Hey Everyone, am sorry for posting the lesson of Joshua late, but all the same you will find this important even as wait for Judges. WEEK 6: THE BOOK OF JOSHUA The book is the first of the twelve Historical books and it forms a link between Pentateuch and the remainder of Israels history. The people of Israel learn important lessons from three major military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies under the leadership of Joshua that victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His word rather than through military might or numerical superiority. It is important to note that the history involved begins with Israels entrance into Canaan (reported by Joshua)and concludes with the nations return to the land from exile, almost a thousand years later(reported by Nehemiah). The title of this book is named after its central figure,Joshua.His original name is Hoshea which means salvation(Num.13:8);but Moses changed it to Yehoshua which is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Ieous (Jesus).The title given to the book is in the Septuagint is Ieous Naus. Joshua son of Nun. The Latin title is Liber Josue, the book of Joshua The name Joshua is a symbolic of the fact that although he is the leader of the Israelite nation during the conquest, the Lord is the conqueror (therefore he is a type of Christ) Authorship, Date and place of writing Jewish tradition seems correct in assigning the authorship of this book to Joshua himself although this cannot be proven.Joshua24:26 makes this clear statement And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God Joshua as Israels leader and an eye witness to most of the events, was the best qualified to write the book. He even uses the first person 5:6-uses us; 5:1 use of we. The unity of style and organization suggest a single authorship for the majority of the book. Three small portions were added after Joshuas death-(1)Othiniels capture of kiriath-sepher(15:13-19)(2)Dans migration to the north(19:47)(3)Joshuas death and burial(24:29-33) .These may have been inserted early in the time of the judges by Eleazer the priest and his son Phinehas( 24:33) The book is said to have been written in 1380 B.C. The Character of Joshua Joshua was born as a slave in Egypt and became a conqueror in Canaan. He serves as personal attendant to Moses. His outstanding qualities are-obedient, faith, courage and dedication to God and his word. SIMPLE OUTLINE Joshua divides neatly into three geographical settings the Jordan River (1-5) the setting of the first five chapters begins east of the Jordan as Joshua replaces Moses, crosses the Jordan on dry land and finally prepares for war west of Jordan like a wise general Joshua utilizes the divide and conquers strategy. Canaan( 6-13:7) his campaign leads him to central Canaan(6-8),southern Canaan (11 and 12) The twelve tribes situated on both sides of the Jordan (13:8-24:33).After listing those areas yet to be conquered (13:1-7), Joshua undertakes the bigger the long task of dividing Promised Land to all the tribes. First he resettles those two and a half tribes to the East of the Jordan-13:8-33)and then the nine and a half tribes to the west of Jordan(14:1-19,51).Then he is now free to assign the six cities of Refuge and the forty eight cities of Levites these scattered among all the tribes. KEY ISSUES Key word conquest-This is reflected throughout the book and describes the entering, conquering and occupying of the land Canaan. Key verses 1:8; 11:23 Key chapter 24 Most critical periods in Israels history are translations of leadership-Moses to Joshua, Joshua to Judges; Judges to Kings. Joshua reviews for the people Gods fulfillment of His promises and then challenges them to review their commitment to the covenant (24:24, 25)which is the foundation the success of every nation. KEY EVENTS The seven year conquest of the land-The first half of Joshua describes the seven year conquest of the land(1:1-13:7) and the second half gives the details of the division and settlement of the land(13:8-24:33) Joshua and the people of Israel under spiritual, moral, physical and military Training/preparations for the impeding conquest. The exhortation of Joshua by God to conquer (ch1), the reconnaissance of Jericho where Joshua sends out two spies who come back with favorable report that in Contrast with the previous generation, the crossing of the Jordan which Is coupled by obedience and faith in GOD (3-4) Joshuas campaign in Central Canaan-In this case Joshua placed a Strategic wedge between the northern and the southern cities Preventing a massive Canaanite alliance against Israel. The divide and Conquer strategy proves effective but God gives different directions for Conquering the first city (Jericho) which sounded foolishness from the Military point of view-He uses this to teach them that Israels victory in Battle will always be by His power and not their own might or wisdom. Sin must be dealt with at once because it brings severe consequences And defeat at Ai (7:1-26) The Southern and Northern Campaigns-These were successful but An unwise oath made to the deceptive Gibeonites forces Israel to Protect them and to disobey Gods command to eliminate the Canaanites.(ch9:1-13:7) Settlement-Joshua is growing old, and God tells him to divide land Among the twelve tribes. There is more to be conquered and these Tribes are to continue the conquest by faith. Land is allocated to the Various tribes as well as the inheritances of Caleb (ch14, 15) and Levites21 The book concludes by recording the conditions for successful settlement In Canaan. Access to God and as well as His forgiveness, comes only Through the divinely established sacrificial system. Civil war almost broke When the Eastern tribe build an altar that is misinterpretated by the Western tribes. Joshua realizes that blessings comes from God only as As Israel obeys His covenant and he preaches a moving sermon climaxed By Israels renewal of her commitment and allegiance to the covenant. APPLICATION LESSONS It is the Lord who chooses and commissions servants to work for Him(ch1:1) Though leaders die they do not die with the ministry for God will never lack someone to carry on the ministry.(1:2) There is absolutely nothing that can stand to block or prevent us from doing the assignment given to us by the Lord for He always promises to be with us.(1:5) The Lord commands us to be strong and of good courage for He will not leave nor forsake us and so we should serve Him with a lot of confidence.(1:7) Victory is achieved only when people are united just like Joshua and the people were and accepted to do what he commanded them to do(1:16) All who believe and acknowledge the power of the LORD are saved from their sins and are aligned into the plan and the promises of God.(2:11)(wise people easily discern the power and move of God and they plunge and position themselves in it) Faith in God is paramount for us to effectively serve and please Him just like the spies had faith in Him and moved forth to spy in obedience.(ch2:22)faith goes with obedience. When we allow God to always go before us challenges and obstacles will always bow before us. (ch3:13) Ark of the Covenant. It is important to keep in remembrance the things that God has done for us and use them as testimonies to those around us to the glory of the Lord(ch4:6) The Lord desires us to attain maturity and to make up our minds that we will forsake our former sinful ways and be people of covenant. (ch5:8, 9) circumcision. Obedience will bring victory while disobedience will bring defeat, this helps us know even as we pray we need to obey Gods instructions.(ch6,7) God has enough blessings to give to each of his Children as we find Joshua divides land to everyone of the Israelites.(14,15) Always remember in all our victories it takes the hand of God and so we must be careful to acknowledge Him.(ch7) Food For Thought In Joshua chapter 2:1-4, Rahab who was a harlot welcomed the two men Sent by Joshua as spies to the land of Jericho, she hid these men and denied To have seen them. Did she lie by saying she did not know where they had gone? May the Spirit of discernment that was upon the Judges be upon YOU as you read the book of JUDGES. MR.MOSES MUCHENEmosesmuchene@yahoo
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:38:54 +0000
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