Old Testament History

Overview of Old Testament History

1

Joshua

Joshua

Introduction to the Book of Joshua

Joshua

Introduction

Writer

Joshua an Ephraimite and servant of God to Moses, in all Jewish traditions, is the writer. Josh. 1:1; 24:29 His lineage is given in I Chron. 7:27. Joshua was a commander leading a military campaign. He was nearly forty years old when he shared in the triumph of the Exodus. He was mentioned first in connection with the fight against Amalek at Rephidim when he was chosen by Moses to lead the Israelites. (Ex. 17:9) Afterwards he was one of the twelve spies Moses sent (Num. 13:8, 16; 14:6-10)

Style

This book is a history of the military campaign against Canaan—5-7 years of war and 15 years of rest. (11:18, 23) “He brought us out to bring us in.” Deut. 6:23. Moses was considered top quality as an “orator” and prophet; Joshua was a top quality “general.” Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Napoleon have to take a back seat behind these two men: Joshua and Moses. They kept their qualities on top by staying in fellowship with God. Joshua is to the Pentateuch what Acts is to the Gospels. Ephesians is its N.T. counterpart.

Name

This book gets its name from its contents: the acts of Joshua in leading Israel to the conquest of the land. It also records his death and burial. Joshua is called The Book of Conquest or The Fight against the Canaanites. It is especially attractive to the Overcomer. Every spiritual soldier may overcome his foes and possess what God has for him in Christ.

Key Words

“War” (17 x’s) & “Possession/Possess” (18 x’s) Christians have Conquest /War , but Possession /Victory should be the results. KEY PHRASE: 10:14 “The LORD fought for Israel”

Key Verses

1:5—There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

24:15—And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Types in the Book of Joshua

Canaan Land is a type of the fullness of the Christian experience. (Life in the Spirit) Our inheritance in Christ – Heb. 3:7-4:13; Eph. 1:11-14. The land of promise is a place of conflict as well as a place of victory.

Joshua is a type of Christ in that: a. his name – (Jehoshua) means Jehovah – Saviour. Num. 13:16 (The name Joshua has the same meaning as the name Jesus. Heb. 4:8) b. He is Captain – Josh. 3:7, 4:14, 5:13,14; Heb. 2:10 c. Advocate in defeat – Josh. 7:5-9; I John 2:1 d. Christ, like Joshua, leads His people to victory. Rom. 8:37; Josh. 8:1-29 e. Christ like Joshua allots to His people their portion. Eph. 1:11; Col. 3:24; Josh. 14:1

We obtain our inheritance in Christ through the obedience of faith. Josh. 14:8-9; 14; Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5; 15:18; 16:26; Heb. 4:1-11; I Peter 1:3-5; 13-14; 22; II Peter 1:5-9

Setting: PREPARATION for CONQUERING and POSSESSING THE PROMISED LAND

Joshua 1:1—Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

The people's hearts were broken over the passing of Moses and gripped with a deep sense of grief and anguish for he had helped them to follow the Lord. Through God, Moses had founded and established the nation of Israel. Joshua had fallen in a spirit of despair over the death of Moses, lingering in grief, God forcefully spoke to the heart of Joshua and gave him an arousing call.

“ Moses My servant is dead! Arise! Fill the gap! Take up the mantle of leadership! Prepare the people to cross the Jordan River into the Promised land.”

