March 11

March 11

Joshua 1–4

Scripture Text: Joshua 1:1–4:24

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

In Joshua, the Israel moves into the Promised Land. As they enter Canaan, they are challenged to be “strong and courageous,” even as they had commissioned their leader in the same manner. Being “strong and courageous” boils down to depending upon the faithfulness of God who promised to be with them, even fighting their battles for them. He promised to be with them as they went (Joshua 1:5) and commanded them to be with him, not forgetting the law (Joshua 1:8). 

As Joshua takes command of Israel, he too, urges the people to remember the word of promise that God made to Moses, that he would give the people this land (Joshua 1:13). Even with the promise, they would need to be “strong and courageous.” God’s word of promise puts courage within reach of faithful people, and of course, his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). The strength that the people must have as they entered the promised land would to be given to them by God (Philippians 4:13). Theirs must be courageous faith, and even that would be provided by God. 

Their first encounter with the Canaanites would be at Jericho, a fortified city. Joshua sends spies into the land to take stock of things, especially Jericho. They came to the house of Rahab, a prostitute who may have provided lodging as well as other services. By this time, the spies’ mission was known to Jericho’s king who inquired after them at Rahab’s house. She kept the spies a secret from the king. 

Before Israel could take Jericho, their faith would be tested by crossing the Jordan River during flood stage when the banks would have overflowed. The whole nation had to cross, following in the steps of the priests who carried the ark. As the priests stepped into the rushing water the river walled up to one side and the riverbed became dry so that the people could pass over into the promised land. 

A memorial heap of stones was set up, one stone taken from the river for each tribe. In coming generations, when their descendants would ask what these standing stones meant, they were to recount the story of God’s faithfulness. In this way, all the peoples of the earth would know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and fear the LORD God forever (Joshua 4:24).

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