Joshua 1-5
We are at the point where the “torch” is passed from Moses to Joshua, who will lead the people into the Promised Land. Moses had been denied entering the lands due to his anger and died just before they crossed into the Promised Land. Chapter 1 verse 2 states:
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.
This is where Joshua first address the people after being handed command. During this time Joshua has doubt and God addresses his concerns and in verse 5 comforts him by saying “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” How many of us would love to hear God actually say that to us. Sure we may have a mental image and when reading this passage it is like God saying it to us, but how cool would it be to audibly hear His voice! I am jealous to some point about this, at the same time I don’t know if I would like the responsibility because when He is audible you are really being called to something big!
Chapter 2 is about the spies who enter Jericho to scout the lands before they enter for battle. The last time they did this the scouts freaked the people out to the point they did not trust in the Lord. This was the reason they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. This time God showed favor and gave them protection, interestingly from a prostitute. Verse 1 introduces them to Rahab, who protects them from capture.
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.
Because of the protection she gave them they made an oath to protect her and her family. They would use a scarlet cord in the window to signal the men not to harm the people in this home. Everyone else would die! I have never seen battle, but can only imagine the chaos that ensues. It amazes me the men had the fortitude to maintain composure and protect this family just by a cord in a window.
God wanted to make sure the people knew He was with Joshua by something big. They were preparing for entering the promised lands, yet had to cross the Jordan, which was in flood stage. God instructed Joshua to bring the Ark to the bank, which he did. What followed in verses 15 and 16 were amazing and secured Joshua’s authority with the people:
15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho.
How cool would it be to actually cross on dry ground where there once was a flooding river! I know today people want to see something like this, me included. This is often used by non-believers to point out there is no God. They claim if God exists why does He not do something like this again! That is a tough one the answer, and to believers Jesus answers this in Matthew 4, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” But to non-believers this is a tough one, since that is where they can validate their claim.
As we move into chapter 4 they are crossing the Jordan and in verse 3 God “command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” How cool would that be to actually find this stack of stones? I am sure after thousands of years they have either been dismantled, buried in feet of dirt and silt or have been washed away, either way if they were found people would claim a hoax anyway and there would be doubt.
Interestingly when they first enter the Promised Land, battle is not the first thing. No they first have a ceremony to circumcise the men and celebrate Passover. I find this interesting that instead of going immediately to battle, they honor God. Is that something you do today? Do you start the day honoring God or leaping from bed to rush to get started? I have found I must schedule my time well or I get overwhelmed with the daily activates. For me getting up an hour earlier helps me focus my attention onto God and start my day by first honoring him. Joshua is ready for battle and still rests in 5:15, with the commander of the Lords army where he said to Joshua “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” Joshua again focused his attentions on God and not “work”! Do the same an life will be more in focus, not necessarily easier, but God never promised us a rose garden.