Seriously, why does he get his own book in the Bible?

One of the scouts sent into the Promised Land by Moses Was chosen as the next leader of the Israelites because of his unshakeable faith in God Led the Israelites in battles where whole cities/peoples were destroyed

JOSHUA 1:1-18 God sends Joshua into Canaan Tells him to be brave, steadfast, and true to the Law Plans to attack Canaan from the east by crossing the Jordan River

JOSHUA 2: spies are sent into Jericho and go to a lodging house Rahab was the owner and a prostitute Recognized them as Israelites She hides the spies from the king’s men

Agrees to help them escape if they promise that her family will be safe during the invasion A red cord hung in her window lets the Israelites know NOT to harm anyone in this house

Was she a traitor? Was she a hero?

Biblical writers show Rahab as doing the will of God She would embrace him as the true God Even though she was a Canaanite and a prostitute, she is shown as worthy Has a significant role in the history of Israel and the ancestry of Jesus Son: Boaz Great grandson: King David

JOSHUA 3:1-17; 4:1-24 The Israelites begin the battle march to Jericho, but the Jordan is in the way The priests touch the riverbed and the water stops flowing 1 man from each tribe carries a stone across the river Build a memorial on the other side Called “Gilgal”, meaning “circle”

JOSHUA 5:10-15 The Israelites are able to enjoy the wealth of Canaan No more MANNA! Joshua meets the captain of God’s army (angels) Like Moses, Joshua is told to remove his shoes before walking on holy land A sign that God will be with them on the battlefield SHALOM: deep peace of God

Israelites laid siege to Jericho for 6 days Priests would lead the soldiers First 7 carried rams’ horns Next group carried the Ark On the 7 th days they circled the city 7 times, then stormed the wall

“devotion to God for destruction” God’s command in the Book of Deuteronomy An order to destroy EVERYTHING in the conquered area Includes inhabitants, people, and their possessions (including animals) Take NOTHING for yourself

Possible explanations for the ban... 1) Exclusive devotion to God Israelites have been tempted for false gods/worship before May have meant to prevent drifting from the faith 2) God can bring good out of evil Emphasized that total trust/faith in God and following the Law will lead to victory and happiness Pride in one’s power and disobedience will lead to disaster

JOSHUA 7:1-26 Scouts report that Ai will be easily defeated, but Israel loses God tells Joshua that someone broke the ban by taking valuables from Jericho The thief, Achan, is stoned and the goods are burned/buried MESSAGE: Give total obedient devotion to God

JOSHUA 10:12-14 City of Gibeon makes an alliance with Israel 5 local kings siege Gibeon in retaliation Joshua and the Israelites attack during the night The next day, Joshua asks God to stop the sun The kings, referred to as the “Amorites” are found and executed

JOSHUA 20:1-6 DEUTERONOMY 19:1-13 The 12 Tribes of Israel Symbolic number 12 Apostles 12 Judges

Cities of Refuge Likely appeared during the time of King David Meant to protect people guilty of accidental or unintentional killing by victims’ families (blood vengeance) Sanctuary: universal custom, offering aid to the persecuted and homeless

Begs his people to never forget what God has done for them Renewal of the Covenant at Shechem Joshua is buried in his tribal land One of Israel’s greatest leaders Strong, courageous, careful, honest, faithful, and an upholder of the Law