Joshua and The Call to Live Victorious by Faith

Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith

An Inductive Bible Study

Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells

Copyright  2005 by Jan Wells Joshua – and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith An Inductive Bible Study By Jan Wells Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 9781602660663 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners. Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated or if marked (ISV) Scripture quotations are taken from: The Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, ISV®. Copyright © 1996-2006 by The ISV Foundation of Yorba Linda, CA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, NASB® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION. KJV is public domain and permissions for use are not necessary. Word studies are taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as well as other reference sources. The Hebrew and Greek words given in the left column of the word study are the lexical form of the word, followed by actual word found in an Interlinear Bible. When sources other than the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are used in the center column of the word study they are in italic print. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. The cover picture is of Artus Quellinus II’s statue of Joshua in O.-L. Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp. Woodcut illustrations by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld were originally printed in “Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden.” They were scanned by Publications for Latin America, WELS. [email protected]

Sunergos Bible Studies 2485 Morse Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 To order additional copies, www.SunergosBible.org

1/15/2008

Table of Contents Page

Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Book of Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith.....5 Lesson 2 – History of the Nation of Israel, Joshua, and the Belt of Truth.............................15 Lesson 3 – Joshua 1 and 2 and the Breastplate of Righteousness .........................................29 Lesson 4 – Joshua 3 - 5 and Shoes to Be Ready to Proclaim the Gospel ..............................43 Lesson 5 – Joshua 6 - 8 and the Shield of Faith ...................................................................57 Lesson 6 – Joshua 9 - 12 and the Helmet of Salvation .........................................................73 Lesson 7 – Joshua 13 - 17 and the Sword of the Spirit .........................................................85 Lesson 8 – Joshua 18 - 21 and the Holy Spirit .....................................................................97 Lesson 9 – Joshua 22 - 24 and Praying in the Spirit ........................................................... 111 Lesson 10 – Judges 1, 2, Joshua Review, and Review of the Spiritual Armor .................... 125 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 135 Scripture Work Sheets....................................................................................................... 137 Inductive Study Methodology ........................................................................................... 179 Map .................................................................................................................................. 185 Joshua Review Chart......................................................................................................... 187 Word Study Index ............................................................................................................. 189 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 191 Sunergos Bible Studies...................................................................................................... 193 Book Summary ................................................................................................................. 194 Author Profile ................................................................................................................... 194

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I have written this Bible study that it might strengthen and encourage believers who are fellow workers, translated from the word sunergos in the New Testament Greek. We are to glorify God in all that we do, and diligent study of His word will equip us to carry out God’s plan in our life and in His church so that we might truly enjoy Him forever. In His Love,

Jan Jan Wells, M.A. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 email: [email protected] www.sunergosbible.org And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker (sunergo) in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2

I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. If you surrender your feeling of “you have to” study God’s word, and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!

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Lesson 1

Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Book of Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith Introduction This inductive study will examine the Old Testament book of Joshua in the first four days of the lesson and on the final day each week you will be studying the believer’s call to live victoriously by faith in God. As you study Joshua you will look at the history of Israel that reveals the power of God as He helped His people defeat their many enemies. Day 5 of each lesson will also examine what Scripture teaches about the battles that are waged moment by moment by those who follow Christ, as well as study each part of the armor of God as it is explained in Ephesians 6. The study will also look at the difference that God makes in the life of those who follow Christ. Another dimension of the study will be to think about the character qualities that honor God as one is faithful to Him. Those who have relationships with children know the importance of teaching godly character qualities. The intent of the lessons will be to examine the character qualities that can be passed on to the young people that God has placed in your life. Inductive Bible study involves looking to Scripture to start with a careful observation of the text so that you can seek an interpretation to understand how what was written long ago can have meaning today. Inductive study also involves looking for the eternal principles within the text so that these truths might be applied to one’s life today. Even when a book of the Bible was written thousands of years ago, the message is still relevant. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down as a warning for us in whom the climax of the ages has been realized.” Another part of the lessons each week will be to memorize a Scripture verse that is found in the text being studied. You will be reminded about this every week! When you hide God’s word in your heart it makes a difference in how you think and how you live. When you know Scripture, it helps you face the difficult circumstances of life. I had a friend who is now with our Lord in heaven who made the pattern of her life to learn a Bible verse every day. Every morning Betty wrote out the words of a verse on a small piece of paper and tucked the paper into her pocket. This dear friend then looked at the verse throughout the day, saying the verse over and over again. Sometimes my friend committed to memory an entire chapter, one verse at a time, one day at a time. Some days Betty picked a single verse that she needed to claim as a personal encouragement, because God’s word gives us courage to be and do what God intended us to be and do. Another dear friend is nearly 90 years old and Mary still memorizes Scripture and can recite entire chapters of the Bible. By her example, this older woman has encouraged many who are younger to hide God’s word in their heart as well. One young Mom heard about Mary’s passion for memorizing God’s word and spent one week reciting Psalm 103, one of Mary’s memorized chapters. Sheila said the verses over and over as she went about her day and a week later she had this precious Psalm hidden in her heart. Sheila said that the words truly became alive for her, and they took on a far deeper meaning for her because she became intimately acquainted with God’s truth. I challenge you to not go any further with this lesson until you bow your head and ask God to give you a passion for hiding His holy word in your heart as a means of growing stronger in your faith. Write out your response to the challenge of memorizing Scripture.

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Lesson 1 Each lesson is divided into five days of study. Sometimes the lessons will have two days together as the lesson by itself would be too long to do in a single day. Each day’s work was designed to not take longer than forty five minutes to one hour if you do the entire lesson as it is presented. After the Overview (introductory lesson), the lessons are designed to be done in several different ways. Question 1 contains observation questions that can be completed in less than twenty minutes. Then you can go to the question/s in the box at the end of the day’s work to answer questions that will ask you to apply the Scripture you studied in the lesson. Those who cannot complete the entire lesson can come together with the class for a discussion and follow what was presented in the lesson. Others in the class come having completed all of the lesson including examining the word studies that are in Question 2 and then looking at cross references that point out other Scriptures that present the similar message and theme that was being studied. Some who participate complete the observation questions and then read through the rest of the lesson before completing the application questions in the box. The first two days of this lesson will study what was said about God in the book of Joshua as any study of Scripture must begin with how God has been revealed in His holy word.

Days 1 and 2 – Overview of the Book of Joshua 1. Using the Scripture Work Sheets provided, you will read the entire book of Joshua observing what is said about God. You will look for any reference to the Lord or to God and you will “mark” these words in some way. Every time I read the name “God” in the text I am studying, I use a colored pencil and mark the word with the same symbol every time God’s name appears. I draw a red triangle through the name “God” as that is a simple three sided object “representing” the three persons of the trinity. I also mark the word Lord with a red crown through the word Lord. Sometimes the word is written in only capital letters, as LORD and we will study why the word is sometimes capitalized in a later lesson. I chose the crown symbol to mark the word Lord as that represents God who is the sovereign ruler of my life. You can also mark any pronoun that takes the place of the words God or Lord, as the text uses the words He, His, or Him. Daniel 11:32 says that those who know their God will have strength and take action. Any time I approach God’s holy word, I ask God to reveal Himself to me that I might know Him, and because of that knowledge I might love Him more and “have strength.” The challenge is to not just read the book of Joshua looking for the names God or Lord, but to learn what is taught about God and in fact worship Him as you read. Before you begin, ask the Lord to help you get to know Him so you might love Him more two days from now than you do as you begin today. Ask God to give you a passion for knowing Him. Ask God to help you be more disciplined with your time alone with Him. Ask God how you might so “order your life” so that you can complete this study. God loves you to spend time with Him. Do you feel the same way? 2. After you finish reading the book of Joshua, think back to what you learned about God and write out your response to what you have learned about Him. Some love to think poetically, and might write a poem about God. Some might want to draw a picture or diagram from the book that symbolizes God. Those who are musical might think of a song for their response. After I did this part of the lesson I went outside to be in my garden and had the opportunity to meditate on what I learned while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Continued on the next page. 6

Lesson 1 What is your response to God as He is revealed in the book of Joshua?

Close in prayer that you might be able to express your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Days 3 and 4 – Overview of the Book of Joshua 1. In the next two days you will read the entire book of Joshua again, observing what the book says about Joshua himself. When I did this, I marked with a blue line the name Joshua and any pronoun that was used to tell of Joshua. Every time you start a lesson you will be reminded to pray so that the word of God will be living and active within your own spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide His followers into the truth and you can claim God’s truth as you continue with the overview of the book. Any time you are going to study the Bible, remember to ask the Lord to make your time meaningful and significant. Do not spend time in the word and allow the reading to become somewhat academic in nature. As you read in the next two days, ask God to help you understand the message He has for you in the book of Joshua. 2. At the end of this study you will feel like you really know Joshua! For now, after you have read the book of Joshua a second time, what is your impression about this man and his relationship with God?

There is more space on the next page. 7

Lesson 1

Close your time in the word by praising God for the way His word has been protected for centuries so that you might know Him and His plan for your life. Thank the Lord for the way He has revealed Himself to you through your time in His word this week.

Day 5 – Introduction to the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith 1. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58 that believers are to give thanks to God, “who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your work isn't wasted in the Lord.” Thank the Lord for His amazing provision for you, asking Him for His help with understanding the Scriptures you will look at today. Begin by reading Ephesians 6:10-20 and then complete the observation questions that generally include some of the “5 Ws and an H” questions, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how. 10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty strength.

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Put on the whole

armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil's strategies. 12

For our struggle is not against a human opponent, but against rulers, against

authorities, against cosmic powers in the darkness around us, against evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.

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For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so

that you may be able to take a stand in that evil day. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm. 14

Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and

having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.

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In addition to all of these,

having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, 17also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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Lesson 1 18

Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request there is. For

the same reason be alert with every kind of effort and request for all the saints.

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Pray

also for me, so that, when I open my mouth, the right words will be given to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel, 20for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare it as boldly as I should, ISV. •

What were the believers in Ephesus directed to do in Ephesians 6:10?

•

What will help believers follow God’s commands and why were these instructions important?

The command: Ephesians 6:11

Why was it important to obey this command?

Ephesians 6:13

•

Now read Ephesians 6:12 and list what Paul said about the nature of the struggle.

•

What is the promise Paul made in Ephesians 6:13b?

2. The lessons will contain a study of some of the specific words that were used in the Scripture to help clarify your understanding of the meaning of the words. In order to save you the time of having to look up these words in reference books, the word studies will appear on a chart like the one that follows. Many books are available to help with word studies. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is an excellent resource for looking at both the Old Testament Hebrew words and the New Testament Greek words. The definition column in the middle might also give the word as it is translated in other versions of the Bible. When another source is used in the definition column this is given in italics. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography in the Appendix. In the first column you will find the Strong’s number and the lexical form of the word, that is the word before it is changed grammatically to fit in its context. The second 9

Lesson 1 row will show the actual word that was used based on the grammatical use of the word. Sometimes these two words will be the same, and sometimes they are different. The third line has the biblical reference of the word from the lesson. Included in the third column will be cross-references that will show you how the word was used in another passage of Scripture in a similar way. Words can have more than one meaning, and they can be defined by looking at their context. You might briefly summarize what you learn about the word from the cross-reference(s) given or just read the verse. Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson. Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

1743 endunamoo endunamousthe Ephesians 6:10 2904 kratos kratei Ephesians 6:10 2479 ischus ischous Ephesians 6:10 1746 enduo endusasthe Ephesians 6:11 2476 histemi stenai Ephesians 6:11 1228 diabolos diabolou Ephesians 6:11 3180 methodeia methodeias Ephesians 6:11

Strong, to empower, enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong

Philippians 4:13

Mighty, power, vigor, (great), dominion, might (-ily)

Ephesians 1:19

Strength ISV, power KJV, forcefulness, ability

Ephesians 1:19

Put on, (in the sense of sinking into a garment), to invest with clothing, array, have (put) on Stand, abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up

Ephesians 6:14

Devil, Satan, false accuser, slanderer, the deceiver

1 Peter 5:8

Strategies ISV, schemes NASB, wiles, KJV, method, trickery, craftiness, lie in wait

Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:14

Human opponent ISV, flesh (as stripped of the skin), the meat of an animal (as food), the body as opposed to the soul or spirit Blood, literally (of men or animals), used specifically the atoning blood of Christ, bloodshed, kindred Authorities ISV, powers NASB and KJV, in the sense of ability, privilege, force, capacity Cosmic powers ISV, forces NASB, a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan, ruler

Galatians 1:16 (both words together)

4561 sarx sarka Ephesians 6:12 129 haima haima Ephesians 6:12 1849 exousia exousias Ephesians 6:12 2888 kosmokrator kosmokratoras Ephesians 6:12 4152 pneumatikos pneumatika Ephesians 6:12 10

Spiritual forces, non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal, or demonically a spirit, supernatural

Ephesians 6:13b, d

Galatians 1:16 (both words together) Ephesians 3:10 Hapax legomen; a compound word, using kosmos, the word for world and kratos, # 2904; see above. Ephesians 1:3; 5:19

Lesson 1 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

2032 epouranios epouraniois Ephesians 6:12 4190 poneros poneros Ephesians 6:13

Heavenly realm, above the sky, celestial, high (in) heaven

Ephesians 1:3, 20

Evil, hurtful, evil in effect or influence, in the plural – sinners, wicked

Ephesians 5:16; 6:16

3. Read these two Scripture passages and allow the words that the Apostle Paul wrote to pierce your own spirit. What did Paul say about Christ? a. Colossians 2:13-15

b. Ephesians 1:17-23

Because of Christ, what privileges do you have as His follower?

According to these passages, how is it possible to be obedient to the command Paul gave to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty strength”?

4. Look at the word “stand” that is used in Ephesians 6:11 and in 6:13 twice. What do you learn about this word in these three places? a. Ephesians 6:11

b. Ephesians 6:13

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Lesson 1 c. Ephesians 6:13d

Now in thinking about the same theme of “standing” in other Scriptures, look at 1 John 2:10 and see what was written to the early church about what would make a difference in the lives of those who follow Christ. Good biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) requires that you never take a verse out of its context to seek the counsel of God. The very minimum approach is to study the paragraph in which a verse appears. The next step in the hermeneutical process is to examine the paragraphs that came before and after the paragraph in which the verse you are studying appears. Please take the time to do this search in 1 John 2. The Apostle John was very sensitive to the battles that the early church was facing and how these battles impacted all of those who chose to be disciples of Jesus Christ. John’s writing contains many significant truths that can help us understand how it is possible for believers to live victoriously by faith. Based on 1 John 2:10, what are Christians to do?

If one does not obey this command, what will happen?

What did John say to young men in 1 John 2:13, 14?

What did John say about those who love the world in verses 15 and 16?

What did John say about believers in verses 20 and 21?

What is to be the lifestyle of the believer according to verse 24?

5. Look at the following verses that teach about the devil. Think about your own life and your own vulnerability. Do you need to confess an area of vulnerability before God? It is time to get serious about any area of your life where you have given the devil an 12

Lesson 1 opportunity to influence you and to work in your life. Make this very practical so you might apply the truths of these Scriptures to your own life. Satan’s manner and strategies: Acts 10:38

How believers are vulnerable:

What believers are to do:

2 Corinthians 2:8-11

Ephesians 4:26, 27

6. Now look at what Jesus said in John 10:10 and summarize what is taught about our enemy. Decide your responsibility concerning this.

7. Christians are to stand firm in their faith. What would be the enemy’s goals according to the Scriptures you have studied today?

As you close your time of study, read through Ephesians 6:10-13 again, and meditate on the promise that is made to you as a believer in this passage. Thank the Lord for His provision that makes it possible for you to be obedient to His word so that you can stand on His truth and live by His power. Seek God’s wisdom and the comfort and counsel of the Holy Spirit as you conclude your time today in prayer, trusting God to help you be obedient Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 1 to His word. Thank God for the gift of your salvation. Thank the Lord that He made it possible for you to be delivered from the domain of darkness and brought into His glorious light by the blood of Jesus Christ. Praise God that He has put all things in subjection under Christ’s feet. Ask God to equip you to stand firm in all that you do. Write out your personal response to what you have learned today about your faith.

I love the message of the song, “A Mighty Fortress.” As you read Martin Luther’s words claim these truths about the Lord as your own so that this hymn might minister to your spirit today. “A Mighty Fortress” A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe, his craft and pow’r are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He – Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim – we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure, one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers – no thanks to them – abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever. Amen. By Martin Luther

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Lesson 2

Lesson 2 – History of the Nation of Israel, Joshua, and the Belt of Truth Introduction You have probably read the book of Joshua twice since the start of this study and this week you will look at the Scripture that comes before the book of Joshua for a very brief overview into the background of the nation of Israel and Joshua’s life. What were the circumstances that brought Israel to the place where the book of Joshua begins? At the end of the lesson you will study what is meant by the instruction the Apostle Paul gave to stand firm having fastened the belt of truth around your waist. The goal of this part of the lesson is to make Paul’s teaching very practical so that you might live out the truth that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person who belongs to God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. As the lesson continues, remember the challenge to memorize a verse each week that is found in the Scriptures you will be studying. When you hide God’s word in your heart it makes a difference in how you think and how you live.

Days 1 and 2 – A Brief History of Israel and the Twelve Tribes of Israel 1. To understand the context of any book of the Bible challenges those who follow Christ to be “diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15, NASB. What brought the nation of Israel to the mountain overlooking the land that God had promised to them? When did God make the promise that He would give Israel the land occupied by the Canaanites? In the next two days we will take a look at the record given in Scripture of Israel’s history. This journey will reflect significant cultural differences that are spread over an extended period of time. When you study events of the Ancient Near East you realize that the lifestyle of the people presented in Scripture is very foreign to people who live in the “modern world” of the 21st century. As your open your time in the word ask the Lord to help you understand the people who lived several thousand years ago, so that you might see God’s heart for humanity and His provision for people. Open with these observation questions. • In Genesis 12:1-3 we read God’s words that He spoke to Abram. What were the promises God made to Abram?

•

What did God reveal about Himself to Abram in Genesis 15:1-5 and what was Abram’s response according to verse 6?

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Lesson 2 •

In Genesis 17:1-9 God’s word was again proclaimed to Abram and at this time God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. In a later lesson we will study circumcision, but for now, what did God ask of Abram in verse 1, and what did God promise to Abraham in verses 2, 7, 8?

•

God promised Abraham a son and when he and Sarah were quite beyond “natural child bearing” years, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Read what God spoke to Isaac in Genesis 26:3-6 and what God promised to Isaac.

•

God gave Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Read what God spoke to Jacob in Genesis 28:10-19 and then Jacob’s response. (The Hebrew word beth means house and the word el means God, so Bethel literally means “the house of God.”) God’s promises to Jacob: Jacob’s response to God:

•

God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, and his twelve sons became the initial heads of the 12 tribes of Israel. The births of these twelve men are recorded in Genesis. Look at Genesis 35:22d-26 to see the record of the names of Jacob’s wives and his sons. (With Jacob we are introduced to the custom of polygamy that was common in the Ancient Near East, abbreviated as ANE.) Jacob’s wives: Jacob’s sons, the 12 tribes of Israel:

Note: In Genesis 48:5 Jacob “adopted” Joseph’s two sons as his own, so that eventually they would each receive a portion of the Promised Land. •

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In Genesis we are told of Joseph’s mistreatment by his brothers as they sold Joseph into slavery. Through God’s sovereignty and miraculous circumstances, Joseph was appointed by the Pharaoh to be the head of Egypt’s program to supply relief to the many affected by the famine in the ANE. The availability of this food was what brought the sons of Israel to Egypt. What prophecy did Joseph speak to his brothers in Genesis 50:24? (Read the context, from verse 22 to the end of the chapter.)

Lesson 2

2.

•

In the first fourteen chapters of Exodus we find the record of Israel’s time in Egypt. According to Exodus 12:40, how long were the children of Israel in Egypt?

•

Portions of the book of Exodus will be studied later in this lesson. For now, read a short biblical commentary found in Deuteronomy 7:7-10. What did God say about Israel and what does this tell you about God’s relationship with His people?

•

What lifestyle did God establish for His people when they would be living in the Promised Land and what did God promise to them, according to Deuteronomy 6:112?

•

The reciting of the words found in Deuteronomy 6:4-6 became a part of the synagogue system when Israel gathered for teaching within the village where they lived. The first word (hear) in verse 4 is shema in the Hebrew language, and these words became a prayer for Israel that came to be known as Shema. All of Israel memorized these important words. Read these verses out loud and ask God to help you make this prayer of ancient Israel become your own prayer. Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

6453 Pecach Pecach Exodus 12:11

Passover, a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only technically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim): Passover (offering) Destroyer, a primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively): batter, cast off, corrupt (-er, thing), destroy (destruction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, utterly, waste (-r) Worshipped, a primitive root; to depress, i.e. prostrate (esp. reflexive, in homage to royalty or God): bow KJV (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

7843 shachath hamashchiyt Exodus 12:23 7812 shachah wayishtachªwuw Exodus 12:27

1 Chronicles 21:15

Genesis 22:5

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Lesson 2 3. Read Exodus 1 to see what is said about the generations that followed the twelve sons of Israel. How did God reveal His faithfulness to His people? How did the Egyptians treat Israel? a. God’s faithfulness to Israel: b. The Egyptian’s response:

4. The nation of Israel knew Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the Patriarchs, a compound word made up of patri meaning father and arch meaning chief. These were the men that God entrusted to lead His people. God then brought Joseph to Egypt to lead the nation of Egypt, and then later his own brothers and their families came to Egypt. Centuries later God brought another leader, Moses, to rule and serve the people. Look at Exodus 2 for an introduction to Moses’ life. What were the unique circumstances surrounding Moses’ early years? How do you see God’s hand upon Moses?

Now look at Exodus 3 to see how God revealed Himself to Moses. What did God ask Moses to do? How did God describe Himself in this chapter?

5. The Hebrew people were captive as slaves to the nation of Egypt and then God sent a series of plagues (each representing an Egyptian god) to afflict the Egyptian people. The final plague that God sent was that the first born son of every household would die unless the family obeyed God’s instructions of sacrificing a perfect lamb and placing the blood of the lamb around the opening of their doorway. The marking of one’s doorway was not a unique practice at the time, but in fact a part of the sign of covenant in the ANE. When someone wanted to welcome a person into their home because of a covenant agreement with the person, they would place blood around the doorway, or at least across the threshold, as a sign of welcome to the person. This symbol meant that you were extending a covenant with the person, and you were announcing that you would be true to the covenant. This is where our culture got the idea of the groom carrying his bride across the threshold when they were first married, because in the ANE the groom was protecting his bride so that none of the newly applied blood would touch her dress. This ANE custom has been incorporated into our society in that whenever a new building is being dedicated for use a red ribbon is hung across the doorway. This ribbon is a visual symbol of the business welcoming the community they have committed to serve with integrity and honesty. Through the “ribbon cutting” ceremony they announce their covenant. 18

Lesson 2 Read God’s explanation about the Passover in Exodus 12:23. The red blood around the door was a sign to the Lord that He was welcome into the home, and a declaration that the family in the home was trusting God to protect them from the destroyer who could not enter because of God’s eternal covenant. If you can take the time to read all of Exodus 12 you will understand the first Passover and the promise that God made to Israel. Here is something to think about. Joshua, (also spelled Jehoshua) was the first born son of his father Nun, according to 1 Chronicles 7:27. The families of Israel would have been greatly impacted by God’s judgment upon those who did not accept His covenant and welcome Him into their home on the evening of the first Passover. What do you learn about God in Exodus 12?

