Historical Background

By the power of God and with the leadership of Moses, two million descendants of Abraham escaped slavery in Egypt. God not only liberated the Hebrew people but directed them toward the Land of Promise. Normally the journey from Egypt to Canaan could be travelled in 14 days, but it took the Israelites far longer. Why? Because when they got to the edge, they refused to trust God, and spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. As the Book of Joshua begins, the 40 years of wandering are over, and again Israel is back at the edge of the Promised Land. It was right in front of them, just across the Jordan River.

Joshua records the people moving from testing to triumph, from promise to possession, from vision to victory. The Book begins with Joshua’s appointment as the leader of Israel, following the death of Moses, “the servant of the Lord” (1:1-2). The Book ends with Joshua’s death, referring to him for the first time as “the servant of the Lord” (24:29). The chapters in between chronicle the conquest of the land and its settlement.

Sermon Series

When dealing with Hebrew narrative, several hermeneutical missteps must be avoided. One of those blunders is forcing a methodology on narrative material that is better suited for other genres. Narrative demands unique treatment; a method that is not necessarily linear or syllogistic. A few common mistakes made by preachers include: obscuring the story with embellishments, suppositions, and unnecessary conjecture; inappropriate emphasis on a minor detail, character, or theme; and failing to select enough text. The failure to select enough text often gives birth to the other mistakes. It fragments the narrative and leads to wrong assumptions of the point of the story. While chapter divisions do not always follow narrative flow perfectly, they are frequently a good guide to scene and subject changes. With that in mind, these outline examples largely preserve Joshua’s 24 chapter divisions.

Example A: On the Edge of Victory

You and I may sit on the edge, just on the other side of rest and victory, just outside the promise of God. Rather than stopping short of the promise, stuck in wandering and fear, it’s time to move.

Text: Joshua 1:1-18

• Title: After the Funeral
• Big Idea: God’s promise survives all barriers, even death.

Text: Joshua 2:1-24

• Title: The Unlikely
• Big Idea: God chooses the least likely people to demonstrate his grace and power.

Text: Joshua 3:1-17

• Title: Crossing Over
• Big Idea: God’s people must step out in faith to see his wonders.

Text: Joshua 4:1-24

• Title: Fighting Forgetfulness
• Big Idea: God’s people require constant reminders of his deliverance.

Text: Joshua 5:1-15

• Title: Rolled Away
• Big Idea: How God deals with our shameful past.

Text: Joshua 6:1-27

• Title: Strange Victory
• Big Idea: God does the unusual to display his grace and glory.

Text: Joshua 7:1-26

• Title: Sin and Consequences
• Big Idea: The devastating cost of sin cannot be ignored.

Text: Joshua 8:1-35

• Title: First Conquest
• Big Idea: God must be acknowledged as the source of every victory and blessing.

Text: Joshua 9:1-27

• Title: Seeds of Failure
• Big Idea: Neglecting to seek God’s guidance today, produces problems tomorrow.

Text: Joshua 10:1-43

• Title: The Lost Day
• Big Idea: God stands ready to answer the prayers of his people according to his will.

Text: Joshua 11:1-23

• Title: Complete Obedience
• Big Idea: No risk is too great when it is based on the promise of God.

Text: Joshua 12:1-24

• Title: Specifically Thankful
• Big Idea: God is praised when we review what has been accomplished.

Text: Joshua 13:1-33

• Title: Pieces of the Promise
• Big Idea: God’s faithfulness is the hope of his people.

Text: Joshua 14:1-15

• Title: Retirement Plan
• Big Idea: God blesses those who follow him wholeheartedly.

Text: Joshua 15:1-17:18

• Title: God Is Able
• Big Idea: God is sovereign over our inabilities and failures.

Text: Joshua 18:1-19:51

• Title: Lots of Lots
• Big Idea: God’s people must chase and embrace what he offers.

