Temple Of Faith Of God

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Sunday School Lesson: September 13th
Israel Remembers God’s Deeds
Devotional Reading: Luke 8:35–39
Background Scripture: Exodus 14; Joshua 3:1–4:24

Joshua 4:14–24
14 On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
15 And the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying,
16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.

Key Text
When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. — Joshua 4:21b–22

Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem
Unit 1: From Nomadic Tribes to Settled People
Lessons 1–4

Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Describe Joshua’s act of remembrance at Gilgal.
2. Compare the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River to their crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
3. Make a plan to remember God’s acts of faithfulness.

Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Monuments of Memory
B. Lesson Context
I. God’s Proclamation (Joshua 4:14)
A. Joshua’s Reputation (v. 14a)
B. People’s Reaction (v. 14b)
II. God’s Provision (Joshua 4:15–18)
A. Commanding the Priests (vv. 15–17)
B. Carrying the Ark (v. 18)
III. God’s Promises (Joshua 4:19–24)
A. Sacred Ground (v. 19)
B. Significant Stones (vv. 20–23)
Ink and Stone
Fifty Years of Faithfulness
C. Sovereign Strength (v. 24)
Conclusion
A. Memory by Monuments
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It
Abib A-bib
Asherah Uh-she-ruh
Baal Bay-ul
Canaan Kay-nun
Canaanite Kay-nu-nite
Gilgal Gil-gal (G as in get)
Nisan Nye-san
tabernacle tah-burr-nah-kul

Introduction
A. Monuments of Memory
Etched into the interior stone walls of the Lincoln Memorial is the following statement, visible to all who visit the ninety-nine-foot-tall structure in Washington, DC: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

The influence of the sixteenth US president is undeniable. He played a significant role in ending the Civil War, establishing freedom for thousands of enslaved people through the Emancipation Proclamation, and helping to ensure the integrity of the struggling union. Two years after his death, Congress passed the first bills to begin the process of designing a memorial to honor the slain president. Today, this memorial commemorates his service and accomplishments, inviting visitors to reflect on his efforts to create a nation characterized by “liberty and justice for all.”

Memorials and monuments help people remember influential people or significant events. Some memorials serve a distinctly spiritual purpose in reminding people of God’s faithfulness and work. As the ancient Israelites entered the promised land, they commemorated their history and the mighty acts of the Lord for just such a purpose.

B. Lesson Context
Following the death of Moses and his generation, a change in Israelite leadership occurred (see Numbers 27:12–23). Details of that transition, from Moses to Joshua, are noted in the Lesson Context of Lesson 1.

Important events take place between the text for last week’s lesson (Joshua 1:1–11) and the text of this week’s study. Before entering the land of Canaan, Joshua sent spies to explore the land in general and the city of Jericho in particular (2:1). The lives of these spies were saved by Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho (2:2–22; see Lesson 4). When the spies returned to Joshua, they reported that Israelite victory in the land was certain (2:24).

Having received the positive news, Joshua led the people from Sh*ttim to the Jordan River, about five miles west, where they camped for three days (Joshua 3:1–2). We might wonder why there is a need to camp for this time after a (perhaps) three-hour walk. One possible answer to that question considers the sheer number of people involved. An earlier census indicates that there were more than 600,000, counting only men aged twenty and older (Numbers 26:2, 51). That number could easily have been tripled or more by adding women and children. Time is required to communicate with and coordinate everything for so many people (Joshua 3:1–6).

What followed was the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Every miracle was intended to highlight the presence of the Lord with Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 3:7).

Priests carrying the ark went ahead of the people and entered the river. At that moment, the waters upstream stopped flowing, just as Joshua had promised (Joshua 3:14–16). As long as the priests and the ark remained in the riverbed, the Israelites could cross over on dry ground. Joshua then selected twelve men, one from each tribe, and instructed them to each choose a stone from the middle of the temporarily dry riverbed (4:1–3). These stones were arranged in such a way as to serve as a sign or memory device to following generations regarding the Lord’s deliverance at that very location (4:6–7).

As today’s lesson begins, almost all the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Those who hadn’t completed the crossing—namely, the priests with the ark of the covenant—exit last (Joshua 4:10–13).