6. We are told that when Israel left Egypt there were 600,000 men who were warriors and there would also have been older men who were no longer able to serve as warriors as well as women and young children. Imagine what it would have been like to have God take you from a land of slavery to the edge of the Red Sea and then watch God miraculously “part” the sea to allow the entire nation to cross. God then returned the sea to its normal state when the pursuing Egyptians followed the fleeing people of Israel. God spared the nation of Israel and God destroyed the Egyptian army. Read Exodus 15, which gives Moses and his sister Miriam’s songs of praise after they left Egypt. Please join with their praise by exalting God as Moses and Miriam did. To have a better understanding of the nation of Israel as they were waiting in Moab to enter the land that God had promised to them would require that you read all of Exodus through Deuteronomy! From reading the last four book of the Torah, you have a better sense of what Israel thought of God and this would also help you see God’s heart toward Israel. Walter Kaiser, a respected Old Testament scholar, summed up the Old Testament Scriptures as the “promise plan” of God. Think about what those two simple words mean when they are used in this way. How would you explain the theology of the “promise plan” of God to someone else based on the Scriptures you have studied in the last two days?

In Deuteronomy 32:48-52 God spoke directly with Moses. Read this passage and then Deuteronomy 34 and summarize what these passages tell you about Moses and what is revealed about God. a. What I learned about Moses: b. What I learned about God:

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 2 Read Numbers 20 and Deuteronomy 3:23-28 that share the events surrounding Moses’ actions and God’s response. Why did God say that Moses would not enter the Promised Land?

What were the circumstances that led to Eleazar becoming the high priest of Israel? What do you learn about Eleazar in Numbers 20:24-29?

In the next two days, you will study more of Israel’s history and specifically as it relates to Joshua. For now, please close by writing out your own response to what you have studied about God as He is revealed in the record of Israel’s history from the time of Abraham to Israel’s exodus from Egypt.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua’s Life before the Book of Joshua 1. Israel did not simply go from Egypt into the land that God promised them. Their preparation to enter the Promised Land unfolded for the next generation. Today’s lesson will focus on Joshua as he is introduced in Scripture before the book of Joshua. Open your time in the word in prayer and ask the Lord to help you become acquainted with Joshua as you study his life, so that you might see not just what he did, but why God later entrusted Joshua with certain responsibilities. Begin with these observation questions. • Our first introduction to Joshua is found in Exodus 17:9. What does this passage verses 8-16, tell you about Joshua?

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•

When was Israel victorious in battle?

•

The Hebrew word that Moses used to describe God in Exodus 17:15 was common in the ANE as something that marked a pole or standard to serve as a symbol of identification for a group of people. The root of the word means “lifted up or exalted.” The banner was an insignia and a sign of triumph. Picture this event to reflect on how God used these leaders and this event. What would be displayed on the banner over your life?

Lesson 2 •

God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mt. Sinai and these commandments became God’s standard for the people of Israel. Write out the commandments given in Exodus 20:3-17.

•

God established His standard for His people through the giving of the law. Read what was written in Leviticus 19:2 and write out this summary of God’s commandments.

•

The next time Joshua is mentioned is in Exodus 24:13. Look at Exodus 24:1-3, 9-13 and think about what this tells you about Joshua.

•

How did God use the elements of the fire and the cloud among His people according to Exodus 24:16-18?

•

The next time Joshua was mentioned is in Exodus 32:17. This event is a very “low point” for the people of Israel. Read Exodus 32 to see the explanation of Israel’s sin and who was involved in this incident.

•

Another time Joshua was mentioned in Exodus is found in chapter 33, verse 11. What do you learn about Joshua here?

•

Numbers 13 gives us the record of the important role that Joshua had among his people. Read verses 16 and then 8 to see where Joshua is mentioned. What do you learn about Joshua in these verses? Look at the two word studies in Question 2 to help you understand the significance of this change. 21

Lesson 2

2.

•

Caleb and Joshua were “unique” among the twelve spies that Moses sent into the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies had a different perspective. Read Caleb and Joshua’s responses in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:6-9 and summarize what they said about their circumstance. (More about this event is in Question 4.)

•

What did God say about Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 14:38?

•

Read about a very important moment in Joshua’s life in Deuteronomy 31:14, 23. What took place and what was said to Joshua?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration: 3091 Yehowshuwa`

Yªhowshua` Exodus 17:9 2146 zikrown zikaarown Exodus 17:14 3071 Jehovah-Nissi

Jehovah Nissi Exodus 17:15 8334 sharath mªshaarªtow Exodus 24:13 1954 Howshea` Howsheea` Numbers 13:16 7307 ruwach ruwach Numbers 27:18

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Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

Joshua, Jehovah-saves; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader: - also appears as Jehoshua, Jehoshuah Memorial, a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing): memorial record

Joshua 1:1 Exodus 12:14

My Banner, Jehovah-Nissi KJV, a symbolic name of an altar in the desert

The only place this word was used in the Old Testament.

Servant, minister, to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to: minister (unto), (do) serve (-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on Hoshea NASB, deliverer; Hoshea, the name of five Israelites: appears as Hosea, Hoshea, Oshea; salvation Spirit NASB, wind, by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, …; by extension a region of the sky; air, anger, blast, breath, … courage, mind, … quarter, … side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, … vain, ([whirl]) wind (-y)

Joshua 1:1b

Numbers 13:8 Zechariah 4:6

Lesson 2 3. Please take the time to read all of Exodus 24 so that you can understand who was involved with Moses at this point in time. Look at the word study for the word servant in Question 2 and then describe Joshua’s role.

4. The New Testament book of Hebrews provides a “commentary” on Israel’s response to God after they left Egypt and before they entered the Promised Land. Read Hebrews 3:719 and ask God to help you summarize Israel’s sin according to this passage.

Numbers 14:10-45 provides historical evidence of Israel’s response to the ten spies who saw things differently than Caleb and Joshua. What was the attitude of the people and what were the consequences for Israel because of this?

5. To understand the people of Canaan’s response to the nation of Israel, it will help to see several passages where Israel faced those who were living in the land that God promised to them. Someone said that these non-Israeli people had had over 400 years to come to God, and they had not. Read these verses to see what Scripture says about Israel’s enemies. a. Numbers 21:1-3 b. Numbers 21:21-25

c. Numbers 21:33-35

d. Numbers 31:1-12

6. Now look at Numbers 27:15-23 to see Moses’ request before the Lord and God’s response to Moses. What did the nation of Israel “know” about this?

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Lesson 2 7. Chronologically, the book of Joshua follows the book of Deuteronomy. As we go through the book of Joshua, we will look at how the book of Deuteronomy helped lead the way for Israel to enter the Promised Land. The Greek word Deuteronomion (“second law”) was given to the last book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) by the Hebrew scholars who translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek in the third century B.C. For now, we will conclude by studying the end of the book of Numbers to gain further insight into Israel’s circumstances. Where was Israel during the sharing of the book of Deuteronomy according to Numbers 33:47-49?

What did God say was to happen and what instructions did He give to the nation of Israel in Numbers 33:50-54? God’s promises: God’s instructions:

What were the warnings God gave to His people in Numbers 33:55, 56? Warnings always include the giving of consequences if and when disobedience occurs. What did God say would be the consequences of Israel’s disobedience? Warning: Consequences:

In the early church Stephen was given the opportunity to present to Jewish leaders his defense for his belief in Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Messiah. Stephen shared a historical perspective on his people in Acts 7:2-53. Joshua is mentioned in verse 45, although the KJV translated his name as Jesus. I think that you will benefit from reading Stephen’s sermon, as you see a Jewish man’s point of view about his own heritage. After studying in the past four days about Israel and Joshua, spend some time thinking about what you learned about God and what you learned about Joshua from the Scriptures. Has God ever entrusted you with a time of trial because of someone else’s sin or unbelief? How did Joshua handle being one of the two men who trusted God, and then had to camp with Israel in the wilderness for 40 years? What does this tell you about Joshua?

How did your time in the word instruct you, train you, and challenge you in your faith? Answer on the next page. 24

Lesson 2

Day 5 – The Belt of Truth, Ephesians 6:14 1. In Ephesians 6:14 Paul said that believers are to stand firm, having fastened the belt of truth around their waist. The phrase “belt of truth” can bring questions such as “How can a belt be considered as a part of one’s armor?” In the first century belts were worn when one wanted to keep their flowing garments from hampering their activities. So putting on a belt was the first step in getting ready for action. For today, belts can have a functional place in one’s wardrobe and sometimes belts simply make a fashion statement. Some people do not like to wear belts as they think they are too restrictive. Some wear a belt that is snug to remind them of their need to reduce their food intake. In ancient times, a man’s belt provided a place where he could keep the scabbard for his sword. In today’s lesson you will examine the difference it makes to have the “belt of truth” fastened around your waist. Open in prayer seeking God’s wisdom and His truth as you search Scriptures for the way God will bring victory to your life. Begin with these observation questions. • Many biblical scholars think that Paul had in mind a phrase used in Isaiah 11:5 when he wrote Ephesians 6:14a. Read Isaiah 11:1-5 and begin by reflecting on what this says about God and His Spirit.

•

Who else was Isaiah describing in this passage and what was said about this One?

•

What did Isaiah teach about the word “belt” in verse 5? (The word faithfulness in the second half of the verse is sometimes translated as truth.)

•

Now look at what the Lord God announced about His nature in Isaiah 65:16. (To understand this verse better, read the paragraph that starts with verse 13 to see the contrast that God made.)

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Lesson 2 •

2.

What a blessing that the Apostle John wrote a record of what Jesus said in the upper room to His disciples the evening before He was crucified. Write out John 14:6 and meditate on what Jesus’ words mean to you.

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

6664 tsedeq tsedeq Isaiah 11:5

Righteousness NASB, the right (naturally, morally, or legally); also equity, pros-perity, that which is altogether just… Faithfulness NASB, literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity; faith (-ful, -ly, -ness, [man]), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily Justice ISV, truth NASB, stability, figuratively, certainty, trustworthiness: assured (-ly), estab-lishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly), verity Truth, true, truly, verity. The true essence of a situation that is made known; the opposite of falsehood or error.

Isaiah 64:5

530 emuwnah wªhaa'ªmuwnaah Isaiah 11:5 571 ‘emeth 'ªmet Psalm 51:6 225 aletheia aletheia Ephesians 6:14

Deuteronomy 32:4

Exodus 34:6

Ephesians 4:24

3. You looked at the following chart in Lesson 1 with different Scriptures. The two passages below tie directly into today’s teaching. Look at the following verses that teach about specific schemes of the enemy. Think about your own life and your own vulnerability. Do you need to confess an area of vulnerability before God? It is time to get serious about any area of your life where you have given the devil an opportunity to influence you and to work in your life. Make this very practical so you might apply the truths of these Scriptures to your life. Satan’s manner and strategies: 2 Corinthians 10:3-7a

2 Timothy 2:24-26

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How believers are vulnerable:

What believers are to do:

Lesson 2 4. The Apostle Paul wrote about how believers can live out their faith in Philippians 4:69. What are Paul’s instructions according to verses 6 and 7 and what is promised to those who obey this command?

What is first on the list of what we are to think about? How would obedience to this command make a difference in your life today? How does Philippians 4:6-9 relate to Ephesians 6:14a?

5. Think about what “the belt of truth” means to you personally. What if the “the belt of truth” was merely a “fashion statement”? The Hebrew Rabbis interpreted their sacred writings for the nation of Israel, so that the people would learn about God and know how to live out His word. As a Pharisee, the Apostle Paul was a learned Rabbi who knew the entire Old Testament as we know it. Read Ephesians 6:14 and Isaiah 11:5 again and meditate on why Paul wrote his exhortation to the church about the “belt of truth.” In John 8:32, Jesus told His followers that they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. What difference will it make to have the belt of truth fastened around you?

One dimension of truth for the believer is that it must be the standard of our life and our communication with others. In David’s Psalm of confession he declared about God, “Behold Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom,” Psalm 51:6. In Acts 5 we have the account of how Ananias and Sapphira got into trouble. In Acts 5:3 Peter asked Ananias “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land?” This couple struggled with the truth and fell into the temptation to lie. In Exodus 20:16 God said “You are not to bear false witness against your neighbor,” when He gave the Ten Commandments through Moses. This standard has not changed. Proverbs 12:22 says that “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” Through what life experiences has God taught you this? Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 2 Before we close, I challenge you to meditate (each week) on something. You will be asked to think about the enemy’s schemes in your life concerning each “part” of the spiritual armor. What are the enemy’s schemes that keep you from fastening about yourself the belt of truth?

It is not enough to figure out the schemes that the enemy uses to prevent you from fastening about your waist the belt of truth. What would God have you do to live with the belt of truth fastened about your waist?

In closing, please read Psalm 25 as your prayer before God. Notice what David says about God in his Psalm and what God asks of His followers.

What did David pray in the last paragraph of the Psalm that would help you when you are stressed and in a difficult situation?

I thought of the song “Open My Eyes” as I was studying the concept of truth. You might close by singing this song or reading the words as your own prayer before the Lord. “Open My Eyes” Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Chorus: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see; open my eyes – illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my eyes, that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear; and while the wave – notes fall on my ear, ev’ry-thing false will disappear. Chorus: Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth ev’ry-where. Open my heart and let me prepare love with Thy children thus to share. Chorus: By Clara H. Scott

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Lesson 3

Lesson 3 – Joshua 1 and 2 and the Breastplate of Righteousness Introduction This week you will begin the study of the book of Joshua. Many of the lessons will span two days and include an introduction to the chapter, the examination of the chapter, and then a review of what you studied in the chapter. These lessons will look at the themes found in Joshua as presented in another place in Scripture. For the next several weeks, the lessons will study two chapters of Joshua each week. The end of the lesson this week will study what is meant by the instruction to stand firm… putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Ask God to help you memorize a Scripture verse that is found in the text being studied this week. In Psalm 119:11 David said that he hid God’s word in his heart that he might not sin against Him. What verse do you know that helped you this past week to live by God’s standard? Do you know the verse or do you need to work on learning this so that you can draw on its truth when you are tempted? You can write the verse out here.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 1 and the Review of Joshua 1 1. Evangelical biblical scholars believe that the Bible was written by men who were inspired by God, and so there is a dual-sided authorship to Scripture, all Scripture comes from God through the hand of man. One dimension of inductive Bible study is to determine the “human author” of the book being studied and the purpose of the book. The book of Joshua does not identify its author, although Joshua was considered as the author according to early Jewish tradition. These leaders of the Jewish church also said that someone added the information about Joshua’s death and burial (in Joshua 24:29-33) at a later time. As you study this book, you might consider Joshua as the author and what that would mean regarding the accuracy of the text. Begin your time in the word in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you as you open God’s precious and holy word. The process of inductive study is to observe a chapter and then study the chapter to determine the themes or emphasis of the chapter. • Open by reading Joshua 1 paying attention to the key words, those that are repeated as well as words that are essential to the message of the chapter. You can refer to the Inductive Study Methodology in the Appendix for help with this observation process. As you read through the chapter, mark the key words in a consistent way and then list these words here.

•

An important part of observation is to look at how truth is communicated in Scripture. In Joshua 1, God gave instructions and reminded Joshua of His promises to Israel. Write out these instructions and promises to help you see God’s heart for His people. Answer on the next page. 29

Lesson 3

2.

•

What were God’s promises in Joshua 1:2-5?

•

What were God’s instructions in Joshua 1:2, 6-9 and the reasons for these?

•

What was Joshua’s first “act” as Israel’s leader according to Joshua 1:10, 11?

•

What did Joshua tell the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh?

•

How did the leaders of the two and a half tribes respond to Joshua’s words?

•

What was the warning that the people remembered according to Joshua 1:18?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in Joshua 1.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

5650 `ebed `ebed Joshua 1:1a 3068 Yehovah Yahweh Joshua 1:1

Servant, bondage, bondman, [bond-] servant, (man-)

See the other Hebrew word used for servant (in Joshua 1:1b) defined in Lesson 2, on page 22. Exodus 3:14

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LORD, (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: Yahweh, written as YHWH by Israel, translated as “I Am,” as God introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Written as LORD, in capital letters in Scripture.

Lesson 3 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

7503 raphah arpªkaa Joshua 1:5

Fail, to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative): abate, cease, consume, (be) faint, be feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak (-en) Abandon ISV, forsake NASB, to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, commit self, fail, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, surely Strong, to fasten upon; hence, to seize, (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer: aid, amend, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, hold (fast) Courageous, to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage): confirm, be (of good courage, steadfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed) Instructions ISV, Law NASB, or torah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch. This is what Israel called the first five books of their sacred writings. Meditate, to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder: imagine, mourn, mutter, roar, sore, speak, study, talk, utter Commanded, (intensively) to constitute, enjoin: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command (-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order Be Fearful ISV, tremble NASB, be afraid KJV, to awe or to dread; … to harass: be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly Discouraged ISV, dismayed NASB, properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, go down, scare, terrify

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 (See below.)

5800 `azab e`ezbekaa Joshua 1:5 2388 chazaq chªzaq Joshua 1:6

553 'amats we'emaats Joshua 1:6

8451 towrah hatowraah Joshua 1:7 1897 hagah wªhaagiytaa Joshua 1:8 6680 tsavah tsiwiytiykaa Joshua 1:9 6206 `arats ta`ªrots Joshua 1:9 2865 chathath teechaat Joshua 1:9

Psalm 38:21

Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23

Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23

Deuteronomy 29:29

Psalm 1:2

Nehemiah 1:7, 8

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

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Lesson 3 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

430 'elohiym Eloheykaa Joshua 1:9

God, (in the plural form) gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (… especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: angels, exceeding, (gods)- dess, -ly), (very) great, judges, mighty Rest, i.e. settle down, … (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.): cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to), set down Warriors ISV, mighty men KJV, powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant, champion, chief, excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. Relatives ISV, brothers NASB, a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance) another, kindred, like, other Obey, to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.): attentively, call (gather) together, carefully, certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear (ken, tell), indeed, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, perceive, (make a) proclaim (-ation), publish, regard, … understand, witness Rebels, to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to resist; causatively, to provoke: change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke (-ing), rebel (against, -lious)

Genesis 1:26

5117 nuwach meeniyach Joshua 1:13

1368 gibbowr gibowreey Joshua 1:14 251 'ach la'acheeykem Joshua 1:15 8085 shama` nishma` Joshua 1:17

4784 marah yamreh Joshua 1:18

Joshua 1:15

Joshua 6:2, 3

Joshua 1:14

Deuteronomy 30:2, 8

Psalm 78:8

3. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the book of Joshua is considered to be the first book of the prophets, as the Israeli people considered Joshua to be a prophet. To Israel, the prophet delivered God’s message to the people. The priest on the other hand went before God on behalf of the people. How does Joshua 1 present Joshua? You might draw “stick figures” to show the role of the prophet and then on the next page diagram the role of the priest. The role of the prophet:

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Lesson 3 The role of the priest:

4.

Here is some information to help you with portions of Joshua 1:2-4. a. What do we know about the Jordan (River) that is mentioned in Joshua 1:2? If you visited the land of Israel today you would see that the Jordan River is not very wide. The river connects the Sea of Galilee in the north with the Dead Sea in the south. In ancient Israel, the Sea of Galilee was called the Chinnereth Sea and the Dead Sea was called the Salt Sea because there is no outlet from the Dead Sea, and there are extensive mineral deposits so that nothing can live in its waters. In modern Israel, the people have taken the water way that spans a distance of 70 miles and used this resource for the irrigation of a wide range of agricultural crops. Much of the northwest portion of the Jordan Valley today is green and represents the bounty of the land of Israel. Crossing the narrower Jordan River today would not be like crossing the wider Jordan River at the time of Joshua. b. What were the boundaries that God gave for the Promised Land? God defined the boundaries of the Promised Land in Joshua 1:4. Look at your map to see these regions. The wilderness was to the south, below the Salt Sea or Sea of the Arabah, which is now called the Dead Sea. This area included the Wilderness of Zin or the Negeb (also spelled Negev). The northern border was Lebanon which is today northwest of Israel near the ancient city of Dan. The eastern border was to be the River Euphrates in modern Iraq. The western boundary was the “Great Sea” today called the Mediterranean Sea. c. Who were the Hittites that God mentioned in Joshua 1:4? The name of the Hittites has puzzled historians who specialize in the ANE. Most agree that the center of the Hittite community was in present day Turkey, north and west of Israel, although there were Hittite people in Canaan. Look back at Genesis 15:18-21 to see what God said to Abram about the land He promised to his descendants and the people who were inhabiting this land. Much later, Uriah was introduced in 2 Samuel 11:3, 6 as a Hittite who fought in David’s army and when he was killed he was married to Bathsheba. The record of the inhabitants of the Promised Land in Exodus 13:5 included the Hittites who had signed an important border treaty with Egypt.1 The twelve spies that Moses sent out (in Numbers 13:29) reported that the Hittites were in the hill country of the land.

5. The message of Deuteronomy 11:24, 25 was repeated in Joshua 1. Read these verses and to the end of the chapter. What did God ask of His people in this passage?

How did God promise to bless Israel if they obeyed?

1

George L. Helm, “Hittites,” Holman Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991, p. 658. 33

Lesson 3 What did God promise would happen if the people disobeyed?

If you looked at the word studies in Question 2, you saw that quite a few of the words used in Joshua 1 had been used in Deuteronomy 31. Read Deuteronomy 31:6-8 to see a similar message as we find in Joshua 1:5-9. Now read the paragraph, Deuteronomy 31:1-13 to see Moses’ words in their context. What did Moses “do” according to verse 9, and what instruction did he give to the people in verses 10 though 13?

6. In Joshua 1:12 we are given Joshua’s words to the tribes that were given land on the east side of the Jordan River. This is explained in Numbers 32. Read Numbers 32:1-33 to learn of the circumstances that led these tribes to “settle” in the land east side of the rest of Israel. What do you learn about these tribes from this passage?

7. Israel believed that Moses was the “human author” of the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. They called these books the Torah, and they were later called the Pentateuch, reflecting the Greek words for the number five and the word scroll. When the Hebrew Scriptures mentioned the word law, it generally meant all of the instructions that God gave to Moses for the people. God gave Joshua a very important message concerning the law in Joshua 1:8, 9. What were the people to do concerning the “law”?

Deuteronomy 17 is a unique passage where God prophesied about Israel’s future kings. Read what was said about the king in verses 18-20. I was asked twice this past year about the practice of writing out Scripture as a means of learning God’s word. Why was the king to write his own copy of the law?

Have you ever written out a paragraph or a chapter from the word? Imagine writing the first five books of the Old Testament on a scroll. That would require a considerable commitment of time. You might ask God to bless you by writing out a passage that is important to you. Now look at the Joshua Review sheet in the Appendix and think about the message of Joshua 1. How would you summarize the message of the chapter and what is the spiritual significance of the chapter? Record these both on the chart. In closing, please read and meditate on the words of Psalm 1 that gives very practical instructions for how someone can be blessed by the LORD. Notice how the word meditate was used in this Psalm, as it is the same Hebrew word that is found in Joshua 1:8. 34

Lesson 3

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 2 and the Review of Joshua 2 1. In the next two days, you will study Joshua 2. Ask God to open your heart and your mind as you study so that you will see His truth and His righteousness and that you will be blessed and encouraged and challenged by God’s message. Begin with these observation questions. • Read through Joshua 2 looking for the key words in the chapter. Remember that sometimes these are words that are repeated and sometimes they are words that are not repeated, but are very essential to the message of the chapter. Mark these words in some way and then list the key words here.

2.

