INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

(KeyVerse= 1:6,7)

After Moses' death Joshua became the shepherd of Israel. He was a soldier. He was a young man at the time of the Exodus. He became Moses' aide. He fought and defeated the Amalekites while Moses prayed (Ex 17:10). When Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Law and the Commandments, Joshua went with him part of the way (Ex 24:13; 32:17). When the Israelites repented after the golden calf incident, Moses pitched a tent outside the camp and went there daily to meet God, seeking his forgiveness. Joshua stayed in that tent to guard it (Ex 33:11).

Joshua opens where Numbers and Deuteronomy end- with Israel encamped on the plains of Moab, on the east bank of the Jordan, just opposite Jericho. Forty years before, when they had reached to border of Canaan, Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent in to survey the land. Only he and Caleb had urged the people to obey God and go in and take the land. Their advice, however, was not followed. So the people received 40 years of wilderness training. Now, they were at the border of the promised land, ready to go in and conquer it.

In Deuteronomy, Moses reviewed the history and the law, gave instructions about how to conquer and live in the land, appointed Joshua to lead Israel, then climbed Mount Nebo and died. God had promised Abraham that he would give the land of Canaan to his descendants. This promise had sustained the people through 400 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness. Now, Joshua must lead them into the land to conquer it and claim God's promise.

Joshua 1-12 -- Entering and conquering the land

Joshua 13-24 -- Dividing the Land

1. I will give you the land (1-5)

After Moses died, the leadership of God's people passed to Joshua. He had served God well as Moses' aide, but what would he do under the pressure of real responsibility? God told him what he must do. He and the people must cross the Jordan and claim the land God promised to give them. God promised to be with Joshua as he was with Moses. God's promises are for those who claim them, and for those who obey God's commands. Jesus gave a similar command and promise to his disciples in Matthew 28:19,20.

2. Be strong and very courageous (6-9)

Three times God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Before conquering the land, he must conquer himself. He can do this by obeying God's word. This is faith in action. God said, 'Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth...Do everything written in it.' Strength and courage come from God's word hidden in the heart and from believing God's promise. Fear is the opposite of faith.

Application: Lord, help me to be strong and courageous to obey your word and claim your promises.
One Word: Be strong and very courageous