I. God’s Proclamation (Joshua 4:14)
A. Joshua’s Reputation (v. 14a)
14a. On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel.
This half-verse fulfills an earlier promise from the Lord to “magnify [Joshua] in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Joshua 3:7). The Hebrew word translated magnified carries the idea of becoming in some way “greater” (examples: Genesis 12:2; 1 Kings 1:37). The Lord’s exaltation of this newly installed leader gives complete confidence to all Israel. Although the Israelites belong to distinct tribes, they are united as one nation; they all put their trust in Joshua as their leader.

B. People’s Reaction (v. 14b)
14b. And they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
The underlying Hebrew word translated feared can mean either feelings of terror (examples: Joshua 8:1; 10:8, 25) or reverential respect (example: Psalm 111:9). Moses had led the Israelites through the Red Sea and into the wilderness, and the people showed him reverential respect (Exodus 14:31). Now, Joshua is something of a “new Moses”—someone in the vein of Moses who would lead the Israelites. At this point, Joshua has only led the people across the Jordan River and barely into the promised land (see Lesson Context). But having just experienced a miracle, they obey and respect him as they did Moses (compare Joshua 1:16–18). Their future as a nation depends on their obedience to Joshua, the Lord’s appointed leader.

Not all leaders of ancient Israel received the same level of respect and support from the people. God chose other leaders, only for those leaders to falter. The examples of Saul, David, and Solomon come to mind (1 Samuel 15:23–24; 2 Samuel 12:7–9; 1 Kings 11:9–10). Although Joshua would later act imperfectly (Joshua 7:2–5; 9:14–15), he served God and Moses faithfully throughout his life.

The record of that service describes him as a “young” assistant to Moses (Numbers 11:28). Moses had trusted him implicitly with important tasks (Exodus 17:8–14; 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 13:16). Moses gently rebuked Joshua on one occasion (11:28–30), but such is the relationship between mentor and protégé. By the time of the death of Moses, Joshua has had years of experience and servant leadership with the people.

II. God’s Provision (Joshua 4:15–18)
A. Commanding the Priests (vv. 15–17)
15. And the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying.
As the era of Joshua’s leadership continues, the Lord is again communicating His will for the new leader of the Israelites. Indeed, the Lord continues to do so throughout the book (compare Joshua 1:1–9; 3:7–8; 4:1–3; 5:2, 9; 6:2). Joshua cannot claim ignorance regarding his knowledge of the Lord’s commands.

16–17. Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan. Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
The ark is a rectangular wooden box, overlaid with gold, that contains the stone tablets of the law that were given to Moses (see Exodus 25:10–22; 37:1–9). It serves as the focal point of tabernacle worship because it is the location for God’s presence and revelation for the Israelites. As they travel through the wilderness toward the promised land, the ark leads them (Numbers 10:33–36; Joshua 3:3, 6, 15–16). Priests from the tribe of Levi are responsible for carrying the ark through the wilderness and for taking care of the various vessels of the tabernacle (Deuteronomy 10:8; 31:9; Numbers 3:30–32; Joshua 3:3).

The ark is referred to by several names in Scripture, including “the ark of God” (1 Samuel 3:3) and “the ark of the covenant” (Joshua 3:3; etc.). The designation, the ark of the testimony, emphasizes the testimony of God’s covenant promises to His people. The testimony can refer to the actual stone tablets inscribed by God, given to Moses, and housed in the ark. The ark and its contents symbolize the relationship between God and the Israelites, reminding the people of His presence. As Joshua and the Israelites cross the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan, it is crucial that they remember God’s promises and prioritize their obedience to His word.

B. Carrying the Ark (v. 18)
18. And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.

The priests in charge of carrying the ark are both the first ones to set foot on the Jordan River’s dry riverbed and the last to finish the crossing (Joshua 3:14, 17). The detail that the waters of Jordan … flowed over all his banks, as they did before indicates that the river was at the flood stage in the spring (see next verse). These details and others suggest that the absence of a water obstacle is not simply a natural occurrence such as a drought; God’s power created the pathway.

Several decades earlier, the Lord had made a way for the Hebrews to escape slavery by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22). That miraculous event instilled fear in the inhabitants of Canaan (Joshua 2:9–10). Now the Lord has miraculously made a way for the people to pass through another body of water unharmed; this results in additional fear on the part of the land’s inhabitants (5:1).