•

From Joshua 2, what do you learn about the city of Jericho and what it was like to live in Jericho? Start with this observation of the text and then look at the comments about Jericho in Question 3 if you have time.

•

What do you learn about Rahab from Joshua 2? What did Rahab know of the God of Israel according to Joshua 2? (Question 4 includes a study on Rahab using other Scriptures.) Rahab, according to Joshua 2: Rahab’s understanding of God:

•

When Joshua sent out the two spies, I am certain that he thought back to the time when he was sent out by Moses to “spy out the land.” What do you learn about the faith of the two spies that Joshua sent to Jericho from Joshua 2?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in Joshua 2.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

367 'eymah 'eeymatªkem Joshua 2:9 5307 naphal naaplaah Joshua 2:9

Fear ISV, terror NASB & KJV, fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear): dread, fear, horror, terrible Demoralized ISV, melted away NASB, is fallen KJV, be accepted, cast (down self, [lots], out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), … (cause to) lie down, … overwhelm, perish…

Deuteronomy 32:25 Joshua 8:24

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Lesson 3 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

7650 shaba` hishaabª`uw Joshua 2:12

Take an oath ISV, swear NASB, to be complete, (as if by repeating a declaration seven times): adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full, take an oath, straitly, (cause to, make to) swear Sure ISV, truth NASB, true KJV, stability; (figuratively) certainty, trustworthiness: assured (-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity Sign ISV, pledge NASB, token KJV, a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc., mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token Spare ISV, deliver NASB, to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense: at all, defend, escape, without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, surely, take (out), rescue Graciously ISV, kindly NASB, kindness; by implication (towards God) piety: rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty: favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity… Oath, properly, something sworn, curse, sworn

Joshua 2:17, 20

571 'emeth 'ªmet Joshua 2:12 226 'owth 'owt Joshua 2:12 5337 natsal wªhitsaltem Joshua 2:13

2617 checed checed Joshua 2:14

7621 shebuw`ah mishbu`aateek Joshua 2:20

Joshua 23:7 Joshua 2:14 Joshua 24:14 Genesis 17:11

Psalm 25:20

Psalm 117:2

Joshua 2:17; 9:20

3.

Here is some information to help you understand the city of Jericho. The town of Jericho was in the lower Jordan Valley about six miles west of the Jordan River. Ancient Jericho is reported to be the oldest city in the world. When Genesis 13:10 says that Jericho “was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord,” it was probably referring to a spring called ain es-Sultan that produces 30,000 cubit feet of water every day.2 Jericho is about 700 feet below sea level, but the Dead Sea eight miles to the south is 1,300 feet below sea level, the lowest point on the earth. When my husband and I visited this area in Israel it was well over a 100 degrees, but we were told that because of the “altitude” of the area, you do not get sunburned as you would normally in such heat. Jericho was known as the “city of palms” and it was an oasis surrounded by hot arid plains. Several unique features were discovered about Jericho in excavations that were made in the 1950’s. Building sites that dated back to ancient Continued on the next page.

2

Karen Joines, “Jericho,” Holman Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991, pp. 759-762. 36

Lesson 3 times have been found, as well as evidence of a walled town of about ten acres. The town at Joshua’s time (historians place this somewhere between 1400 B.C. and 1200 B.C.) was evidently a smaller settlement than it once had been. A system of two walls was reported around the perimeter, one 90 feet high and nearly 20 feet wide.3 By the first century, Herod the Great had established Jericho as his winter resort, and he built a palace there so he could enjoy Jericho’s warmer climate in the winter months, as the average temperature in January is 59 degrees. When we study Joshua 6, we will return to Jericho and its significance. 4. Rahab is mentioned later in Joshua and then in the New Testament. Look at these verses and summarize what you learn. After you have finished, write out a statement of what you learn about God from looking at the life of Rahab. a. Joshua 6:25

b. Matthew 1:5

c. Ruth 4:18-22 d. Hebrews 11:31

e. James 2:25

What can we learn about God from studying the life of Rahab?

5. In Numbers 21 several events were recorded that will help us understand Israel and their journey to the Promised Land. Please take the time to read this chapter and think about what was taught here. First, what happened when Israel went through southern Canaan according to Numbers 21:3-5?

What does this tell us about the nature of humanity?

3

Theodore H. Epp, Joshua – Victorious by Faith, Lincoln, NE, Back to the Bible, 1968, p. 96. 37

Lesson 3 Now read about the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:6-9. What happened and why did this take place? What were the consequences revealed in this passage?

Look at Jesus’ words in John 3:14 to see His reference to the Numbers 21 passage. What did Jesus say about Himself in His conversation with Nicodemus?

Look at Paul’s commentary on the Israelite’s time in the wilderness by reading 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. In verse 9 Paul made a reference to the Numbers 21 passage. Now please read Numbers 21:21-35 to see the record of Israel’s defeat of Sihon and Og, and the Amorites. What is your response to these events?

6.

What does Joshua 2 reveal about the character of Israel’s leader?

What did the spies tell Rahab to use to “mark” her home? Many biblical scholars have related this to the marking of the doors for the first Passover in Egypt. The line of blood was significant and was a symbol of welcome, commitment, and loyalty to another. Centuries later, the New Testament book of Hebrews presented to the people of Israel the role of Christ as their Messiah. In Hebrews 9, the importance of the shedding of blood was explained. Look at Hebrew 11-15, 22 to see the explanation of the blood of the covenant. What did the marking on Rahab’s house represent?

From Joshua 2 alone we know very little about the king of Jericho. Based on what Rahab declared about God, why do you think that Rahab lied to her king and why did she makes plans with the two spies?

The word El was the common name for god in the ANE. The Canaanite and Syrian people had a god named El who was the “head” of their pantheon (group) of gods. Israel knew that God said at the beginning of His 10 Commandments (in Exodus 20:3) that they were to have no other gods before Him. The very name Israel is a compound word meaning “May El [God] contend,” “May El [God] rule,” or “The God who rules.” Look at what was known about the Almighty God based on these Scriptures. a. Genesis 14:18-20 (translated as El Elyon, the “God Most High”) Continued on the next page. 38

Lesson 3 b. Genesis 16:13 (translated as El Roi, the “God who sees”) c. Genesis 21:33 (translated as El Olam, the “Everlasting God”) d. Genesis 33:20 (translated as El [is the ] Elohe [God of] Israel) e. Exodus 6:2, 3 (translated as El Shaddai, “God Almighty”) f. Exodus 15:11 (God is described with four qualities in this one verse.) The Canaanite god El had a son named Baal, who became the chief rival of Israel’s Yahweh. Close by reading what is said about God in Psalm 95:3 and Psalm 97:9. Allow these words to minister to you today, and reflect on what God means to you. (Monolatry is the word that means to worship a single god while conceding the existence of other gods.) Turn to the Joshua Review sheet in the Appendix and ask the Lord to help you summarize what Joshua 2 has taught you and then think about what spiritual significance this holds for you personally.

Day 5 – The Breastplate of Righteousness, Ephesians 6:14 1. This lesson will study the command to put on the breastplate of righteousness. In the first century a breastplate covered the front and back of the soldier, from the neck and sometimes to the thigh. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier,” in 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. As you open your time in the word, ask God to help you see what entangles you so that you are kept from being a righteous servant who is ready for active duty. Begin with these observation questions. • To understand righteousness, we must look at the Lord God. God’s righteousness is revealed through His attributes and His actions. Please read Isaiah 59:1-21 and notice the reference to “armor” and righteousness in verse 17. Who is involved and what does this say about righteousness?

•

Now turn to Isaiah 61 and read verses 10 and 11. What does this say about righteousness?

•

What did Jesus say about our responsibility as His followers in Matthew 6:33?

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Lesson 3 •

2.

In Romans 5 Paul presented an important contrast between Adam and Jesus Christ. What do verses 18 and 19 say about your position as one who follows Christ?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

6666 tsedaqah tsªdaaqaah Isaiah 59:17

Righteousness NASB, rightness, subjectively rectitude, objectively, justice, moral virtue, figuratively prosperity: mod-erately, right (eous) (act, -ly, -ness) Breastplate, the chest, by implication a corset

Isaiah 61:10, 11

Righteousness, equity of character or act, justification; conformity to God’s standard, uprightness

Ephesians 4:24

2382 thorax thoraka Ephesians 6:14 1343 dikaiosune diakaiosynes Ephesians 6:14

1 Thessalonians 5:8

3. Now look at some of the Old Testament teaching on today’s topic. What do these verses say about the righteous? a. Psalm 11:5 b. Psalm 146:8 c. Proverbs 11:28 4. The righteousness of God is revealed in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. In this book Paul explains that God is just in all of His ways. Read Romans 3:10-30 and then explain how it is possible for you to be righteous before God.

5. Look at what Paul wrote about armor and/or weapons in these passages. What did Paul say to believers about their responsibility? a. Romans 13:12-14

b. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 40

Lesson 3 6. Now read Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7:5 to see what he said about Satan. What are believers to do about this scheme according to the context of this verse?

7. In Matthew 5:6 Jesus said that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. To be satisfied is to be contented. Some people believe that contentment is a quality that reveals one’s character. Accepting God’s sovereignty contributes to living a life of contentment Many people battle with craving what the world offers rather than having a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Close by reading Psalm 103 and allow these words to minister to your spirit. Notice the promises of God in this Psalm and write out these promises found in Psalm 103:5a, 17-19. Claim these verses as your own. a. Psalm 103:5a b. Psalm 103:17

c. Psalm 103:18

d. Psalm 103:19

What are the enemy’s schemes that keep you from wearing the breastplate of righteousness?

What would God have you do as a reminder to put on the breastplate of righteousness?

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 3 Our standard for righteousness is the Lord God Almighty. The hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” proclaims the nature of God and calls us to worship Him. Close by singing or reading these words as an act of worship before the Lord. “Holy, Holy, Holy” Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, which wert and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; only Thou art Holy - there is none beside Thee, perfect in pow’r, in love and purity. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! By Reginald Heber and John B. Dykes

Crossing the Jordan Woodcut illustration by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld

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Lesson 4

Lesson 4 – Joshua 3 - 5 and Shoes to Be Ready to Proclaim the Gospel Introduction If someone had never read any part of the Old Testament, and then turned to the chapters in Joshua we are going to look at this week, they would certainly have many questions about the people involved, their behavior, and their unusual circumstances! As the lesson moves through Joshua 3, 4, and 5, you will look back at Scripture in the Torah to see what is recorded in the first five books of the Bible to bring more clarity to the circumstances in Israel’s story. Ask God to help you this week to memorize a verse that He would have you claim as His message to you. In studying the life of Joshua, many have been convicted about their own character and faith in God, and they have asked God to reveal an area in their life where He would have them refine their character. Your memory verse this week might be a verse to help you with your desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, your Savior.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 3 and 4 1. In the next two days you will study Joshua 3 and 4. As you begin each day of study ask the Lord to minister to you as you spend time in His holy word. Be open to the work of the Holy Spirit as you look into the Scriptures in the lesson and begin with these observation questions. • Where were the people of Israel gathered at the beginning of Joshua 3 and how long were they there? •

What instructions were given to the people according to verses 3, 4?

•

What did Joshua tell the people in verse 5?

•

What did God tell Joshua was going to happen in these verses? a. Joshua 3:7 b. Joshua 3:10 c. Joshua 3:13

•

What was the ark called in verses 11 and 13?

•

What were the miracles recorded in Joshua 3:15-17?

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Lesson 4

2.

•

How were the two memorials described in Joshua 4? Memorial #1 Memorial # 2

•

What were the reasons the people were to set up this memorial according to Joshua 4:21-24?

•

What are the key words that are used in Joshua 3 and 4 that help you see the message of the chapters?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

727 'arown 'ªrown Joshua 3:3 1285 beriyth bªriyt Joshua 3:3

Ark, (in the sense of gathering); a box: chest, coffin

Exodus 25:10

Covenant, a compact (… made by passing between pieces of flesh): confederacy, league; denoting a significant commitment to a relationship Levitical, a Levite or descendant of Levi. Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi according to Exodus 2:1. Priests, one officiating, also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): chief ruler, own, prince, principal officer Yards ISV, cubits NASB & KJV, unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance): measure, post Consecrate, to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): appoint, bid, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied oneself), wholly

Genesis 17:2

3881 Leviyiy ha-lªwiyim Joshua 3:3 3548 kohen wªhakohªniym Joshua 3:3 520 'ammah 'amaah Joshua 3:4 6942 qadash hitqadaashuw Joshua 3:5

44

Deuteronomy 24:8 Deuteronomy 20:2

Genesis 6:15

2 Chronicles 29:31, 33

Lesson 4 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

1431 gadal gadelkaa Joshua 3:7

Exalt, properly, to twist, i.e. to be (causatively make) large (… as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride): advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, … great (-er), … increase, lift up, magnify (-ifical), … promote Living, alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively: age … Tribes, from an unused root, probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan … Memorial, a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing): record

1 Chronicles 17:24

Revered, to fear; morally, to revere; causatively, to frighten: affright, be (make) afraid, dread (-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence (-end), see, terrible (act, -ness, thing) Power ISV, hand NASB & KJV, the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], (in distinction from #3709, the closed one); used in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, consecrate, … fellowship, … ministry, … power, service, … draw with strength … Strong ISV, mighty NASB & KJV, strong (usually in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent): harder, hottest, impudent, loud, sore, stiff [-hearted]

Joshua 4:24

2416 chay chay Joshua 3:10 7626 shebet shibteey Joshua 4:5 2146 zikrown lªzikaarown Joshua 4:7 3372 yare' wayir'uw Joshua 4:14 3027 yad yad Joshua 4:24

2389 chazaq chazaaqaah Joshua 4:24

Deuteronomy 5:26

Genesis 49:16 (The first place this word was used in Scripture.)

Exodus 12:14

Isaiah 41:10

Deuteronomy 9:26

3. Did you mark the phrase “the ark of the covenant” as key words in Joshua 3? We will now look at what was said in the Torah about this ark. In Exodus 25, God gave Moses instructions for the building of a sanctuary. God began with the instructions for the “ark” in Exodus 25:10-22. Read from verse 1 and summarize what this says about God’s “purposes” for the ark and what they were to use to build the ark.

45

Lesson 4 Sometimes the New Testament can help us understand the Old Testament, and sometimes the Old Testament helps us understand the New Testament. In Hebrews 9:4 we are given a “list” of what was inside the ark of the covenant. Read this list and draw a simple diagram of the ark and what was inside the ark, as if you had x-ray vision.

Now look at Scripture that will help you understand the contents of the ark. a. Exodus 16 explains the provision that God made for His people as they first began their journey to the Promised Land. Read Exodus 16:8-21 to see an explanation of the manna God provided for His people. (When we study Joshua 5 we will look at this again.)

b. Numbers 17 explains the event surrounding Aaron’s rod. Read this and explain why you think this was included in the ark.

c. Now look at these Scriptures concerning the ark’s contents. How is this explained in the following references? Exodus 25:16; Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15; Deuteronomy 9:911, 15; and Deuteronomy 10:3-5.

4. Who were the priests of Israel? To answer this question we will start by reading in Exodus 32:25-29 about what took place after Israel built the golden calf. Who was “set apart” and what changed in their lives on that day?

What was written about the tribe of Levi in Deuteronomy 10:6-9?

Now go back to Numbers 3:5-13 to see what this passage says about the tribe of Levi.

46

Lesson 4 There is one final reference concerning the priests that is important. Remember when you read about Aaron’s rod that budded in Numbers 17? The incident that brought this about is recorded in Numbers 16. Look at verses 8 and 9 and record what was said about the role of the “sons of Levi.”

(If you have time to read the rest of Numbers 16, you will see another time in Israel’s history that caused the Lord grief.) 5. For the nation of Israel to cross the Jordan River was a miracle. The book of Numbers gives us the “numbers” of the Israelites who were living, as there were censuses taken to number the men. First look at the census taken in the second year after Israel left Egypt (according to Numbers 1:1, 2) and total the numbers given in these two references. a. Numbers 1:45, 46 b. Numbers 4:46-48 c. Total number Now look at the number of men who were to enter the Promised Land according to Numbers 26:51. Imagine how long it would take to move this many men, including women and children from one side of the river to the other! Under “normal” circumstances, the logistics of this effort is mind boggling. It has been estimated that when Israel traveled through the wilderness they would have needed 30 box cars full of food for each day, and 300 tank cars filled with water! 6. What were the miracles that Israel experienced according to Joshua 3 and 4? What do these events tell you about God?

In Joshua 3:10, God is called a living God. Look back to Deuteronomy 5:26 to see what was said about the Lord there and then read these two portions from Psalms to see Israel’s understanding of their God. a. Psalm 42:2

b. Psalm 84:2 Continued on the next page.

47

Lesson 4 In Joshua 3:5 the people were told to consecrate themselves. Look back at another time when the people of Israel were to consecrate themselves, according to Exodus 19:10, 11. What was involved in this consecration and what “event” followed this preparation in Exodus 20?

When I read what God told Joshua in Joshua 3:7, I thought of what the Apostle Peter was inspired to write in 1 Peter 5:6, 7. Read these verses to see what God associated with exaltation. What do these verses in Peter’s epistle call Christ’s followers to do?

Now in closing, read the “Aaronic Blessing” that is found in Numbers 6:24-26. Write out these words as your own prayer asking God for His blessing upon your own life.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 5 and the Review of Joshua 3, 4, and 5 1. A friend said that she loves the Old Testament because when she studies the Old Testament she sees the heart of God and gets to know Him. My prayer is that through this study you will see the heart of God and get to know Him better. Open in prayer and then begin with these observation questions. • What impact did the events recorded in Joshua 3 and 4 have on the people inhabiting the land beyond the Jordan River according to Joshua 5:1?

48

•

Read the prophecy that was written in Deuteronomy 28:7-10 about the enemies that Israel would face in the Promised Land. What does this say about the enemies?

•

The first thing that took place after the nation of Israel crossed into the Promised Land was that the men were circumcised. What do you learn about this in Joshua 5:48? Why did this take place? Who was involved? What did the LORD accomplish by this?

Lesson 4

2.

•

As a review, what did circumcision symbolize to the Israelites before they left Egypt? Look at what God said in Genesis 17:11.

•

The Lord gave Israel careful instructions about the Passover initially in Exodus 12, and this “festival” is mentioned in Leviticus 23:5, and in Deuteronomy 16:1-12. Read this passage in Deuteronomy and answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions (who, what, where, when, why, and how) about the Passover.

•

What a unique event took place in Joshua 5:13-15. Read these verses and then read Joshua 6:1-5. Many biblical scholars interpret this passage as a time when God revealed Himself to Joshua. The word given to this appearance is “theophany,” which comes from two Greek words used as a compound word that meant that a god made himself known to someone. (Another theophany you looked at (in Lesson 2) was with Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3.) For some who believe in God, the event of Joshua 5:13-15 is considered to be a manifestation of God. To those who follow Christ, this “commander of the Army” is “seen” as a pre-incarnate Christ, the One sent to earth to conquer the enemy. What do you learn about the commander of the Army in Joshua 5:13 through Joshua 6:5?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

4135 muwl uwmaal Joshua 5:2 2781 cherpah cherpat Joshua 5:9

Circumcise, to cut short, i.e. to curtail (specifically the prepuce, to circumcise), to blunt, figuratively to destroy Disgrace ISV, reproach NASB & KJV, contumely, disgrace, the pudenda: rebuke, reproach (-fully), shame

Deuteronomy 30:6

6453 Pecach ha-Pecach Joshua 5:10

Passover, a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only technically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim): Passover (offering)

Isaiah 25:8

Exodus 12:11

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Lesson 4 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

4478 man hamaan Joshua 5:12

Manna, literally, a what-ness (so to speak), i.e. manna (so called from the question about it)

Exodus 16:31

8269 sar sar Joshua 5:14

Commander ISV, captain NASB & KJV, (that had rule), a head person (of any rank or class): chief, general, governor, keeper, lord, taskmaster, prince, principal ruler, steward

Isaiah 9:6 (Usually translated as prince.)

6635 tsaba' tsªbaa' Joshua 5:14

Army ISV, Hosts NASB & KJV, a mass of persons, … especially organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship): … battle, company, service, soldiers …

Amos 9:5

3.

Here is some information about Israel’s enemies the Amorites and the Canaanites. Canaan was the fourth son of Ham, and the grandson of Noah. Canaan’s people became known as the Canaanites, who were the inhabitants of the land God promised to Abraham. From Genesis 10:15-21 we learn that Canaan had two sons Sidon and Heth, and from his sons came the people groups known as the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, and the Sinites, the Arvadites, Zemarites, and the Hamathites. (In Genesis 9:18 through Genesis 10 we read about Noah and his sons.) The land of Canaan went from the Mediterranean Sea on the west to the Jordan River on the east, south to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, and north to the ancient coastal nation of Phoenicia. This land in ancient times was dry, hot, and rocky, with some fertile farmland in the river valleys and along the sea. The land of Canaan was along the ancient trade routes that went from Egypt in the south to Phoenicia in the north, curving north eastward and then southeast toward Babylonia. This area was known as the Fertile Crescent. Baal was the chief male deity of the Phoenicians and Canaanites, according to Numbers 22:41. Asherah was believed to be the wife of Baal in the Canaanite religion, according to 1 Kings 18:19. Additional information about the Canaanite god Baal is based on literature uncovered at Ras Shamra, the ancient city of Ugarit on the coast. Baal means lord or master and was identified with fertility for both crops and livestock, so the Canaanites would pray for good harvests and animal reproduction, hence they were later known as pagani to the Romans. (Pagani means farmer in Latin, and everyone knew that these farmers prayed to their god of the harvest for bountiful crops.) Scripture also tells us that Baal was worshipped with sensuality, (in Numbers 22:41; Judges 2:13; 1 Kings 16:31, 32.) Peor is mentioned in Numbers 25:18 and Joshua 22:17. Deuteronomy 4:3 mentions Baal-Peor as an area in Moab which contributed to Israel’s worship of Baal. The Canaanite god Baal was also known as Zebel Baal (Prince Baal) or Aliyan Baal (Baal, the strong). Archeologists have found rock carvings that show Baal holding a club in his right hand and a flash of lightning in his left, as he was known as the god of the rain and the rider of the clouds, declaring his “power” over the heavens. Psalm 68:4 declares that we are to extol the God of Israel who rides on the clouds. Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 4 Baal was also known as a mating bull that symbolized fertility. Remember when the nation of Israel made a golden cow statue when Moses and Joshua were on Mt. Sinai receiving the 10 commandments? Jeroboam I who served as king of Israel made two calves of gold, one in Bethel and one at Dan according to 1 Kings 12:26-30. In Canaanite texts, Baal is sometimes called the son of El and sometimes the son of Dagon. Dagon was the main god of the ancient Philistines, a god of grain and fertility. The most famous temples for Dagon were at Gaza and Ashdod. Documents discovered at Ebla in Syria proved that Dagon was more prominent and ancient than Baal. Archaeological evidence has shown that Dagon was worshiped before Abraham entered Canaan, and was even worshipped up to the time of Christ.4 4. Look at the specific reference to the Amorites in Deuteronomy 1:42-45. Read this in its context and summarize what this tells you about Israel’s enemies.

