Joshua

Welcom to larom.org. This section of Bible studies continues our look at Bible pictures of God's character. It is amazing how this study helps you see what a loving God we have. He was willing to take risks to win our love and admiration. He is honored by our love and faithfulness even during poverty and sickness. He treasures His children and hears every cry for help.

The focus of Joshua on God as the source of wisdom, strength, leadership skills, power and even life itself reminds me of Psalms 17:15

As for me, my contentment is not in wealth, but in seeing you (Jesus)

and in knowing all is well between us, (when he could see it wasn't he fell onto his face and cried in agony)

and when I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you FACE TO FACE.

To hear this song click here: Psalms 17:15

I admire the courage and faith of Joshua and Caleb. It is not common to see such dedication, faith and devotion to God. What did they have from God that made them different? Does God play favorites, and give some more than others? What did Joshua and Caleb do that we can do for this same kind of courage and communication from God? I believe this point when answered, has a lot to say about God's character. Joshua 1:8 makes the point.

Joshua is another name for Jesus. This is a fitting name for this book. There are so many fantastic pictures of Jesus and God that I see in this book. I refer to Jesus and God interchangeably.

The key to faith and courage is found in Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8.
If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them, they will have a counselor whose wisdom is far above any human wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his guide.

Joshua 3:13- 16 Crossing the Jordan during flood stage (For the Jordan overflows its banks all of harvest time)

Joshua told the people to get ready in their hearts for they needed faith to cross the flooding Jordan. After special prayer and preparation of food, they were instructed on how to cross. There was no bridge. The water was too deep. People could drown if God did not do something special.

As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests were in the ice water of the River Jordan, the waters stood up in a heap.

Imagine being in the place of those first two priests. Their faith is on the stretch as they step into the icy raging flood waters. If their eyes could be opened they would see heavenly visitors. Invisible in front of them are the feet of Jesus and angels.

"At this time of the year--in the spring season--the melting snows of the mountains had so raised the Jordan that the river overflowed its banks, making it impossible to cross at the usual fording places. God willed that the passage of Israel over Jordan should be miraculous. ."PP483

Angels were stationed by each priest and Jesus Christ Himself was walking before the ark. God opened up that Jordan River and showed everyone that all nature does what ever God commands. It is nothing for God to move the sun, moon, stars, or water if it is needed. We have a loving powerful God.

"Four heavenly angels always accompanied the ark of God in all its journeying, to guard it from all danger, and to fulfill any mission required of them in connection with the ark. Jesus the Son of God, followed by heavenly angels, went before the ark as it came to Jordan; and the waters were cut off before his presence. Christ and angels stood by the ark and the priests in the bed of the river, until all Israel had passed over Jordan. Christ and angels attended the circuit of the ark around Jericho, and finally cast down the massive walls of the city, and delivered Jericho into the hands of Israel." {1SP 399.2}

Joshua ch 4 : Memory Boulders Pile

God asked them to gather a pile of rocks from the middle of the Jordan River as proof of the miracle for years to come. It was a way to remember God's love. He wants us all to do this when He gives us a blessing. We need to figure out a way to remember it. I write my blessings down and take pictures of them. I put them on the wall of my home and in books and on the web site. This makes God so happy, He gives me many more blessings as a reward. You should try it. He gave me more than 100 answers to prayer this year after I wrote up my 86 stories last year for the world to read.
We should praise God for every blessing we enjoy, and above all else should we express our gratitude for the provisions of his grace. What compassion, what matchless love, hath God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with himself to be to him a peculiar treasure! What an infinite sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of God! and what a tribute of love and gratitude should it call forth! {ST, March 10, 1881 par. 11}

Joshua 5:13

Joshua lifted up his eyes and saw a man of war with sword drawn. Joshua asked if the man was for or against him.

The answer came that He was Captain or Prince of the host of the LORD.

The Captain commanded Joshua to take his shoes off.

Joshua quickly took off his shoes showing submission and fell on his face and worshipped God.

