the book of joshua notes

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Walk Through The Bible St. Barnabas Parish

Wulff and Baillou Hill Roads

Nassau, New Providence,

The Bahamas

Monday 3rd November 2014

Introduction to The Book of Joshua

“An Account of Israel’s Conquest of Canaan” Position: The Sixth Book of the Bible and the First Book in the Deuteronomic Historians Series.

Title: From the name of Israel’s military leader in that period

Date: Final form completed round 550 B.C.

Sources: J, E, and P sources and other materials

Author: Unknown Historian influenced by the ideals of Deuteronomy

Theme: Israel’s inheritance of the Promised Land by reason of the strength and courage inspired by her obedience to the Laws of God.

Content

1. Israel’s conquest of Canaan (1-‐12) 2. Division of the Land among the Tribes (13-‐22) 3. Joshua’s farewell; and the Tribal covenant at Shechem; Joshua’s Death (23-‐

24) Introduction

The events recorded in the Book of Joshua continue the story narrated in Deuteronomy and indeed the entire Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible). Genesis contains the divine promise that Abraham will inherit the Land of Canaan. In the Book of Joshua, the promise is fulfilled when Moses’ warlike successor

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leads the Israelites across the Jordan and in brutal and bloody “Holy War” conquers the Promised Land. Finally, in the tribal ceremony at Shechem, the new generation of Israelites assume the duties of their covenant relationship with God, saying, “The Lord God we will serve, and His voice we will obey.” (Joshua 24:24)

The Book of Joshua bridges two biblical series: The First Five Books of the Bible (The Pentateuch) and the six volumes of the Deuteronomic Historians Books. These books were compiled under the influence of the Law Book (Deuteronomy 12-‐26) spelling out their obedience to God which will bring prosperity for Israel while disobedience will cause disaster. These Books (Joshua-‐2 Kings with the exception of the Book of Ruth) trace the course of Israel’s relationship with God; a relationship that was renewed and marked by obedience, but more often was marked by gross acts of disobedience on their part.

Joshua, undoubtedly contains genuine historical records, but these have been pieced together from so many diverse sources and edited freely that it is difficult, if not impossible to trace the actual sequence of events or determine the historical value of the Book. Joshua apparently succeeded in establishing Israel only in certain strategic locations (i.e. the picture given by the Book of Judges). One good example is that the city of Jerusalem was never captured until the time of David.

The Books religious Theme is expressed in the Lord’s words to Joshua when he assumes the role of leader:

“…as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you….Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law which Moses, My Servant commanded you…..then you will make your way prosperous and then you shall have good success…be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5, 7-‐9).

The Book of Joshua represented the “Golden Age” in the history of God’s people. Yahweh has carried out His Promises to His chosen people, but His kindness and favour will only continue as long as His people obey Him. God is active in history as well as controlling it. Yahweh holds their future in His hands.

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1. Joshua 1:1-‐18Yahweh Commissions Joshua

a. 1-‐9 God commissions Joshua. The story of the conquest begins where Deuteronomy 34 left off. God tells Joshua to cross over the Jordan. Some scholars see this as almost being a coronation speech which is given by God to his faithful servant who is to carry out His wishes.

b. 10-‐18 The message (given privately to Joshua) is followed by the people voice of approval. The officers pledge their support to the new leader. They will only follow Joshua as leader as long as he submits to the Lord their God. Those who fail to obey will be put to death.

2. Joshua 2:1-‐24 Spies are sent into the Land.

a. 1-‐7 While the people make preparation for entry into the Promised Land, Joshua sends out spies to survey the Land before the attack. Jericho was the only important city in the region. The spies are protected by a prostitute name Rahab who hides them under stalks of flax.

b. 8-‐14 By making Rahab an apostate of her religion and nation the authority is preparing this gentile woman to gain prominence later in their tradition. Her description of God makes one to believe that she is already a convert.

c. 15-‐21 Rahab makes and agreement with the men that she will keep their meeting a secret. She bargins for the life of her family.

d. 22-‐24 The spies, (unlike those who Moses sent into the Land) come back and are thoroughly convinced by their encounter with Rahab that the Lord is already causing the hearts of the inhabitants of the land to shudder.