5. Herodotus (who lived from around 484-425 B.C.) was a Greek historian called the “father of history” who wrote that the rite of circumcision was not exclusive to the nation of Israel, but was also a part of several cultures including ancient Egypt, according to his book The Histories, Book 2, 37.5 Herodotus traveled in Greece, the Middle East, and North Africa recording the customs, religion, and history of the people he visited. Circumcision was not a part of Abram’s heritage (as he was from Ur although he had gone to Egypt before his son Isaac was born). In an earlier lesson you looked at the covenant that God “cut” with Abram when he changed his name to Abraham in Genesis 17. Please read what God said to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-27 and how Abraham responded. God’s instructions and promises to Abraham: Abraham’s response:

6. Now please read these verses that help us understand God’s covenant with His people and then what this means to those who follow Christ. Allow these Scriptures to minister to

4 5

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986, pp. 433-435. Stephen L. Harris and Robert L. Platzner, The Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, Boston, McGraw-Hill, 2003, pp. 49, 50. 51

Lesson 4 your spirit. For me as a non-Jewish believer, these verses are so incredible. May these Scriptures be an encouragement to you! a. Jeremiah 31:31-34

b. Hebrews 8:7-13 (You might continue by looking at how Hebrews 9:1-12 relates the worship of the Hebrews to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.)

c. Hebrews 13:20, 21

7. When Jesus was on earth the Gospels record how He honored the feast or festival of Passover. What do you learn about Passover from what Luke recorded from Jesus’ Passover meal with His disciples in Luke 22:7, 19-20?

In Paul’s teaching to the church in Corinth he made a specific reference to Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7. The Feast of Passover was a part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because of the instructions God gave to Israel for the first Passover. Centuries later, Paul shares the interpretation that leaven is likened to arrogance or an attitude of boasting. Read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 and note what Paul said about the relevance of the Passover.

8. What were the three events that took place after Israel entered the Promised Land that helped remind them of their God? a. b. c. Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 4 Read what Jesus said in John 6:26-40 after He miraculously fed the “multitudes” from a very small amount of food. What did Jesus say about God’s provision for Israel while they were traveling to the Promised Land and what did He contrast with the manna?

Turn to the Joshua Review sheet in the Appendix and ask the Lord to help you summarize what Joshua 3, 4, and 5 taught you. Read over each chapter as you seek God’s wisdom and insight concerning each chapter. As you go through this time of review, think about what spiritual significance each chapter holds for you personally. In thinking about the many different ways people can get to know the holy Scriptures, I thought about those who suggest that someone read a Proverb every day, the number of the Proverb based on what day of the month it is. Today is the 14th of the month, so I just read Proverbs 14! If you have time to close by reading a portion of biblical poetry, a Psalm or a Proverb, allow the words of Scripture to minister to your spirit as you close your time in the word, thanking the Lord for His message to you.

Day 5 – Shoes to Be Ready to Proclaim the Gospel of Peace, Ephesians 6:15 1. In Ephesians 6:15 Paul wrote that believers are to stand firm “having put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” Are you ready to put shoes on your feet so that you might proclaim the gospel of peace? Paul wrote to Timothy that he should be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and the things that Paul taught to Timothy he should entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. This is how the Christian faith has been passed down from generation to generation. Today’s lesson will look at the gospel and the truths that are essential to proclaim the good news. Are you a willing participant in God’s plan? Open in prayer asking God to help you see what God has done for you and the plans He has for you as His ambassador. Begin with these observation questions. • In the Ancient Near East, no one would ever have been sent on a journey without good shoes, as good shoes were necessary for long marches over rough terrain. Read Isaiah 52:7 to see what the Lord said about those who share the good news. What is involved in this good news according to this verse?

•

The Roman Empire put thousands of miles of stone roads into place by the first century and guaranteed that these roads would be patrolled with soldiers who would provide safety to travelers. These roads allowed many to travel more efficiently than it had ever been possible in the Ancient Near East. Evangelists put together key verses from the book of Romans to help explain the gospel message and these verses became known as “The Romans’ Road.” Please read these verses out loud. Do you know these verses? Everyone who follows Christ should be able to share these verses with someone who does not know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. When you share your own testimony of how you became a believer you can incorporate these verses into your story. 53

Lesson 4 Not even one person is righteous, Romans 3:10. All have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23. God proves His love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, Romans 5:8. If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, Romans 10:9. •

2.

Now look back at Ephesians 6:10-13. How would obedience to verse 15 contribute to someone being able to live in obedience to the commands in verses 10-13?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this verse.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

2098 euangelion euangeliou Ephesians 6:15

Gospel, a good message. The prefix for this word means good and the root is the word for message.

Romans 1:16

1515 eirene eirenes Ephesians 6:15

Peace, probably from eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity; completeness

Romans 14:17

3. God gave the prophet Isaiah a description of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, 7. Write out the qualities of Christ explained in this passage and notice how it is possible that this prophecy will take place.

The Jewish leaders thought that they would see the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:7 when the Messiah was with them, because they did not understand that the Messiah would come more than one time. 4. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said “How blessed are those who make peace, for it is they who will be called God’s children!” in Matthew 5:9. Most biblical scholars interpret the word “those who make peace” (peacemaker) to mean those who share the gospel, showing others how they can be at peace with God. When a believer shares the gospel, they become God’s ambassador of peace. Write out what Paul wrote in Romans 5:1 about how it is possible for humanity to have peace.

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Lesson 4 5. Look at how Paul quoted Isaiah 52:7 in his letter to the church in Rome. Read Romans 10:15 and then read the verse in its context starting in verse 1. What does Paul say about the good news and those who share the good news? a. The good news:

b. Those who share the good news:

6. Did you notice the contrast Paul made in Ephesians 6:10-18 with words describing the battle and the armor needed, and then in verse 15 Paul wrote about peace? Remember who believers are battling. Read again the entire Ephesians 6 passage for a reminder. Once I was in a very difficult situation and a friend reminded me that the battle was not between me and the other individual, but rather the battle was a spiritual battle, as it was very clear that a scheme had been devised by the enemy against me. Knowing this REALLY helps get your eyes off the situation and the words that have been spoken, so that you can prayerfully rely on the Lord to fight your battle. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Paul wrote that the “god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe to keep them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.” How can this help you face your struggles?

Are you ready and willing to share the gospel that brought you peace with God? Imagine this! If someone were to ask you this afternoon, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” Would you be able to share the truth of the gospel? Think back to the verses in “The Romans’ Road” given in the observation questions on page 54. Do you know these verses? Write out these verses that will help you explain the gospel to someone.

There is more space on the next page. 55

Lesson 4

What are the enemy’s schemes that have kept you from putting shoes on your feet so that you are ready to proclaim the gospel of peace?

What would God have you do so that you might live in obedience to Ephesians 6:15?

I thought of the song “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” as I was working on this lesson. Pray before the Lord that you would have an opportunity in this next month to share the gospel of peace with someone. “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right, a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light. Refrain: For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noon day bright, and Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth, the kingdom of love and light. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations that shall lift their hearts to the Lord, a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword, and shatter the spear and sword. Refrain: We’ve a message to give to the nations that the Lord who reigneth above hath sent us His Son to save us, and show us that God is love, and show us that God is love. Refrain: By H. Ernest Nichol

Commander of the Lord’s Army Woodcut illustration by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld

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Lesson 5

Lesson 5 – Joshua 6 - 8 and the Shield of Faith Introduction As you begin this lesson, ask the Lord to help you understand who He is more fully. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior you know that the God revealed in Joshua 6 is the same God who has chosen you to be His child, no matter your racial heritage or background. Allow the Scripture in this lesson to be used in your own spirit for God’s holy purposes. Since God’s word is VERY important, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you memorize a specific verse (or passage) this week that you might walk with the belt of truth fastened firmly about you. I was thinking of a belt that has pockets or pouches around it and in each of these pockets are Scripture verses that speak God’s truth to me about areas where I have struggled in the past, as well as verses that give me hope for my future. Write out a verse that needs to be a part of your own personal belt of truth, so that you might be strong in the Lord and in His mighty strength.

Day 1 – Joshua 6 1. A song was written years ago entitled “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho” and it declares that “the walls came tumbling down.” Today’s lesson will look at the history of Israel and the city of Jericho. Open in prayer so that you might receive the message that God has for you in Joshua 6 and then begin with these observation questions • Go back to Joshua 5:13 and read from there to the end of Joshua 6. What are the key words that are in this passage? Remember that key words are sometimes words that are repeated and sometimes they are not repeated, but they reveal the main idea of the chapter or passage.

•

As Moses wrote the history of Israel that is in the book of Exodus, Joshua would have been familiar with Moses’ experience with the burning bush as recorded in Exodus 3. Read Exodus 3:4, 5 to see the similarity of the words spoken to Joshua in Joshua 5:15 before he was given his instructions concerning Jericho. What did God say about the two places where he spoke to His servants?

•

What did the LORD say to Joshua in Joshua 6:2?

•

Did you mark the word “ark” in Joshua 6 as a key word? Please do that now if you did not, and then look at how the word is used in the chapter. Remember that the ark was used in the worship ceremony for Israel according to God’s careful instructions in the past. What role did the ark have when Israel crossed the Jordan River? 57

Lesson 5 •

According to God’s plan that was revealed in Joshua 6 what was the role of the ark?

•

We are told that God created the earth in six days and on the seventh day He rested. The number seven became known as the number of completion and perfection for Israel as they looked back to God’s work and God’s rest. (Many cultures in our world (based on the Judeo/Christian faith) have based their calendar on the seven day week.) Did you mark the number seven as one of the key words in Joshua 6? How was the word seven used in this chapter?

•

What did God ask the people to do according to these verses? a. Joshua 6:7, 10

b. Joshua 6:16, 20

•

2.

How would you describe what the victory of Jericho “looked like” to the nation of Israel?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

7782 showphar showpªrowt Joshua 6:4 4397 mal'ak hamal'aakiym Joshua 6:17

Trumpets, in the original sense of incising; a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn Scouts ISV, messengers NASB & KJV, to dispatch as a deputy; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest, or teacher): ambass-ador, king Trouble, properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or afflict: stir

Leviticus 25:9

5916 `akar wa`ªkartem Joshua 6:18 58

Joshua 7:22

Joshua 7:25

Lesson 5 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

2764 cherem lªcheerem Joshua 6:18a

Set apart for destruction ISV, accursed NASB, physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstract, extermination: (ac-) curse (-d, -d thing), dedicated thing, things which should have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction, devoted (thing) Set apart to the LORD ISV, Holy NASB, a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity: consecrated, (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, (most) … saint, sanctuary Treasury, a depository: armory, cellar, garner, store (-house), treasure (-house)

Joshua 7:11

Cursed, to execrate: bitterly curse

Deuteronomy 27:15-26

6944 qodesh qodesh Joshua 6:19 214 'owtsar 'owtsar Joshua 6:19 779 'arar 'aaruwr Joshua 6:26

Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15

1 Chronicles 28:12

3. Who were the people who lived in Jericho? We know them as Canaanites, but what was their family origin? After the flood, we are told of Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Where did these three sons live? In an earlier lesson you looked at Genesis 10 where we are given a toledot, the Hebrew word for genealogy, common in many portions of the Old Testament. Some have called Genesis 10 the “table of nations.” The descendants of Shem occupied the Syro-Arabian Desert, and Mesopotamia. The descendants of Ham occupied northern Africa, Egypt, the area at the southern tip of the Arabian Desert, the Sinai Peninsula, and the area just east of the Mediterranean that later became Israel. The descendants of Japheth lived in the area that spread over a large area, including the area that became known as Iran, then northwest to Asia Minor, Greece, and Europe. The descendants of Shem became known as the Semites, and modern culture refers to these individuals as Semitic peoples. Most think that the term Semite refers to Israel alone, but actually it is the designation for anyone who descended from Shem, including Arabic peoples. Scan Genesis 10 to see what is said about Canaan in Genesis 10:15-19. Now please read Deuteronomy 9:1-7 to see how God described the people of Canaan and the people of Israel and what God asked Israel to do.

4. Read Joshua’s prophecy in Joshua 6:26 and then 1 Kings 16:34 to see how this prophecy was fulfilled. Who was involved and what took place?

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Lesson 5 5. In Numbers 13:21 we are told that the twelve spies chosen by Moses went from Kadesh-Barnea (in the south) to Lebo-hamath (in the north). When you look on a map you will see these two cities and have an idea of the number of miles these spies traveled. Numbers 13:17 tell us that the spies went through the hill country of Canaan on their journey. There were three roads that one could take to go from the north to the south in the land God promised to Israel. There was the coastal road, the inland road through the hill country (west of the Jordan River), and the Kings’ Highway (on the eastern side of the Jordan River). Imagine what would have been going through Joshua’s mind as he stood near Jericho 40 years after he first passed through this country. Think about what it would have been like to be a child who was living at the time of the events at the beginning of Joshua 6. You were camped only a few miles away from the well fortified city of Jericho. You saw the monument of stones in the camp that were placed by the leaders of each tribe and you heard what God asked for the next seven days. God had directed many events since the crossing of the Jordan River. You were no longer eating manna, but unusual food you have never had before from this new land. All of the men and boys had recently been circumcised, and you had just celebrated Passover as an important reminder of your nation’s exodus from Egypt. Then you heard the distinctive sound of the shopharim (rams’ horn trumpets). Years earlier God had asked Israel to make silver trumpets and with these they were to make announcements, as when it was time to move camp, or at the beginning of each month, as well as to sound the coming of war with an enemy, (according to Numbers 10:1-10). The first time you heard the shopharim was when the people consecrated themselves and heard the sound of thunder followed by the sound of the shopharim. (Exodus 19:14-16 says that) Israel trembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai as they waited to meet God. The priests blow the shopharim for the Feast of Trumpets and at the beginning of Yom Kippur (Israel’s most solemn day, the Day of Atonement). Why were the shopharim being blown now? The Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement are months away... Oh, my, there is the sound of the shopharim again… You certainly wonder what the LORD your God is going to do. (Meditate on the circumstances of this unique week and what it would have been like to be among the nation of Israel.) It is hard to read about God’s cherem (see word study for accursed in Question 2). Read these verses in Deuteronomy to see how God prepared His people for this. Why did God say Jericho was under the ban? a. Deuteronomy 20:1-4 b. Deuteronomy 20:16-18

How does it impact you to spend time with someone who worships a different god?

Now read again Hebrews 11:30, 31 and then think about what God wants you to do this week “by faith.” What action would God want you to take in obedience to Him? Close by asking God to help you with this. 60

Lesson 5

Day 2 – Joshua 7 and the Review of Joshua 6 and 7 1. Many cultures in the ANE believed that humanity was created to work on behalf of their gods and this work often included going to battle against other gods. Think about the impact this perspective would have had upon Rahab and her family as they witnessed the means that God used to destroy Jericho. Review Joshua 2:9-11 for a reminder of what Rahab knew about God when she first met the Israelite spies. In today’s lesson you will read an account of Israel’s history that is very descriptive. As you read Joshua 7, allow this narrative account to be used by the Holy Spirit to touch your heart. Open in prayer seeking God’s help and then complete the observation questions. • Go back to Joshua 6:17-19 and then read Joshua 7. What are the key words in this chapter? Remember that key words are sometimes words that are repeated and they reveal the main idea/s of the chapter or passage.

•

What is the first word in Joshua 7 that warns the reader of a problem?

•

How is this problem explained in Joshua 7:1?

•

What did Joshua ask of the spies he sent to Ai and what did the spies say when they returned?

•

How is the battle with Ai explained in Joshua 7:4, 5 and what was the result of this battle?

•

What do you learn about Joshua and God in Joshua 7:6-15?

Joshua revealed in Joshua 7:6-9

•

God revealed in Joshua 7:10-15

Once Achan was “chosen” from among all of Israel, what did Joshua ask of him and how did Achan respond?

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Lesson 5 •

2.

What happened because of Achan’s sin?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

4604 ma`al ma`al Joshua 7:1

Broke their promise ISV, unfaithfully NASB, treachery, i.e. sin: falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, trespass KJV Anger, properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire: anger (-gry), before, countenance, face, forebearing, forehead, [long-] suffering, nose, nostril, snout, worthy, wrath Leaders ISV, Elders NASB, old: aged, ancient (man), elder (-est), old (man, men and women), senator Lord, the Lord (used as a proper name of God only): (my) Lord

Joshua 22:16

Sinned, properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally); by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, re-pent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn: bear the blame, cleanse, commit [sin], by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend (-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) … trespass Have broken ISV, transgressed NASB, to cross over; used very widely of any transition, … spec-ifically, to cover (in copulation): alienate, alter, at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), con-vey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over), … perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, … (make to) transgress (-or), translate, turn away, [way-] faring man, be wrath

Joshua 7:20

639 'aph 'ap Joshua 7:1

2205 zaqen wªziqneey Joshua 7:6 136 'Adonay 'Adonaay Joshua 7:7 2398 chata' chaataa' Joshua 7:11

5674`abar `aabªruw Joshua 7:11

62

Deuteronomy 6:15

Joshua 8:10, 33 Used twice in Joshua. Joshua 7:8

Joshua 7:15

Lesson 5 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

3584 kachash kichashuw Joshua 7:11

Been deceitful ISV, deceived NASB, to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe): deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves Glory, properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness: -glorious (-ly), glory, honour (-able) Praise, properly, an extension of the hand, i.e. (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers: confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks (-giving, offering) Desired ISV, coveted NASB, to delight in: beauty, greatly beloved, a delectable thing, (great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing)

Isaiah 59:13 (lying, KJV)

3519 kabowd kaabowd Joshua 7:19 8426 towdah towdaah Joshua 7:19 2530 chamad waa'echmªdeem Joshua 7:21

Deuteronomy 5:24

Psalm 50:23

Exodus 20:17

3. In the book of Leviticus the Lord directed His people to wash their clothes to be ready for certain events. What did the Lord say in Deuteronomy 29:5 about the provision He had made for His people?

Stop and think about what “things” you have coveted in your life. Have you ever coveted clothing and money? Not that we would “excuse” Achan for what he did, but imagine wearing the same article of clothing for 40 years… Imagine too, being a slave, and having little in the way of “material goods” before your trip to the Promised Land. Now read all of Deuteronomy 29 to see what God told His people when they were in Moab on the east side of the Promised Land. What does this chapter say about God?

One of the verses in the Bible that helps me accept and have peace with the many things I cannot understand is Deuteronomy 29:29. Write out the message of that verse here and claim this truth as your own.

4. The book of Deuteronomy is very important and certainly an influence on the events that are recorded in the books of Joshua through 2 Kings, as these are referred to 63

Lesson 5 Deuteronomistic History. The central verses that impacted the books that follow are Deuteronomy 28:1, 15, and 25. Summarize these verses and think about what these would have meant to Israel.

5.

How did Achan’s sin affect those in his family?

How did Achan’s sin impact the nation of Israel?

How does Achan’s sin affect you?

How do you handle temptation when you covet something? Look back to the Ten Commandments for a reminder about what Israel knew about coveting. What is the command that is recorded in Exodus 20:17? How do you know when you are coveting something and it would be disobedience before the Lord to acquire whatever it is you want? I love St. Augustine’s answer to someone’s question about how we can know the will of God. Augustine said when you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength you can do whatever you want… Do you agree with what Augustine said?

Turn to the Joshua Review sheet in the Appendix and ask the Lord to help you summarize what you have learned from Joshua 6 and 7 and then re-read both chapters. Meditate on the spiritual significance each chapter holds for you.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 8 and the Review of Joshua 8 1. In the next two days you will study Joshua 8. Open by praying before the Lord, seeking His insight into His truth. Ask the Lord to give you a renewed desire to be with Him in His holy word. Now look at these observations questions. • What did God say to Joshua in Joshua 8:1, 2?

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Lesson 5

2.

•

What was the strategy that God ordered for Ai and how was this successful according to Joshua 8:12-17?

•

Moses used a “staff” as his symbol of leadership after he met God at the burning bush in the desert. What was Joshua’s symbol in Joshua 8 and how was this used in the battle against Ai according to verses 18, 19, and 26?

•

According to Joshua 8:19-22, how did Israel defeat the men of Ai?

•

What did Israel take from Ai as recorded in verses 23, 27?

•

What happened to the king of Ai and his city according to Joshua 8:28, 29?

•

Mt. Ebal is 3,083 feet in elevation and Mt. Gerizim is 2,890 feet in elevation and this region of Israel became known as the hill country of Israel. What did Joshua do in this new location? Who witnessed Joshua’s actions? Why was this significant?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

7998 shalal shªlaalaah Joshua 8:2

Spoil, booty, prey

The same word in Joshua 8:27; 11:14; 22:8. 65

Lesson 5 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

5414 nathan uwntaanaah Joshua 8:7

Give ISV, deliver NASB, to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.): add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, avenge, be ([healed]), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, doubtless, without fail, fasten, frame, get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), have, indeed, lay (unto charge, up), … Orders ISV, commanded NASB, by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause: act, advice, affair, answer, any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, chronicles, commune (-ication), . counsel, … oracle, … request, (as hast) said, saying, sentence, … speech, spoken, …, thought Permanent ruin ISV, desolation NASB, devastation; figuratively, astonishment: (laid, most) desolate, waste Burnt offerings, a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke): ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to Peace offerings, properly, requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

Joshua 7:7

1697 dabar kidbar Joshua 8:8

8077 shemamah shªmaamaah Joshua 8:28 5930 olah `olowt Joshua 8:31 8002 shelem shªlaamiym Joshua 8:31 1293 berakah habªraakaah Joshua 8:34 6951 qahal qªhal Joshua 8:35

Joshua 11:16

1 Samuel 15:13

Isaiah 17:9 Exodus 24:5

Exodus 20:24 (See Question 5.)

Blessing, benediction; by implication prosperity: liberal, pool, present

Deuteronomy 11:26

Assembly, assemblage (usually concretely): company, congregation KJV, multitude

Deuteronomy 18:16

3. Look back at Deuteronomy 21:22, 23 to see God’s instructions to Israel and Joshua’s response to God. What was Israel to do and why?

4. Read what God told Moses and the elders of Israel in Deuteronomy 27 through Deuteronomy 28:14. What were the “curses” God pronounced and what were the blessings that followed? Answer on the next page. 66

Lesson 5 a. The promised “curses” in Deuteronomy 27:15-26

b. The promised blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-14

5. Look at Exodus 20:23-26 to see God’s first command concerning sacrifices. What do you learn about these two sacrifices in Exodus 20?

The book of Leviticus was named by the Jewish leaders as the book of the Levites, as Leviticus tells the many areas of responsibility for the tribe of Levi among the nation of Israel. In the book of Leviticus you find the following instructions:6 a. How to treat and relate to God through: sacrifices, holy days, vows, temple ritual, purity issues and ritual, Sabbatical years; also descriptions of idolatry, blasphemy and curses. b. The importance of social structure and ethics for: family, slaves, land ownership and use, personal property, respect of persons, and justice. c. Relating to personal issues of sexual and bodily purity, divination, and food laws. Read and summarize what was said about the burnt offering Leviticus 1.

Read and summarize what was said about the peace offering Leviticus 3.

6

John H. Walton, Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, p. 21. 67

Lesson 5 Now briefly summarize what Leviticus 1, 3 tell you about God and His relationship with Israel.

6. An archaeological contribution: In the late 1980’s, archaeologist A. Zertal identified a large altar that was surrounded by a wall with two courtyards on Mount Ebal. Zertal contends that the altar could have been the altar mentioned in Joshua 8. The evidence points to a 13th century date for what was discovered. 7. The events that took place in Joshua 8:30-35 were very important for Israel. Can you picture these events in your mind? Based on what you know of Israel, stop and think about one of these options. What an Israelite woman would have said in explanation to Rahab or what an Israelite man would have said to Rahab’s father about each of the following events that took place. a. The building of an altar in Mount Ebal

b. The sacrifice of burnt offerings

c. The sacrifice of peace offerings

d. The recording of the law of Moses

e. The reading of all the words of the law

For those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the book of Hebrews helps us understand the new covenant God made with His people through His Son. Read what Hebrews 9:18-28 and Hebrews 13:15, 16 say about the new covenant. Now please look back at Joshua 8 to review the events and the spiritual significance this chapter holds for you, recording these on the Joshua Review Chart. One of the Psalms that holds great encouragement for many is Psalm 103. The importance of remembering is part of this Psalm. Close by reading Psalm 103, personalizing its words as your prayer of praise before the Lord.