What Do You Think?
How has God worked miraculously throughout your life to lead you to the next part of His plan?
Digging Deeper
How do you remain attentive to God’s leading, even in situations that seem impossible?

III. God’s Promises (Joshua 4:19–24)
A. Sacred Ground (v. 19)
19. And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
Our conclusion in the previous verse that the crossing occurred in the first month is confirmed. The further specification that it is the tenth day of that month recalls that the Lord had instructed the enslaved Israelites to prepare for Passover observance on that day (Exodus 12:3).

The name of the month under consideration is given as “Abib” in Exodus 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; and Deuteronomy 16:1. This month corresponds with late March and early April. Considering 1 Chronicles 12:15 allows us to see the connection between the exact month and day of the year, the river’s water level (Joshua 4:18, above), and the fact that this is the time of a harvest (3:14–15). The name of this month became “Nisan” during the Babylonian exile centuries later (Esther 3:7). The month of Abib/Nisan marks the beginning of the “religious year” for the Israelites.

There is more than one town named Gilgal in the Old Testament. One such town is about twenty miles northwest of Jericho. That is the Gilgal of 1 Samuel 7:16 and 2 Kings 2:1, so it is not the one mentioned here. The name Gilgal comes from a Hebrew word meaning “circle” or “rolling.” The Lord designates this site on the east border of Jericho with this name because “this day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you” (Joshua 5:9).

B. Significant Stones (vv. 20–23)
20. And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
Joshua had commanded twelve Israelites to collect twelve stones, one for each tribe, from the Jordan riverbed as they passed through it (Joshua 4:1–8; see Lesson Context). Previously, Joshua had arranged the stones in the riverbed where the priests were standing (4:9). Now, having crossed to the other side of the river, Joshua erects the stones as a monument to commemorate God’s provision to cross the river. The Law of Moses prohibits the use of cut stones for constructing altars (Exodus 20:25; compare Joshua 8:30–31). However, this directive is not a total prohibition on constructing monuments. The exact arrangement of the stones is unknown. But it is built in such a way that it would be visible to others so that they could also remember the Lord’s mighty act of deliverance (next verse).

21–22. And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

The content of these verses repeats Joshua’s earlier words in Joshua 4:6–7, though the phrasing is slightly different here. These stones stand as a memorial for the benefit of future generations, symbolizing God’s provision that enabled the people of Israel to cross the Jordan River on dry land. Additionally, this memorial would remind future generations that it was the one true God of Israel, not the fictitious pagan gods Baal or Asherah, who brought the people into the promised land.

What Do You Think?
How do you intentionally share with younger generations about your faith in God and His transforming mercy?
Digging Deeper
What is one action you can take in the upcoming week to build a spiritual legacy within your family?

Ink and Stone
Early in our marriage, my husband noticed several stacks of loose letters, cards, and drawings scattered around my office. He asked, “Why are you keeping all this stuff? If it really means something to you, we can just scan them and throw the originals away.” He sees pieces of paper as a bother, and he’ll always prefer digital versions to physical copies.

I, on the other hand, love physical paper copies. I love seeing the ink blotches on a handwritten letter. I cherish seeing and touching notes, photos, and gifts from the past. Holding a handwritten note from a dear friend, written twenty years ago, helps me remember the feel of her hug, hear her laughter, and delight in the blessing of her presence. Physical items have the power to evoke significant memories.

The stone monument on the banks of the Jordan River was one such physical reminder for the Israelites. The people could see the stones and be reminded of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and direction.

Ink and stone—both serve as physical reminders of the past. What is a physical reminder of God’s past faithfulness and blessing toward you?
—KS

23. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over.
This verse highlights some important points regarding the crossing of the Jordan. First, it emphasizes that it is made possible by the power of the Lord, not simply the result of a natural phenomenon. The Law of Moses sharply contrasts allegiance to your God with allegiance to “their gods” (examples: Deuteronomy 7:16, 25; 12:31; 20:18). It is the one true God who created a path through the river for the people to cross, not the fictitious gods of the peoples the Israelites came to conquer. The absolute power of the one true God has been—and will be—demonstrated time and again (example: 1 Kings 18:16–38). During the creation of the world, God separated the waters from dry land (Genesis 1:9). He has total control over the waters, the winds, and all parts of creation (compare Matthew 8:23–27). No body of water can oppose Him!