Joshua was ready to begin to lead the people of God into the promises of God at 80 years old. The book of Joshua begins with the death of Moses. Moses shortly before his death was directed (Num. 27:18) to invest Joshua with authority over the people. God gave Joshua charge by the mouth of the dying lawgiver. (Deut. 31:7, 14, 28)

Joshua

Outline of the Book of Joshua

I. The Entrance into Canaan, (Ch. 1-5)

II. The Conquest of Central Palestine, (Ch. 6-9)

III. The Conquest of Southern Palestine, (Ch. 10)

IV. The Conquest of northern Palestine,(Ch. 11)

V. Summary of Israel’s Conquests,(Ch. 12)

VI. The Division of the Land, (Ch. 13-21)

VII. The Altar of Witness at Jordan, (Ch. 22)

VIII. Joshua’s parting Councils and Death,(Ch. 23, 24)

Joshua

ALL FOLLOWING PAGES

I. The Entrance into Canaan, Ch. 1-5

Chapters 1-5. The Israelites were to defeat all enemies by the Presence of God. God promised to be with them, to never leave them nor forsake them. God gave three wonderful Promises to Joshua and the Israelites:

In Chapter 1, God gave a forceful charge to Joshua, to be "strong and courageous" in his task of leading Israel to inherit the Promised land (Joshua 1:6). He was the military commander of an army that faced formidable enemies, and he knew warfare lay ahead. The Enemy was spied out in Chapter 2. In Chapters 3 to 4, the Israelites cross Jordan miraculously and erected memorial stones. In Chapter 5, Israel is encamped at Gilgal where circumsion is reminded, the passover kept and the Captain of the Lord's host appears to Joshua.

II. The Conquest of Central Palestine, (Ch. 6-9)

The Conquest of Central Palestine, Ch. 6-9

The siege and capture of Jericho, Ch. 6 GOD’S ARMY POSITIONED

Jos 6:2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 6:6-9 Vs. 3 “And ye shall compass the city all ye Men of War”

Joshua 7:12—Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

B.	The conquest of Ai, Ch. 7, 8 GOD’S ARMY SANCITIFIED
	1.	Israel faces first near defeat
	2.	Achan’s sin discovered and put away
	3.	Final victory through strategy from God.

7:13 “Up sanctify the people”(You won’t get anywhere without being sanctified.)

You won’t get anywhere without the Lord being with you.

8:1, 2 Thou shalt do to Ai as thou hast done to Jericho. 8:29 Grave stones – death 8:30-32 Altars of whole stones – unbroken law Death is now under the law of God Matt. 5:17 Law is fulfilled by Christ; death hath no more dominion over the believer.
Rom. 6:9, 11, 14, 22; Ex. 20:25, 26; Deut. 27:9-26 8:12 – “ Gerizim” – People of the desert (Blessing) Simeon, Levi, Judah “To Bless” Issachar, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), Benjamin 8:13 -- “Ebal” – (Stony) Reuben, Gad, Asher “To Curse” Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali The eyes on the mountains are watching to bless the obedient and curse the disobedient. II Chron. 16:9 Zech. 4:10; 3:9; Rev. 5:6; Amos 9:8; Joshua 6:17-19; 7:1 Israel was disobedient. How was the record cleared? Because God used Joshua 7:6; Because of Jesus I John 2:1

C.	The league with Gibeon, Ch. 9 ISRAEL DECEIVED
	1.	The deception of the Gibeonites
	2.	Their exposure and enslavement

9:22 “Beguiled” – cheated, charmed 9:1 All the kings 9:2 “gathered themselves together” 9:2 “Accord” – In Hebrew means one mouth Think of the pressure upon Joshua and Israel as all the kings and armies scream as they charge upon Israel. Israel heard the wrong voice and was pressured into a mistake. Jos 9:14 …asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD

III. The Conquest of Southern Palestine,(Ch. 10)

The Conquest of Southern Palestine,

Ch. 10 ISRAEL REASSURED

10:8 (The Promise Repeated) 10:8; 1:5; 8:11-14; 21; 24-29; 10:40-42

The confederacy of five kings against Israel Their attack on Gibeon

C.	Israel defeats them at Bethheron
	1.	God fights for Israel with hail stones
	2.	The sun and moon stand still

The five kings captured and slain at Makkeda E. All the cities at the south captured and burned