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Lesson 5

Day 5 – Ephesians 6:16 – The Shield of Faith 1. In Ephesians 6:16 Paul wrote, “In addition to all of these, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ask God to help you remember the “armor” that Paul had already given in verses 14 and 15, which would be his reference to “all of these.” Write these here: 1. 2. 3. While Paul was kept imprisoned in chains he saw many Roman soldiers and the armor that the Roman Empire supplied for their soldiers. The Roman shield was a large, oblong or oval piece of leather-covered wood, often backed by metal that was designed to protect the soldier from arrows. The arrows were often tipped with a substance that could be set aflame. In battle, soldiers often fought while standing side-by-side forming a “wall” of protection because the shields were made to interlock with each other. Can you picture this in your mind? Open by praying that God would help you with this lesson and then begin with these observation questions. • What are you to do according to verse 16?

•

Why is this important according to Paul?

•

What does the command of Ephesians 6:16 say to you personally?

•

What does the battle strategy of standing alongside of others say to you about the battles that you face?

•

An important dimension of using the shield of faith is to be certain about where you place your faith. What is the basis of your faith?

•

Read these two portions of Scripture and then write out what they each say about God and Christ Jesus. a. Deuteronomy 32:4 b. Revelation 19:11, 13

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Lesson 5

2.

•

Please write out what Paul taught about faith in Ephesians 2:8, 9.

•

Read what the Apostle John wrote about the lifestyle of those who follow Christ in Revelation 14:12. What does this say to you today about your faith?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

2375 thureos thureon Ephesians 6:16 4102 pistis pisteos (noun form) Ephesians 6:16

Shield, a large shield (as door shaped); taken from thyra, the word for door

Hapax legomen.

Faith, persuasion, credence, moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), in the New Testament reliance upon Christ for salvation, constancy in such profession, fidelity Believe, to have faith (in, on, with respect to a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication to entrust (espec. one’s spiritual well-being to Christ): -believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with Endurance ISV, perseverance NASB, cheerful (or hopeful), constancy: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)

1 John 5:4 (See Question 3.)

4100 pisteuo pisteuses (verb form) Romans 10:9 5281 hupomone hupomone Revelation 14:12

John 3:16

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (steadfastness)

3. Remember in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Paul wrote that we are to be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love… The Apostle John also joined these two together in 1 John 5. Read verses 1 through 5 to see what John taught to the church about who can overcome the world and how that is possible.

4. In the New Testament, Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter, or the “Hall of Faith” like the world’s “Hall of Fame.” In the first Webster’s Dictionary, Webster included Hebrews 11:1 as an illustration for the definition of the word faith! Amen! Read the first 6 verses of Hebrews 11 and write out the definition of faith that is given here. More space on the next page. 70

Lesson 5

5. Scripture provides us with examples of times when people did not live by faith. One is shared by Paul as a brief summary of the nation of Israel’s problems after leaving Egypt. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and think about the shield that many of the nation of Israel set in place after they left Egypt. What did Paul announce in verse 13 about God, and what difference does this make in your life?

On the other hand, is there a time in your life when you did not trust in God and allow the shield of faith to go before you into battle?

Does trusting God and relying on Him provide a struggle for you? What would be said about you and your journey of faith?

Maybe you need to stop and confess before God a time when you were unfaithful to Him, and allow Him to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If this is an area where you are vulnerable, maybe you need to trust someone in the body of Christ with your confession in obedience to James 5:16, because AMAZING things happen when you walk in obedience. 6. When Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, God told His people to not be afraid, because He promised to be with them, to fight for them against their enemies, and to save them, in Deuteronomy 20:1-4. Someone said that the opposite of faith is fear. Are you actively using the shield of faith, or are you perhaps hiding behind a shield of fear? We have some examples of people in the Bible who lived in fear rather than faith. Remember when Peter denied His Lord Jesus on the night before Jesus was crucified? Jesus demonstrated a sacred forgiveness and “re-commissioned” Peter to serve in the church in John 21. Read what Peter said in 1 Peter 5:6-10 and summarize what he taught about the enemy and what he said was your personal responsibility concerning this.

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 5 What are the enemy’s schemes that have kept you from using the shield of faith every day?

What would God have you do so that you might live in obedience to Ephesians 6:16?

Now as you close, read Psalm 3 allowing these words to minister to your spirit. What did David say about the difference that God would make in his life?

Write out Psalm 3:3 and ask God to help you memorize this verse.

I was thinking about the difference that Jesus makes in my life everyday. Sometimes life is so hard that you realize that your faith cannot be placed in anyone or anything, but your hope can only be based upon the Lord Jesus and His promises. I thought of a song that expresses this so beautifully, as the song announces that my hope is truly built on nothing else but Jesus’ blood and righteousness. If you know the song “The Solid Rock,” allow these words to help you declare your faith so that you might completely set aside your shield of fear and hold firmly to your own custom sized, super deluxe, dart impermeable shield of faith. “The Solid Rock” My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Refrain: On Christ the solid Rock I stand – All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in ev’ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain: His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain: When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found, dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain: By Edward Mote and William B. Bradbury

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Lesson 6

Lesson 6 – Joshua 9 - 12 and the Helmet of Salvation Introduction This week you will study about Israel’s conquests and victories in the Promised Land. What do you learn about God from the biblical text? What do you learn about the nature of humanity from the text? The Lord God can take these events from centuries ago and bring from them significance for your own life today. Did you memorize a verse from last week’s lesson? You might have worked on memorizing a verse, but did not completely commit the verse to memory. Here is some space to write out the verse you worked on last week. As you write out the verse, allow God’s Holy Spirit to use these words to encourage your heart today.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 9 and 10 1. When you completed the study of Joshua 8, you finished the first third of the book! As you begin a new lesson, ask the Lord God to help you to want to complete the study. Thank the Lord for how He has brought you to this place and for what you have learned about Him through His holy word. Ask the Lord to increase your determination to faithfully spend time with Him in His word and begin with these observation questions. • Read through Joshua 9 and 10 and mark the key words in the text in some way. Record the key words here.

•

What was the response to Israel according to Joshua 9:1, 2?

•

One way to observe a passage of Scripture is to look for information that would answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions in the text. Read Joshua 9:3-15 and answer these questions. Who was involved? Where did this take place? What is the timing of this event?

What happened?

There is more space on the next page. 73

Lesson 6

Why did this take place or what was the motivation?

74

•

Write out the really important verse in Joshua 9 that tells how Israel related to God at this time.

•

What decision was made concerning the Gibeonites according to Joshua 9:19-27?

•

When I read the names of the five kings and their cities in Joshua 10, I gave each of them a number (1-5) and marked them in that way, throughout the chapter so I could see every mention of these men and their cities when I looked at the paper. If you did not do this, you might mark these now, as they are certainly repeated in Joshua 10.

•

What did the covenant with Gibeon involve according to Joshua 10:6-8?

•

What did God do according to Joshua 10:10-15 and what did this reveal about His character and His nature?

•

What was revealed about the five kings in Joshua 9:1, 2 and Joshua 10:16, 17?

•

What happened to the five kings according to Joshua 10:26, 27?

Lesson 6 •

Look at the record in Joshua 10:28-39 and briefly summarize this information.

What city?

•

2.

What happened?

How did Joshua summarize the events of Joshua 10 in verses 40-42?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

6195 `ormah bª`aarªmaah Joshua 9:4

Shrewdly ISV, craftily NASB, trickery; or (in a good sense) discretion: guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily KJV, wisdom

Exodus 21:14

7965 shalowm shaalowm Joshua 9:15

Treaty ISV, safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace NASB: do, familiar, fare, favour, friend, great, (good) health, (perfect, such as be at) peace (-able, -ably), prosper (-ity, -ous), rest, safe (-ty), salute, welfare, (all is, be) well, wholly

Isaiah 9:6

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Lesson 6 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

1004 bayith lªbeeyt Joshua 9:23

House, (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.): court, daughter, door, dungeon, family, … [winter] house (-hold), inside (ward), palace, place, prison, steward, tablet, temple… Good, … beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, most, pleasant, pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well ([-favoured]) Right, straight (literally or figuratively): convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet (-est), pleased well, right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness)

Joshua 24:15

2896 towb katowb Joshua 9:25

3477 yashar wªkayaashaar Joshua 9:25

Psalm 34:14

Deuteronomy 32:4

3. Why was making a covenant with the Gibeonites (also known as the Hivites) wrong? Read these Scriptures to see God’s instructions to Israel about going into the Promised Land. What was involved in Israel making a covenant with people living in the Promised Land? a. Exodus 23:20-33 b. Exodus 34:12-16 c. Deuteronomy 7:1-6

4. Joshua 9:4 says that the Gibeonites acted craftily concerning Israel. Look at the word study in Question 2 to see how this word is defined. I remember Jesus’ words concerning Nathaniel in John 1:47 when He said that Nathaniel was without guile. Would you be described as someone who is without guile? What motivates people to act with guile?

5. There is an event that involved the Gibeonites at a later date. Read the narrative presented in 2 Samuel 21:1-14 as it will help you see how a moment in Israel’s history came 76

Lesson 6 about because of the covenant that Israel made with the Gibeonites. How did this covenant impact King Saul and his family? What do you learn about atonement (a wrath removing sacrifice) in this passage? What does this teach you about God?

There is another reference to Gibeon that was written following the exile of Judah (the southern kingdom) in Babylon. Biblical lists are important for many reasons. What does Nehemiah 7:25 say about the Gibeonites and what does this verse tell you in its context?

6. Joshua 10:13 mentions the Book of Jashar. Look back at the word study for “right” in Question 2 to see the definition of the word jashar. Some biblical scholars believe that this word was used for Israel as they were the followers of a Just and Upright God. The book was evidently a collection of military poetry, songs about Israel’s military heroes. (Read another mention of the Book of Jashar in 2 Samuel 1:18.) If someone were to ask you to write a chapter for the Book of Jashar based on what you have read in Joshua 1-10, who are the “heroes” you would list for this portion of the book?

7. Records have been found mentioning Egyptian conquests that name Canaanite towns and more than 350 clay tablets have been found where Canaanite kings ask Egypt for help. Many biblical scholars believe that these records were near the time of Israel’s Exodus! I have heard that there is a technical military “device” that can enable a missile or some weapon to “zero” in on a target with the help of lasers. I was trying to picture the hailstones that God sent (verse 11) and their effectiveness against Israel’s enemies. What an amazing series of miracles were recorded in Joshua 10. Several biblical scholars who have studied the Hebrew words in Joshua 10:12, 13 believe that God answered Joshua’s prayers with solar and lunar eclipses. Others say that God miraculously “slowed down” the earth’s rotation around the sun from the usual 24 hours to 48 hours, pointing to verse 13. Read what God promised to Israel right before their crossing of the Sea after they left Egypt in Exodus 14:13, 14. What exactly did God promise Israel?

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 6 The record of God’s intervention with His creation in Joshua 10 made me think of Psalm 8. Please read Psalm 8 to see what it says about God’s relationship with what God created. Close with a time of worship before the Lord God your Creator who desires a personal and intimate relationship with you. It is so amazing that the all powerful Creator of the world would long to have us spend time with Him.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 11 and 12 and the Review of Joshua 9 - 12 1. As you begin to study the next two chapters, allow the Lord to minister to your heart through His holy word. A number of places in Scripture we read about people hardening their hearts, or even that the Lord hardened someone’s heart. My prayer is that my heart will always stay soft toward the Lord and His will, even when circumstances are hard to understand and traumatic. Open in prayer asking the Lord to soften your heart toward Him as you study Joshua 11 and 12 and then begin with these observation questions. • Read through Joshua 11 and 12 and mark the key words in the text in some way. Record the key words here.

7

•

Briefly summarize what was said in Joshua 11:1-5 about the next enemy coalition that Israel was to face.

•

What did God promise to Joshua in 11:6 and how did God accomplish His promise?

•

What did Joshua do according to verse 9?

•

The economy of the Canaanite cities was primarily agricultural. Surpluses of grain, olive oil, wine, cattle, and timber (in some regions) would be traded for “luxury goods” with traders from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Cyprus. Ancient documents mention Hazor as the largest Canaanite city and two major archaeological excavations say Hazor was 200 acres in area and claim there was a “violent” end of the city in the late thirteenth century B.C.7 What does Joshua 11:10, 11 say about Hazor?

•

According to verses 13-15, what did Israel do and why?

Thomas V. Brisco, Holman Bible Atlas, Nashville, Holman Reference, 1998, p. 64. 78

Lesson 6 •

How does the text of verses 16-19 summarize Israel’s conquest?

•

What did the LORD accomplish according to verse 20?

•

What was the summary statement that was made in Joshua 11:23?

•

What are the two key words in Joshua 12:1?

•

How did Joshua mention Moses in Joshua 12:6?

•

Of the cities conquered by Joshua and his armies, twenty six have been identified, although four have not yet been excavated: Geder, Adullam, Tappuah, and Hepher. Five of the cities have not been identified with certainty: Hormah, Libnah, Lasharon, Madon, and Goiim. How many kings and their cities were conquered according to Joshua 12:24?

2. In Joshua 11:6, 9 we read a command about what Israel was to do about the enemy’s horses. Why was this? Scripture gives us two reasons. Horses represented power and strength to nations, and we also find evidence that some “pagan” cultures used horses in their rituals of worship. Look back at Deuteronomy 4:15-20 to see God’s warning for Israel and then look at 2 Kings 23:11 to see a statement that was made many centuries later. How does this tie into God’s commands for Israel?

The Old Testament has many interesting records of the use of chariots. The first place chariots were mentioned was in association with Egypt when Joseph was a leader under the Pharaoh. In writing his description of God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of the Israelites when the Egyptian army died in the Sea, Moses mentioned Egypt’s chariots eight times in Exodus 14:7-28. Moses mentioned Egypt’s chariots in his song of victory in Exodus 15:4 and in his explanation of the event in verse 19. Chariots were used by powerful nations as part of their offensive strategy. What is said about chariots in Joshua 11:4, 6, 9?

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Lesson 6 Now look at what God said about chariots in two passages that were written later. You might also read the verses in their context, as to what came before or what came after to help you understand what God was saying about chariots. a. Psalm 20:7 (Mark this for later.) b. Isaiah 31:1

3. Did you notice the statement referring to time in Joshua 11:18? The Jewish historian Josephus (in Ant. v. 1, 19) said this was a five year period based on Joshua 14:10. Other biblical scholars say the reference to time in Joshua 11 is as much as seven years based on Joshua 14:7, 10. The question is addressed through the answer as to how long was the nation of Israel camped at Kadesh-Barnea. A careful look at the events from Numbers 12 through Numbers 21 would point to a passing of thirty eight years at Kadesh-Barnea, followed by six months in the Transjordan (east of the Jordan River). Read the references to time in Joshua 14:7-10, and then look at the promises God made to Moses in Exodus 23:28-30 and Deuteronomy 7:22. What reference was made to the timing of the conquest of the Promised Land in these earlier promises?

4. A good Bible Atlas is very helpful for locating the cities, regions, and water ways in the Promised Land. When reading some of the book of Joshua it helps to see where the people were, and it also gives the student a better idea of what was involved within the Bible narrative. Here is some geographical information concerning a few of the important regions in the Promised Land. a. The Arabah region was located south and east of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea). b. Seir was another name for Edom, although it also refers to land south of the land given to the tribe of Judah. c. The Chinneroth region, in northern Israel, was called Galilee in the first century and at the time of Christ’s ministry it was His “headquarters.” d. Mt. Hermon was located northwest of the Sea of Chinneroth (Sea of Galilee). e. The Anakim (Joshua 11:21) are the same people the spies mentioned in Numbers 13:33. The information in Joshua 10 has become known as the “Conquest of the Southern Coalition” and the information in Joshua 11 is known as the “Conquest of the Northern Coalition.” 5. Before you move on, look at the Joshua Review sheet in the Appendix and think about what you studied in Joshua 9, 10, 11, and 12. How would you summarize the message of each chapter? Spend some time reflecting on these chapters and ask God to reveal the spiritual significance of each chapter for you personally. Record your responses to these chapters on the chart. End your time by reading Psalm 20 and let this be your own prayer before the Lord. 80

Lesson 6

Day 5 – The Helmet of Salvation, Ephesians 6:17 1. In Ephesians 6:17 the Apostle Paul said that believers are “to take the helmet of salvation.” Going into battle requires some sort of “head gear” and for centuries soldiers have been protected with a helmet for their head. No soldier who has been provided with a helmet would go into battle without placing the helmet on his head. Pray that the Lord would reveal Himself to you as you study the helmet as part of the armor that God has provided for you and then begin with these observation questions. • In Lesson 3 you looked at Isaiah 59:17 because of the reference to “the breastplate of righteousness.” Read this verse again to see the other reference to armor. What are the four descriptions given in this verse?

2.

•

What was written in Isaiah 59:1, 2, 8 about people and what do these verses imply about God? a. People: b. God:

•

Look again at 1 Thessalonians 5:8 to see the only other place in the New Testament where the word helmet was used. What did Paul say about the helmet here?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.

Strong’s # and Transliteration: 4030 perikephalaia

perikephalaian Ephesians 6:17 4992 soterion soteriou Ephesians 6:17 1344 dikaioo dikaioutai Romans 2:13

8

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

Helmet, encirclement of the head; kephale is the word for head

Used twice in the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Salvation, defender, defense, rescue or safety, deliver, health, save, saving

Luke 3:6

Justified, to render (to show or regard as), just or innocent, free, justify (ier), be righteous. To acquit a guilty person and declare him or her righteous, on the analogy of a verdict by a judge.8

Galatians 3:8, 11, 24

Douglas Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1996, p. 86. 81

Lesson 6 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

37 hagiazo ehiasmenois 1 Corinthians 1:2

Sanctified, to make holy, i.e. (certainty) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: hallow, be holy, sanctify. Separated unto God resulting in behavior befitting those being made holy by the sanctifying Holy Spirit. Glorified, render (or esteem) glorious, (make) glorify (-ious), full of (have glory, honour, magnify Hope, (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete), or confidence: faith

2 Timothy 2:21 (See Question 3.)

1392 doxazo edoxasen Romans 8:30 1680 elpis elpida Titus 2:13

Romans 1:21 (honor, NASB) Titus 3:7 (See Question 4.)

3. The helmets that were used by those in the Roman army were made of bronze and had leather straps for fastening on one’s head. With such a head covering, the soldiers would certainly be aware of the provision made by those in authority over him to protect them. Paul said that the spiritual armor of the helmet represented our salvation. There are three dimensions to our salvation, and as you read these, keep in mind how these blessings could be your helmet. (The word studies given in Question 2 will help you with this as well.) In our salvation, we have been justified: this comes from a legal term, as one who is declared innocent by the judge who is in authority. Did the person break the Law? Yes, the law was broken; however, the judge declared that the law-breaker was innocent. Write out the brief explanation of how Christians are justified based on Romans 5:1, 2 and where we can place our hope.

In our salvation, we are being sanctified: the Holy Spirit is the purifier (hagiasmos) who sanctifies those who follow Christ so that they are indwelt by the Spirit, set apart by the Lord, and in the process of becoming holy. Believers can manifest the Spirit by serving in the body of Christ using specific gifts to edify others, thus contributing to the sanctification process of other believers. What does 1 Peter 1:2 say about believers?

In our salvation, we are going to be glorified. Hebrews 2:10 says that it is Jesus Christ who will bring many sons to glory. Colossians 3:4 announced that when Christ is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. In the future all who follow Christ will be glorified. What does Philippians 3:20, 21 say about our future?

4. In 1 Thessalonians 5:4 Paul said that the helmet was the hope of salvation. The word hope is a key word in the epistle of Hebrews, as the author wanted the Jewish people to know 82

Lesson 6 that in the Messiah their hope could be certain. The Greek word used for hope was not used to mean, “I hope this happens...” Read these verses in Hebrews to understand how Paul could say that the helmet was the hope of our salvation. a. Hebrews 3:6

b. Hebrews 6:13-20

c. Hebrews 7:19

In the word study for the word hope you were given two references from the book of Titus. Look at these verses from Titus to see the three places where the word hope was used by Paul in his epistle to the leader of the churches on the island of Crete. d. Titus 1:2 e. Titus 2:13 f. Titus 3:7

5. Most would agree that one reason we have the helmet of salvation is to protect our minds from the fiery darts of the enemy. Sometimes these fiery darts focus on our place as a believer, causing someone to doubt the certainty of their faith. Read John 10:27-30 out loud and then meditate on these words. Now look back at John 10:7-18 and the contrast Jesus made between Himself and the “thief.” Truths about Jesus: Truths about the thief:

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Lesson 6 What do Jesus’ words in John 10 say to you about your salvation? How do these truths bring you assurance concerning your salvation?

What are the enemy’s schemes that have kept you from living with the knowledge that you have the helmet of salvation on your head?

What would God have you do so that you might live in obedience to Ephesians 6:17?

Close by reading Psalm 140 to see how David responded to opposition. What did David say God would do concerning his head in verse 7?

How is God’s provision associated with salvation according to verse 7?

What does Psalm 140 say about David’s enemies’ head covering in verses 9, 10?

Sing or read the words of the hymn “Who Is On the Lord’s Side?” as you come to the end of this lesson. “Who Is On the Lord’s Side?” Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, others lives to bring? Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go? By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, we are on the Lord’s side, Savior, we are Thine. Not for weight of glory, not for crown and palm, enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm; but for love that claimeth lives for whom He died; He whom Jesus nameth must be on His side. By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine, we are on the Lord’s side, Savior, we are Thine. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe, but the King’s own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging victory is secure; for His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure. Joyfully enlisting by Thy grace divine, we are on the Lord’s side, Savior we are Thine. By Francis R. Havergal and John Goss 84

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Lesson 7 – Joshua 13 - 17 and the Sword of the Spirit Introduction Within some passages of Scripture, we find “legal documents” that announced God’s official record for His people, Israel. Starting in Joshua 13, we enter a new section of the book of Joshua that some would say is “boring,” but within the next chapters we find an important record of the “possession” of the land as well as some important themes that we can study! At the end of the lesson you will examine Paul’s important command to take the sword of the Spirit, which is what Paul calls the word of God. Please allow the Lord to help you memorize a verse from this week’s lesson so that you might “take” the word of God with you, wherever you go, so that it might truly be your defensive weapon against the many schemes of the enemy.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 13 and 14 1. Begin by opening in prayer asking the Lord to make His word profitable for you (even in this section of the book) and then start with these observation questions. • As you read through Joshua 13 and Joshua 14, mark in some way the words in these two chapters that include the name of the god of the Canaanites, Baal. What does this tell you about the land that Israel conquered?

•

Joshua 12 recorded a (long) list of the cities and kings that Israel had defeated. Now in this next section of the book of Joshua more lists are given. What did the LORD say at the beginning of these lists (in Joshua 13:1-7)?

•

What did the LORD promise in Joshua 13:6?

•

What did the LORD command Joshua to do in Joshua 13:7?

