March 23

Joshua 1-4 (biblegateway.com)

Courage and Obedience: Stepping into God’s Promises

In Joshua 1-4, the Israelites begin their transition from wilderness wanderers to conquerors of the Promised Land. After Moses’ death, God commissions Joshua as his successor and commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His constant presence. Joshua then prepares the people for the crossing of the Jordan River, which is miraculously parted by God to allow the Israelites to pass through on dry land. These chapters mark the beginning of Israel’s conquest of Canaan.

Joshua 1 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. After the death of Moses, Joshua is called by God to take on the mantle of leadership and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This chapter contains a series of instructions and encouragements from God to Joshua, focusing on the importance of obedience, faith, and courage. It sets the stage for the conquest of Canaan and demonstrates God’s continued faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Verse 1 begins with God speaking directly to Joshua, instructing him to rise up and lead the people of Israel into the land that God had promised to give to their ancestors (v.1-2). God reassures Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will also be with Joshua. God promises that no one will be able to stand against Joshua all the days of his life (v. 5). The promises that God made to Israel under Moses are now extended to Joshua, and God’s presence will accompany him in the leadership of the nation.

God gives Joshua specific instructions on how to succeed: he is to meditate on God’s Word day and night, carefully following all the laws given to Moses (v. 7-8). This emphasis on obedience to God’s commands is crucial to Joshua’s success and to the success of Israel in taking the land. God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous—not to be afraid, for God will be with him wherever he goes (v. 9). This call for strength and courage is repeated several times throughout the chapter, highlighting their importance in the face of the challenges ahead.

God’s faithfulness and presence are the foundation of leadership. Just as God was with Moses, He promised to be with Joshua, ensuring the success of His plan. And still, His promises remain. In the face of leadership challenges or personal obstacles, do you trust in God’s faithfulness? God promises to be with us when we follow His Word and remain courageous, even in the midst of uncertainty or difficulty. Reflect on areas of your life where you may feel fearful or uncertain about following God’s call. Strengthen your faith by committing to meditating on His Word and trusting His promises.

After receiving God’s instructions, Joshua acts immediately. He commands the officers of Israel to go through the camp and tell the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River in three days, as God will give them the land of Canaan (v. 10-11). Joshua also reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their obligation to assist in the conquest, even though they had already received land on the east side of the Jordan. They are to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan until all the tribes have received their inheritance (v. 12-15).

The people respond with full commitment to Joshua’s leadership. They pledge to obey his commands and follow him just as they did Moses, with the assurance that God will be with him (v. 16-17). Their response to Joshua’s leadership affirms their trust in both Joshua and in God’s promises. The people also repeat the phrase, “Only be strong and courageous,” echoing God’s earlier encouragement to Joshua (v. 18).

Unity and obedience to God’s appointed leader are essential for the success of God’s plan. The Israelites’ willingness to follow Joshua shows the importance of supporting God’s leadership and trusting His direction. How do you respond to God-appointed leadership in your life? Are you supportive and trusting of those God has placed in positions of authority, whether in the church, at work, or in the family? Consider your relationship with leadership in your life. How can you show greater obedience and support to God’s appointed leaders, recognizing that their guidance helps fulfill God’s purposes?

Joshua 1 is a chapter that sets the stage for Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. The recurring theme of strength and courage is emphasized throughout this chapter. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land, not because of his own abilities but because of God’s presence and His promises. The emphasis on being strong and courageous is tied to obedience to God’s Word—Joshua is to meditate on God’s law day and night, ensuring that his leadership aligns with God’s will. This obedience is the key to the Israelites’ success as they conquer the land.

God also reassures Joshua that He will never leave him nor forsake him, providing a powerful source of courage for the difficult journey ahead. The call to be strong and courageous is not just a command but a reminder that God’s power and presence are the true sources of strength for Joshua’s leadership and Israel’s victory.

As with all of Scripture, Joshua 1 points to Jesus as our ultimate leader, guiding us into God’s promises, strengthening us in faith, and fulfilling the covenant. Just as Joshua called Israel to trust and obey God, Jesus calls us to follow Him boldly and courageously, knowing He is always with us. As we face our own challenges and transitions, this chapter calls us to trust in God’s promises, be strong and courageous, and rely on His faithfulness to lead us through the journey ahead. Let us be inspired by Joshua’s example, meditating on God’s Word and following His direction, knowing that God’s presence is the source of our strength and courage.