IV. The Conquest of northern Palestine, (Ch. 11)

V. Summary of Israel’s Conquests, (Ch. 12)

VI. The Division of the Land, (Ch. 13-21)

VII. The Altar of Witness at Jordan, (Ch. 22)

VIII. Joshua’s parting Councils and Death, (Ch. 23, 24)

The Conquest of northern Palestine, Ch. 11 ISRAEL’S REST 11:23, 18-20; 15-16; 6

Northern tribes under king Jabin gather at Lake Merom

B.	Joshua defeats them and subjugates their cities

Summary of Israel’s Conquests, Ch. 12 ISRAEL UNDEFEATED 12:24 UNDEFEATED 🡪 31 wins – 0 losses

Eastern Palestine conquered under Moses B. Western Palestine conquered under Joshua

The Division of the land, Chpt. 13-21

A. Eastern Palestine divided between Reuben, Gad, Manasseh (1 ½ tribes), Ch. 13 ISRAEL REMINDED --13:1,2,6 (The Task Repeated) 1:4

Caleb given Hebron as an inheritance, Ch. 14 ISRAEL’S INHERITANCE 14:1,5
Vs. 3 Other side Jordan by Moses 13:33 None for the Levites Num. 18:20-24 14:4 Children of Joseph – “Two tribes” Double portion Both tribes received a double portion – Jos. 17:14-18 Look at the area on the map that Ephraim and Manasseh cover and how they reach out like hands to the other tribes. Judges 1:25; Gen. 49:22-24; Josh. 14:6 Num. 14:24; Josh. 14:7-15 Caleb’s Inheritance Hebron Western Palestine divided by lot to the 9 ½ tribes, Ch. 15-19

15:19 BLESSING OF GOD Not the world vs. 18 (Not a “field”) vs. 1 Edom Flesh/Carnal Life We do not want the world controlling us.God helps us to capture the flesh (Edom) and crucify it and allow God to control our Land (life). Amos 9:15 Obadiah 17-21

15:19		“Give me a blessing” Upper springs - Lower springs

15:20 Judah was first to receive an inheritance of the tribes on the West side Jordan

	All things are possible with the blessing of God.

Judges 1:1 1:8, 19; Josh. 15:63; Judges 1:15 Upper springs and lower springs flowing in our life.

II Sam. 5:6-7 David of the tribe of Judah conquered the Jebusites and Jerusalem. Judges 1:19 II Sam. 5:10 Rev. 21:3 Heb. 7:14

16 and 17 HANDS OF FAITH a. Covering two chapters b. Vs. 1 The children of Joseph Ephraim and Manassseh 2 tribes – 2 hands c. Hands stretched out from other side Jordan East side to the Great Sea - West side 16:1-3; 7, 8 SONG – “We are able to go up and take the country, To possess the land from Jordan to the sea, though the giants may be there our way to hinder, God will surely bring the victory.”

	16:4 		Ephraim and Manasseh took their inheritance.
	16:5-9		Ephraim’s Inheritance

Vs. 9 They had cities also among Manasseh linking Those together – hands were joined. faith to faith

Faith provides for sons and daughters 17:3-6.

Men of faith say “more” “me too” 17:14-18 Faith increases your desire and responsibility……but also enables you. Sin increases your desire and responsibility……but disables you. Strong hands prevail. Weak hands fail. Josh. 16:10; 17:13; Judges 1:27-29; Judges 1:34, 35

		Joshua 19:40 – 	42		46		47
					Ajabn		Japho	Leshem – Dan

Judges 1:34,35It seems as though the Amorites were satisfied with forcing Dan into the mountain, but also take over the mountain. Yet the hand of Joseph prevailed. God helps us join our hands together and use both our hands in destroying our enemies, not toiling with them as “tributaries.”Gen. 49:22-26; Heb. 4:2 Moses – Ex. 17:12 Aaron – Lev. 16:12 Jonathan – I Sam. 23:16

18:1 ISRAEL TAKING UP THE SLACK Vs. 1 “assembled together at Shiloh and set up the tabernacle.” Vs. 2 “seven tribes which had not yet received” Vs. 3 “How long are ye slack to go to possess the land? Vs. 4 36 men Josh. 7:5 – God still has His men. Vs. 5 “Seven parts” Vs. 11 Benjamin’s lot and inheritance Lot #1 Acts 19:2 - Have ye received your inheritance? Eph. 1:13, 14

YOUR Promise Acts 2:39 “For the promise is unto you.”