•

What was said about the tribe of Levi in Joshua 13:14, 33 and Joshua 14:3, 4?

•

How had the land on the east side of the Jordan been obtained according to Joshua 13:8, 12?

•

What was said about Balaam in Joshua 13:22? 85

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2.

•

Please observe the text of Joshua 14:6-14 by answering the “5Ws and an H” questions. What do you learn about Caleb in this passage?

•

What was said about the Promised Land at the end of Joshua 14?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

5892 ’iyr

Cities, (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or past): court, town Occult practitioner ISV, diviner NASB, to distribute, i.e. determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication to divine: divine (-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer KJV, use divination Villages, a yard, as enclosed by a fence; also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls): court, tower Strength, to be firm, vigor, literally, (force, in a good or bad sense) or figuratively, (capacity, means, produce)

Used in the book of Joshua 90 times, for every mention of the words city or cities. Deuteronomy 18:10 (Used #7081, the verbal form of the noun used in Joshua 13:22.)

`aareey Joshua 13:10 7080 qacam

haqowceem Joshua 13:22 2691 chatser

wªchatsreeyhen Joshua 13:23 3581 kowach

kªkochiy Joshua 14:11

When the word village was used in the Old Testament, it meant a town of less than 250 people. Isaiah 40:29, 31

3. Joshua 13:22 made some simple comments about a man named Balaam whose story is recorded in the narrative found in Numbers 22 - 24. Balaam was not of the nation of Israel, but he is an interesting character who is mentioned many places in Scripture. Begin your study of Balaam (pronounced Bawh-lawm) in Numbers 22 with his summons by Balak, the king of Moab. a. Where was Balaam from according to Numbers 22:5? (The River mentioned is the River Euphrates.) b. What did the king of Moab ask Balaam to do in Numbers 22:6, 7? (Remember that Moab was east and southeast of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.) What does this tell you about one who “practiced divination” in the ANE?

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Lesson 7 c. Some people in the ANE believed that there was a “god” of Israel, but considered this “god” of Israel as one of many gods, rather than as the supreme God. What a unique encounter is shared in Numbers 22:9-12, which brought Balaam’s response in verse 13. What did Balaam learn about Israel through this experience?

d. What do you learn about Balaam in verses 18-21?

e. What do you learn about God in verses 22-35?

f. What do you learn about the worship of Baal in Numbers 22:40, 41?

g. After reading to the end of Numbers 24, answer these questions: 1.) How did God reveal Himself to Balaam?

2.) Name (at least) four truths about God that Balaam declared.

h. What do you learn about Balaam in these verses? 1.) Numbers 31:8 2.) Numbers 31:16 3.) Deuteronomy 23:4, 5 4.) Joshua 24:9, 10 87

Lesson 7 5.) Nehemiah 13:2 6.) Micah 6:5 7.) 2 Peter 2:15 8.) Jude 11 9.) Revelation 2:14 For those who are able to see the “big picture” you have perhaps already “summed” up the person Balaam. For others who are not “global” thinkers you would have a harder time coming to a summary statement about Balaam. Stop and ask the Lord to give you His perspective about Balaam. How would you describe this man to someone who has never studied these portions of Scripture? Another way to approach this summary would be to think about what you learn about God from Balaam’s life? Perhaps you might think about a time that God has used someone or something very unlikely to reveal Himself to you.

4. Now look back at Numbers 33:50-56 (where the LORD spoke to Moses about the Promised Land). How did God say Israel was to distribute the land?

The book of Joshua records Israel’s conquest and the distribution of the Promised Land. This important record is a legal document similar to those telling of land distribution in other ancient cultures. Ancient documents have been found that explain the process required for an “undivided inheritance” and this involved the casting of lots. The Egyptian Demotic Code carefully explains the role of the oldest son as administrator when the deceased father had not specifically divided his assets. The cultures of ancient Babylon, Sumeria, and Egypt showed concern for fairness in inheritance distributions, calling for witnesses, and the swearing of an oath in the king’s name.9 To examine the “right” that Israel had to the land of Canaan directs one to God’s covenant with Abraham and his heirs. As the “Father of Israel” God claimed ownership of the land that would be judiciously distributed to the twelve tribes that came through Abraham’s grandson Jacob. Israel trusted 9

Anne M. Kitz, “Undivided Inheritance and Lot Casting in the Book of Joshua,” Journal of Biblical Literature, 119, no. 4, 2000, pp. 601-618. 88

Lesson 7 their Righteous God to fulfill His promise after they removed the Canaanite “squatters.” God appointed Joshua as army commander and administrator, and Joshua used the casting of lots in the distribution process. To the Hebrew, the casting of lots seems to be associated with seeking God’s wisdom as the priests were directed to use the Urim and Thummim. (You might look at Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8, and Deuteronomy 33:8 for more on this.) Look at the mention of this when Joshua was commissioned in Numbers 27:15-23. In Lesson 2 we read Jacob’s words to his family in Genesis 48. When Jacob “adopted” Joseph’s two sons as his own, he was saying that his first born of his beloved wife Rachel was to receive the birthright, a double portion of inheritance, rather than his first son by his first wife Leah. After the Exodus, when the twelve tribes of Israel were named, Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s two sons) were listed and not Joseph, although to be of these two tribes was to be of the line of Joseph. Joseph received the birthright from his father Jacob, rather than Reuben, who was actually Jacob’s first born. When Reuben “slept with” one of his father’s concubines he was seeking to take over as the head of the family, rather than wait until his father’s death. Reuben’s sin against his father “cost” him his birthright. Genesis 34 tells us about Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi slaughtering the men of the Hivites in Canaan, because of their sister Dinah’s treatment by Shechem. In verse 30 Jacob told his sons that they had brought trouble on him by their actions, and so many see that this event took away the birthright inheritance from Jacob’s second and third sons, Simeon and Levi. Genesis 38 tells about Jacob and Leah’s fourth son Judah, and his sons and daughterin-law Tamar. Many biblical scholars believe that the events recorded in this chapter explain why Judah did not receive the valuable birthright. Record what 1 Chronicles 5:1, 2 says about the birthright “going” to Joseph.

5. What a blessing it is to study the life of Caleb. You looked at the time when Caleb and Joshua were the two spies who took a different stand than the other ten spies in Numbers 13 and then in Joshua 14 you learn more about Caleb. Years ago I was asked to put together a “theology of aging” looking for what Scripture says about the aging process and growing old, or the elderly. This was a great assignment, as it reveals the heart of God toward those who are older. We are to live by God’s truth and in that we will be blessed and not miss opportunities within the body of Christ to be encouraged and to encourage others as to God’s purpose for the elderly. Here are some verses that share God’s perspective. Please summarize God’s truths about the elderly. a. Leviticus 19:32 b. Job 12:12 c. Psalm 71:15-18 d. Psalm 92:12-14 Continued on the next page. 89

Lesson 7 e. Isaiah 40:30, 31 f. Titus 2:3-5 g. James 1:27 Please share God’s perspective on older people with someone you meet this next week. I guarantee God will use His holy word to impact those with whom you share.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 15 - 17 and the Review of Joshua 13 - 17 1. In the next two days you will study Joshua 15-17. For this section of the book of Joshua it would be good to have a map of Israel by your side as you read, because of the many references to the geographical regions, cities, and bodies of water mentioned. Remember this section of the book of Joshua was an important “legal document” for the nation of Israel, as it offered a clear description of the distribution of the land. Open in prayer so that you might receive a benefit from the Scripture you read in this section. Read Joshua 15 to answer these observation questions. • What portion of the Promised Land did the tribe of Judah receive? •

What does Joshua 15:16-19 say about Caleb’s daughter?

•

What do you learn about the Jebusites in verse 63?

Read Joshua 16 to answer these observation questions. • What was said about those Canaanites who lived in Gezer in Joshua 16:10?

Read Joshua 17 to answer these observation questions. • What do you learn about the distribution process in Joshua 17:3-6?

•

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What do you learn about the sons of Manasseh in Joshua 17:11-13?

Lesson 7 •

What do you learn about the sons of Joseph in Joshua 17:14-18? What did Joshua give to them?

2. Joshua 15:1-12 tells about the tribe of Judah’s inheritance which included an area of vineyards. This region would be the confirmation of Jacob’s words to Judah in Genesis 49:812. Look at Numbers 13:23, 24 to see how this area was described.

What was unique about the tribe of Judah according to these New Testament verses? a. Matthew 1:1-6 b. Luke 3:23, 33

3. In Joshua 15:13-19 Othniel was mentioned. Look at these verses in Judges and record what you learn about this man and his wife. The name Othniel means “lion of God.” a. Judges 1:1, 10-15, 20

b. Judges 3:9-11

4. In Joshua 17:3-6 the account of the daughters of Zelophehad is given. Look at Numbers 27:1-11 and then consider what this tells you about Israel’s attitude toward women.

5. It is puzzling to read in the chapters you just studied that not all of the Canaanites were removed from the Promised Land. Read what was written in Judges 2:20-23 and summarize these verses to help you understand why not all of the enemy was “utterly destroyed.”

Now please look back at Joshua 13-17 to review the events and the spiritual significance these chapters hold for you, recording these on the Joshua Review Chart. 91

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Day 5 – The Sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:17 1. Paul told the church that they were to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God as a part of their armor in Ephesians 6:17. For a soldier in the ancient world, the short handled, double-edged sword was their main offense against the enemy, and absolutely essential for all soldiers. As you approach the Scriptures in this lesson, ask the Lord for His message to become very real to you and then answer these observation questions. • Throughout the book of Isaiah, we are given descriptions of God and Christ, as the Messiah. Isaiah 49 is one of the chapters named “The Servant Song” as it provides a description of the Messiah. What does verse 2 tell us that relates to Ephesians 6:17?

•

Hosea 6:5 shares God’s words of judgment. How does this verse relate to Ephesians 6:17?

•

What did the Apostle John say about the word in John 1:1-5, 14?

•

What is said about the word of God in Hebrews 4:12?

•

Years ago a challenge was given to those who follow Christ to ask “What would Jesus do?” when confronted with a decision. A perfect example is given to us in two of the gospels when the record of Jesus’ encounter with Satan is shared in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. Look at Matthew 4 to answer these questions.

What did Satan say? Matthew 4:3

How did Christ respond? Matthew 4:4

Matthew 4:5, 6

Matthew 4:7

Matthew 4:8, 9

Matthew 4:10

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Lesson 7 2.

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

3162 machaira machairan Ephesians 6:17 4151 pneuma pneumatos Ephesians 6:17

Sword, a knife, figuratively war, judicial punishment

Hebrews 4:12

Spirit, a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc. or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: ghost, life, spirit; (-ual, -ually) mind Word, an utterance, a matter or topic of narration, command, or dispute, saying

John 14:26

Word, something said (including the thought), by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression Tempted, to test, i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

Hebrews 4:12

(It is) written, to grave, to write, to describe. This phrase refers to what is found written in Holy Scripture and it implies the “legal authority of the passage quoted.”10

Luke 3:4

4487 rhema rhema Ephesians 6:17 3056 logos logos John 1:1

3985 peirazo peirasthenai Matthew 4:1 1125 grapho gegraptai Matthew 4:4, 7, 10

Hebrews 1:3

James 1:13, 14

3. The epistle to the Hebrews provides wonderful teaching about our Messiah, Jesus. Start by reading Hebrews 1:1-3 and write out what is taught about Jesus, and then reflect on what this means to you today.

10

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study New Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991, pp. 889, 900. 93

Lesson 7 The “temptation of Christ” is not a phrase that is actually in the Bible, but Matthew 4:1-17 has been given that title by many Bible commentators. Now please read Hebrews 4:12-16 as these verses provide a “commentary” on both the Matthew 4 and Luke 4 accounts of Jesus’ interaction with the devil. On a very practical level, how does knowing the truths of Hebrews 4:12-16 make a difference in your own life?

4. Now look at these Scriptures and summarize what is taught about our enemy and then ask God to help you determine your responsibility concerning this teaching. a. Mark 4:15

b. James 4:6-8

5. Please reflect on your life and a temptation that came to you in this past year, or week or day. Please search the Scriptures for a verse that you could claim to deal with that particular temptation. Write the verse or verses here and ask God to help you remember these truths so that you might claim this truth when you are tempted. Some write Bible verses on 3 x 5 cards and carry them around with them when they walk, or while they wait for an appointment or a red light to change to green. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into finding the truths that relate to a temptation that has come to you in the past, that you might be prepared when it comes again, with an “it is written” declaration.

What are the enemy’s schemes that have kept you from using the sword of the Spirit?

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 7 Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Old Testament teaches about the importance of God’s word for those who follow Him. Psalm 119 provides a picture of David’s commitment to God’s word and His law. Close by reading Psalm 119:1-16 as your own meditation and prayer acknowledging what the Bible means to you. Do you know Psalm 119:11? This is such an important verse to memorize. Write out this verse and ask the Lord to make these words a part of your spirit, so that you live according to this proclamation.

The authors of the Christian song “Faith Is the Victory” included the phrase, “our sword the word of God.” Look at this song and its message. “Faith Is the Victory” Encamped along the hills of light, ye Christian soldiers, rise, and press the battle ere the night shall veil the flowing skies, Against the foe in vales below, let all our strength be hurled; faith is the victory we know, that overcomes the world. Refrain: Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world. His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God; we tread the road the saints above with shouts of triumph trod. By faith they like a whirl-wind’s breath swept on o’er ev’ry field; the faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield. Refrain: On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array; let tents of ease be left behind, and onward to the fray; salvation’s helmet on each head, with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble ‘neath our tread, and echo with our shout. Refrain: To him that overcomes the foe, white raiment shall be giv’n; before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav’n. Then onward from the hills of light, our hearts with love a-flame, we’ll vanquish all the hosts of night, in Jesus’ conquering name. Refrain: By John H. Yates and Ira S. Sankey

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Diving Up the Land Woodcut illustration by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld

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Lesson 8

Lesson 8 – Joshua 18 - 21 and the Holy Spirit Introduction This week’s lesson will study the next four chapters of Joshua and then the person and work of the Holy Spirit as Paul says that the sword (of our armor) is of the Spirit, meaning the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His followers that they would be given the Holy Spirit after He ascended to His Father in heaven. What a blessing it is for us to have the Holy Spirit indwell us, twenty-four hours a day, to help us, comfort us, and remind us of the word. Did you memorize a verse last week? Maybe you are still working on that. Write out the verse you memorized or are working on memorizing, and say it over several times before you start the lesson.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 18 and 19 1. Pray that the Lord would strengthen your faith as you spend time in His holy word this week. Read Joshua 18 and 19 and answer these observation questions. • What do you learn about Israel in Joshua 18:1?

•

What did Joshua ask of the seven remaining tribes in Joshua 18:3-6?

•

What did Joshua do according to Joshua 18:10?

•

Where was the inheritance of Simeon taken from and why according to Joshua 19:9?

•

What information was given about the tribe of Dan in Joshua 19:49?

•

How did Joshua receive his portion of land according to Joshua 19:49, 50?

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Lesson 8 •

Describe the last scene of the narrative of Joshua 19:51.

2. In Lesson 5 you studied Joshua 8. Go back and read Joshua 8:30-35 and then think about where this took place and where the offerings were made. In this lesson you studied an introduction to the “system” of the sacrifices. For a review look back at Question 5 on pages 67 and 68 for your statements about the sacrifices that were offered at the end of Joshua 8. Summarize the purposes for the sacrifices.

In Lesson 4 you studied the ark of the covenant. For another review, look back at Question 3 on pages 45 and 46 for a reminder of what you learned about the ark of the covenant. What was the purpose for the ark of the covenant?

Now we will examine the tent of meeting that is mentioned in Joshua 18:1. In Numbers 17:7 this “tent” was called the tent of testimony or in some translations the tent of witness. The basic Hebrew word is mishkan and comes from a verb that means “to dwell,” and the tent is often called the tabernacle. Exodus 33:11 says that “the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.” This tells us that Joshua was very familiar with the tent of meeting. Now please read God’s instructions to Israel about this “tent” in Exodus 25, 26, 27, 30:1-10. Does your Bible have a diagram of the tent of meeting? If not, do you have a Bible dictionary that you could look at to see a picture of the tabernacle? Draw your own simple sketch of the tabernacle and label the different parts according to God’s instructions to Israel.

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Lesson 8 Exodus 40:1-33 describes the setting in place of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. Read this and then the final verses of the book of Exodus. What was God’s response to Israel?

3. Some have wondered why the tent of meeting was set up in Shiloh. Read Deuteronomy 12:10-14 to see what God said about this. What meaning would be associated with this place?

The word shiloh was introduced in Genesis 49:10. Read this verse in its context. The word itself means tranquility or rest, but it is not the same word used for rest in Joshua 1:13. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word shiloh (#7886) became “an epithet for the Messiah.”11 The area of Shiloh “today” is being reconstructed on an open mountain plateau. As of the late 1990’s people could assemble on the same spot and see the perimeter of the tent of meeting. When my husband and I were there in 1998 for teaching on the tabernacle, the fields to the south were being farmed in grains and the only evidence of modern society was a small visitor center at the foot of the mountain. The city of Shiloh was a part of Ephraim’s land. Remember Ephraim was Joseph’s second son. The importance of the tabernacle changed in the first century after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Please read Hebrews 9 to see how the Hebrew people were taught in the first century about God’s provision for them through Jesus their Messiah. What does this chapter say about the Old Testament tabernacle and what was taught about Jesus? The tabernacle: Christ Jesus:

Jesus’ teaching is shared in the New Testament Gospels, and in John’s Gospel Jesus shared specific descriptions of His identity. Look at these Scriptures from John and more from Hebrews and think about how these relate to the different elements of the tabernacle. a. John 10:9 b. John 6:35 Continued on the next page.

11

James Strong, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Gordonsville, Dugan Publishers, Inc., p. 115. 99

Lesson 8 c. John 8:12 d. John 4:14 e. John 14:6

f. Hebrews 10:10-12, 19, 20

One of my favorite hymns is “Nothing But the Blood,” and I thought of these words when I was reading Hebrews 10. Close by reading or singing these words and thank the Lord Jesus for His gift to you of eternal life. “Nothing But the Blood” What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus. For my pardon this I see – nothing but the blood of Jesus; for my cleansing, this my plea, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: Nothing can for sin atone – nothing but the blood of Jesus; naught of good that I have done – nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: This is all my hope and peace – nothing but the blood of Jesus; this is all my righteousness – nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: By Robert Lowry.

Days 3 and 4 – Joshua 20 and 21 1. As I was studying Joshua 20 and 21, I thought about how God provided for His people Israel because of their sin. At the same time the Old Testament class I was taking studied sin when we discussed the book of Leviticus. Included in this lesson are most of the Hebrew words that are used for sin in the Hebrew Scriptures. My prayer is that you will have a clearer understanding of God’s heart toward sin, if you can take the time to look at the words for sin, their definitions, and the Scripture references to see how these words were used. Open in prayer and then complete these observation questions on Joshua 20, 21. • What was the reason for the cities of refuge according to Joshua 20:3?

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2.

•

Who was to live in the cities of refuge and for how long according to Joshua 20:1-6, 9?

•

How did the Levites receive their land according to Joshua 21:4, 5, 6, 8?

•

What phrase was repeated in Joshua 21:11, 13-19, 21-39? Why was this important for the Levites?

•

What does Joshua 21:43-45 say about the LORD?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

4733 miqlat hamiqlaat

Refuge, in the sense of taking in; an

Numbers 35:6, 11-15, 25-28, 32

Joshua 20:2 2205 zaqen ziqneey Joshua 20:4 1350 ga'al go'eel Joshua 20:5

5712 `edah haa`eedaah Joshua 20:6

12

asylum (as a receptacle) Elders, old: aged, ancient (man) … old (man, men and women), senator. Authorities in cities and villages.12 Avenger, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative’s property, marry his widow, etc.): in any wise, at all, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk (-man), purchase, ransom, redeem (-er), … “A guiltless executioner who repaid a murder”13 although “retribution, not vengeance” is the function of the avenger.14 Community ISV, congregation NASB, assembly, … a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd): company, multitude, people, swarm

Ruth 4:9, 11 Isaiah 43:1-3

Joshua 20:9

Marten H. Woudstra, The Book of Joshua, Grand Rapids, Wm. G. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981, p. 300. Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Old Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1994, p. 2307. 14 Woudstra, Ibid, p. 299. 101 13

Lesson 8 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

817 'asham 'aashaam Proverbs 14:9 898 baghad bªgadtem 1 Samuel 14:33

Guilt ISV, sin NASB, guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering: guiltiness, trespass (offering) Treacherously, to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress (-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful (-ly, man) Sinned, see word study on page 62.

Isaiah 53:10

Sin NASB, a crime or its penalty: fault, grievously, offence, (punishment of)

Numbers 27:3

Sin NASB, an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation, also (conc.) an offender: punishment (of sin), purifying (-fication for sin), sin (ner, offering) Transgressed NASB, properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. treacherously: transgress, (commit, do a) trespass (-ing) Treachery, transgression NASB, i.e. sin: falsehood, grievously, sore, trespass, very Have broken, see word study on page 62.

Isaiah 6:7

Sinning, iniquities, perverseness

This word only occurs in Daniel 4:27, but it was used in the writings of the Jewish Rabbis. Leviticus 19:15

2398 chata' chaataa' Joshua 7:11 2399 chet' chet'ow Leviticus 24:15 2403 chattaah chataa't Genesis 4:7

4603 ma`al maa`al 1 Chronicles 2:7 4604 ma`al bªma`al Joshua 22:22 5674 `abar `aabartiy Joshua 7:11, 15 5758 `ivya' wa`ªwaayaataak Daniel 4:27 5766 `evel `owlot Psalm 64:6 6586 pasha` ipshoa` Amos 4:4 6588 pesha` waapesha` Exodus 34:7 7686 shaghah yishguw Leviticus 4:13

102

Wicked schemes, (moral) evil: perverseness, unjust (-ly), unrighteousness (-ly); wicked (-ness) Sin, to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel: offend, rebel, revolt, transgress Transgression, a revolt (national, moral or religious): rebellion, sin, trespass Sin through ignorance NASB, to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; … to reel, (figuratively) be enraptured: (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, … (let, make to) wander

Jeremiah 9:2

Joshua 7:20

1 Chronicles 5:25

Numbers 5:12 Deuteronomy 26:13

Isaiah 43:27

Numbers 14:18 Job 6:24

Lesson 8 3. In Leviticus 24:17 the LORD told Moses “If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death.” NASB Now read what the LORD spoke to Joshua through Moses in Deuteronomy 19:1-13 and Deuteronomy 4:41-43. (These instructions were also given in Numbers 35:6-15.) How do these Scriptures add to your understanding of Joshua 20?

What is the significance of the death of the high priest? Some have suggested that upon the priest’s death there was a type of amnesty for those in the cities of refuge. Others suggest that the priest’s death brought a “certain atoning effect,” although to Israel it was only sacrifices that offered atonement. Remember atonement can be defined as “a wrath removing sacrifice” and in relationship to God the person attains a position of “at-one-ment” with God. Where can we receive atonement according to the Apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans 3:25?

4. Oswald Chambers said that the root of all sin is “the suspicion that God really isn’t good” (or right). My passion is to understand the character of God and His purposes for humanity in general and for myself in particular. In the Old Testament sin was considered as a disease and contamination. Stop and think about what that would mean. The first place the word sin was used in the Bible was in Genesis 4:7. This verse used the word chataa’t (Strong’s #2403). Look at this word in Question 2. What does Genesis 4:7 say about sin?

5.