Text: Joshua 20:1-9

• Title: Refuge
• Big Idea: God provides a place of safety.

Text: Joshua 21:1-45

• Title: Promise Kept
• Big Idea: Taking possession of all that God has brought to pass.

Text: Joshua 22:1-34

• Title: Holding Fast
• Big Idea: How God’s people maintain spiritual passion.

Text: Joshua 23:1-24:33

• Title: Staying Faithful
• Big Idea: Remembering God’s past work is essential for victory today.

Example B: Godly Conquests

The Christian life is not filled with success, absent of suffering or failure. But when we move faithfully toward his promise, there is victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Text: Joshua 1:1-18

• Title: Godly Conquests Need a Leader
• Big Idea: Leaders are instrumental in carrying out God’s purpose.

Text: Joshua 2:1-24

• Title: Godly Conquests Require Intel
• Big Idea: God leaves evidence when he paves the way forward.

Text: Joshua 3:1-17

• Title: Godly Conquests Take a Step
• Big Idea: God does wonders when we act on his promise.

Text: Joshua 4:1-24

• Title: Godly Conquests Deserve a Monument
• Big Idea: Reminders of God’s saving power provoke us to worship.

Text: Joshua 5:1-15

• Title: Godly Conquests Demand Preparation
• Big Idea: We must be spiritually ready to receive God’s blessing.

Text: Joshua 6:1-27

• Title: Godly Conquests Astound the Mighty
• Big Idea: The greatest victories can only be explained by the power of God.

Text: Joshua 7:1-26

• Title: Godly Conquests Confront Human Error
• Big Idea: There are wide consequences for our disobedience and sin.

Text: Joshua 8:1-35

• Title: Godly Conquests Are Guaranteed
• Big Idea: Only in obedience can we experience the victory God has prepared.

Text: Joshua 9:1-27

• Title: Godly Conquests Require Guidance
• Big Idea: Failing to seek God’s will, results in costly decisions.

Text: Joshua 10:1-43

• Title: Godly Conquests Involve Prayer
• Big Idea: God stands ready to answer the prayers of his people according to his will.

Text: Joshua 11:1-23

• Title: Godly Conquests Leave Nothing Undone
• Big Idea: Doing the will of God requires our full obedience.

Text: Joshua 12:1-13:7

• Title: Godly Conquests Must Be Remembered
• Big Idea: God is praised when we review what he has accomplished.

Text: Joshua 13:8-19:51

• Title: Godly Conquests Leave an Inheritance
• Big Idea: Following God wholeheartedly means that we chase and embrace all that he has promised his people.

Text: Joshua 20:1-9

• Title: Godly Conquests Provide for Justice
• Big Idea: God calls his people to provide a place of refuge.

Text: Joshua 21:1-24:33

• Title: Godly Conquests Are Preserved
• Big Idea: God is honored when we hold fast to all he has promised.

Big Ideas

Chapter 1—You cross over into victory as you absorb and apply God’s Word.

Chapter 2—Act in faith, and you won’t be defined by your past, but by the grace of God.

Chapter 3—You must step out in faith, to cross over into God’s purpose for his people.

Chapter 4—Symbols and stories help you remember and report the power of God.

Chapter 5—You must celebrate your redeemer to roll away the shame in your past.

Chapter 6—Don’t miss the unexpected and unusual ways God uses to display his glory.

Chapter 7—God’s holiness is offended by sin, and must be satisfied.

Chapter 8—You must acknowledge God as the source of every victory and blessing.

Chapter 9—When you don’t ask for God’s guidance, you must live with the consequences.

Chapter 10—As you seek to follow God’s will, he answers your bold prayers.

Chapter 11—By leaving nothing undone, you experience God’s restedness.

Chapter 12—When you list God’s blessings, you are encouraged by what he has accomplished.

Chapter 13—No matter what you receive in this life, the Lord is your portion forever.

Chapter 14—God’s blessing comes as you wholeheartedly follow him.