I. The Holy Ghost Promised John 14:26; John 16:7-16, 20; Luke 12:12 II. The Holy Ghost Given John 20:22; Acts 2:1-4; 4:8, 31; 5:32; 8:15-17; 9:17, 18; 10:44-48; 11:15, 16, 24; 13:9; 19:2; II Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:13, 14 III. Praying For the Holy Ghost Baptism Acts 2:37-42; 4:31;8:15; 9:17; 19:6; Eph. 3:16; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; Luke 1:21

Who had received?

Josh 18:7 Gad, Rueben, ½ tribe Manasseh, 18:5 Judah and Levi, Also the House of Joseph - Ephraim and Manasseh – North, Judah – South Levi did not have an inheritance to them. They received what was shared with them from other tribes. If the other tribes were slack, the Levites would go without.

God help us to be faithful and take up the slack in our lives. It is affecting others.

Who had not received their inheritance?

Benjamin 18:11 Simeon 19:1 Zebulun 19:10 Issachar 19:17 Asher 19:24 Naphtali 19:32 Dan 19:40

19:1-51 LAST O F THE LOTS

Simeon’s inheritance Lot #2 19:1, 9 “within the inheritance of Judah” Judah means – Praising God; Simeon means – Hearing God’s Word

Zebulun’s inheritance Lot #3			19:10-16
Issachar’s Inheritance Lot #4			19:17-23
Asher’s inheritance Lot #5			19:24-31
Naphtali’s inheritance Lot #6			19:32-39
Dan’s inheritance Lot #7			19:40-48

19:49 Joshua received an inheritance among them.
Treated like a tribe, Treated like a king. Like a man of God should be treated.

The assignment of the Cities of Refuge, Ch. 20 CITIES OF REFUGE

20:7, 8 Three on each side Jordan West side East side Kedesh- a sanctuary Bezer-an inaccessible spot Shechem-shoulder Ramoth-heights Hebron-seat of association Golan-captive

All six cities of refuge portray Christ as our Savior. 🡪Heb 6:18

E.	Forty-eight cities assigned to the Levites, Ch. 21 LEVI’s 48 CITIES

21:45 “All came to pass” This life is temporary (Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16) - Songs 🡪

This world is not my home This old world can never hold me “I’m getting ready to leave this world” This old world is loosing its hold on me “I’m gonna be gone” I’ll soon be done with troubles & trials

The Altar of Witness at Jordan, Chpt. 22 TIME TO GO HOME

 The Call 22:1-9      The Test 22:10-20      The Witness 22:21-34

Joshua blesses and dismisses the 2 ½ tribes They erect an altar at Jordan C. The western tribes pacified when the purpose explained

Joshua’s parting Council and Death, Ch. 23, 24 EXHORTATION

Joshua’s exhortation and words of warning to Israel

23:3, 4Former benefits 5-10 Promises & conditions 23:11-16 Threatenings

Examine the Samson of the bible and see if this is just a threat. Josh. 23:12, 13 Judges 14-16 He loved a Philistine and lost his 2 eyes. Jg 16:4…he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. Jg 16:21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, …

Each tribe experienced why it is necessary to drive the enemy completely out

…snares…traps…scourges…thorns…blindness   II Peter 2:9; John 8:12

24:15 “Serve the Lord” the choice is yours.

	Remember the eyes in the mountains are watching you.
	Remember the Promise.          Joshua 1:3-9

His death and burial

C.	The burial of Joseph’s remains in Shechem