Bible Study October 28, 2020
Joshua 1:1 – 12:24
[text Joshua 3:7-17]
Last week we finished the journey through the wilderness. We saw the transfer of leadership and authority from Moses to Joshua and we wondered who this “son of Nun” was. The Israelites were just outside the land of promise on the east side of the Jordan River. Just like a child in the back seat on vacation, we can hear them ask Joshua, “Are we there yet??” and Joshua would calmly answer, “Almost.”
Today we turn to the Book of Joshua. Like portions of the Torah, it is widely believed that this book was assembled while the people of Israel were in exile. There were earlier portions that were written under the reign of King Josiah. These portions were incorporated into the later edition which largely is what we have today.
In the Christian canon, it is the first in several books of history (also are Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah.) Unlike the Christian Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible is clearly divided into three categories which categories are part of the Scripture itself: Torah, Prophets (Nevihim) and the Writings (Kethuvim).
Since we are going to be covering this book in the next two studies, take some time to peruse it. Watch for the general movements and narratives. You may want to check this website from Luther Seminary, one I frequently use: http://www.enterthebible.org/Bible.aspx.
One of the first stories in this Book is that of the sending of the spies into the Canaan to reconnoiter what may be ahead. Joshua 2:1-21. This is an important story. Read the first few verses of Matthew 1:1-6. What significance do you find regarding this story?
Chapter 3 is the beginning of the account of the entry into Canaan. Our focus text is verses 7-17, but I encourage you to read the whole of the chapter. What images are most striking to you? Where do you find God most present?
In verse 13, the waters of the Jordan River are halted. How does this compare to the waters of the Red Sea? What might the significance of this be?
You may want to do some googling of the “ark of the covenant.” We first met this in the directions for the building of the tabernacle. What is the meaning of the ark of the covenant in this story?
Chapter 4 describes in some detail a rite by which 12 memorial stones were placed. List the steps that were involved in this rite. What are the basic elements of this rite? What is its significance? What rites do you have in your life or in your family or in our church family that may be similar to this? How do we deal with this during this pandemic time?
Chapter 6 describes the Fall of Jericho. As we have said before, there is little archaeological evidence of this conquest happening in this way. So, if this is not historical truth, what other truths may be found in this account?
Chapters after this describe various battles and challenges of the people of God, now the “Israelites.” What do you notice about the relationship between Joshua and God in these ongoing events?
Okay, that’s what I’ve got for now. What other things or questions or wonderings do you have about this time in the history of God’s people? I wonder what of this may apply to us today.
Let us pray: Holy God. There are many thresholds before us. There are challenges we will face. There are lands we are called to leave. There are hopes for the future. Be with us always. Help us to seek your face. Give us your peace. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