Joshua 2 tells the story of Rahab, the prostitute, and her role in helping the Israelite spies as they prepare to invade the city of Jericho. The chapter demonstrates God’s faithfulness, His ability to work through unexpected people, and His plan to fulfill His promises to Israel. It highlights the theme of courage and faith in God, as Rahab’s actions are motivated by her belief in the God of Israel. Her story becomes a powerful example of God’s grace, showing that no one is beyond His reach if they trust in Him.

Joshua, now in charge after Moses’ death, sends two spies to secretly scout out the city of Jericho, a stronghold in the land of Canaan that Israel would need to conquer (v. 1). The spies enter the city and take refuge in the house of Rahab, a prostitute, who hides them from the king’s soldiers (v. 2-4). When the king of Jericho learns that Israelite spies have entered the city, he sends soldiers to Rahab’s house to search for them. Rahab, however, hides the men under bundles of flax on her roof and deceives the soldiers by saying the spies had already left the city at dusk (v. 5-7).

This section sets the stage for Rahab’s brave and risky act of courage and faith. While the city’s leaders are intent on capturing the spies, Rahab goes against her own people’s orders to protect the Israelites, trusting that the God of Israel will defeat Jericho. This act of hiding the spies and lying to the king’s men is a moment of defiance against her city’s leadership in favor of God’s plan for Israel.

God can and will use anyone—even those from unlikely backgrounds or professions—to fulfill His purposes. Rahab, a prostitute, becomes part of the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), showing that God’s grace is available to all who choose to trust Him. God’s ability to use anyone for His kingdom purposes challenges us to see people not by their past or status, but by their potential to trust in Him. Reflect on areas where you may have judged others or yourself based on past mistakes. How can you open your heart to the reality that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect plan?

After hiding the spies, Rahab goes up to the roof and engages in a conversation with them. She admits that she knows about the Israelites and their miraculous victories, including how God parted the Red Sea for them to escape Egypt (v. 9-11). Rahab’s words show that she has heard of God’s power and has come to believe that He is the true God, whose judgment is coming upon Jericho. Despite being in a hostile city, Rahab chooses to align herself with the Israelites, demonstrating her faith in God.

Rahab makes a deal with the spies: she will hide them and help them escape in exchange for the safety of her family when the Israelites attack Jericho (v. 12-13). The spies agree, and they tell her to tie a scarlet cord in the window through which they escape as a sign to the Israelite army that her household is to be spared during the invasion (v. 14-19). Rahab’s willingness to protect the spies at great personal risk shows her faith in God’s promise and her boldness to act on that belief.

Rahab’s faith in the God of Israel led her to make a risky choice that resulted in the salvation of her family. Her actions exemplify how faith and obedience lead to deliverance and God’s favor. Rahab’s faith challenges us to trust in God’s promises, even when it seems risky or unpopular. When God calls us to act, we are called to respond with boldness, trusting that He will be faithful. Reflect on a risk or step of faith God may be calling you to take. How can you trust God’s promises in the face of uncertainty, knowing that He will honor your obedience?

After the deal is made, Rahab lowers the two spies from her window using a rope and instructs them to hide in the hills for three days to avoid capture by the king’s men (v. 15-16). The spies follow her instructions, and they eventually return to Joshua with a report of the land’s fear of Israel and the miraculous power of God (v. 23-24).

Rahab’s scarlet cord served as a signal for the Israelite army to recognize her home and spare her family from destruction. This is a powerful symbol of salvation: the scarlet cord is the key to her rescue, just as the blood of the Lamb (in the Christian context) is the key to salvation from judgment. Rahab’s obedience to the spies’ instructions is rewarded with safety, and her faith in God’s promise of protection proves true. Like Rahab, we are called to act in faith, even when it requires us to take a bold stand. Reflect on your own obedience to God’s Word. Is there an area where you are hesitating or struggling to trust God’s instructions? Commit to following His lead, knowing that His promises are trustworthy and His deliverance is assured.

