In chapter 9, Joshua is approached by a group of Gibeonites looking to forge a treaty by deception. While the other kings of Canaan were amassing troops, the Gibeonites sent envoys from their land posing as travelers from a far distance, with crusty bread, old wineskins and clothes, and patched sandals. They convinced Joshua they … Continue reading The Gibeonite Deception and the Sun Miracle (Joshua 9:1 – 10:15)
The Fall of Ai (Joshua 8)
God instructed Joshua to take the entire army of Israel to fight against Ai. When the won the battle, they should do to it as they did Jericho, but they could take its spoil and cattle as booty. They were to lay an ambush behind the city, and fake a retreat in front of the … Continue reading The Fall of Ai (Joshua 8)
The Sin of Achan (Joshua 7:10 – 26)
Joshua was sorrowing over the defeat at Ai, bowed to the ground, and God told him to get up. Israel had sinned, and that is why they lost the battle for Ai. They took of the accursed things from Jericho and hid them in their tents. He oommanded that the accursed be destroyed. Joshua was … Continue reading The Sin of Achan (Joshua 7:10 – 26)
Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6:1 – 7:9)
When Joshua was near Jericho, God gave him instructions on how to gain victory over the city. He told him to have the priests carry the ark, and all the musicians and Levites would follow, and all the armies of Israel would follow them. This multitude would walk around Jericho each day for six days … Continue reading Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6:1 – 7:9)
Commander of the Army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13 – 15)
The people of God moved into Canaan. When they were near Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw a Man opposite him with His sword drawn. Joshua questioned Him as to His allegiance, and the Man replied, "...as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Joshua fell on His face and awaited … Continue reading Commander of the Army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13 – 15)
Memorial Stones and Circumcision (Joshua 4:1 – 5:12)
In the beginning of chapter 4, the Israelites complete their trek across the dry Jordan River Bed. When they have reached the other side, Joshua commands the leaders of the tribes to make twelve men, one from every tribe, and take twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan and take them to the place … Continue reading Memorial Stones and Circumcision (Joshua 4:1 – 5:12)
Getting Ready for Battle (Joshua 2 – 3)
Joshua sent two spies into the land, specifically to Jericho. They came to the home of a harlot, Rahab, and stayed there. The king heard they were there, and inquired, but Rahab hid them. She told the king's messengers that they had already left the city. Actually, she had hidden them under stalks of flax … Continue reading Getting Ready for Battle (Joshua 2 – 3)
God’s Instructions to Joshua (Joshua 1)
"Moses my servant is dead." What a stark introduction to Joshua from the Lord! Lord, we know he is dead. Did you have to remind us? Then, immediately following that thought, God tells him to go into the Promised Land. "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, … Continue reading God’s Instructions to Joshua (Joshua 1)
Moses’ Final Blessing and Death (Deuteronomy 33 & 34)
The final blessing of Moses includes the following thoughts: The law was given by God to Israel as a blessing, Each tribe received a special blessing, Israel will live in safety, in a land of grain and new wine, Their enemies will submit to them and they shall be saved by the Lord! As the … Continue reading Moses’ Final Blessing and Death (Deuteronomy 33 & 34)
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:52)
Moses sings his song of covenant before all of Israel. He rehearses the nation's history and speaks of how judgement will come upon them if they disobey God's commandments. After he finished the song, he reiterated the need to obey the law of God, and promised long life for those who obey Him. After his … Continue reading The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:52)
Devoted To You 