua is a historical narrative that details the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who succeeded Moses. It covers the entry into Canaan, the battles to claim the land, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, and the renewal of the covenant. The key themes include:

1. God’s Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises: A central theme in Joshua is God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The book demonstrates that God kept His covenant promise to give the descendants of Abraham the land of Canaan. This theme underscores the reliability of God’s word and His commitment to His people.
2. Leadership and Obedience: Joshua’s leadership is pivotal in the successful conquest of Canaan. His obedience to God’s commands and his role as a faithful leader set an example for the Israelites. This theme highlights the importance of godly leadership and the blessings that come from following God’s guidance with courage and faith.
3. The Role of Faith and Courage: Throughout the book, the Israelites are called to have faith and courage as they face formidable enemies and daunting challenges. Joshua’s repeated encouragement to "be strong and courageous" reflects this theme, emphasizing that faith in God’s promises and reliance on His strength are essential for overcoming obstacles.
4. God’s Sovereignty and Power: The conquest of Canaan is portrayed as an act of God’s sovereignty and power. The miraculous events, such as the crossing of the Jordan River, the fall of Jericho, and the sun standing still, illustrate that it is God who fights for Israel and grants them victory. This theme reinforces the belief that God is the ultimate authority over all nations and that His power is decisive in achieving His purposes.
5. The Inheritance of the Promised Land: The division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel is a key focus in Joshua. This theme emphasizes that the land is a gift from God, fulfilling the promise made to the patriarchs. The detailed allotment of the land reflects the significance of each tribe’s inheritance and the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises.
6. The Covenant and Its Renewal: The book of Joshua ends with the renewal of the covenant at Shechem, where Joshua challenges the Israelites to remain faithful to God and reject idolatry. This theme underscores the ongoing importance of the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling them to obedience, loyalty, and the rejection of false gods.
7. Judgment and Mercy: Joshua portrays both the judgment of God against the Canaanites for their wickedness and the mercy of God towards those who turn to Him, such as Rahab and the Gibeonites. This theme reflects the dual aspects of God’s character: His justice in dealing with sin and His willingness to extend mercy to those who seek Him.
8. The Unity of Israel: The book emphasizes the unity of the Israelite tribes as they work together to conquer the land and then settle in their allotted territories. This theme highlights the importance of collective identity and cooperation among God’s people, as well as the need for unity in fulfilling God’s purposes.

The book of Joshua is a powerful narrative of conquest, faith, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. It demonstrates how God leads His people to victory and the importance of faithful obedience, covenant commitment, and reliance on God’s power. Through its themes of leadership, inheritance, and covenant renewal, Joshua provides enduring lessons on living in accordance with God’s will and experiencing His faithfulness.

What I Noticed Today (Joshua 1-3)

Finally, the Israelites get to enter the Promised Land! I wonder how they felt. Were they nervous at having a new leader? Were they nervous about going into an unknown country, or were they excited that they would finally experience God’s promise being fulfilled?!

Joshua 1

In Joshua 1 God commissions Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites following Moses’ death, and Joshua takes command.

In verses 1-9, the Lord spoke to Joshua. God commanded him to go take the land, then God reminded him of the promise given to Moses, and finally, God encouraged Joshua saying, be strong and courageous promising to always be with him.

In verses 10-18, having been commissioned by God, Joshua gave the order for the people to prepare to set out in three days. The people then affirmed Joshua as their leader, and they encouraged him saying they would follow him just as they had Moses. Anyone who rebelled or did not do what Joshua commanded they promised to put to death.

Joshua 2

In Joshua 2 we have the story of Rahab the harlot hiding the spies Joshua sent to Jericho.

In verses 1-7, Joshua sent spies into Jericho. The spies came to the house of Rahab, the prostitute and they stayed there.

• Word got back to the king of Jericho about the Israelite spies being inside the city. The king sent word to Rahab to bring out the spies.
• But Rahab hid the spies on her roof and lied to the king saying the men had been there but had left about the time the city gates were closing.
• The king’s men did not search Rahab’s house but chased after the spies outside the city.

In verses 8-21, by faith, Rahab declared that she knew the Lord, the God of the Israelites, had given them the land. She also declared that the Lord your God is the God of all heaven and earth.

• Rahab reported to the spies how the whole land was in a panic because of them. They had heard of how the Lord had dried up the Red Sea, and how they had conquered Sihon and Og, the Amorite kings.
• Rahab asked the spies to deal kindly with her because of her kindness to them. The spies agreed to protect Rahab if she did not betray them and if she tied a scarlet cord in the window. They promised no one in her house would be harmed when the Israelites invaded the land.

In verses 22-24, the spies left Rahab and went into the hill country for three days, then returned across the Jordan and reported to Joshua.

• When the spies return they give a good report to Joshua affirming that God had given the land into their hands (quite a difference from the spies of 40 years before!).

Joshua 3

In Joshua 3, Joshua rose early in the morning to begin the journey into the Promised Land (the first of four references to Joshua being an early riser).

In verses 1-13, Joshua gave instructions for the people to prepare to cross into the Promised Land:

• The Israelites journeyed to the Jordan river and stayed there for three days.
• Then the commanders went through the camp and told the people when the Ark of the Covenant was carried by the Levites they were to break camp. They must stay 1,000 away from the Ark because the Ark would lead the way.
• The Lord spoke to Joshua saying He would exalt Joshua in the sight of the Israelites. The Lord told Joshua to command the priests carrying the Ark to come and stand in the Jordan river.

In verses 14-17, Joshua placed the Ark of the Covenant in front of the people, so God was indeed leading the people into the Promised Land.

• As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the Jordan River, which was at flood stage, the river stopped flowing, and the people walked across the river on dry ground.

Some thoughts for further consideration:

• When God called Joshua, He first equipped him by putting him in the position of second in command to Moses for years. Then when it was Joshua’s turn to lead, God encouraged and reassured him by telling him He would always be with him. Finally, God enabled Joshua by building his faith when Joshua obeyed God’s commands.
• Whatever it is God has called us to do for the Kingdom, God will first equip us for the work. God will encourage us. And finally, God will enable us with the strength to do his work as we trust in Him and follow Him in faith!

What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.

Tomorrow: Joshua 4-6