Second, this verse notes the parallel between the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River and their ancestors’ crossing of the Red sea some forty years earlier. The Lord has given this new generation of Israelites a way through the waters, as He did for the previous generation. This new generation is experiencing a “new Exodus” also marked by the crossing of waters—theirs is an exodus out of wilderness wanderings into the promised “land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8, 17; 13:5; 33:3).

What Do You Think?
What are the points of similarity and dissimilarity between the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River and their crossing of the Red Sea?
Digging Deeper
What do these events teach us about God and His relationship with His people?

Fifty Years of Faithfulness
My dad has faithfully served as a minister of God’s Word for over fifty years. Throughout his lengthy ministry, he has witnessed numerous examples of God’s faithfulness. For instance, there was a time when our family needed a second vehicle, but we did not have the money to buy one. God, in His faithfulness, moved the heart of another believer to donate a car. While the vehicle was far from luxurious—it was at least twenty years old and barely running—it served as a tangible example of God’s provision. It met our needs and allowed us to help others. My dad can still recall multiple examples like this one when the Lord’s faithfulness was evident.

How often do you take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness? To fail to do so is to face the consequences of forgetting God (see Psalm 78). As the Israelites entered the promised land, they remembered God’s faithfulness to them—from the deliverance out of Egyptian bo***ge, to the crossing of the Red Sea, to their passage through the Jordan River.

What needs to happen for you to shift your focus from the troubles of the moment to the power and faithfulness of God?
—KS

C. Sovereign Strength (v. 24)
24. That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
This verse reveals God’s plans and purposes for the memorial of stones. One purpose is to communicate to all the people of the earth about what the Lord has done for the Israelites. The hand of the Lord brought the Israelites out of enslavement and guided them to the land (Exodus 13:3, 9, 14; Deuteronomy 6:21; 7:8; 9:26; see Jeremiah 32:21).

The phrase the hand of the Lord is anthropomorphic, which means attributing human characteristics. Scripture often refers to the Lord in terms of human features (examples: Deuteronomy 8:3; Judges 2:11; Psalm 18:15; Isaiah 53:1). These are to be taken figuratively since God does not have a physical body (John 4:24).

Second, the memorial is to be a tangible reminder for the Israelites to live in honor and obedience to the Lord. To fear the Lord means to live in reverence of the Lord and His will. This fear is not a sense of dread or terror; rather, it is respect and reverence based on the Lord’s identity and faithfulness. Reverent fear forms the foundation for obedience to the Lord. This kind of fear is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). On the other hand, to have no fear of God is to invite dire consequences (Psalms 36:1–4; 55:19).

Therefore, as the Israelites enter the land, they construct a memorial recognizing the Lord’s sovereign strength—His mighty hand that had brought them thus far. Everyone in the land, whether Israelite or not, will come to know His strength firsthand.

What Do You Think?
What steps can you take to cultivate greater reverence or “fear” of the Lord?
Digging Deeper
How is fear of the Lord related to obedience to the Lord?

Conclusion
A. Memory by Monuments
We create monuments of various sorts to commemorate significant leaders, historical events, and consequential actions. But how often do we build memorials to celebrate God’s work?

Scripture provides several examples of God’s people constructing memorials to remember and celebrate God’s work. These memorials come in different forms, including physical structures (example: Genesis 28:18–22), sacred ceremonies (example: Exodus 12:14), and specific days of observance (example: 20:8–11). Despite such differences, these memorials serve a common purpose: to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

One of Joshua’s first actions as leader was to institute the memorial at Gilgal. Before the people went further into the land, they collectively paused to ensure remembrance of the Lord’s providing a way to cross the Jordan River.

Think about that sequence: (1) God provides, then (2) the people ensure remembrance, then (3) the people move on. Do we follow that same pattern, or do we skip step 2?

If we pay attention to God’s work, we will find moments where He has provided for us. When we notice God’s work, we can build our own memorials to God’s work. Although we may not construct a stone monument, other ways exist to remember and celebrate God’s work and faithfulness.

What Do You Think?
What memorial can you create to remember and celebrate God’s work?
Digging Deeper
In what ways do the practice of baptism and the observance of the Lord’s Supper serve as such memorials?

B. Prayer
Lord God, You have done mighty works for Your people, culminating in Your saving acts through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our resolve to remember these acts so that we can fully understand and celebrate Your steadfast faithfulness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember
Create reminders of God’s steadfast faithfulness!