If Joshua could have had his eyes opened, he would have seen the angels of the Lord camped around the whole camp. The trained army of heaven had come to fight for God's people and the Captain was there Himself.

"As Joshua withdrew from the armies of Israel, to meditate and pray for God's special presence to attend him, he saw a man of lofty stature, clad in warlike garments, with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua did not recognize him as one of the armies of Israel, and yet he had no appearance of being an enemy. In his zeal he accosted him, and said, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto Him, What saith my Lord unto His servant? And the Captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." {SR 178.2}
This was no common angel. It was the Lord Jesus Christ, ... "{SR 178.4} Story of Redemption by Ellen White

Joshua 6 Fall of Jericho

Then came the ark of God, glittering with gold, a halo of glory hovering over it, borne by priests in their rich and peculiar dress denoting their sacred office. The vast army of
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Israel followed in perfect order, each tribe under its respective standard. Thus they compassed the city with the ark of God. No sound was heard but the tread of that mighty host, and the solemn voice of the trumpets, echoed by the hills, and resounding through the city of Jericho. With wonder and alarm the watchmen of that doomed city mark every move, and report to those in authority. They cannot tell what all this display means. Some ridicule the idea of that city's being taken in this manner, while others are awed, as they behold the splendor of the ark, and the solemn and dignified appearance of the priests, and the host of Israel following, with Joshua at their head. They remember that the Red Sea, forty years before, parted before them, and that a passage had just been prepared for them through the river Jordan. They are too much terrified to sport. They are strict to keep the gates of the city closely shut, and mighty warriors to guard each gate.

The priests carried the ark around the city. Nothing was heard but the stepping of the feet of thousands of soldiers walked around once every day. They did this for 6 days. In front of the ark were seven priests each with a trumpets of rams horns. The seventh day of marching, they were to go around 7 times. Then the priests were to make a long blast on their horns.

That was the signal for all the soldiers to shout. Before this time they had to keep their mouths shut tight. Not a sound was to be heard till the seventh day.

Their shout was a signal to God. He had his angels push the walls down when the people shouted. God showed them He was the One working for them.

God wants us as Partners

Showing He Treasures us as Valuable

God gave everyone a little part to do in the fall of Jericho. They were to march and shout. These simple things demonstrated faith in God's power. No one could claim they caused the walls to fall. Again the important point about God is that He involves us yet the work is really done by Him. There is beauty in this personality trait. He could do everything by Himself. Yet by involving us, He makes a statement of our value to Him. I adore Him for His generosity in allowing me a small part in sharing the gospel light.

All the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat. Joshua 6:5. {CC 118.1}
At the taking of Jericho the mighty General of armies planned the battle in such simplicity that no human being could take the glory to himself.

The Achan Incident

No Hiding from God

God's delicate handling of sin protected Joshua and showed mercy and probation for Achan and company.

Including others in punishment showed God's recognition of influence.

Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Joshua 7:12.

Achan's sin shows a good way God led to the uncovering of his sin. Joshua fell on his face before God and God told him what Achan had done and how to open up this sin and get Achan to tell on himself. God knew that there were others in the camp blinded by sin who would think Joshua was mean if this was not handled right. Cautiously this horrible sin was opened up for all to see. God showed Joshua just how to act. If Joshua had openly stated the crime, many would have sympathized with Achan and risen up against Joshua as unjust in his leadership and punishment.

The lot casting procedure was God's way to lead the camp in accepting the final verdict. This gave everyone in the camp time to examine their own hearts and confess their own sins. The lots were cast and tribes, families and immediate family were discovered. At each step, there was ample opportunity for Achan to step forward and confess his theft. He missed all the chances God provided. Finally out of his own mouth the story was told.

