Who was Joshua?

Seriously, why does he get his own book in the Bible?

One of the scouts sent into the Promised Land by Moses

Was chosen as the next leader of the Israelites because of his unshakeable faith in GodLed the Israelites in battles where whole cities/peoples were destroyed

JOSHUA

JOSHUA 1:1-18God sends Joshua into Canaan

Tells him to be brave, steadfast, and true to the Law

Plans to attack Canaan from the east by crossing the Jordan River

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

JOSHUA 2:1-242 spies are sent into Jericho and go to a lodging house Rahab was the owner and a prostitute

Recognized them as Israelites

She hides the spies from the king’s men

RAHAB AND THE SPIES

Agrees to help them escape if they promise that her family will be safe during the invasionA red cord hung in her window lets the

Israelites know NOT to harm anyone in this house

How do you think Rahab’s actions were

viewed? Was she a traitor? Was she a hero?

Biblical writers show Rahab as doing the will of God She would embrace him as the true

God Even though she was a Canaanite and

a prostitute, she is shown as worthy Has a significant role in the history of

Israel and the ancestry of Jesus Son: BoazGreat grandson: King David 

JOSHUA 3:1-17; 4:1-24The Israelites begin the battle march to

Jericho, but the Jordan is in the way The priests touch the riverbed and the

water stops flowing 1 man from each tribe carries a stone

across the river Build a memorial on the other sideCalled “Gilgal”, meaning “circle”

CROSSING THE JORDAN

JOSHUA 5:10-15The Israelites are able to enjoy the wealth

of CanaanNo more MANNA!

Joshua meets the captain of God’s army (angels)Like Moses, Joshua is told to remove his

shoes before walking on holy land A sign that God will be with them on the

battlefieldSHALOM: deep peace of God

IN THE PROMISED LAND

Israelites laid siege to Jericho for 6 days Priests would lead the soldiers

First 7 carried rams’ hornsNext group carried the Ark

On the 7th days they circled the city 7 times, then stormed the wall

THE FALL OF JERICHO

“devotion to God for destruction”God’s command in the Book of Deuteronomy

An order to destroy EVERYTHING in the conquered area

Includes inhabitants, people, and their possessions (including animals)

Take NOTHING for yourself

THE ‘BAN’

Possible explanations for the ban...1) Exclusive devotion to God

Israelites have been tempted for false gods/worship before

May have meant to prevent drifting from the faith

2) God can bring good out of evil Emphasized that total trust/faith in

God and following the Law will lead to victory and happiness

Pride in one’s power and disobedience will lead to disaster

JOSHUA 7:1-26Scouts report that Ai will be easily defeated,

but Israel loses God tells Joshua that someone broke the ban

by taking valuables from Jericho The thief, Achan, is stoned and the goods are

burned/buried MESSAGE: Give total obedient devotion to

God

DEFEAT AT AI

JOSHUA 10:12-14City of Gibeon makes an alliance with Israel 5 local kings siege Gibeon in retaliation Joshua and the Israelites attack during the nightThe next day, Joshua asks God to stop the sun The kings, referred to as the “Amorites” are found and executed

THE SUN STANDS STILL

JOSHUA 20:1-6DEUTERONOMY 19:1-13

The 12 Tribes of Israel Symbolic number

12 Apostles 12 Judges

CONQUESTS, TRIIBAL DIVISIONS, and CITIES OF REFUGE

Cities of Refuge Likely appeared during the time of King David Meant to protect people guilty of accidental or unintentional killing byvictims’ families (blood vengeance)Sanctuary: universal custom, offering aid to the persecuted and homeless

Begs his people to never forget what God has done for them

Renewal of the Covenant at ShechemJoshua is buried in his tribal land

One of Israel’s greatest leaders Strong, courageous, careful, honest,

faithful, and an upholder of the Law

DEATH OF JOSHUA