Chapters 15-17—Your inabilities are the opportunity to experience God’s ability.

Chapters 18-19—Pursue whatever God has promised, and be content with whatever he gives.

Chapters 20-21—Godly living provides for justice and ministry, and rests in God’s promise.

Chapter 22—You must feed your passion for God to guard against spiritual decline.

Chapters 23-24—Your present survival is tied to your memory of God’s past work.

Application

The key to applying Joshua is to properly represent what the Promised Land is to the church today. What does this have to do with us? How is this record of Israel entering and conquering Canaan relevant to the life of a believer today? The Bible tells us that this experience does intersect with our lives now. Hebrews 4 equates the Promised Land with resting in Jesus.

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'" And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his work." And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest." It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his . Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Heb. 4:1-11 – emphasis mine)

Just as God promised Israel a land to enter and possess, so God promises us rest that we should enter and possess. If you belong to Christ, you can live in restedness. What does that mean? What is it like to live in God’s rest? It means to be at peace with God. That begins with salvation. Our sin—the wrong things we’ve done, thought, spoken, and desired—separate us from God. But because of his love, God sent Jesus to bridge the chasm. By giving his own life, Jesus paid the deadly price justice demands. He became the way of forgiveness, the way to God. By accepting that gift of love, we are reborn as God’s own children. Jesus said, “Whoever believes me has crossed over from death to life.” Until you trust in Christ alone, you will remain on the edge, and never cross into victory.

For those who believe, and have eternal rest secured, there is a restedness for today too. Many of those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus, spend this life on the edge of God’s promise rather than in the peace and restedness of Christ. You believe and belong to Jesus, and have eternal rest secured, but you don’t experience rest right now. What are the signs you aren’t experiencing rest?

• You make no progress in your spiritual life.
• You can’t trust God to provide for your needs.
• You have no sense of God’s purpose.
• You never see answers to any of your prayers.
• You don’t experience God guiding you to where he wants you to be.
• You constantly doubt your salvation.
• You are satisfied with being defeated by a particular sin.
• You are constantly plagued by worry and discouragement.
• You are feverishly working to earn God’s blessing, love, and forgiveness, living in fear of his disapproval.

Those are some signs that you are not experiencing rest. But the truth is that Christ offers peace now. There is restedness in Christ today, not just someday. In Christ, we can enter the place of rest and victory.

What is it that takes us into victory? What is necessary for us to cross over into daily experiencing his promises? As Israel struggles to enter the Promised Land, we can see ourselves in that same place, seeking to realize all the promises of God and live in rest. While Joshua is very land-centric and enemy-specific, this is not a geo-political statement. To use this text as a means to establish Israel’s territorial rights and boundaries will miss the main point of what this word means for God’s people today (1 Cor. 10:6-11). Conversely, to use this text to disparage God and his people as terroristic, fails hermeneutically. An interpretative approach that is historical and grammatical is required, as is an understanding of progressive revelation.

Joshua must be applied in a collective sense, but without excluding the individual. The focus is on God’s people and his overarching promise. This connects to the church, and God’s purpose for her in this present age. Moving forward in faith, acting on God’s promise, is just as relevant now as it was for Israel. Being obedient to God’s truth, trusting in God’s faithfulness, remains important for God’s people today. Within that corporate story, there are a number of individual stories. Joshua, Caleb, Rahab, and Achan all contribute personal lessons that are relevant. Proper application must tread carefully, avoiding a fully-individualized approach, or one devoid of personal relevance.

Theological Themes

Theology Proper

The pagan prostitute Rahab acknowledges God as supreme in the universe (2:11). God displays power over creation (4:23-24). God is holy (5:15; 24:19). God makes covenants with his people (7:11, 15; 23:16). God delivers and fights for his people (8:7; 10:25; 11:6; 23:10). God is faithful in keeping his promises (1:3; 21:45; 23:14-15).

