JOSHUA BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY: JOSHUA LEADS THE ISRAELITES
After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua guided them into the Promised Land. Joshua led the people towards Canaan as they miraculously crossed the Jordan River. In his unique position, Joshua was first a witness to God’s miracles through Moses, and then he led the way for the new generation of Israelites.
When they arrived in Jericho, Joshua followed God’s unconventional strategy of marching around the city walls and blowing trumpets to make the walls fall. Joshua was faithful to all of God’s commands, leaving nothing undone that was asked of him. Joshua’s leadership continued within the Promised Land as he distributed the land among the tribes. Joshua trusted God’s faithfulness as he faced battles and challenges with the current inhabitants of the Promised Land. Before the end of his life, Joshua encouraged the Israelites to remain faithful, follow God, and renew their covenant promises.
MAIN IDEAS: THE ENTRANCE INTO THE PROMISED LAND
God promised to be with Joshua and encouraged him to be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:8-9)
The Israelites crossed the Jordan River through God’s divine provision. (Joshua 3:14-17)
When the Israelites followed God’s instructions, Jericho’s walls fell. (Joshua 6:20)
Joshua instructed the Israelites to be faithful to God and follow His commands. (Joshua 23:6-13)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: HE ESTABLISHES HIS PLANS
God used many unconventional battle strategies throughout the book of Joshua. Instead of attacking with force, God instructed the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho, shouting and playing trumpets. Because the Israelites were faithful to God’s direction, the walls tumbled to the ground, allowing the Israelites to overthrow the city. In another battle with the Canaanites, God intervened by causing confusion among the enemy nations, sending large hailstones, and commanding the sun and the moon to stand still. God fought for and with the Israelites!
God promised the Israelites that He would bring them into the land of Canaan. The Israelites could not accomplish this by their own strength, so God interceded to establish His plans and keep His promises. Joshua 21:45 says that not one of God’s promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Throughout Joshua, God guided the Israelites through rivers, city walls, and military battles to establish His purposes!
JESUS IN JOSHUA: THE UNLIKELY DESCENDANT OF RAHAB
While the spies were in Jericho, they were protected by a Canaanite prostitute named Rahab. Rahab heard of what God had done for the Israelites and professed faith in God. In order to protect the Israelite spies, Rahab agreed to hide them on her roof. In return, Rahab asked the spies for protection, knowing that the Israelites would soon come to take over the land of Canaan. Because of her faithfulness to God and the Israelites, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family (Joshua 2).
After the walls of Jericho fell and the Israelites took over Canaan, the Israelites did not forget the kindness and bravery of Rahab. Because of her faithfulness, she was rescued by the Israelites. Matthew 1:5, lists Rahab as the mother of Boaz within the genealogy of Jesus. God used this unlikely person and strange circumstance as part of His plan to bring the Savior into the world! God’s plans are bigger and better than the Israelites or Rahab could have ever imagined!