3. Joshua 3:1-‐17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

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a. 1-‐6 The people are to be led by the Ark of the Covenant-‐the Unoccupied Seat of Yahweh. Their directions come from the Lord. They must maintain their distance because of the Holiness of their God

b. 7-‐13 God will use Joshua to accomplish what he has promised to His people. Like Moses, the waters of the Jordan will allow God’s people to cross.

c. 14-‐17 Just as Yahweh had allowed them to cross the Red Sea on dry land, so now he does the same for the generation who will inherit the Promised Land.




The Bahamas

Monday 10th November 2014

The Book of Joshua

“An Account of Israel’s Conquest of Canaan” Introductory Remarks

Last week at Bible Study many persons seemed stunned when I mentioned that the Book of Joshua was written to address the Children of Israel who were in exile in Babylon after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 587 B.C. The history recorded from the book of Joshua to the end of 2 Kings (with the exception of the Book of Ruth) was written/edited by the Deuteronomic Historian who wrote it under

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the light of the Book of Deuteronomy. The Book of Deuteronomy was not completed until the children of Israel were carried into exile in Babylon. The diagram below indicates what happened:

(2). Collection of Oral and written

Traditions of the past

The Wrong Method

The problem is the way most of us have learnt how to view the “historical books” in their present form and to take them at face value. In the past this is what was done:

1. The Books were considered pure history (rather than being seen as theological works to answer questions of faith for a particular generation.)

2. Some persons believe that the Books were divinely inspired and dictated by God to the writers.

3. The translation and the interpretation of the text are to be taken literally.

The Right Method

The exegetical method requires us to 1. Know the context in which the biblical story is composed; 2. Let the biblical story speak to the people of its time; 3. Identify the abiding message of the biblical story; 4. Apply the abiding message to our own context.

(3)Author/Editors (D.H.)

Composes/edit Book(s) to answer questions of Faith

TIME

(4) Author/Editors (D.H.) uses Book(s) to Challenge his generation.

(1) Author/Editor (D.H.) faces questions of Faith and Practice in His Community in Exile

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In the case of the Book of Joshua (like the other Historical Books) we must ask the questions:

• What were the questions of faith in the writers/editors community? • What was the final composer/editor trying to say to his generation? • Why was it being said to them? • What connection is the author making with regards to the Lord? • Why did he/they need to give this message to his/their generation living

centuries later?

1. Joshua 4:1-‐24 Remember Where the Lord Brought You From

a. 1-‐9 The Lord orders that twelve stones should be taken out of the middle of the Jordan. These twelve stones were to remind the children of Israel where God had brought them from as a people.

b. 10-‐24 The people followed Joshua’s instructions and they passed over what was the Jordan. The instructions of the Lord are followed to the letter. In times to come when the children ask about the twelve stones they will be prepared to give an answer.

2. Joshua 5:1-‐15 New Generation, New Covenants, New Visions

a. 1 On hearing the news of the Israelites crossing the river Jordan, the hearts of their enemies melt.

b. 2-‐9 In order to prepare the children of Israel to enter the Promised Land, they needed to be circumcised (Genesis 17), the mark to remind them that they were set apart for God. By circumcision they became the people of God.

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c. 10-‐12 They marked a new beginning with the celebration of the Passover. They eat unleavened bread made from the produce of the Land. The manna ceased, as God was about to begin a new phase in their life.

d. 13-‐15 Joshua is given a new vision of the Divine Warrior who will fight for the people of God. The experience is on holy ground.