Additional biblical teaching on sin: The Bible reveals the nature of sin that is made known in a variety of ways. One characteristic of sin includes the concept of missing the mark, because individuals chose to aim poorly, or even at the wrong mark, or perhaps deliberately follow the wrong path (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). Sin’s nature also includes unrighteousness as an impiety or irreverence toward God and His righteousness in the breaking of His law (Colossians 3:25). Sin also includes the concept of transgressions whereby one goes beyond God’s established limit (Numbers 14:41, 42). Sin also involves a lack of integrity (Leviticus 19:15) as well as rebellion and disobedience toward God (Isaiah 1:2). The nature of sin is also seen as humanity’s treachery toward God (Jeremiah 3:10) and in one’s perversion or warped perspective (Isaiah 21:3). Some sins are considered to be an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). Continued on the next page. 103

Lesson 8 Through Adam we were born into sin, death, judgment, and condemnation. By Adam sin entered the world and death entered the world by sin, and so death reigned upon all humanity (Romans 5:12, 17). Through Adam’s transgression came the condemnation of humanity (Romans 5:16, 18) and through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners (Romans 5:19). The result is that in Adam all of humanity are dead to God and alive to sin (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God by this position. By Adam came death and in Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:21, 22) physically, spiritually, and eternally. In Adam we are children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) separated from God by our nature. That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6) and self-centered, and set on the flesh (Romans 8:6), as all have sinned, fall under its power, and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:9, 10, 23). Original sin expresses the universal depravity and inherited sinfulness of humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve. From conception humanity has a corrupted nature and the inherited inclination to sin (as through one man’s sin all sin) and are guilty in God’s sight facing condemnation. God established the standard of righteousness and yet gave humanity freewill. An individual’s sin breaks their relationship with God and they become God’s enemy (Romans 5:10). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and eternal separation from God. Humanity is (spiritually) dead in its trespasses and sin, and this brings eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41-46). The wrath of God is evidenced by His response to sin, as those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8). Scripture tells us that God hates sin (Proverbs 6:16, 17) and looks at all sin with disfavor. Whether sins were committed out of ignorance or in willful disobedience, sin is sin, and God is the God of justice who condemns sinfulness. There seem to be degrees of sin as God shared with Ezekiel that he would see still “greater” abomination in Ezekiel 8:6. Jesus referred to the “least” of these commandments, (in Matthew 5:19) and (in John 19:11) to a “greater” sin. When someone sins there are consequences that will affect themselves as well as others. God ordained that humanity would face the consequences for their sin. Sin results in enslavement as it reigns within one’s spirit (Romans 5:17, 18). A sinner cannot bear fruit as sin has separated one from Christ (John 15:4) and they become enslaved to sin (Romans 6:16), finding true peace illusive. A pattern of sin leads to denial of the seriousness of sin and callousness, as the conscience is seared by sin (1 Timothy 4:2). Those who sin will suffer the loss of heavenly reward (according to 1 Corinthians 3:12, 15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). In truth, a pattern of sinful disobedience might mean that one is not actually a Christian (1 John 2:4; Matthew 7:23). Sinning against others leads to selfish ambition, disrespect, and competitive interactions with people. A common narrative metaphor for sin derives from one of the characteristics of sin, to miss the mark, as used in Judges 20:16. Consider an archer who stands before a target that is clearly designated with rings to aid in hitting the center of the target with one’s arrow. A variety of reasons can cause someone to miss the mark. In weakness one’s efforts can fall short. In haste or carelessness, one’s arrow can wildly fall round about the target. Without help the individual does not know how to hit the target. When one misses it is not because the target was moved; God is steadfast and faithful to His word and His way.

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Lesson 8 What do you learn about sin from the word studies in Question 2, the Scriptures given, and the additional biblical teaching? How would you explain the concept of sin to someone who believes that they are a “good” person and not a sinner?

6. Is there a sin in your life that you have hidden in some way? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you and spend some time with the Lord concerning this. What would the Lord want you to do?

The cities of refuge and the cities of the Levites were very different from the rest of the villages and cities of the Promised Land. The Levites knew that the LORD was their “inheritance” and their cities were for them to dwell in, but not possess. This idea is reflected by what the Psalmist David said in Psalm 16:5. Read this beautiful psalm and look for the word used in Joshua 20 that ties this into the two chapters you just studied. Praise the Lord God for the gift He gave to us of His holy Son Jesus as our Savior. You might close with the words of this hymn about Jesus’ sacrifice for you. “Jesus Paid It All” I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small! Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.” Chorus: Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain – He washed it white as snow. Lord, now indeed I find Thy power, and Thine alone, can change the leper’s spots, and melt the heart of stone. Chorus: For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim, - I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calvary’s Lamb. Chorus: And when, before Thy throne, I stand in Him complete, “Jesus died my soul to save” my lips shall still repeat. Chorus: By Elvina M. Hall and John T. Grape

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Lesson 8

Day 5 – The Holy Spirit – Ephesians 6:17, 18 1. In Ephesians 6:17 Paul wrote that believers are to take up “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” In Galatians 5:16-25, Paul wrote about the contrast between living in the flesh and living by the Spirit. The weapon we have been given is not the sword of the flesh, although I can think of times when I have seen the flesh being used as a sword to wound and deceive others. Since Paul used the phrase “of the Spirit” this lesson will look at the person and the work of the Holy Spirit, so that you might be more equipped to make use of the weapon that God has provided for His children. Did you memorize a verse in last week’s lesson? Look back at what you studied about the word of God and write out a verse that will make a difference in your life.

Zechariah 4:6 declares, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit’ says the LORD of hosts.” The expression “the LORD of hosts” incorporates the word Hebrew tsaba, meaning the Lord who leads a mass of persons organized for war or some sort of battle campaign. Israel understood that their God had a host of angels ready to battle on their behalf. Stop and think about that and what that attribute of God can mean to you in the “battles” you face. Open in prayer, praising God for the many blessings you have been given and for the provision He has made for you. Praise God for His faithfulness in all things. Now begin with these observation questions. • At the time of Christ’s ministry, the nation of Israel understood that God’s Spirit indwelt specific anointed people, for a specific period of time. Scripture records that prophets, priests, kings, and two women while pregnant (Elizabeth with John the Baptist and Mary with Jesus) were indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Read the two amazing statements that Paul made about the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:9 and then write out these truths in your own words.

•

Imagine what Jesus’ disciples thought when Jesus taught them that the Spirit would personally indwell each of them. How did Jesus describe the Holy Spirit in these verses in John? What can this mean to you and what is your responsibility? Ask the Lord to bring Scripture to you beyond those that are given in the second column.

The Work of the Holy Spirit: John 14:16, 17

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The Responsibility of the Believer: Philippians 4:8

Lesson 8 The Work of the Holy Spirit: John 14:26

The Responsibility of the Believer: 2 Timothy 2:15

Romans 8:14

John 16:8-11

Romans 12:1, 2

1 John 4:1

John 16:13, 14

Colossians 3:16

Romans 8:5

2.

Please examine these word studies for the key words used in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

40 hagios hagiou Matthew 1:18, 20

Holy, sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated): (most) holy (one, thing), saint Spirit, a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze, analytically or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit, ghost (Holy Ghost KJV), life, spirit (ual, ually), mind Holy, sacred, (ceremonially or morally); God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary: holy (One)

1 Peter 1:15, 16

4151 pneuma pneumatos Galatians 5:22

6918 qadowsh qªdowsh Isaiah 5:19, 24

1 Corinthians 2:12, 13

Leviticus 11:44, 45

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Lesson 8 Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

7307 ruwach wªruwach Genesis 1:2

Spirit, wind, by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, …; by extension a region of the sky; air, anger, blast, breath, … courage, mind, … quarter, … side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, … vain, ([whirl]) wind (-y)

Zechariah 4:6

3. Look at these Scriptures to see how the Holy Spirit accomplishes the work of sanctification on behalf of all believers. Look at what Scripture says is to be the response of those who follow Christ Jesus that they might continue to grow in their faith. Ask the Lord to give you other Scriptures that you might add to the column on the right. The Work of the Holy Spirit: Romans 5:5

The Responsibility of the Believer: 1 John 4:11

Ephesians 4:30

Romans 8:2, 3

Romans 8:6, 13

Romans 8:26, 27

Psalm 46:10

Psalm 37:7

Isaiah 26:3, 4

1 Peter 1:2

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1 Peter 1:2

Lesson 8 4. In Paul’s Epistle to the Romans he provided teaching to help believers understand how the Holy Spirit sets “the believer free from the power of indwelling sin.”15 Begin by writing out the truths of Romans 8:2 in your own words.

Now read Romans 8:1-17 and summarize what this passage says about the difference the Holy Spirit makes in your life since you are a follower of Christ. (This is one of my very favorite passages of Scripture, especially since our daughter and son-in-law adopted Meena, God’s precious gift from India. As you answer this question, allow your heart to worship the Lord for His love for you.) Your response to Romans 8:1-17 might be in the form of a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

5. In Ephesians 1:13c Paul said that you were sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of promise. Read what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:13-26 about the life of a believer. What are Christians to do so that they do not live by the flesh but by the Spirit?

One song that was written about the Holy Spirit is “The Comforter Has Come.” Read these words of one verse and the refrain as your closing declaration before the Lord. “The Comforter Has Come” Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings, to ev’ry captive soul a full deliv’rance brings; and thro’ the vacant cells the song of triumph rings; The Comforter has come! Refrain: The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come! The Holy Ghost from Heav’n, the Father’s promise giv’n; O spread the tidings ‘round, wherever man is found – The Comforter has come! By Frank Bottome and William J. Kirkpatrick

15

R. A. Torrey, The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, New Kensington, PA, Whitaker House, 1996, p. 175. 109

Lesson 9

Lesson 9 – Joshua 22 - 24 and Praying in the Spirit Introduction This week’s lesson will study Joshua 22, 23, and 24 and then Paul’s command to pray in the Spirit as the important “conclusion” to his description of the spiritual armor. As you come near the end of this study ask the Lord to strengthen you so that you might finish well. Ask the Lord to renew your mind every time you open His holy word. Ask the Lord to give you opportunities to share with someone this week what you have learned from the book of Joshua and from Paul’s teaching on the spiritual armor. One woman who has been in the Joshua study this year had the opportunity to share with a new acquaintance that a part of her life is spending time in the word of God. My friend Lindann was able to share some truths that she has been learning from the Old Testament with a woman who does not yet know God. My friend was so excited that she was able to share what is important to her, and we have united in prayer that her words would continue to plant seeds as we trust God for His harvest. Did you memorize a verse last week? You can write the verse here for another opportunity to review the words you have committed to memory.

Days 1 and 2 – Joshua 22 and the Review of Joshua 18 - 22 1. In the next two days you will look at Joshua 22 and then review Joshua 18 – 22. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the One who can make us holy. According to Isaiah 11:2, this Spirit of wisdom and understanding is also the Spirit of counsel and might. How truly amazing that we can come in prayer to the Lord and He will fill us with the knowledge of His will. Begin with these observation questions. • How did Joshua commend the two and a half tribes that were given land on the east side of the Jordan River in Joshua 22:1-3?

•

What did Joshua ask of these two and a half tribes in Joshua 22:4 and why was this to take place?

•

What did Joshua ask of these men in Joshua 22:5?

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Lesson 9

112

•

What did Joshua say about the spoil of the enemy in Joshua 22:8?

•

What did Joshua do before the men of the eastern land left according to Joshua 22:6, 7?

•

What did the Israelites on the west side of the Jordan River think about the altar that was built by the tribes from the eastern side of the Jordan, according to Joshua 22:1620?

•

What did the eastern land holders say about God in Joshua 22:22-25?

•

How would you summarize how the eastern land holders answered their accusers in Joshua 22:26-29?

•

How was the incident recorded in Joshua 22:10-29 resolved according to Joshua 22:30-34?

Lesson 9 2.

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

1288 barak wayªbaarªkeem Josh 22:6

Blessed, to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason): abundantly, altogether, at all, blaspheme, congratulate, curse, greatly, indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, still, thank God of, gods in an ordinary sense, in the plural; of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: angels, exceeding, God (gods)- dess, -ly), (very) great, judges Rebellion, “obstinacy, defection”16

Genesis 1:22

Grain offering, to apportion, i.e. bestow; a donation; euphemistically tribute; specifically sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary): gift, oblation, meat offering KJV, present, sacrifice Witness, concretely, abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder … A word associated with the making of a covenant.17

Genesis 4:3, 4, 5

wayªbaarªkuw Josh 22:33 430 'Elohiym 'Elohiym Joshua 22:22

4777 mered bªmered Joshua 22:22 4503 minchah uwminchaah Joshua 22:23

5707 `ed `eed Joshua 22:34

The most common word for God in the Old Testament.

The only place this word was used in the Old Testament.

Exodus 20:16

3. In Joshua 22:17 the iniquity of Peor was mentioned. Go back to Numbers 25 to read about this event in Israel’s history. What was the iniquity of Peor according to this chapter?

What was meant by a plague in Joshua 22:17? Look at Numbers 25:9-11 for this reference, and then explain why there was a plague.

16 17

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Old Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1994, p. 2335. Woudstra, p. 328. 113

Lesson 9 4. Joshua 22:20 refers to Achan’s sin. From studying the book of Joshua would you be able to tell someone about Achan’s sin and what you learned from that incident personally without going back to Joshua 7 to review this incident? What does this event tell you about God and what does this mean to you personally? a. Achan’s sin and how it impacted him: b. Your personal response to this:

5. Why would it be wrong for the tribes in the eastern land to have their own place for offerings? Read these two passages to see what Moses said before they entered the Promised Land that revealed God’s heart. a. Deuteronomy 13:12-18

b. Leviticus 17:8, 9

6. In the word study in Question 2 you were given the definition of the word for grain offerings in Joshua 22:23. Look at Genesis 4:3, 5 to see how this word was used in the first Old Testament references.

The sacrifices of Israel were to be a “physical expression of their inward devotion.”18 Leviticus 2 teaches us about Israel’s law concerning grain offerings. Read this and summarize grain offerings. You might answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions about the significance of grain offerings for the nation of Israel.

7. The Hebrew word translated as witness in Joshua 22:34 was also used in Genesis 31:48-52. Read this verse in its context to see the meaning associated with the word earlier.

18

Scott Langston, Holman Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991, p. 1219. 114

Lesson 9 8. Look back at Joshua 1:13-15 for a reminder of how the word rest was used at the beginning of the book. Now read Genesis 12:1-3 to see God’s words spoken to Abraham and then God’s promise in Exodus 23:22. What did God say about Israel’s enemies in these verses?

After you have studied Joshua 22, think about what you have learned about the leadership that was in place by this time in Israel. How did they approach what they thought of as a problem?

How would living in obedience to Joshua 22:5 help you when you are confronted by your enemy or enemies? What or who are your enemies? Who speaks or acts against you and your Lord?

What helps you to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might?

God wants you to have a relationship with Him. Can you say with all of your heart that the Lord is your God? What is your plan that helps you be faithful to the Lord?

Is your heart passionate toward the Lord or lukewarm? How can you kindle the flame that is within you?

Now please look back at Joshua 18-22 to review the events and the spiritual significance that these chapters hold for you and record these on the Joshua Review Chart.

Day 3 and 4 – Joshua 23 and 24 1. In the next two days you will examine the last two chapters in the book of Joshua! God is pleased that you have come this far in the lesson! Ask the Lord to help you finish, not just to be finished but so that you would see the truths that God would want you to see as you study chapters 23 and 24. Begin with these observation questions. 115

Lesson 9 •

What important summary statement about Israel was made in Joshua 23:1?

•

Who did Joshua speak to according to verse 2?

•

What did Joshua say about the LORD in Joshua 23:3, 5, 9, 11?

•

What responsibilities were the people reminded of according to Joshua 23:6, 8?

•

What were the warnings given in Joshua 23:7, 12? a. Joshua 23:7

b. Joshua 23:12

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•

What were the consequences promised to Israel in Joshua 23:13?

•

Joshua 23:14 presents an explanation of what the people of Israel knew about words that are spoken by the LORD. What does this verse say about God’s word?

Lesson 9 •

What are the final warnings of Joshua 23:15, 16?

•

Read Joshua 24:1 and explain Joshua’s role in Israel according to this verse.

•

What was God’s provision for Israel according to these verses? a. Joshua 24:5-7 b. Joshua 24:8

c. Joshua 24:10, 11

d. Joshua 24:12, 13

•

What was Israel asked to do in Joshua 24:14, 15?

•

What is the key word in Joshua 24:14, 15, and what did Joshua announce at the end of Joshua 24:15?

•

What did Israel say in response to Joshua’s commands of Joshua 24:14, 15, according to the next three verses? What did Israel say about God in these same verses? a. Israel’s response: b. Israel’s declaration about God:

•

What did the people of Israel promise Joshua in verses 21, 22, and 24 and how did Joshua respond in 22a and 23? a. Israel’s promises: b. Joshua’s response: 117

Lesson 9 •

2.

Based on your study of the book of Joshua, what do Joshua’s actions in verses 25-27 tell you about God’s attitude toward His people?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

8199 shaphat uwlshopªtaayw Joshua 23:2

Judges, pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extension, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively): avenge, that condemns, contend, defend, execute (judgment), judge (ment), needs, plead, reason, rule Officers, probably meaning to write; properly, a scribe, i.e. (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate: overseer, ruler Fear, to fear; morally, to revere; causatively, to frighten: affright, be (make) afraid, dread (-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence (end), see, terrible (act, -ness, thing) Served, to work (in any sense); by implication, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.: be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, … labour, … (-bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve (-ingself), (be, become) servant (s), … (set a) work, … worshipper Truth ISV, sincerity NASB, entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole Household, (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.): court, daughter, door, dungeon, family, forth of, great as would contain, hangings, home [born], [winter] house (hold), inside (-ward), palace, place, prison, steward, tablet, temple, web, within (-out)

Judges 3:10

7860 shoter uwlshotªraayw Joshua 23:2 3372 yare' yªr'uw Joshua 24:14 5647 `abad wª`ibduw Joshua 24:14

8549 tamiym bªtaamiym Joshua 24:14

1004 bayith uwbeeytiy Joshua 24:15

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Deuteronomy 20:5, 8, 9

Psalm 33:8

Judges 10:6, 10, 13, 16

Psalm 119:1

2 Samuel 11:2

Lesson 9 3. In Joshua 23:9-13 Joshua offered sound counsel to Israel. Israel was told to love the LORD and not become ensnared and trapped so that they would walk away from the will of the LORD their God. Has the enemy of your soul snared you or trapped you this past week? Do you understand how that happened so you can guard against that happening again? What portion of the spiritual armor do you need to claim as the solution to your past entrapment?

Read again Joshua 23:14, 15 and review what was said about God’s word. Write out what these two Scriptures say about God’s word. a. Isaiah 40:8 b. Psalm 119:89 In Lesson 7 you studied the sword of the Spirit which Paul said was the word of God. Israel knew the focus of Psalm 119 was the word of God. Read again (and better yet, commit to memory) Psalm 119:11 and meditate on how this verse relates to Joshua 23:14, 15.

I just thought about how I might share what God’s word means to me with someone who has no interest in Scripture. Ask the Lord who you might share with concerning what God’s word means to you. Jot down some phrases that would help you explain this to someone else. Pray for the opportunity to share in this way.

4. Joshua 23:16 mentions the anger of the LORD. Read Numbers 32:1-30 where Moses recorded a time where the LORD’s anger burned in Israel. What does this passage tell you about God’s character?

5. The Hebrew word translated as witness in Joshua 22:34 was also used in Joshua 24:26, 27. Why was this important to Israel?

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Lesson 9 6. The word used for deny in Joshua 24:27 is rarely used in the Old Testament, but it is found in Job 31:28. Read this verse in its context to see what Job said about what it means to deny God.

Now write out Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:33 about those who deny, and look back at verse 32 to see Jesus’ promise to His followers.

7. Have you memorized the “main portion” of Joshua 24:15? What did this statement mean to the Israelites who were living in the land that God had promised to them?

Do you have the verse (Joshua 24:15) “on” something in your home? We have this verse printed beneath a picture of a house and we also have a new door mat at our front door with Joshua 24:15 boldly proclaimed at the entrance of our home. Did you look at the word study for the word house in Question 2? The cross reference given is in 2 Samuel 11:2 as the word house was used and provides a picture of a “house” that did not serve the Lord. The text of 2 Samuel then tells us the consequences and heartache of that choice. What did Joshua mean by the word house? How can a house serve the LORD?

Could you sincerely make this declaration about yourself? What does this verse mean to you personally?

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches!” Matthew 6:24. Stop and pray, asking God to help you make your own commitment to serving the Lord. What is one way you can live this out this week? Continued on the next page. 120

Lesson 9 What is one way you can serve the Lord this next month?

Ask the Lord how you can live out this commitment this next year.

Close in prayer asking the LORD your God to minister to your spirit and help you stand firm in His proper, pleasing and perfect will, that your life might truly glorify Him in all that you do and say.

Day 5 – Praying in the Spirit – Ephesians 6:18-20 1. The next part of the lesson will be to look at the passage that follows the description of the spiritual armor, Ephesians 6:18-20; “18Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert with every kind of effort and request for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, so that, when I open my mouth, the right words will be given to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel, 20for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare it as boldly as I should.” Open your time in the word in a prayer of submission to the Lord, that you might truly see the message in this passage. Begin with these observation questions. • What does Paul ask of believers in Ephesians 6:18?

•

What is the time factor involved in Paul’s instruction?

•

Paul repeated a word in verse 18 four times, although it was translated as “all” and “every” by the ISV. What does the repetition of this word tell us?

•

What did Paul ask for himself in verse 19?

•

Considering that Paul was writing his letter while he was being held as a prisoner, what do verses 18-20 tell you about the Apostle Paul?

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Lesson 9 2. Please examine these word studies for the key words used in this lesson. I have included some words for prayer that are found in the New Testament although they are not in the Ephesians passage because Paul said that “every kind of prayer” should be offered. Strong’s # and Transliteration: 4336 proseuchomai

proseuchomenoi Ephesians 6:18a 4335 proseuche proseuches Ephesians 5:18b 1162 deesis deéseos Ephesians 6:18b 69 agrupneo agrupnountes Ephesians 6:18

Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

Pray, to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship. All that is included in prayer: thanks, asking, and requesting special things.19 Petitions , prayer (as worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

Hebrews 13:18

Request ISV, a petition, supplication KJV, prayer. A request for specific benefits from God or anyone.20 Be alert, to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake; watch; watching KJV

James 5:17 Used two times in Ephesians 6:18. Used four times in the New Testament. Mark 13:33 Hebrews 13:17 Hapax legomen.

4343 prokarteresis proskarteresei Ephesians 6:18 2171 euche euche James 5:15 2172 euchomai proseuchesthe James 5:16b

Effort ISV, persistency, perseverance KJV Prayer ISV, properly, a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation; vow KJV Pray, to wish, by implication, to pray to God

Used three times in the New Testament. Acts 21:23 (vow) 2 Corinthians 13:7, 9

5241 huperentugchano

Intercedes, to intercede on behalf of, make intercession for. The Greek prefix “huper” means on behalf of. Intercedes, to chance upon, by implication to confer with, to entreat, make intercession

Hapax legomen.

huperentugchanei Romans 8:26 1793 entugchano entugchanei Romans 8:27

3.

