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JOSHUA: INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION:

1. The Book entitled Joshua is the first of the books of the Old Testament which are called THE BOOKS OF HISTORY.

2. As the Book of Numbers picks up the events of Israel leaving Mount Sinai, and Deuteronomy has Moses  preparing a new generation for the promised land, Joshua gives us the events of finally entering and occupying that land.

I. THE NAME OF THE BOOK “JOSHUA”

A. the Book receives the name from the main character of the Book whose life and deeds are highlighted within the Book.  

1. Joshua is understood by many Jewish authorities as the author of most of the Book (cf. 5:6, 24:26, 24:29).

B. Joshua was earlier named in the Scriptures “Oshea” or “Hoshea” – saved or salvation (Numbers 13:16).

 1. Named Joshua – Jehovah is deliverance or Jehovah is salvation.

II. THEME OF THE BOOK

 A. The victory of faith

  1. Contrast of failure with faith in Numbers 14 and victory now in Joshua.

   a. Failure to enter (Numbers 14:2-4)

   b. Failure to overcome (Numbers 14:44-45)

   c. Failure to occupy (Numbers 14:28-34)

   d. Victory through entering (Joshua 1-5)

   e. Victory through overcoming (Joshua 6-12)

   f. Victory through occupying (Joshua 13-24)

  2. Book illustrates the need for OBEDIENCE OF FAITH.

   a. Spies, Rahab (Chapter 2, 6, Hebrews 11:30-31)

   b. Contrast with trespass of Achan (Chapter 7)

III. FEATURES OF THE BOOK

A. Shows how Israel entered, conquered, and settled in the promised land according to God’s promise (21:43, 45; 23:14).

B. Book gives detailed picture of the conquest of Canaan; central; , southern, and northern campaigns (cf. 11:23).

C. Gives account of dividing land among the tribes of Israel (13-22)

 a. Cities of refuge appointed (Chapter 20)

 b. Cities for Levites appointed (Chapter 21)

D. Joshua’s farewell address (23:1-24:28)

IV. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK  (Taken from EXLPORE THE BOOK by J. Sidlow Baxter)

 A. ENTERING THE LAND (Chapters 1-5)

  1. Joshua charged.

  2. Jericho spied.

  3. Jordan crossed.

  4. Memorials built.

  5. Gilgal occupied.

 B. OVERCOMING THE LAND (Chapters 6-12)

  1. Fall of Jericho

  2. Sin of Achan

  3. Sack of Ai

  4. Guile of Gibeon

  5. Rout of all foes

  C. OCCUPYING THE LAND (Chapters 13-24)

  1. Division of Canaan

  2. Cities of Refuge

  3. Portions of Levites

  4. Altar

  5. Farewell of Joshua