Questions
1. Where did Joshua set up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River? (Jericho, Gibeon, Gilgal) Joshua 4:20

2. The memorial of stones reminded the people that “the hand of the Lord” is _____. Joshua 4:24
[email protected]

08/30/2026

Sunday School Lesson: September 6th
Joshua Leads Courageously
Devotional Reading: Daniel 10:18–21
Background Scripture: Exodus 19–24; Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:1–12; Joshua 1

Joshua 1:1–11
1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it.

Key Text
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. — Joshua 1:9

Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem
Unit 1: From Nomadic Tribes to Settled People
Lessons 1–4

Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the vision of leadership that Joshua received from the Lord.
2. Explain parallels between the Lord’s directives to Joshua and to Moses.
3. Write a definition of courage and make a plan to live courageously in the upcoming week.

Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Courage and Confidence
B. Lesson Context
I. Commission (Joshua 1:1–6)
A. Exhortation to Joshua (vv. 1–2)
B. Extent of the Land (vv. 3–4)
C. Encouragement to the People (vv. 5–6)
Daily Displays of Courage
II. Command (Joshua 1:7–9)
A. Courage and Obedience (v. 7)
B. Meditation and Obedience (v. 8)
The Risks of Rushing
C. Courage and God’s Presence (v. 9)
III. Crossing (Joshua 1:10–11)
A. Ordering the Officers (v. 10)
B. Preparing the People (v. 11)
Conclusion
A. Courageously Committing to Obedience
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It
Euphrates You-fray-teez
Hittites Hit-ites or Hit-tites
Midianites Mid-ee-un-ites
Moab Mo-ab
Pentateuch Pen-ta-teuk
Mediterranean Med-uh-tuh-ray-nee-un
victuals vih-tulz

Introduction
A. Courage and Confidence
A young family—a husband, wife, their three-year-old toddler, and their unborn son—left their hometown in northern Minnesota to move to a new city, sight unseen. Uncertainty abounded. Financial anxieties prompted the dramatic move. The parents were hopeful that a new environment would provide more opportunities. They left behind a well-established community of neighbors, coworkers, and friends from church, uncertain of finding a similar community in the new city. Feelings of despair were understandable, but the parents kept a flicker of hope alive.

Despite the parents’ uncertainty, the family found a sense of community and support in their new city. Courage and confidence replaced uncertainty. The parents trusted that God would continue to provide for their needs.

Today’s study introduces us to a group of people who were also on the move: the ancient Israelites. They were on the verge of entering the promised land after forty years of wilderness wanderings. Would Joshua, their leader, express uncertainty about the Lord’s provision? Or would his courage strengthen the people as they moved?

B. Lesson Context
The Israelites had been in Egypt for 430 years (Exodus 12:40–41). During this time, the descendants of Jacob became enslaved at the hands of the Egyptians. However, God redeemed His people and provided a way for them to leave captivity. Those who left Egypt did not go directly to the land that God promised to their ancestors. Instead, they stopped at Mount Sinai, where they received the law from God and constructed the tabernacle as the center of their worship (Exodus 19–27). But rather than obey God, the Israelites tested and disobeyed Him (Numbers 14:22).

In the second year after leaving Egypt, the Israelites departed from Sinai and moved toward the southern edge of Canaan (Numbers 10:11–12). Moses sent twelve spies into the land (13:17), and after forty days, they returned (13:25). Ten spies demonstrated a lack of trust in God to lead them into Canaan. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, recommended entering the land (14:6–9). They trusted that God would be faithful to His promise that the people would possess it.

As a result of the lack of faith from the ten spies, God imposed punishment. First, the people had to spend forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34). Second, out of the generation who left Egypt, only the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, lived to enter Canaan (1:46; 2:32; 14:30). This meant that Moses would not be a part of the generation allowed to enter the land (14:22–23; 20:12). Therefore, God and Moses established Joshua as Moses’ successor to lead the people into Canaan (27:15–23; Deuteronomy 3:28; 31:7; 34:9).

As the book of Joshua begins, nearly forty years have passed since the Israelites left Egypt. At this point, they were camped in the plains of Moab at the edge of Canaan, across the Jordan River from Jericho (Numbers 22:1; 33:48–50; 36:13). Their presence in the area threatened local leaders (22:2–3). However, rather than obey the Lord and maintain holiness, some Israelites committed immoral acts and idolatry with the people of the land—an act that had deadly consequences (Numbers 25).