Joshua 2 illustrates the power of faith, obedience, and God’s grace. Rahab, a prostitute from Jericho, becomes a hero of faith because of her courage to hide the spies and trust in God’s promises. Her story teaches us that no one is beyond redemption and that obedience to God’s Word brings salvation. As we reflect on Rahab’s example, we are challenged to act on our faith, trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled, no matter how uncertain or risky the situation may seem. Let us remember that when we trust God and obey His commands, we can experience His protection, favor, and deliverance. May we step forward in faith, knowing that God honors those who trust Him completely.

Joshua 3 describes the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Joshua rises early in the morning and leads the Israelites to the edge of the Jordan River, where they camp in preparation for crossing into the land God has promised them (v. 1). Joshua instructs the officers of Israel to go through the camp and direct the people to consecrate themselves because the Lord will do amazing things among them (v. 5). The Israelites are called to purify themselves, signifying their readiness for God’s work in their lives and their dependence on His holiness.

Joshua then gives instructions for the people to follow the ark of the covenant as they cross the river (v. 3-4). The ark represents God’s presence, and it is to go ahead of the people, leading them to their destination. Joshua tells the people that they will cross over the Jordan into the land God has given them, and God’s presence in the ark will guide them. He also informs them that the crossing will be a miracle, as God is going to part the waters of the Jordan River so that the people can cross on dry ground (v. 5-6).

Just as the ark led the Israelites into the Promised Land, we are called to follow God’s presence through the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will guide us through every challenge. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, leading, convicting, and strengthening us to walk in obedience. Reflect on areas in your life where you may not be following God’s guidance. Are there any obstacles or distractions keeping you from obeying His direction? Take time to consecrate yourself to God, surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and trust that He will equip and guide you through any challenge.

God speaks to Joshua, assuring him that the crossing of the Jordan River will be a sign of His faithfulness to Israel, confirming that Joshua is His chosen leader, just as He was with Moses (v. 7). Joshua is commanded to tell the people that they will cross over the Jordan, and when the priests carrying the ark of the covenant step into the waters, the waters will stop flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (v. 8).

This miraculous event will demonstrate God’s power, and the people are instructed to trust in God’s ability to deliver them. The crossing of the Jordan River will be a powerful sign, not only of Israel’s arrival in the Promised Land but also of God’s continued faithfulness and sovereignty. Joshua tells the priests to take up the ark and step into the river ahead of the people, in faith that God will part the waters (v. 13).

God calls Israel to step into the Jordan River before He parts the waters. The priests had to trust God’s promise and move forward in faith before seeing the miracle. Just like them, we are often called to take a step of faith before we see the outcome. Is there something God is asking you to do, but fear or uncertainty is holding you back? Maybe it’s sharing your faith, stepping into a new opportunity, or trusting Him in a difficult situation. Joshua 3:13 reminds us that when we step out in faith, God is already at work: “As soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” This week, identify one area where God is calling you to trust Him and take action. Step forward in faith, knowing that God goes before you and will make a way!

As the priests carrying the ark step into the Jordan River, God’s miracle occurs: the waters stop flowing, and the riverbed is left dry, allowing the Israelites to cross over (v. 14-16). The waters stand in a heap, and the people are able to cross on dry ground, with the priests standing in the middle of the riverbed holding the ark until all the Israelites have passed over (v. 17). This event echoes the earlier miracle of the Red Sea, where God also parted the waters to allow Israel’s escape from Egypt. This miraculous crossing solidifies God’s power and His commitment to His people as they take possession of the land.

Joshua 3 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to provide for His people, even when obstacles seem impossible. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River demonstrates that obedience to God’s Word and faith in His promises lead to victory. Just as God led the Israelites into the Promised Land, He promises to lead and guide us through every challenge, providing a way when there seems to be no way. As we face our own “Jordan Rivers,” we are called to trust in God’s presence, follow His instructions, and expect Him to part the waters in our lives, leading us into His promises and blessings. Let us step forward with faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

It was important for Israel to never forget this great miracle. To ensure they remembered how God acted on their behalf that day, He instructed them to erect a memorial marking the crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground. Joshua 4 recounts the establishment of this memorial, serving as a lasting reminder of God’s power and faithfulness.

