The Book of Joshua recounts the Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. It holds much significance because it affirms a key tenet of our faith, namely, God’s direct involvement in human history. To truly understand Joshua, one must return to the Pentateuch or first five books which we have already reviewed. Genesis recounts the giving of the covenant to Abraham. In Genesis, God makes two promises to Abraham. First, your descendants will be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 12:5), you will be a great nation. Secondly, after a long exile in a land not their own (Genesis 12:13), your descendants of will inherit a land (Genesis 12:18). The next 4 books, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy recount the gathering of Israel into a nation or the fulfillment of the first promise. The Book of Joshua deals with the second promise, the inheritance of the land. 

The Greatest Generation

My grandfather’s generation is often referred to as the “greatest generation” because of the valor demonstrated it demonstrated in World War II. Not only did that generation make great sacrifices in winning the war, they lived through the Great Depression and in many ways re-founded the American economy after the war, and reestablished American prosperity. 

Joshua’s generation could likewise be considered the greatest generation in Israel’s history. They were formed in the desert. As children, they had set their eyes on the Promised Land only to be turned back by the unfaithfulness of their parents. Some would personally have been able to recall the day when the 12 spies returned with bunches of grapes so large it took two men to carry them. They also heard the report by 10 of the 12 spies that the land could never be taken for the inhabitants were too strong and like giants. They witnessed the revolt of their parents upon hearing the report which nearly led to civil war and caused God to declare that of this generation only Joshua and Caleb (the two faithful spies) would enter the Promised Land. So, with heavy hearts the were led back into the desert. 

This is the generation that returned 40 years later. Who likely remembering the legend of giants in the land, nevertheless proceeded to conquer the Promised Land. In so doing, they provide us a great testament to the power of faith. 

The Lord is a Warrior

The active role of the Lord on behalf of the people is apparent throughout the text. In this manner, the Book of Joshua affirms God’s direct involvement in human history. The book begins with the death of Moses and takes its name from his successor Joshua. Joshua himself was the long-time servant of Moses and one of the original 12 spies. He along with Caleb had urged the people that the Lord would give them the land, no matter the challenge, if only they would be faithful. 

It is clear from the text that the Lord himself is going to establish Joshua as the new leader and the people themselves in the land. Israel’s entry into the land begins with the parting of the Jordan River and “Israel crossed on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17). Thus, Joshua is confirmed as the successor of Moses and the entire expedition is embodied as the culmination of the Exodus. 

Chapters 3-12 then recount the conquest of the land. The most famous section involves the taking of Jericho which God himself conquers. The entire episode resembles a religious festival. For six days, Joshua orders the priests to march around the city with the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, Joshua orders them to repeat the procession not once, but seven times. The people then blow the trumpets and the walls of the city crumble. The narrative of the fall of Jericho and the remaining conquest is clearly designed to demonstrate the power of God and serves a backdrop for what St. Paul would later articulate, “What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

A Lesson in Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness: An Ongoing Choice

The text of Joshua provides a great lesson in faithfulness and unfaithfulness. From the very beginning this new generation is placed in contrast to the old. But even they are not perfect. After the glory of the victory over Jericho, even they are tempted to pride and disobedience. Therefore, they also experience defeat at the city of Ai when the Lord withdraws his support (Joshua chapter 7). However, a return to faithfulness brings victory over the city (Joshua chapter 8). Learning their lesson, the Israelites continue the conquest of the promised land (through chapter Joshua chapter 12). Chapters 13-22 deals primarily with the distribution of the land amongst the twelve tribes and veers slightly way from the narrative format. Unfortunately, the conquest is not fully completed, a circumstance that will cause issues which will arise again and again throughout the history of Israel. 

The final chapter again returns to the theme of faithfulness and unfaithfulness as Joshua provides a final exhortation. This is one of my favorite speeches in all of scripture and direct parallel to Moses’s final speech in Deuteronomy. In it, Joshua provides a wonderful account of God’s saving work, a reminder of the blessings of keeping the covenant, and curses of unfaithfulness. Just as Moses set “life and death” (Deuteronomy 30: 19) before the Israelites, so does Joshua offer a choice between blessing and curse. 

Joshua also offers us this same choice today, as well as the resounding answer. 

“If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, … As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

So let us read the Book of Joshua and recognize God’s direct intervention into our own personal history so that we may answer with the faithfulness of Joshua.