By the time Moses died, hundreds of years had passed since God first made promises to Abraham concerning the land. The people found themselves at a crucial juncture. They had yet to settle the land. Under the leadership of the newly commissioned Joshua, they needed to follow the Lord’s commands to possess the land that had been promised to them.

I. Commission (Joshua 1:1–6)
A. Exhortation to Joshua (vv. 1–2)
1. Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying.
Moses dies at age 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7), and what follows takes place after that death. The name Joshua appears more than two dozen times in the Pentateuch, the designation for the first five books of the Old Testament. In ancient Hebrew, the name means “The Lord saves” or “The Lord is salvation.” Joshua is introduced in Exodus 17:8–13 as a warrior. He is further identified as being the son of Nun, a descendent of Ephraim (Numbers 13:8; 1 Chronicles 7:20, 27).

The word translated as the noun minister is actually a verb in the Hebrew text. This fact highlights Joshua’s service to his elder and mentor. Joshua had done so since his youth (see Numbers 11:28). The designation also is found in Exodus 24:13 and 33:11. The designation draws a parallel between Joshua’s service to Moses and Moses’ position as the servant of the Lord, although the Hebrew words translated “minister” and “servant” are different.

2. Moses my servant is dead; Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
The word of the Lord to Joshua affirms a change of leadership for the Israelites. Moses is dead, and now Joshua will become a leader who will speak for the Lord and guide the children of Israel into the land. Centuries earlier, God had promised Abram that his descendants would be given the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:8–13; 17:8). God reiterated the same promise to his son and grandson as well (26:3; 35:12). Moses received the same promise when the Lord called him to lead the Israelites to a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8; compare Leviticus 20:24; Numbers 13:27; Deuteronomy 31:20). At the time of Moses’ death, the people had not yet taken any land west of the Jordan River. However, in a sense, the land had already been granted to them by the Lord, as it had been promised to their ancestors.

This crossing would have been relatively simple at the end of the dry season, as the Jordan River would be a quiet stream. However, it is now the end of the spring rainy season (Joshua 4:19). Heavy rains and melting snow have caused the Jordan to be in flood stage (3:15; 4:18). Despite these challenges, God will make the crossing possible. This miracle will validate Joshua’s leadership and demonstrate the people’s willingness to obey the Lord and take the land for themselves (see Lesson 2).

What Do You Think?
Have you ever had to follow in someone else’s footsteps or take over a big responsibility? How did that feel?
Digging Deeper
In what ways will you prioritize being attentive to God’s directives during seasons of transition?

B. Extent of the Land (vv. 3–4)
3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
The Lord reiterates to Joshua the promises that He made to Moses regarding the land in Deuteronomy 11:24. The Israelites do not yet possess the land, but to receive such a promise from the Lord is almost the same as holding the title deed to it. Although conflict and battles will occur (Joshua 11:6–23; see Lesson 3), the victory ultimately belongs to the Lord and His people.

4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

The description of the extent of the territory aligns with previous statements (see Genesis 15:18–21; Exodus 23:31; Numbers 34:3–12; Deuteronomy 1:7–8; 11:24). The description begins in the southernmost region of the land (the wilderness) and extends to the northwest, where the mountains of Lebanon are located. To the northeast and east is the Euphrates River, often referred to simply as “the river” (Exodus 23:31) or “the flood” (Joshua 24:14–15). This river lies more than 400 straight-line miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The northern area is summarized by the phrase all the land of the Hittites. At the time of Joshua, in approximately the fourteenth century BC, the Hittites are a rising power. They controlled regions of what is now modern-day Turkey. The western boundary, the great sea, refers to the Mediterranean Sea.

C. Encouragement to the People (vv. 5–6)
5. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
When God issues commands, He often follows them with supporting information that provides assurance. The Israelites will not acquire the land through their own strength. Instead, they will take possession of it solely because the Lord has granted it to them.

This instance is not the first time the Lord has promised His presence to Joshua (see Deuteronomy 31:23). By ensuring that no one will be able to stand in Joshua’s way, the Lord guarantees the fulfillment of His promises and presents Himself as a warrior fighting on behalf of His people.