Amazingly this sinful Achan had watched the agony of Joshua on his face crying out before God. But he had no sense of how bad he had sinned. Why was he so blind? Had he sinned so much, he didn't realize it was wrong anymore? "He had seen Joshua and the elders of Israel bowed to the earth in grief too great for words." Conflict and Courage 121

Achan's Rock Pile Evidence of Influence

Have you considered why it was that all who were connected with Achan were also subjects of the punishment of God? It was because they had not been trained and educated according to the directions given them in the great standard of the law of God. Achan's parents had educated their son in such a way that he felt free to disobey the Word of the Lord; the principles inculcated in his life led him to deal with his children in such a way that they also were corrupted. . . . The punishment . . . reveals the fact that all were involved in the transgression. {CC 120.3}
The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man's sin the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the sin is searched out and punished. Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin. . . . {CC 120.4}
The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin; it will never cover or excuse an unconfessed wrong. . ." Conflict and Courage 120

The Achan incident shows Heaven's Judge has a delicate sensitivity and skillful abilities in rendering justice. You can trust your case with Heaven's Judge and Lawyer.

Chapter 8 shows the people of Ai defeated and the law of God repeated. There are so many times the law of God is reviewed and it's importance declared. This is really a set of promises to those who are wanting to obey everything the Captain says.

God is a Mighty Conqueror and a LAW DESIGNER. He makes laws which are tailored to making everyone extremely happy and content. The concepts of this law really describe His unselfish character. The greatest peace, and harmony, and unity exist where this law is followed exactly.

Joshua 9 God Is a Promise Keeper. He always keeps His promises. There are conditions that can make Him have to take away blessings. We must obey God to get the promised blessings.

The moldy bread Trick

Gibeonite rulers afraid for their lives after seeing success of falling Jericho and Ai, made up a wild story using moldy bread to prove they lived a long ways away and wanted to have a promise of no harm. Joshua believed them and promised them protection.The results of not asking advice are seen in the story of the moldy bread trick from the Gibeonites. The Judge is counseled with only after the leaders realized they had made a big mistake. They needed to know what to do about their promised protection to the Gibeonites. They finally asked God for wisdom on what to do with the tricksters. God, thinking of all people involved, commanded that the Gibeonites be servants to the Israelites. This way they could learn about salvation. Their lives were spared as they wanted. Now we have Gibeonites and Rahab gathered into the group to learn of God.

The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver. It never makes him coarse or rough, discourteous or self-important, passionate or hardhearted.

Caleb's Faith pleased God

I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me. . . . Now therefore give me this mountain. Joshua 14:11, 12. {CC 123.1}
Before the distribution of the land had been entered upon, old man grandpa Caleb, accompanied by the heads of his tribe, came forward with a special claim. Except Joshua, Caleb was now the oldest man in Israel. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones among the spies who had brought a good report of the Land of Promise, His claim was immediately granted. He wanted the land of giants. "To none could the conquest of this giant stronghold be more safely entrusted. . . ." {CC 123.2}

85 yr old Caleb asks for an inheritance of Canaan where giants lived. He was the oldest man of the whole million and some people. His faith again demonstrated to all the younger people of Israelites that it is God's power that brings the victory anyway. He said he was still just as strong as he was when forty years before he walked the land as a spy. He patiently waited through theo 40 years of punishment. Now it was time to have what God promised him.

Fruit of Faith

is Hope and Courage

Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing "more abundantly" to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. . . . {FLB 156.5}

In summary:

God is seen in the book of Joshua as in partnership with His people. He encourages us to see that He values and treasures us. He is pleased by our exhibition of faith and rewards with wisdom those who treasure His counsel.

The Achan incident shows how extremely well He understands deep seated rebellion and how to deal with it in such a way as to get confession from the very mouth of the offender. God's ways of dealing with sin can be trusted in the final outcome of His judgment as He reviews the record books of heaven.

The faith and treasuring of the WORD of God was the secret of the strength and power of Caleb and Joshua. God did not play favorites. He gave the same wisdom to all but they did not treasure it up and follow it. Obedience brings success.

The fruit of faith of these faithful spies is "hope an courage".

You can conclude that if you do not have faith, you will also lack hope and courage.