After all of Israel had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God commanded Joshua to select twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, where the priests had stood with the ark, and carry them to the place of the first night’s encampment—Gilgal(v. 1-3). Following the Lord’s command, Joshua instructed them. They were to return to the middle of the riverbed, and each one was to bring back one stone. These stones would be a vivid reminder of God’s work of deliverance and an effective means for the Israelites to teach their young (v. 4-7). The response of the 12 men was immediate and unquestioning (v. 8).

In Joshua 4:9, while the twelve men were retrieving stones from the Jordan River, Joshua joined them in their task. It seems that he may have set up another pile of twelve stones in the riverbed, marking the exact spot where the priests had stood with the Ark of the Covenant. If so, this act, likely initiated by Joshua himself, symbolized his desire to have a personal reminder of God’s faithfulness at the start of the conquest of Canaan. There is some debate among commentators about whether this pile of stones represents a second memorial or if it was simply part of the one set of stones placed at Gilgal. A literal reading of the Hebrew text could suggest two separate memorials, but the broader context may indicate that it was one set. Some scholars interpret the Hebrew to mean that Joshua set up twelve stones “that had been in” the Jordan, with the phrase “to this day” indicating that the memorial still stood at the time of the narrative or the source material.

The act of setting up a memorial is a powerful reminder that God’s miracles should be remembered and passed down to future generations. The memorial serves as a tangible representation of God’s faithfulness, allowing future generations to reflect on God’s work and teaching them to trust in His promises. Just as the Israelites set up a memorial to remember the crossing of the Jordan, we too should create memorials—whether in our hearts, in our homes, or in our communities—to remind ourselves of God’s work in our lives. Take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Are there specific ways you can create reminders, whether through journaling, family traditions, or prayer, to ensure that you remember and share God’s faithfulness with others?

In anticipation of the Jordan flowing again, the details of the crossing were reviewed. The priests and the ark remained in the riverbed while the people hurried across (v. 10-11). The armed men of the Transjordanian tribes, not hampered with families and goods, led the crossing (v. 12-13). As soon as all the people had crossed and the special mission for the memorials was completed, the priests left the riverbed — they were the first ones in and the last ones out — and resumed their position at the head of the people (v. 11, 15-17). Immediately, the Jordan resumed its flow (v. 18).

Thus, all the tribes participated in the crossing, though Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh sent only representative armies. The dramatic return of the waters confirms that God’s hand was upon the event and that the Israelites’ safe crossing was a miracle.

Joshua led the people to Gilgal, their first encampment in Canaan, about two miles from Jericho. There, the 12 stones ... taken out of the Jordan were set up (v. 19). The purpose of the stones was to remind Israel for generations to come that it was God who brought them through the Jordan just as He had taken their fathers through the Red Sea (v. 21-23). However, besides serving as a visual aid for parental instruction of children, the memorial stones had a broader purpose: that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful (v. 24). As the families of Israel spent their first night in the land, their hearts may well have been filled with uncertainty and fear. The mountains rising steeply to the west looked foreboding. But then the people looked at the 12 stones taken out of the Jordan and were reminded that God had done something great for them that day. Surely, they could trust Him for the days ahead.

Remembering God’s faithfulness helps nurture faith in future generations. Just as the Israelites were instructed to remember God’s mighty acts, we, too, are called to teach our children and others about God’s faithfulness in our lives. How do you pass on the faithfulness of God to future generations? Whether through personal stories, traditions, or prayer, we are called to teach others—especially our children—about God’s great works in our lives. Take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life and how you can share that with others, especially younger generations. Consider teaching or mentoring someone about how God has worked in your life.

Joshua 4 is a chapter that emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and passing it on to future generations. The Israelites’ act of setting up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan River serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, miraculous power, and sovereignty. As believers, we are called to look back on God’s works in our lives, celebrate His faithfulness, and teach others about His mighty deeds. Let us follow the example of Israel by creating memorials in our own lives—whether through prayer, testimony, or traditions—that help us remember and share the amazing ways God has worked in our lives. By doing so, we pass on our faith to the next generation and encourage them to trust in God’s promises.

In conclusion, Joshua 1-4 sets the stage for Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land, emphasizing the themes of courage, obedience, and God’s unwavering faithfulness. As Joshua leads the people across the Jordan, God’s miraculous intervention is a clear sign that He is with them every step of the way. These chapters remind us that, like the Israelites, we must trust in God’s promises and obey His commands, knowing that He will faithfully guide and provide for us in every challenge we face.