For 40 long years, Moses (see God’s calling of Moses in Exodus 3) had led the children of Israel through the wilderness until they finally arrived at the Jordan River where they were now awaiting their entrance into the land of Canaan. Moses would not be the one to lead Israel into Canaan because of his disobedience at Kadesh (Numbers 20). Instead, the leadership of Israel was passed from Moses to Joshua, who was described as a man “full of the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9) and the one appointed by God to be their next leader (Deuteronomy 31:1-13). He was also known as a man of faith (see Numbers 14:6-10) and an influential military leader (see Exodus 17:9-13) capable of leading the Israelites in a battle against the inhabitants of Canaan. Hundreds of years before this time, God had promised to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as their own possession (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:18-21). Many years passed between God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and their arrival outside the Promised Land. Here are some of the highlights leading up to this point in Israel’s history: Israel’s bondage and escape from Egypt (Exodus 1:1-12:36), Israel’s wandering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their disobedience (Exodus 12:37-18:27; the book of Numbers), God’s giving of the law to govern the people (Exodus 19:1-40:38; the book of Leviticus), and Moses’ calling Israel to obey God once entering the land (the book of Deuteronomy). All of these events brought Israel to the brink of Canaan and now Joshua would be the one to lead them the rest of the way.
Joshua, whose name means Jehovah saves or the Lord is salvation, is the understood author of this book, although it is widely accepted that someone close to Joshua (possibly Eleazar or Phinehas) finished the book with the details concerning his death in Joshua 24:29-33. The book of Joshua is the first of twelve historical books in the Old Testament and was likely written somewhere between 1405-1385 BC. The contents of this book focus on three major events: entering the Promised land (Joshua 1:1-5:12), conquering the Promised Land (Joshua 5:13-12:24), and dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 13:1-24:33). Entering the Promised Land would be the first test of Israel’s faith in God as they encountered their first obstacle – crossing the Jordan River. In order to enter the land of Canaan, Joshua would need to successfully lead approximately two million people across the overflowing river (Joshua 3:15). Once they entered the Promised Land, Joshua would then lead the nation of Israel in conquering the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Joshua and Israel would need God’s help if they desired to overtake the land. After conquering the people of Canaan, Israel would receive the land as their own and it would be divided among them.
Israel had been awaiting this promise to be fulfilled for many centuries, but it was now up to them to evidence faith in God and obey Him at every step. God promised to be faithful to them, but would Israel be faithful to Him? The book of Joshua holds the answers to these questions as Israel is about to take one of the biggest steps in her history.
Dear God, give me understanding as I read the book of Joshua and help me to apply the principles in my own life.