One of the significant promises is found in the Rahab account. This foreigner and her household is spared for hiding the spies. As God promised Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3) “I will bless those who bless you.” Joshua’s high view of God provokes worship, inspires confession, stimulates prayer, and motivates courageous action.

Bibliology

The authority and inspiration of Scripture is referenced in the law provided through Moses (1:8; 8:31-35; 22:5; 23:6; 24:26). The law was integral to serving God wholeheartedly (22:5). Meditating on the book of the law brought the blessing of spiritual success (1:8).

Hamartiology

Joshua illustrates human sin. A pagan prostitute can respond to the truth of God, follow him, and be rescued (2:1-24). Yet a soldier in the army of God’s people can act with faithless disobedience, and suffer the consequences (7:1-26).

Christology

While all of Scripture points ultimately to Christ (Luke 24:47), Joshua includes an apparent pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (5:13-15).

Haram

The annihilation of the Canaanites poses a moral and theological problem. How and why would the Lord command the extermination of an entire people? The total populations of Jericho, Ai, and other cities were massacred in the conquest.

The text leaves no ambiguity that the Israelites were doing God’s bidding. It is crucial to recognize what God had told Abraham (Gen. 15:16) hundreds of years before about the Canaanite sins not yet being full or complete. Canaanite culture was extremely wicked, practicing gross sexual perversions, incest, sorcery, child sacrifice, consulting the dead, and idolatry. For generations, God gave these people opportunities to repent, to turn to him, and they did not. As a result, God promised their land to his own people. Canaan’s inhabitants had to be removed. Radical surgery was needed. Their detestable pagan practices would corrupt Israel. God wanted no evil influences, nothing left associated with idol worship.

The horrific loss of human life was very real. But as Gleason Archer writes:

The baneful infection of degenerate idolatry and moral depravity had to be removed before Israel could safely settle down in these regions and set up a monotheistic, law-governed commonwealth as a testimony for the one true God. ... These incorrigible degenerates of the Canaanite civilization were a sinister threat to the spiritual survival of Abraham’s race. The failure to carry through completely the policy of extermination of the heathen in the Land of Promise later led to the moral and religious downfall of the Twelve Tribes. (G. Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties [Zondervan], 158)

The subsequent history of Israel serves to illustrate very pointedly the grave danger that remained for Israel so long as the Canaanites were permitted to live in their midst … archaeological discovery has brought to light concrete testimony to the crass and brutal feature of the Canaanite faith (G. Archer, A Survey of Old Testament Introduction [Moody Press, 2007], 273).

My Encounter with Joshua

I have preached through Joshua once. There were several areas that made a lasting impression on my life. First, taking a step forward in obedience to God was something I needed to hear. Joshua encouraged me to move beyond fears and insecurities, and motivated me to take a big ministry risk, confident that God would make a way. Second, the theme of restedness in Christ has been a major one in my life. Seeing the fits and starts of the conquest was a cautionary example for me. Third, I became aware of the value of tangible symbols and reminders for my spiritual life. This began my practice of “taking rocks from the river” to memorialize things God has done. I have bricks from building projects, paintings of ministry experiences, numerous physical objects that symbolize something God has worked out in my life.

There were numerous challenges in preaching Joshua, not the least of which was bridging from the ancient world to the contemporary, while staying faithful to the text. My estimation is that my success was inconsistent. Another recurring challenge were the haram passages, where the Lord called for an entire population to be destroyed. Acknowledging that YHWH commanded the genocide, providing explanation as to why, and not dismissing the horror of it, were all vital.

Defining victory as restedness in Christ had an impact. It was important to make clear what this ancient account has to do with God’s people today? Repeatedly pointing out that the Bible equates the Promised Land with resting in Jesus was significant. This provided a consistent means of presenting the gospel (Christ as the only entrance into eternal rest), as well as challenging the believer to enjoy peace today (Christ as the only source of restedness today).

