Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of Joshua. May we remember to ask God to show us what He wants us to learn? Psalm 19:14; “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, I think there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are as follows:

1. What does the scripture say about God?
2. Then what does the scripture say about me?
3. Does something in this passage challenge me?
4. What gives me hope in this passage?
5. Is anything unclear to me?

I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.

Joshua

Author: Not clear but assumed to be Joshua except for the ending, which the High Priest Phinehas wrote.

Audience: The people of Israel in Canaan (Promised Land)

Date Written: Possibly around 1400 BC

Length: 24 Chapters

Key Words: Conquest and Possess

Key Verses: “8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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 afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (1:8-9)

Key People:  Joshua, Rahab, Achan, Phinehas, Eleazar 

Summary of Joshua:

This book begins where Deuteronomy ends as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River. Interestingly, only two remained to enter the Promised Land of the million people who left Egypt with Moses. They were Joshua and Caleb. Next, the book covers about twenty years of Joshua’s life. Finally, the book looks at victories, conquests, possession, and land distribution throughout those years under Joshua’s rule. 

Sections of Joshua:

As war seems to be a central theme at first glance, we can see the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people within the pages of this book. First, we find the book of Joshua summed up into seven sections:

1. Invading the promised land (Chapters 1-5)
2. The fall of Jericho (Chapter 6)
3. Significant battles (Chapters 7-8)
4. Conquest of the south (Chapter 10)
5. Kings defeated and domination of the north (Chapters 11-12)
6. Division of land and refuge cities appointed (Chapters 13-22)
7. Joshua’s farewell address to the people (Chapters 23-24)

Themes in Joshua:

Other themes emerge within the text of this book. First, we see God as the covenant keeper. As the Israelites settled the land, God fulfills His promise to Abraham made four hundred years earlier. Next, we see how God demands obedience and will punish those who do not. In the story of Rahab, the prostitute, we see how she became an accepted member of the community because she obeyed God and helped His people. Or how Achan’s life went from one of privilege to his death by stoning because He did not obey God. Finally, we find the last theme of rest. After forty years in the wildness, God brings them home to rest in their lands. Just like He will welcome us into rest at the end of our days.

Final thoughts:

Some of the stories within this book also remind me of Psalm 46:10; “Be still and know that I am God.” For example, God shows His people His mighty power as He tears down the walls of Jericho for them in Chapter 6. Or when God wins the battle for the Israelites by hurling hailstones at their enemy as they run away in Chapter 10. And how God extends the day during the war so His people can gain victory in Chapter 10. God did these miracles to help His people. Won’t God do the same for us when we are still and allow Him to be God?

Study of the Bible:

Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn as well as historical information. We need to study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds all of us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.

“14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/

Grace and Peace to you,

Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

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