The Scriptures say that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Upon beholding we become changed. So, my dear friend, if you do not have faith, get busy reading all the stories of what God has done for you and Bible incidents of faith. You will be surprised how quickly your faith grows as you see what God has done.

Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2 Cor. 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

"For the disheartened there is a sure remedy--faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day.... In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. {FLB 156.6}
Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. . . . They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. " Faith I Live By 157

Life Insurance Policy:

But the Scriptures make it plain that those who once knew the way of life and rejoiced in the truth are in danger of falling through apostasy, and being lost. Therefore there is need of a decided, daily conversion to God. {FLB 157.4}

Over view of the book of Joshua looking for pictures of God.

Ch. 1--COUNSELOR- God the counselor and encourager

Ch. 2 -- OBSERVANT--God values kindness to His servants. God remembers all acts of kindness. He rewards the kindness of the harlot Rahab of Jericho. God placed a fear of the Israelites and a dread of all the land so it would be easier for His people.

Ch. 3 --All Nature Obeys His Commands--God waits till Jordan is flooded then tells them to put their feet in it, then He opens the waters. The ark was to go first showing God was their leader. Angels were at each of the 4 priests sides.

Ch. 4 --TEACHER-God is a terrific teacher. He used visual aids. He commanded that twelve stones were to be gathered out of the Jordan River bed as gratitude reminders of God's leadership. This teaching tool would cause children to ask about the pile and hear the story.

Ch. 5--5 Star General--CAPTAIN of the hosts of heaven--

Ch. 6--CONQUEROR--CAPTAIN of heaven's hosts, Conquers Jericho destroying all except Rahab and those in her house. The CAPTAIN asked for faith partners to march, shout, and destroy survivors except Rahab's group.

Partnership desires-Expresses God values people

Ch.7--JUDGE- God showed the most excellent wisdom and delicate handling of the Achan crime. His step by step method in uncovering the hidden sin of Achan was designed to help the whole camp. Joshua's reputation was protected, millions examined their hearts and confessed sins, and Achan and family had time to repent. This is a great example for church discipline today.

Ch. 8--Lawgiver and Conqueror- Ai is destroyed and the law of God is reviewed

Ch. 9--PROMISE KEEPER. God is a promise keeper. The results of not asking advice are seen in the story of the moldy bread trick from the Gibeonites. The Judge is counseled with on what to do with the tricksters. God, thinking of all people involved, commanded that the Gibeonites be servants to the Israelites. This way they could learn about salvation. Their lives were spared as they wanted. Now we have examples of Gibeonites and Rahab & company gathered into the Israelite group to learn of God.

Ch. 10, 11, 12 CONQUEROR--These three chapters list the victories over the kings and inhabitants of Canaan. (In the list is included the giants of the coast of Og king of Bashan)

Ch. 13-19 LAWGIVER: GENIUS in DESIGNING INHERITANCE LAWS. These 7 chapters cover the sections each part of those million plus people were to live on. God has great attention to detail. Each person was important to Him.

Caleb's faith pleases God. At 85 he tackles giants asking a mountain full of giants for his inheritance.

Ch. 20 MERCIFUL AND JUST Cities of Refuge demonstrate that God would make the most thorough investigation and most merciful provision for the acquittal of the innocent yet render justice for the horrible terrible guilt of murder.

Ex.34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

"Whoever, be it individual or city, will excuse the crime of the murderer, when convinced of his guilt, is a partaker of his sin, and will surely suffer the wrath of God." ST Jan. 20, 1881

Ch. 22-vs 15-34 The 2 1/2 tribes go home after conquer ring Canaan and are misunderstood. Remembrance pillar brings harsh accusations which are met by calm, mild, conciliating words. A tragedy is avoided by the soft answers of the misunderstood brothers. This is a great example for us in dealing with sin carefully.

Ch 23, 24 Last words of Joshua calling to gratitude, humility, and separation

Ch. 24 DELIVERER: Shows God's Creative imagination in choosing to use hornets to drive out 2 Amorite kings. (24:12)