The series accomplished a number of important purposes. While not avoiding individual application, it kept the focus on God’s larger purpose, God’s character, God’s deliverance through Christ, and God’s covenant faithfulness.

• It urged people to act in faith and take risks based on the promises of God.
• It encouraged people not to be defined by past failures, but by the redeeming power of God.
• It inspired those facing obstacles to put their trust in the Lord.
• It called people to continue serving God despite limitations of age or resources.
• It emphasized obedience and a life of faithfulness.
• It challenged people to remember the works of God through corporate worship, symbols, and testimony.

The series title was: On the Edge of Victory.

Joshua 1—It’s Time to Move

You and I may sit on the edge, just on the other side of victory, because we have all these issues, objections, and complications. But the edge is outside the promise. The edge is not the place of rest and victory. Don’t be content with uncertainty, wandering, turmoil, fear. Don’t stop short of the promise. It’s time to move. How? There is one phrase in this chapter that is repeated four times. “Be strong and courageous.” Simply telling someone to be strong and courageous has no value unless there is a foundation and a focus. In Christ, we can enter the place of rest and victory. What is it that takes us into victory? What is necessary for us to cross over into daily experiencing his promises? The Lord defines that in 1:7-8. The path forward to restedness and victory is to absorb and apply God’s truth.

Joshua 2—God Uses the Unlikely

What is it like to have one bad thing define who you are? That’s Rahab. No matter how you look at it, she was not respectable. She sold her body for money. Rabbinic literature, the commentary of ancient Jewish teachers says there was no ruler or nobleman in the entire city of Jericho who had not had sex with Rahab. Whether true or not, this much is clear: The entrance to God’s Promised Land was through the house of a hooker.

But look at the rest of her story. She was saved when Jericho fell. Rahab acted in faith, and it saved her, she was counted as righteous (Heb. 11:21; James 2:25). It happened when Rahab responded to the opportunity she had to express faith in the one true God. She acted on the light she had. It became the moment that defined her life. Saved from behind enemy lines, this woman was used by the Father to send his Son behind enemy lines to save us all (Matt. 1:5). When you act in faith and obey what God puts in front of you today, it is an opportunity to enter into the story God is writing.

Joshua 3—God Does the Amazing

The key idea in this chapter is about crossing over, because the Hebrew word aw-bar occurs 10 times. Aw-bar means “to cross over” or “pass by.” Notice what it takes for the people to cross over the Jordan River and step into the Promised Land. There are three concepts that are important for God’s people today if we are going to cross over into the wonder of God— Respect (v. 4), Focus (v. 5), and Obedience (v. 6).

There may be some situation in your life right now that is difficult, scary, broken, uncertain, or confusing. Whatever your circumstances, there is a path God wants you to take. By his Spirit, God is constantly directing us to where he wants us to be (Rom. 8:14). God wants you to step forward in obedience. Prepare yourself to cross over into the wonder of God.

Joshua 4—Take Reminders

Rocks from the middle of the river were a sign, a proof, and a symbol of what God had done. This marked the transition from slavery to freedom, from disobedience to obedience, from wandering to rest.

Where are the signs, monuments, symbols of God’s work in your life? What reminders do you have of what he has done? What are the things that mark your journey from struggle to victory or panic to peace?

In order to appreciate the destination, you must remember the river God parted so you could cross. Unless you are deliberate in this, your faith erodes, and your confidence in God grows weaker. The greatest enemy of faith may be forgetfulness.

Joshua 5—Clear Away the Past

At the Cross, the Savior took our reproach, our failure. He bore our sin and shame, and paid for it by his death. In Christ, it is a new day. But we can still allow the shame of the past to come back into our lives. We can know we are not guilty because of Jesus, but we can still feel shame.

Failures old and new can attach themselves to us. In the lives of God’s people, how is shame removed? Two principles: Obeying God today removes the shame of yesterday (vv. 1-9). Celebrating your redeemer removes the shame of today (vv. 10-15). Shame will define you, until you believe what God says is true of you because of Jesus.