3. Joshua 6:1-‐27 Jericho is Defeated.

a. 1-‐7 The instruction for the taking of the city of Jericho are given by the Lord. The city is to be taken by divine intervention. All of the content of the city is to be given as a sacrifice to the Lord. None of it is to be carried away by the people of God.

b. 8-‐14 Joshua must instruct the people on what is required of them. Instructions are to be followed to the “t”.

c. 15-‐27 The instructions are followed and God gives them great success. Joshua places a curse on anyone who tries to re-‐build the city of Jericho.

4. Joshua 7:1-‐26 The Sin of Achan

a. 1 Achan has taken some items from the battle with Jericho which had been devoted to the Lord. His individual sin leads to God’s bitterness against His own people.

b. 2-‐10 Joshua sends a small group of soldiers to Ai which should have been a simple task for them to overcome the people in that city. Yet the men are

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repelled by an army smaller than themselves. The experience leaves Joshua and the others bewildered.

c. 11-‐15 The Lord rebukes Joshua. He should have known that they were defeated because Israel broke faith with the Lord.

d. 16-‐21 Joshua must find the person(s) who is/are responsible for their defeat. Achan is eventually discovered and the truth is revealed.

e. 22-‐26 After further investigation the evidence is discovered. Achan, his family and everything he owns is destroyed by the community. One man’s sin caused the whole community to fail; the sin and the sinner (including those who may have assisted him) must be removed.

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The Bahamas


The Book of Joshua

“An Account of Israel’s Conquest of Canaan” The Book of Joshua was written to address the Children of Israel who were in exile in Babylon after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 587 B.C. The history recorded from the book of Joshua to the end of 2 Kings (with the exception of the Book of Ruth) was written/edited by the Deuteronomic Historian who wrote it under the light of the Book of Deuteronomy. The Book of Deuteronomy was not completed until the children of Israel were carried into exile in Babylon. The diagram below indicates what happened:

(2). Collection of Oral and written

Traditions of the past

(3)Author/Editors

(D.H.) Composes/edit Book(s) to answer questions of Faith

TIME

(4) Author/Editors (D.H.) uses Book(s) to Challenge his generation.

(1) Author/Editor (D.H.) faces questions of Faith and Practice in His Community in Exile

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5. Joshua 7:1-‐26 The Sin of Achan

f. 1 Achan has taken some items from the battle with Jericho which had been devoted to the Lord. His individual sin leads to God’s bitterness against His own people.

g. 2-‐10 Joshua sends a small group of soldiers to Ai which should have been a simple task for them to overcome the people in that city. Yet the men are repelled by an army smaller than themselves. The experience leaves Joshua and the others bewildered.

h. 11-‐15 The Lord rebukes Joshua. He should have known that they were defeated because Israel broke faith with the Lord.

i. 16-‐21 Joshua must find the person(s) who is/are responsible for their defeat. Achan is eventually discovered and the truth is revealed.

j. 22-‐26 After further investigation the evidence is discovered. Achan, his family and everything he owns is destroyed by the community. One man’s sin caused the whole community to fail; the sin and the sinner (including those who may have assisted him) must be removed.

6. Joshua 8:1-‐35 The Conquest of Ai and The Renewal of The Covenant

a. 1-‐29 The Way is clear for the attack on Ai. Unlike the first attack which was not proceeded by instructions, Joshua is given divine instructions from the Lord. Joshua is to lure the army out of Ai, while a group of his soldiers are in hiding behind the city. When the people of Ai pursue Joshua outside of the city, the hidden group will emerge, enter the city and sack it. As instructed by the Lord they destroyed the people. The King of Ai is executed

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but the children of Israel keep the livestock and the treasures as booty for themselves.

b. 30-‐35 Just as Moses had done on other occasions, so Joshua renews the Covenant with God’s People. Burnt Offerings (for sin) and Offerings of Well Being are offered to Yahweh. The Law is copied once more and read to the people.