Joshua has already experienced the realities of God’s promise. During the final days of Moses, the Israelites captured sixty cities in the region east of Galilee (Deuteronomy 3:4). Additionally, the Israelites did not suffer any casualties in a previous battle with the Midianites (Numbers 31:49).

What Do You Think?
When was a time you felt that you needed a reminder that you were not forsaken by God? How did you grow spiritually in that time?
Digging Deeper
How will you encourage another believer by sharing the promise of God’s steadfast presence (see Matthew 28:20)?

Daily Displays of Courage
Jesse faced tremendous challenges throughout her life. She survived toxic and abusive relationships that lasted for years, enduring much pain and heartbreak. Despite it all, she displayed significant courage. Through a series of letters we exchanged, she taught me that courage arises from many small choices. She learned to trust God daily, maintain hope in His promises for redemption, and seek God’s presence amid her challenges. Her letters revealed God’s faithfulness and the courage that she found as a result.

Witnessing God’s faithfulness to others has a way of humbling us and inspiring us to lead lives of courage. Joshua saw how the God who was with Moses would also be with him. Because of this, Joshua could take courage, knowing he would also experience God’s presence, guidance, and direction.

The God who was with Joshua also promises His presence to us (Matthew 28:20). We can take courage from this promise, and our courage will testify to others of God’s faithfulness and provision. How has witnessing the courage of others encouraged you to deepen your trust in the Lord?
—KS

6. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
A form of the command be strong and of a good courage appears a total of eleven times in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 31:6–7, 23; Joshua 1:6–7, 9, 18; 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13; 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7).

Dictionaries offer several definitions of courage. A summary of them would be that courage is “the quality that enables one to meet danger and difficulties with firmness or valor, despite feelings of fear or inadequacy.” Joshua may have feelings of fear or inadequacy as he leads the people. His mentor, Moses, definitely felt inadequate (Exodus 3:11).

Even so, the Lord has chosen Joshua and given him a task to accomplish. The promise unto their fathers that God has sworn to fulfill is recorded in Genesis 12:1–3; 15:18; 26:3; 28:13; 35:12.

II. Command (Joshua 1:7–9)
A. Courage and Obedience (v. 7)
7a. Only be thou strong and very courageous.
The imperative be strong and very courageous is important enough to be repeated (see commentary on Joshua 1:6, above). This command serves as the “marching order” for Joshua and the Israelites preparing to enter the land of Canaan. To be cowardly instead of courageous would reveal a lack of trust in God.

What Do You Think?
When you are prone to feeling fear or inadequacy, what promises of God give you courage?
Digging Deeper
Where in your life do you feel God is asking you to step out in courage right now?

7b. That thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua will model courage and success by obeying the law the Lord gave the Israelites. The practices and promises offered by the pagan people who inhabit the land will be very enticing, as they already have been (Numbers 25). But Joshua must be determined not to go with them. His trust is not to be in a smorgasbord belief system—some of this and a little of that. He cannot swerve in any direction so as to taste what looks appealing.

As Joshua considers this requirement, perhaps he thinks of God’s command found in Deuteronomy 28:14 (compare 5:32–33; 17:11, 20). Joshua’s courageous leadership depends primarily on his willingness to obey the Lord. Before he can be a military leader of the people, he needs first to model spiritual leadership.

B. Meditation and Obedience (v. 8)
8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The warning that this book … shall not depart out of thy mouth may sound somewhat unusual at first—as if Joshua should refrain from discussing the law with others. Joshua is to “keep” the law in his mouth so that he can do three important things: reflect on it, obey it, and enjoy the blessings of obedience. Success in conquering the promised land depends on this (Deuteronomy 29:9)!

Joshua will know the contents of the law by meditating on it day and night. As the newly appointed leader, he will need to make significant decisions throughout each day, but those decisions must be evaluated in light of what God has instructed. All hours of the day or night are good times to contemplate God’s ways and His Word (compare Psalm 119:15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148). By prioritizing these commands, Joshua and his leadership will experience blessings (compare 1:1–3).

The words translated prosperous and success each occur dozens of times in the Old Testament. But this is the only place where those two Hebrew words occur together. To be prosperous is not necessarily referring to financial success. Instead, it addresses the broader concept of “flourishing” (compare 2 Chronicles 14:7).

