Scripture Text: Joshua 1:1-5:12
Memory Verse: “And they said to Joshua, ‘Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.’” Joshua 2:24
Introduction:
Before the Israelites could enter the land of Canaan, the Lord first delivered a solemn charge to Joshua concerning the task ahead. The land had been promised to Israel, but they must possess it. Three times Joshua is told by the Lord to be strong and very courageous. The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such an obstinate people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor, Moses, were perhaps heavy on Joshua’s mind. But the Lord was not calling him without enabling him.
In preparation for the invasion, Joshua sent out two spies to Jericho. This was not an indication of lack of faith on his part; rather, it was a matter of military strategy. The spies found shelter in the house of a harlot named Rahab. Rahab had heard of the marvelous victories which the Lord had given to Israel and concluded that their God must be the true God, and so she trusted in Him, becoming a true convert. The spies promised to spare Rahab and her family. She risked her life to save the lives of the spies because she believed in the power and sovereignty of their God.
The time had come to cross the Jordan river, which was now in flood stage. The priests were instructed to go forth, carrying the ark of the covenant. When the priests’ feet touched the water of the Jordan, the river was stopped and the waters piled up. God, represented by the ark, led the people into the Jordan. The priests walked to middle of the riverbed and stayed there while all Israel crossed over on dry ground. God was demonstrating that His presence was their hope of triumph, and not anything in themselves.
The Lord directed twelve men, one man from every tribe, to carry one stone apiece out of the Jordan and erect a memorial marker. Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, where the priests were standing.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Compare Joshua’s commission to take the Israelites into the land of promise to the ministry and work of Jesus Christ. (Joshua 1:1-9; Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9; Hebrews 4:1, 6-8)
- God told Joshua to be strong. Explain how this foundational promise to Joshua is likewise God’s commitment to all believers who struggle with their faith. (Joshua 1:10-18; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 1:23; Luke 24:49)
- Rahab’s lie does not justify lying by believers in special circumstances. God in no way needed to rely on deception to fulfill His covenant promises or to protect the spies. Why is Rahab commended by God? (Joshua 2:4-6; James 2:25; Hebrews 11:31).
- Why was it important to be consecrated before crossing the Jordan River? (Joshua 3:5; Exodus 19:10, 14-15; Acts 2:38)
Applying the Word
Explain the significance of the monument on the west side of the Jordan River and the twelve stones in the middle of the riverbed? (Joshua 4:1-24) How can a New Testament believer identify the work of Christ with these stones, both on the west side of the Jordan River and in the middle of the riverbed? (Romans 6:4; Colossians 3:1)