7. Joshua 9:1-‐27 The People of Gibeon Trick God’s People

a. 1-‐2 The defeat of Ai triggers a response from the other Kings of the region. The foreign kings make a pact to fight against the Children of Israel.

b. 3-‐15 The people of Gibeon however devised a plan to pretend that they had travelled some distance to make peace with God’s people in order to save themselves. The city of Gibeon was about six miles north of Jerusalem. They were not Canaanites but were Hivites. They dressed and looked the part, and based on their observations the children of Israel made a covenant with them.

c. 16-‐21 Only after the agreement do the Israelites discover that they have been tricked into a treaty that should have never been made. While the general population wanted to destroy them, the leaders are hard-‐pressed to carry out their wishes because they know that the treaty is binding. Their punishment is that they will be hewers of wood and drawers of water for the entire congregation.

d. 22-‐27 When asked by Joshua about their deception, the Gibeonites responded by telling Joshua that they had been informed that Yahweh had given them the Promised Land. They knew that Yahweh had instructed them to kill all the people in the land. They acted out of self-‐preservation.

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The Bahamas


The Book of Joshua

“An Account of Israel’s Conquest of Canaan”

1. Joshua 10:1-‐45 The Conquest of the Canaanite Rulers

a. 1-‐5 The news of the defeat of Ai and the inclusion of the people of Gibeon reach the ears of King Adoni-‐zedek of Jerusalem. In his state of fear, he summons the other kings of the region to come and help him to deal with the Israelites. The Kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon are summoned to assist the King of Jerusalem. They focus their attention on the people of Gibeon because they know that part of the treaty required the superior state must protect its vassal. They want the battle to be fought on their terms.

b. 6-‐11 The Gibeonites plead for help from the Israelites to protect them from these five kings. Joshua does not hesitate to fulfill the responsibilities under the treaty, and after marching all night they come upon the company of the five kings. The Lord not only assists Israel by throwing the five kings army into confusion, but as they fled before the people of Israel, large stones are thrown down from heaven to destroy them. The mere fact that God slays

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more people than the Israelite army itself is an indication that the victory is due to divine intervention.

c. 12-‐15 Even the elements of nature fight for God’s people. The sun stands still until God’s people carry out their vengeance on the nation.

d. 16-‐21 The five kings go into hiding in a cave, but when their presence is discovered, Joshua orders his men to put large stones at the mouth of the cave to prevent their escape. Joshua instructs the rest of the army to continue the battle and wipe out those who were trying to escape.

e. 22-‐27 Joshua returns to the cave and orders the destruction of the five kings. Their place of refuge will become the place of burial for all of them.

f. 28-‐39 Joshua continued his attacks into southern Palestine. He struck down Makkedah and its king and population; he did the same to Libnah; he did the same to Lachish; he did the same to King Horam of Gezer who came to help the people at Lachish; he did the same to Eglon, as well as Hebron, and Debir. In all cases they utterly destroyed the inhabitants of the land.

g. 40-‐43 The defeat of the land according to the Deuteronomic Historian is swift and all its inhabitants are wiped out.

2. Joshua 11:1-‐23 The Conquest of the Kingdoms in Northern Palestine.

a. 1-‐5 King Jabin of Hazor gathers all of the Kings and the people remaining in the land in one huge army to battle the children of Israel. They gather near the waters of Merom to do battle against the Lord and his people.

b. 6-‐9 Despite the size of the army, Yahweh promises to deliver them all into the hands of Joshua and his people.

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c. 10-‐15 On returning from the battle the cities are emptied of their inhabitants who are all killed and their livestock is carried off as booty.

d. 16-‐23 Joshua took control of all of the land from Lebanon to Mount Halak in the Negeb.

3. Joshua 12:1-‐24 The Conquests By Moses and Joshua

a. 1-‐6 This section of the chapter indicates the conquest of the various kings and kingdoms by the people of Israel under the leadership of Moses. The Land is given as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh.

b. 7-‐24 Record the conquest of the kings and kingdoms under the leadership of Joshua. What is important to remember is that what God has promised to His people He has enabled them to acquire the Land. Not all of Canaan is captured but a good portion has been conquered by the army of Israel.