What Do You Think?
How can you better prioritize the study of and reflection on God’s Word in Scripture?
Digging Deeper
How can you incorporate new ways to reflect on God’s Word in the early morning or late at night?

The Risks of Rushing
I worked for a commercial insurance provider, spending my days answering customers’ billing questions. My computer screens were filled with programs that gave me a picture of their accounts. One particular program displayed the history of changes made to each account. When responding to questions, I would review this program and complete a series of calculations to respond promptly.

However, sometimes, I rushed the calculations and accidentally entered incorrect numbers or transposed the figures on the computer screen. More than once, this led to my giving the customer a wrong answer, much to their aggravation. In those cases, I usually identified the error if I slowed down and reviewed my calculations.

The Lord commanded Joshua to meditate on God’s Word day and night. Joshua was not to rush through five minutes of morning devotions. He needed to realize that his number one task was to prioritize, reflect on, and obey God’s Word.

Are your days too busy to reflect on God’s Word in Scripture? You may need to slow down! In what ways can you (re)focus on God’s Word throughout your daily activities?
—KS

C. Courage and God’s Presence (v. 9)
9. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
The Lord reassures Joshua by posing a rhetorical question that should remove any doubt about the outcome. In this case, the Lord intends for the people’s obedience to fulfill what He has planned for centuries: a provision of a particular land to Abraham and his descendants. The Lord would oversee the fulfillment of that promise Himself.

This is the third time in this chapter that the Lord encourages Joshua to be strong and of a good courage as he assumes leadership of the people. Moses had given Joshua the same challenge when appointing him as successor (Deuteronomy 31:7, 23). While Joshua previously benefited from the support and wisdom of Moses, that era has now changed. Joshua is on his own—with the promises of God as his blessed assurance.

III. Crossing (Joshua 1:10–11)
A. Ordering the Officers (v. 10)
10. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying.
Joshua’s preparatory commands to the officers demonstrate his trust in God and his willingness to begin entering the land. This group may include elders and administrative leaders (examples: Numbers 11:16; Deuteronomy 1:13–16; 29:10; 31:28).

B. Preparing the People (v. 11)
11a. Pass through the host, and command the people, saying.
The word translated host refers to the camp of the Israelites, as it is translated both ways in Exodus 16:13. When the verse now before us is combined with the verse just before it, a threefold order of leadership for the Israelites is apparent: (1) The Lord directs Joshua; (2) Joshua gives commands to officers; and (3) the officers ensure that the people receive proper direction. In modern military parlance, this is called “the chain of command.” This will remind those in the army of Israel—potentially more than 600,000 soldiers (Numbers 26:2, 51)—of who is in charge.

11b. Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it.
As Joshua receives his marching orders from God, the Israelites are camped on the plains of Moab (Numbers 26:3, 63). That area is east of the Jordan River and just north of the Dead Sea. Historical hindsight tells us that their need to take food (victuals) is only a temporary, in-between step because of the coming shift from receiving manna to being able to eat from the produce of the land they are to enter (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). When the people approached the land decades earlier, they had backed down (see Lesson Context). This time, however, is to be different.

What Do You Think?
What might it look like for you to spiritually prepare for what God is calling you to do next?
Digging Deeper
Who is an accountability partner or spiritual mentor who can offer support and wisdom during your preparation?

Conclusion
A. Courageously Committing to Obedience
For the young family described in the Introduction, the courageous trust of the parents paid off—I should know because it’s the story of my parents. Because of their courage and trust in God, my older sibling and I could thrive. The situation of my parents and that of Joshua with the ancient Israelites is significantly different. However, both reveal tremendous human courage by trusting that God would provide.

We discern two points of application. First, God can and will use anyone as an instrument to achieve His will. Second, God promises to provide for us as we follow His lead. In neither case is worldly measures of success guaranteed. Instead, God promises eternal, spiritual blessings when we follow His will. Courage and trust are what Joshua was to exhibit. Will you exhibit the same in whatever role God has assigned you?

B. Prayer
Lord God, we want to be strong and courageous. Show us how to trust Your will in all situations. Grant us peace in the uncertainty and in the waiting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember
Be courageous as God leads you!

Questions
1. Moses led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land. T/F. Joshua 1:2
2. God promised Joshua, “I will not fail thee, nor _____ thee.” Joshua 1:5
[email protected]