JOSHUA 1 
Introduction: The Book of Joshua covers a period of about 25 years and is a continuation of the history of Israel recorded in Numbers. As Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, they came upon a "waterless" situation a second time.
The first time, Moses was told by God to strike the rock and water would come. We are told that the rock that followed them was Christ. (1 Corin.10:1-4). The second time water was to come from the rock, Moses only needed to speak to the rock, for the rock (a picture of Christ) had already been stricken (a picture of the cross).
Not only did Moses strike the rock, but he did it several times. He was angry with the people and he took credit for giving them the water the first time. The way God puts it; "he did not treat God as holy before the people" ... Therefore he will not be the one to take them into the Promised Land, but he was told by God to appoint Joshua to do this.
Moses died at 120 years of age on the top of Mt. Nebo as he looked out upon all the Promised Land; then God buried him. We are told in the book of Jude, that Satan actually tried to steal the body of Moses, but the archangel Michael fought him and prevailed. No one knows where the body is to this day. We see him later with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration along with the prophet Elijah. (Luke 9:28-31).
Most scholars believe he will most likely be one of the two witnesses in the final days as explained in Revelation 11. At this time in Israel's history, the time had come for the Israelites to cross over the Jordan with their new leader in place ... Joshua!
Who spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses? vs. 1
What did He commission Joshua to do? vs. 2
Note: What kind of leader would Joshua be? We have indications of his character throughout the books written by Moses. We saw that he was a warrior in leading the fight against the Amalekites in Exodus 17. He knew, however, that he only prevailed when Moses' hands were lifted in prayer. Remember when Aaron and Hur held them up until the victory was won? He was a warrior and yet he knew the character of God as Jehovah Nissi, the one who is the banner in any warfare.
We also know that he was patient, being on the mountain with Moses for 40 days and night as Moses received the commandments of God. He was seen as a man of faith as one of the 12 spies who was sent into the land of Canaan previously in Numbers 13, returning to encourage the people that although there were giants, God would give them victory. The 10 spies made the people fear and doubt, but Joshua and Caleb spoke faith instead of fear.
He will be the leader that God has groomed and will be used to bring the victories to Israel in possessing the Promised Land!
The Lord defines the border of the land of promise to him again (vs.4), telling him that every place his foot treads will be given to him, just as He had spoken to Moses. (vs.3) ... How is it described to him by the Lord? vs. 4
Let's take the time to review when the Lord made the promise to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land of promise. Just as Joshua would walk the promise land and be given the places his feet would claim, what had Abraham done as well when God originally promised it? Comment on the verses below:
Note: According to several resources I found, I was surprised to learn that Israel only inherited a small portion of the promised land that the Lord had given them the borders for. At the height of their possession, they had only set foot on a tenth of what was available to them. The borders of Israel would have extended west to envelop Jordan and half of Iraq, northward covering Lebananon and 2/3 of Syria, and southward into Egypt, claiming the Sinai peninsula.
How many promises are ours to claim that we do not walk and take hold of? We are promised God's peace if we turn our anxieties into prayers with thanksgiving? Are we "walking in that promise"? (Philippians 4:6-7). We are told when we give to the Lord, men will give back to us until it overflows us. Are we "walking in that promise"? (Luke 6:38 ).
What was the Lord's specific promise to Joshua? vs. 5
Has the Lord given us this same promise today? Comment on the verses below:
- Hebrews 13:5,6
- Matthew 28:18-20
- John 14:16,17
What was Joshua's part or responsibility in claiming these promises? vs. 6,7
What was Joshua to do "day and night" in order to prosper and be successful? vs. 8
Psalm 1 speaks of doing this as well. What does it say we will be like if we do this? Comment on the following verses:
Psalm 1:1-3
Note: The word "meditate" in Psalm 1 and Joshua 1 is "daw-GAW," which means "to moan, growl, or utter." This is not hearing the Word and going, "Huh. Interesting." It is to chew on, to wrestle with, to completely devote your thoughts to, study deeply, to think on intensely. Are you someone who meditates deeply on the Word of God? Do you take a bite of it in the morning and chew on it all day? Do you earnestly seek all that God wants to say to you in your devotions? If you do, you will be successful and prosperous.
Why does Joshua not have to tremble or be dismayed? vs. 9
Note: Three times in these few verses, God tells Joshua, "be strong and courageous." Moses had told him that twice back in Deuteronomy 31. Courage is an interesting thing. You can find courage and you can lose courage. You can take courage, stir up courage, gather up courage, and keep your courage. In other words, courage is up to you to have. We choose to be fearful, and we choose to be courageous. According to Philippians 4:13, what can we claim each day?
The encouragement that Joshua needs reminds me of the way Paul encouraged Timothy and others in the churches he shared with. Comment on the following verses and see how you can relate to them:
- Romans 8:15
- 2 Timothy 1:7
What did Joshua command the officers to command the people throughout the camp? vs.10, 11
When were they scheduled to enter the promised land ? vs. 11
What 2 and 1/2 tribes were to fight for their brothers and then they could return back to their land and families on this side of the Jordan? vs.12
Refresh your memory of why Moses decided to allow them to have this land. Read Numbers 32 and give a summary of why they were content to not cross over the Jordan into the promised land
What did Joshua want them to remember that Moses said they must be willing to do for their brothers before they settled in the land with their families? vs.13-15
What did the men of these 2 and 1/2 tribes agree to do concerning Joshua just as they had done with Moses? vs.16-17
What did they believe should happen to anyone who rebelled against his commands? vs. 18
Again, what was the shoult out to Joshua and his leadership? vs. 18c
Application
As the Lord had Abraham and Joshua walk the breadth and width of the land they were promised to receive, what promises have you thought about during this lesson that you need to fully claim and believe? Please share your thoughts.
It was only right for the 2 and 1/2 tribes to help their brothers fight their warfare before they took any rest in their inheritance. How does this apply to how we need to help our brothers and sisters in the warfare they are facing? Comment on the verses below and give your thoughts about this.
- Galatians 6:2
- Ephesians 6:18
- Philippians 2:1-4
- 2 Timothy 2:1-4
- James 5:16
Joshua was reminded over and over to be strong and courageous. He needed to be reminded that God was with him and would give him victory. In order to keep his mind renewed and not give into any fear, he was to meditate on God's Word both day and night. How can we do this each day? Comment on the verses below and give your thoughts about this.
- Romans 12:1,2
- 2 Timothy 3:16,17
- Hebrews 4:12
- Ephesians 6:16,17
Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.
Prayer
Father God, I pray ...
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