Joshua 6—Strange Victory

Marching around Jericho was a “propaganda device” providing opportunities to repent. Rahab’s profession is mentioned three times, emphasizing she is a trophy of grace. Following God’s odd instructions, the walls collapsed. The spoils and glory of victory were all the Lord’s.

We are in so much of a hurry, forcing our way toward what we think God wants, or what we want. We emphasize strategy, ability, and resources. Yet, God seems to do it the strange way, specializing in the unusual, unexpected, and unrefined. It is a shepherd boy defeating a giant, a housewife conquering a king, or God’s Son being sacrificed for the salvation of all who believe. God uses the unexpected and unusual to display his grace and glory.

Chapter 7—Sin and Consequences

Basking in the glow of victory, Israel betrays God’s trust. Through the action of one, the nation is charged with unfaithfulness. This appalling chapter records how one man’s sin wreaks havoc on his community. Notice the six consequences: we cease to progress (vv. 2-5); we tarnish God’s name (vv. 6-9); we implicate others (vv. 10-11); we jeopardize God’s presence (vv. 12-13); we endanger ourselves (vv. 14-23); we risk our families (vv. 24-26). God’s holiness is offended by sin, and must be satisfied.

Chapter 8—God’s Guarantees

With God's plan and power, Israel vanquished the great walled city of Jericho. Without it, they couldn't even take the insignificant backwater municipality of Ai. Now that their sin was dealt with, God promised victory and gave them a strategy. Joshua led the people to follow the Lord’s explicit instructions. Ai was conquered. Only in obedience can we experience the victory God has prepared.

Chapter 9—Seeds of Failure

Joshua wasn’t careless. He was suspicious and asked the Gibeonites for evidence. It is often difficult to tell the difference between real faith (Rahab) and pious flattery (Gibeon). No matter how rational, reasonable, and reliable the proof, Israel failed to seek God (vv. 14-15). Solid reasoning and sound evidence are not substitutes for prayer. Israel entered into a contract with people God told them to annihilate. This opened the door to future unfaithfulness to God through intermarriage and idolatry. When we fail to ask for God’s guidance, we must live with the results.

Chapter 10—Prayer and Promises

The sun standing still is one of the most well-known Bible stories. Yet it is not the focal point of the passage. The main truth is that God stands ready to answer the prayers of his people. This chapter illustrates four situations when God answers prayer: when we keep our promises (vv. 1-7), when we act on God’s promises (vv. 8-11), when we are bold enough to ask (vv. 12-13), and when we fight on his side (vv. 16-43). As we seek to follow God’s will, he answers our bold prayers.

Chapter 11—Every Single Command

The Canaanite war machine was vastly superior to Israel. But Joshua’s fears were removed by the Lord’s promise. Joshua accomplished all the Lord commanded and “left nothing undone” (v. 15). By leaving nothing undone, God’s people experience restedness. Ignoring, disobeying, or excluding anything God asks of us will rob us of peace, satisfaction, and spiritual progress. No risk is too great when it is based on the sovereign promise of God.

Chapter 12—Specifically Thankful

Why this tedious listing of kings? Why name such precise landmarks? Why are incidents that happened years before repeated here? John Calvin called this list, "a living picture of the goodness of God." There is a basic lesson for God's people to learn. God is praised, and his people encouraged when we review what has been accomplished. What God promised had come to pass, and so was enumerated and cataloged. Minus all the details of battle, this list gives an idea of the scope of conquest, emphasizing the might of God. When we itemize blessings it honors God and heartens his people.

Chapter 13—God Is Faithful

This chapter illustrates four situations when God shows himself faithful: when our human limitations are obvious (v. 1), when the challenge seems greater than our resources (vv. 2-7), when we still confront the consequences of past failures (vv. 8-13), and when our life experiences vary (vv. 14-33). No matter what you receive in this life, the Lord is your portion forever.