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The Bahamas

Monday 1st December 2014

The Book of Joshua


The Land is Apportioned to the Tribes

The text from Chapter 13:-‐23:34 differs from Chapters 2-‐11. The data contained in this section may have been part of Israel’s historical account during the conquest of Canaan, but the majority of the information reflects a later time period. The Deuteronomic Historian used the material to point persons, places and tribes and their settlement into the Promised Land. The Map on the following page gives a clear picture of how the Land was allotted to the various tribes. For those who were in exile the Deuteronomic Historian may have had another agenda. The Land that they had left behind after being carried off into exile into Babylon was still there, ready to be reclaimed. The Book of Deuteronomy has already provided instruction in what was essential for them to enter the Land once before, the same rule and laws governing their return to the Land would enable them to retake what was already promised by Yahweh.

Like the core of the Book of the Law (Deuteronomy 12-‐26) which was brought down from the northern kingdom just before its fall, so much of the statistical

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data could have been transferred to Jerusalem. The persons, places and tribes in the text are more accurate in the southern Kingdom where Jerusalem was located.

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1. Joshua 13:1-‐33 The Territory East of the Jordan a. 1-‐7 These verses give a summary of the unconquered areas and these

include the lands of the Philistines and the Sodonians. They may not have been able to conquer the Philistines because they already had developed the art of smelting iron ore which Israel had not learnt.

b. 8-‐33 Give a review of the tribal territories east of the Jordan River. Moses had allowed this under the condition that these 2 ½ tribes would lead the way into battle to help the others gain their spot in the Promised Land.

2. Joshua 14:1-‐15 Territory West of the Jordan

a. 1-‐15 Deal with Caleb’s inheritance in the Land. He and Joshua were the only ones remaining from those who had left Egypt and had gone to spy out the Promised Land. At the age of 85 years, Caleb is asking for the Hill-‐country inhabited by the giants and their fortified cities. Once again he puts the word of the Lord to the test.

3. Joshua 15:1-‐63 The Allotment to Judah

a. 1-‐12 Judah was the largest tribe. Their territory is described in detail.

b. 13-‐19 The story is interrupted by Caleb’s conquest of his territory. Caleb’s inheritance is found in the territory belonging to Judah.

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c. 20-‐63 The extent of Judah’s territory is large. Judah was one of the only existing tribes when Jerusalem fell in 587 B.C.

4. Joshua 16:1-‐17:18 The Allotment to the Tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh

a. 16:1-‐10 Territory is given to Ephraim, but we are told in v.10 that they did not completely drive out the Canaanites but used them as force labourers.

b. 17:1-‐13 The territory for Manasseh is given to both men and women (daughters of Zelophehad). Yet again they did not drive the people who lived among them but made them force labourers.

c. 14-‐18 The Tribe of Joseph protests about the territory that they are given. Despite their numbers they are forced to live in the shadow of the Canaanites who had iron chariots and were stronger than them.

5. Joshua 18:1-‐28-‐19:51 The Allotment to the Other Tribes

a. 1-‐10 The remaining tribes are now dealt with by the casting of lots. The land is divided into seven parts and the lots are cast.

b. Joshua 18:11-‐28 The Tribe of Benjamin is given their territory.

c. 19:1-‐9 The Tribe of Simeon is given its territory.

d. 10-‐16 The Tribe of Zebulun is given its territory.

e. 17-‐23 The Tribe of Issachar is given its allotment.

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f. 24-‐31 The Tribe of Asher is given their territory.

g. 32-‐39 The Tribe of Naphtali is given their portion of the land.

h. 40-‐48 The Tribe of Dan is given their portion of the Promised Land.

i. 48-‐51 Joshua is given a special inheritance. The Priests and the Levites are

given cities to dwell in but no land.

6. Joshua 20:1-‐9 The Cities of Refuge

a. 1-‐9 This passage provides the cities of Refuge for those who unintentionally killed someone. They are off-‐limits to revenge killing.

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Wulff and Baillou Hill Roads Nassau, New Providence,

The Bahamas

Monday 8th December 2014

The Book of Joshua


1.

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1. Joshua 21:1-‐45 Cities for the Levites

(Both Priest and Levite share in the Promise by being given cities to dwell in and pasture lands around them to support a small amount of livestock. The tribes were given Provinces, while the priestly family and the Levi were given cities to dwell in. The map above shows the distribution of cities to the various groups. What is clear is that the clergy and servers lived among the people, which may have been in the interest of keeping the purity of their faith by keeping an eye on all the community.)

a. 1-‐3 The leaders are reminded of the command that the Lord made concerning the Priests and the Levites

b. 4 The Priests are given their allotment.

c. 5-‐19 The Kohathites receive a total of some thirteen towns among the tribes of Ephraim Dan and Manasseh. The Gershonites receive thirteen towns from the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. The Merarites received twelve towns the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.

d. 20-‐42 This is a more extensive version of how the cities were allotted to the Priests and Levites.

e. 43-‐45 The Lord has fulfilled His end of the bargain by settling them in the Promised Land. They are given a period of rest from their enemies. But God’s people must remain vigilant.

2. Joshua 22:1-‐24 The Eastern Tribes Return to the East

a. 1-‐9 Joshua prepares to dismiss the eastern tribes after they have fulfilled their duties to the other tribes. While they are given instructions to return

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to their wealth they are reminded of the need to be obedient to the Law and love the Lord their God.

b. 10-‐34 The Tribes in the East decide to build a memorial altar to the Lord to remind themselves and their children what the God of all Israel has done for them. The altar was never intended to be used for sacrifices or burnt offerings. This would be a violation of the written code in Deuteronomy 12-‐26 and if they had done it for that purpose then all of the members of the tribes were to be put to death!!! Before the tribes in the West heard their explanation, they were ready to destroy them for not adhering to the law. Once the matter is explained to all they leave in peace.

3. Joshua 23:1-‐16 Be Steadfast and Observe the Book of the Law

a. 1-‐13 Joshua has grown old. Yet he reminds his people that they are to be steadfast in serving the Lord. They must not allow the remnant of the foreigners in their midst to lead them astray. Failing to do so will result in the lost of God’s favour.

b. 14-‐16 Obedience has brought with it success and riches. But the day they decide not to obey the Lord, that is the day they will invite disaster. They are not to transgress the covenant between Yahweh and themselves by bowing down to other gods.

4. Joshua 24:1-‐33 The Renewal of the Covenant

a. 1-‐13 Joshua rehearses the salvation history of his people. They must never forget the awesome things that God has done for them and their forefathers. It is by the hand of God that they have gained the victory.

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b. 14-‐15 A decision must be made on whom they will serve. There can be no form of syncretism among God’s people. They cannot hold on to the gods of the land and Yahweh.

c. 16-‐18 The people acknowledge that it is the Lord who has brought them to where they are. He did the great signs and it was He who protected them.

d. 19-‐28 Can Israel really serve God??? Israel is forced to make a solemn oath to serve God. They must put away all the gods that are among them and serve only the Lord. The covenant is renewed and recorded for the sake of God’s people.

e. 29-‐33 The last of the generation who entered the Promised Land begin to pass way. The real test of their loyalty is about to take place as a generation who had remained steadfast to the Lord was passing away. Joshua, Eleazar, and the others are about to move off the scene. Now we will see if Israel really wants to serve the Lord their God.

Conclusion To the Book of Joshua

the book of joshua notes

Documents

books joshua

book of joshua bridges

book of ruth

book of judges

law book deuteronomy

lord god

land of canaan

laws of god