Chapter 14—Finishing Well

Near the end of his life, Caleb provides a great example of faithful ministry. Here are three hallmarks of lifelong devotion to God: Don’t follow your fears (vv. 6-9), don’t forget what God promised (vv. 10-11), and don’t stop serving (vv. 12-15). Three times Caleb says “and now.” Even at this stage of life he continues to surge ahead, ready to grab hold of all God has for him. God’s blessing comes as we wholeheartedly follow him to the end.

Chapters 15-17—Falling Short

In parceling out the land, Judah is listed first. Judah was neither the oldest nor the most honorable brother, yet his was the tribe God chose to honor, and through which would come Messiah. God is able to take those who have failed and use them for his glory.

15:63 details how Judah fell short of what God commanded. Joseph’s portion is next, divided between his two sons. Against all custom and convention, Ephraim, the youngest gets the first share. 16:10 details how that tribe fell short. Next comes Joseph’s oldest, Manasseh. 17:12 details how that tribe fell short.

With all the complaints that follow, Joshua assures his people of success. It is in our inabilities, weaknesses, and insufficiencies that God shows his ability, strength, and sufficiency. With God, all things are possible. Our disabilities don't cancel God's blessings, rather our inabilities are the opportunity to experience God’s ability.

Chapters 18-19—Pursuing the Promise

Not all 12 tribes had yet received their territory because the people “put off going in to take possession” of what the Lord had given. Once they got busy and wrote a description, the decision of who got which piece was chosen by lot. This activity was directed by the Lord. It was done in his presence, with his guidance. Why? No one could complain they were cheated, slighted, or short-changed. God controls the roll of the dice.

This must be the view of life for all who believe. Whatever we have been given, whatever challenges we face, whatever blessings we enjoy, whatever trials we endure, we understand it is from the Lord. There is human responsibility in receiving God’s blessing. God holds out his promise to us, but we must go after it. Pursue whatever God has promised, and be content with whatever he gives.

Chapters 20-21—Priorities

As God’s people begin life in the land of promise, what are their initial priorities? What does the Lord deem important? Justice and ministry. In order to provide for justice, they needed to establish cities of refuge. This concept was unheard of outside of Israel. In this way, the innocent could escape vengeance from a victim's family. In order to provide for ministry, the worship leaders and teachers must have a portion of the land. These ministry leaders were to be given a piece from each tribe. Spread throughout the land, they would assist the people in knowing God’s laws and declaring his praise. With these priorities in place, God gave them rest on every side. Godly living provides for justice and ministry.

Chapter 22—Ordinary Time

The nation has seen many miracles, experienced many battles, and claimed many promises. Now as they settle into a normal routine, it is imperative that they continue to cling to God. From this account notice four ways to maintain spiritual passion: be obedient in daily life (vv. 1-9), be concerned for the purity of worship (vv. 10-20), be careful to teach the next generation (vv. 21-29), be united with all God’s people (vv. 30-34). You must feed your passion for God to guard against spiritual decline.

Chapters 23-24—The Power of Remembering

As Joshua comes to the end of his life, he summons Israel to renew their commitment to serve the Lord. Modeled in this text are several practical ways God’s people can remember him. 1. Those who have witnessed God’s power must encourage those who have not. 2. Learn and recite the history of redemption. 3. Reject all other gods in which you trust. 4. Create visible reminders of your spiritual commitments. 5. Value the gathering of God’s people for worship. Our present survival is tied to our memory of God’s past work.

Commentaries

Dale Davis, Joshua: No Falling Words (Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 2000).

Richard Hess, Joshua: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Leicester: Intervarsity Press, 1996).

David Howard, Joshua: The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998).

Donald Madvig, Joshua: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992).

John Henry Beukema is pastor of Cypress Bible Church in Cypress, Texas, and author of Stories from God's Heart (Moody). He served as associate editor of PreachingToday.com.