Romans 8:34

How did Paul pray for the people of Ephesus according to these two passages? a. Ephesians 1:17-19

b. Ephesians 3:14-19

4. In Ephesians 6:18 Paul gave the instruction that believers are “to pray in the Spirit.” Many places the New Testament contrast the words Spirit and flesh. To understand what it means to pray in the Spirit, it might help to think about the opposite of praying in the Spirit, 19

Zodhiates, Ibid., pp. 951, 952. Ibid., p. 900. 122 20

Lesson 9 praying in the flesh. Based on what you have studied about the Holy Spirit, how would you describe what it means to “pray in the flesh”?

The Epistle of Jude asked its recipients to pray “in the Holy Spirit” in Jude 20. Read this phrase in its context, starting in verse 17 and going through the end of the chapter. What is associated with praying in the Holy Spirit according to this passage?

Some say that praying in the Spirit means to “pray in the power and sphere of the Holy Spirit.”21 As believers live “in the Spirit” they receive more than just help, as the “Spirit provides the atmosphere of Christians’ lives.”22 From Romans 8:26, 27 we are provided more insight into praying in the Spirit. Read these verses and praise God for what is taught here. What are three significant truths about the Lord’s provision for you in these verses?

Write out Philippians 2:13 to see what Paul taught about the lifestyle of the believer.

5. Paul also said that we are to pray in the Spirit “at all times.” Read Paul’s command to the church in Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and write this command. Now read this command in its context, starting in verse 12 and going through verse 22. What did Paul say about the Spirit in verse 19, and what will bring that about? 6. Paul commanded the church to “pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request there is.” The word studies in Question 2 include most of the words for prayer that were used in the New Testament, and include other Scriptures where the church is commanded to pray. How does prayer impact your life?

21

John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary – New Testament, Victor Books, 1983, p. 644. 22 Francis Foulkes, The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, Leicester, Inter-Varsity, 1989, p. 184. 123

Lesson 9 When you read the phrase “every kind of prayer” did you think of ACTS, the simple acronym for prayer? The A stands for adoration, the C stands for confession, the T stands for thanksgiving, and the S represents supplication. Look at these verses that urge believers to pray in these specific ways. Does your prayer life incorporate each of these? A – Psalm 117:1, 2 C – James 5:16 T – Psalm 136:1, 2 S – Acts 1:14 7. In Ephesians 6:18, we are told that we are to “be alert with every kind of effort and request for all the saints.” It would seem that Paul wanted believers to understand prayer as an “essential spiritual weapon, but more than a weapon, it is foundational for the deployment of all the other weapons,”23 and not just for ourselves, but for others as well. We are to be alert, and not fall asleep in the battle! Look at what Jesus said His disciples were to do in Matthew 26:41. Why did Jesus say this was important?

What is said about prayer in these two passages? a. Romans 12:2 b. Colossians 4:2 Why would you become a prayer warrior? Theodore Epp says a prayer warrior is a paradox, “Toward Christ he shows conscious weakness and seeks strength and wisdom; toward Satan he shows strength in Christ and stands firm in the place of victory.”24 What would it take for you to become a “prayer warrior”?

You might end by praising God through the words of this beautiful hymn. “Come, Thou Almighty King” Come Thou Almighty King, help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise, Father all glorious, o’er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days! Come, Thou Incarnate Word, gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend: come and Thy people bless, and give Thy word success – Spirit of holiness, on us descend. Come Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour: Thou who almighty art, now rule in ev’ry heart – and ne’er from us depart, Spirit of pow’r. By Felice de Giardini

23

Clinton E. Arnold, Ephesians Power and Magic, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1989, p. 112. Theodore H. Epp, The Believer’s Spiritual Warfare, Lincoln, NE, Back to the Bible, 1973, p. 66. 124 24

Lesson 10

Lesson 10 – Judges 1, 2, Joshua Review, and Review of the Spiritual Armor Introduction You are about to begin the last lesson in the study of the book of Joshua! Praise God that you are about to finish. Before reviewing the last two chapters and then the entire book of Joshua, you will read the beginning of Judges to see how these chapters are related to our study of Joshua. I pray that the time you spend reviewing will help you remember the message of the book, the life and character of Joshua, the miracles of God that you read in the book, and some events that bring unity to the message of the book. I have also prayed that as you review the spiritual armor at the end of the lesson you will know the spiritual blessings that the Lord has provided for you as His beloved child so that you can be strong and be able to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Did you work on memorizing a Scripture verse last week? As a review, write the verse here and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to you as you have studied His word.

Day 1 – Judges 1 and 2 and the Review of Joshua 23 and 24 1. To finish the “era” of Joshua’s leadership in Israel today’s lesson will look at the beginning of the book of Judges. Ask the Lord to help you as you examine the connections between the books of Joshua and Judges. Read Judges 1, 2, and 3:9-11 to answer these observation questions. • What do you learn about Caleb and his daughter in Judges 1:12-15? Now read Judges 3:9-11 and summarize what this passage says.

•

Now read Judges 2:1-10 to see God’s message to Israel. What does God’s messenger say to Israel in Judges 2:1-3?

•

What was Israel’s response according to Judges 2:4?

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Lesson 10 •

What do you learn about Joshua and Israel in Judges 2:6-10? a. Joshua: b. Israel:

•

What did the LORD say about Israel and the nations who were still in the Promised Land according to Judges 2:20-23?

2. Read Judges 1 and think about the perspective of the information given in these events. How would you summarize this chapter?

3. Now read Judges 2:10-19 and think about what this would mean, as the era following the book of Joshua. What does this say about Israel? What does this say about the nature of humanity?

4. Read again what God said in Judges 2:20-24. What is the personal application God would want you to make from this passage? If you are not able to answer that question, stop and pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into applying the truth to your own life.

Now please look back at Joshua 23-24 to review the events and the spiritual significance these chapters hold for you, and record your response on the Review Chart. 126

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Day 2 – A Review of the Book of Joshua 1. Today’s time in the word will ask you to think back over the entire book of Joshua in one of three ways. Open in prayer asking the Lord to help you reflect on His message that you have studied in the book of Joshua. You have completed a great many observation questions as you studied the book of Joshua. For today’s lesson, you will be reviewing what you learned in the lessons. When you have studied a narrative passage of Scripture, there are a number of different ways to review the book. I have thought of several and they are explained below. Choose at least one of these and spend time today answering the questions that have been presented. a. Judges 2:7 mentions the “great work of the LORD which He had done for Israel” in the time of Joshua. What is recorded in the book of Joshua that presents evidence of the power of God? Stop and think about this and list the specific miracles in the book where God made Himself known as the Almighty, Most High God of Israel. What was the reason for each of the miracles that were recorded in the book of Joshua?

b. The use of “motifs” as a literary device provides a way for the student to understand the messages within a work of literature. Motifs are found throughout Scripture. One in the book of Genesis involved a coat, and you could study the life of Joseph from the perspective of the different coats he wore throughout his life which helps you trace the roles God entrusted to him. One way to review the book of Joshua would be to consider the motif of stones in the book of Joshua, looking at the different stones that were mentioned in the book. What would the stones in the era of Joshua’s leadership mean to the children of Israel? How were stones used in the book? Where were the stones that were mentioned in Joshua? What did God say about stones? What did stones symbolize?

There is more room on the next page. 127

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c. You have been asked by an elder in Israel to write Joshua’s obituary after he died. You might answer the questions I have shared below in writing your record of Joshua’s life. Based on Scripture, how was Joshua known to Israel? Where was Joshua born? Who was his father? Where did Joshua grow up? What did Joshua “do” as a young adult? Where and why was Joshua first mentioned in the Bible? Who “mentored” Joshua and how? What was Joshua known for according to Numbers 12? How did the Lord ask Joshua to serve Him after Numbers 14? How did Joshua spend his time after God fulfilled His promise to Israel? How old was Joshua when he died? After you have given the “facts” of Joshua’s life, include what is revealed about Joshua’s character from the writings in the sacred Torah. How do the circumstances in Joshua’s life help you see what kind of a man he was?

2. As you close, think about what you have learned about God as you studied the book of Joshua and write out your own tribute to the Lord your God.

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Days 3 and 4 – The Review of the Book of Joshua 1. You are about to begin the final review of the book of Joshua! I join with you in praising God for the MANY lessons we have learned as we have moved through this book. I thank the Lord for the truth that His word is “living and active, sharper than any doubleedged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12. Ask the Lord to help you be strong and courageous, as the Lord is with you as you spend this time reviewing. I might suggest that you sit down in a comfortable place with your Joshua Scripture Work Sheets or your Bible, your Joshua Review Sheet, and a pencil or pen and then read through the entire book of Joshua in one sitting. As you finish each chapter, look at the Joshua Review sheet to see what you wrote down for the major event of each chapter or a summary statement for the chapter as well as the spiritual significance you saw in each chapter. It will be VERY interesting to spend the next two days reading over the book of Joshua now that you have completed the study. I am convinced that you will see ways in the book that connect Joshua as a whole and from your study into passages in the Torah, you will have deeper insight into God’s purpose for the book of Joshua. Ask the Lord to minister to your spirit as you read. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you as you study. Praise God that you can take the time to spend with Him, as He delights in His children drawing near to Him through His holy word. 2. Based on what you just read and the time you have had to review, how would you summarize the message of the book of Joshua? That question could also be answered by thinking about what is the theme for the book of Joshua?

What is the purpose for the writing of the book of Joshua? Why do you think the leaders of the nation of Israel decided that the book of Joshua should be included in the sacred Hebrew Scriptures?

3.

What is God’s message to you from the book of Joshua?

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Lesson 10 4. While we were studying Joshua, I read Psalm 78 which is a record of the hand of God upon the nation of Israel. As this Psalm proclaims the history of Israel, there are really only two verses that pertain to the book of Joshua (Psalm 78:54, 55), but I would ask you to read this Psalm in closing that you might again be reminded of God’s faithfulness as well as what God asks of His children. I am so grateful that God provided that I might be adopted as His child, because Ephesians 1:4-6 says that He knew before the foundation of the earth that I would be His child. Join with me in announcing praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His grace and mercy. Centuries ago Martin Luther wrote a song where he announced that our God is a Mighty Fortress. You might sing or read these words as you close today. “A Mighty Fortress” A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe, his craft and pow’r are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He – Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim – we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure, one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers – no thanks to them – abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever. Amen. By Martin Luther

Day 5 – Review of the Spiritual Armor 1. The study will end with a review of the spiritual armor and the believer’s call to live victoriously by faith. In Jesus’ last evening with His disciples, before His crucifixion He said that He spoke to them about the future so that they would have peace. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” The promise that Jesus made about His followers having tribulation is disturbing, but we are never to read a phrase, verse, paragraph, or book of the Bible out of the context of the entirety of Scripture. What an amazing privilege we have to be able to claim God’s promises to us in Hebrews 13:5b, 6, for God has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’ Hence we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’” Please take the time to meditate on these truths and ask the Lord to help you hide these words in your heart, so that they are not just words, but ask the Lord to penetrate your spirit and your every response to life’s circumstances with these truths. Open your time in the word by asking for the Holy Spirit’s help with the review of the Scripture you have studied. In a passage that exhorts believers to stand firm in their faith, know that the enemy would not want you to know what would make a difference when you are tempted. Praise the Lord that He is greater than the one who has come to tempt, deceive, accuse, and confuse you. Thank the Lord that He has provided all that you need to live in a way that honors Him. Now begin with the first review question. • Draw a picture of you wearing the whole armor in this space below. Label the various pieces with the quality that they represent. As you draw your sketch, ask God to help you “do this from memory.” Answer on the next page. 130

Lesson 10

•

Is there sometimes a piece of the armor you do not incorporate in your life? Why is that so? Think of a struggle you had in the past and ask yourself what prevented you from taking up the whole armor?

2. Complete this chart based on Ephesians 6:14-17. First list each part of the armor and then think about how each part of the armor protects you. You might choose a word that would stand for the opposite of the specific part of the armor. An example might be if Paul had included the instruction to fasten guards of love upon your shins so that you might not become apathetic or full of vengeance as you relate to others. Our protection:

What is associated with this portion of the armor?

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Lesson 10 Our protection:

What is associated with this portion of the armor?

3. In the Hebrew Septuagint, it was written about the Lord, “He shall take His jealousy as a panoply (armor), and shall make the whole creation His weapons for vengeance on His enemies: He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and shall array Himself with judgment unfeigned as with a helmet; He shall take holiness as an invincible shield, and He shall sharpen stern wrath as a sword,” the Book of Wisdom 5:17-20. Paul took the words of prophecy from Isaiah, Psalms, Hosea and the Septuagint where the armor and weapons are the Lord’s and then commanded Christians to arm themselves with this armor that God has now made available to His children. Paul proclaimed that God has provided everything that Christians need to stand firm. What did Paul share about his testimony in 2 Timothy 4:6-8?

4. John 8 records a conversation that Jesus had with some confrontational Jewish leaders. Jesus said to them in John 8:44, “You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never stood by the truth, since there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie he speaks in character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Then in verse 47 Jesus said, “The one who belongs to God listens to the words of God. The reason you do not listen is because you do not belong to God.” I will not forget who I am! The new believers in Ephesus had come from a culture that believed in the Nike goddess of victory. They would ask Nike for help when they struggled. The picture at the end of this lesson was taken near the market place in the excavated city of Ephesus. Nike’s statue was a reminder to the people of their goddess. Think about the impact of pagan people turning to the true and living God and leaving behind their past beliefs. Paul took words that had been written century’s earlier and declared God’s provision for His children during difficult times. You might not have prayed to a goddess for help, but have you used ordinary things of the world rather than God’s provision? Where have you put your trust?

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 10 In the context of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he began with doctrinal truths about what it means to be a follower of Christ. Paul offered words of exhortation to encourage the believers in Ephesus in Ephesians 2:1-10. As you read these words ask the Lord to help you believe His truth, so that your mind is renewed. 1

You used to be dead because of your offenses and sins, 2 in which you once lived according to the ways of this present world and according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now active in those who are disobedient. 3Indeed, all of us once behaved like them in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and senses. By nature we deserved wrath, just like everyone else. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us 5even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might display the limitless riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God 9and not the result of works, lest anyone boast. 10For we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared long ago to be our way of life. When a soldier is in an army, they are part of a group that has been trained for battle. Part of the training involves knowing a plan for defending oneself, as well as defending one’s fellow soldiers. Military forces also have plans for attacking the enemy. Each plan would contain contingencies, so that the soldiers would know how to proceed when the results are different from what would “normally” be expected. So this question must be addressed: “What is your plan for standing firm and living victoriously as a child of God?” Here is part of my plan. What can you add to these verses I have shared? Ask a friend who you have asked to hold you in accountability for their input too. Within community there is strength. Just as the Roman soldiers linked their shields together to form a wall of protection, so can you link with other believers who have chosen to stand firm and live victoriously by faith. I have chosen this for the pattern of my life: I will not allow this get in my way: a. Romans 12:1, 2

b. 2 Corinthians 10:5

c. Philippians 4:8, 9

d. Continued on the next page. 133

Lesson 10 e.

f.

In 2 Chronicles 32:7, 8 King Hezekiah encouraged the people of Israel when they faced opposition from the Assyrians by reminding them that they were to be strong and courageous, and not fear or be dismayed because the One who was with them was greater than the one with their enemy, because the enemy was only an arm of flesh. Hezekiah reminded God’s people that the Lord their God helps them fights their battles. Can you remember a time you declared God’s nature to someone who was facing opposition by “enemy” forces? Is there someone God would have you encourage with His truth today? Will you stop and ask the Lord who that might be and then ask Him how He would like you to acknowledge Him in that person’s life. God might want you to make a phone call or send a note or a post card. Will you do that now before you go on with the lesson, sharing with them what you are learning concerning the Lord God? Close by allowing the words of this hymn become your song of consecration. “Take My Life, and Let It Be” Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in cease-less praise, let them flow in cease-less praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee, swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my will, and make it Thine – it shall be no longer mine; take my heart – it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee. By Frances Ridley Havergal and John B. Dykes

Nike, Greek Goddess of Victory, Ephesus, Turkey

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Appendix

Joshua Succeeds Moses Woodcut illustration by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld

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Joshua Chapter 1

Scripture Work Sheets Chapter 1 1

The LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, after the servant of the

LORD had died. He told him, 2“My servant Moses is dead. Now get ready to cross the Jordan River—you and all the people—to the land that I’m giving the Israelites. 3I’m giving you every place where the sole of your foot falls, just as I promised Moses. 4Your territorial border will extend from the wilderness to the Lebanon Mountains, from the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—as far as the Mediterranean Sea where the sun sets. 5No one will be victorious against you for the rest of your life. I’ll be with you just like I was with Moses—I’ll neither fail you nor abandon you. 6

“Be strong and courageous, because you’ll be leading this people to inherit the

land that I promised to give their ancestors. 7Only be strong and very courageous to ensure that you obey all the instructions that my servant Moses gave you—turn neither to the right nor to the left from it—so that you may succeed wherever you go. 8This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to carry out everything that’s written in it, for then you’ll prosper and succeed. 9

“I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be fearful or

discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 10

Then Joshua gave orders to the officials of the people. He said, 11“Go through

the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, because within three days you’ll be crossing the Jordan River to take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you—so go get it!’” 12 13

Joshua told the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,

“Remember what Moses commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will

provide you rest, as well as this land.’ 14Your wives, your young children, and your livestock will remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan River, but you and all your warriors will cross, ready for battle, in full view of your relatives, and you will help them 15until the LORD gives your relatives respite, as he did you. Then they’ll take the land that the LORD your God is giving them as their inheritance. You’ll return to the land of your heritage and receive the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan River, in the direction of the sunrise.” International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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Joshua Chapter 2 16

Scripture Work Sheets

In reply, they answered Joshua, “We’ll do everything that you commanded, and

we’ll go wherever you send us. 17We’ll listen and obey you in everything, just like we did with Moses. Only may the LORD your God be with you, just as he was with Moses. 18

Anyone who rebels against what you say and doesn’t listen to your words regarding

everything that you command will be executed. Only be strong and courageous.”

Chapter 2 1

After this, Joshua son of Nun sent two men from the Acacia groves as

undercover scouts. He told them, “Go and look over the land. Pay special attention to Jericho.” So they went out, came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab, and lodged there. 2

Then the king of Jericho was told “Look! Israelite men arrived tonight to scout

out the land.” 3

So the king of Jericho sent for Rahab and ordered her, “Bring out the men who

came to visit you and lodged in your house, because they’ve come to scout out the entire land.” 4

Now the woman had taken the two men and hid them. So she replied, “The men

really did come to me, but I didn’t know from where they came. 5At dusk, when it was time to close the city gates, the men left. I don’t know where the men went. Go after them quickly, and you might overtake them.” 6

But she had taken them up to the roof and had hidden them among stalks of flax

that she had laid out in order on the roof. 7So the men pursued them along the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as the posse had left, they shut the city gate after them. 8

Before the scouts had lain down, she went up to the men on the roof 9and spoke

to them: “I’m really convinced that the LORD has given you the land, because we’re overwhelmed with fear of you. All the other inhabitants of the land are demoralized at your presence, 10because we heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Reed Sea right in front of you as you were coming out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan River—to Sihon and Og—whom you completely destroyed. 11When we heard these reports, our hearts melted and we all became discouraged because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and 138

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Scripture Work Sheets

Joshua Chapter 3

on the earth beneath. 12Now therefore, since I’ve treated you with gracious love, please take an oath to the LORD that you’ll also show grace to my father’s household by giving me this sure sign: 13Spare my father, my mother, and my brothers and sisters, along with everyone who belongs with them so we won’t be killed.” 14

So the men said to her, “Our life for yours—even to death—if you don’t betray

this mission of ours. Then when the LORD gives us this land, we’ll treat you graciously and faithfully.” 15

So she let them down by a rope through the window, since her house was built

into the town wall where she lived. 16She said to them, “Go out to the hill country, so the posse won’t find you, and hide for three days. After that, you may go on your own way.” 17

The men replied, “We’ll be free from our commitment to you to which you’ve

obligated us 18when we invade the land, if you don’t tie this rope made with red cords in the window through which you let us down, and if you don’t gather into your house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all of the rest of your father’s household. 19

Everyone who leaves through the doors of your house into the street will be responsible

for his own death, but we’ll be responsible for anyone who remains with you in the house if even so much as a hand is laid on him. 20But if you report this incident, we’ll be free from the oath to which you’ve made us swear.” 21

She replied, “Since you put it that way, agreed.” Then she sent them away and

they left. Then she tied the red cord in the window. 22

The scouts left for the hill country and remained there for three days until the

posse returned. The posse searched the entire road, but was unable to find them. 23Later, the two men returned from the hill country, crossed over the Jordan River, approached Joshua son of Nun, and told him everything that had happened to them. 24They reported to Joshua, “The LORD really has given the entire land into our control. The inhabitants of the land have melted away right in front of us!”

Chapter 3 1

Joshua got up early the next morning. Accompanied by all the Israelites, he set

out from the Acacia groves and arrived at the Jordan River, where they encamped before crossing it. 2Three days later, the officers went throughout the camp, 3giving orders to the people. They said, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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carried by the Levitical priests, then get up, leave where you are, and follow it. 4Be sure to keep a distance of about 1,000 yards between you and it. Don’t come near it, so you can be certain where you’re going, since you haven’t passed this way before.” 5

Then Joshua addressed the people: “Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow

the LORD will do marvelous things among you.” 6

After this, Joshua instructed the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and

cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went on ahead of the people. 7

At this point, the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I’m going to exalt you in the sight

of all Israel, so they’ll be sure that I’m going to be with you just as I was with Moses. 8

Give this command to the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you

arrive at the water of the Jordan River, stand still in the Jordan.’” 9

So Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to what the LORD your

God has to say.” 10Joshua continued, “This is how you’ll know that the living God really is among you: he’s going to remove the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites right in front of you. 11Look! The ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing ahead of you into the Jordan River. 12So take for yourselves 12 men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe. 13When the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, touch the waters of the Jordan River, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off from the waters above and they’ll stand still in a single location.” 14

So the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan River, with the priests

carrying the ark of the covenant in full view of the people. 15When the priests who carried the ark entered the Jordan River, as their feet touched the water’s edge (for the Jordan River overflows all of its banks during each day of harvest time), 16the water flowing down from above stood still in a single location, a great distance away at Adam, a city near Zarethan. The water that flowed south toward the sea in the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. 17

The priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on

dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan River.

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Joshua Chapter 4 Chapter 4

1

As soon as the entire nation had completed its crossing of the Jordan, the LORD

spoke to Joshua. He said, 2“Gather together 12 men from the people—one man from each tribe— 3and tell them, ‘Pick up 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests’ feet were standing, bring them along with you, and put them down where you camp tonight.’” 4

So Joshua called the 12 men whom he had chosen from the people of Israel, one

man from each tribe. 5Joshua told them, “Cross over again in front of the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan River. Then each of you pick up a stone on his shoulder with which to build a memorial, one for each of the tribes of Israel. 6Let this serve as a sign among you, so that when your children ask in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you,’ 7then you’ll say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan River were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan River, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the Israelites forever.” 8

The Israelites did just as Joshua commanded. They took up 12 stones from the

middle of the Jordan River—just as the LORD had spoken to Joshua—according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, and they carried them over to where they would be pitching camp, and they put them down there. 9Then Joshua set up 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan River at the location where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had been standing, and they remain there to this day. 10

The priests who were carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan River

until everything had been done in accordance with what the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people and with everything that Moses had commanded Joshua. So the people hurried and crossed over. 11When all of the people had completed their crossing, the ark of the LORD and the priests crossed over in full view of the people. 12

Just as Moses had directed, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh

crossed over, dressed in battle regalia, in full view of the other Israelites. 13About 40,000 soldiers equipped to do battle before the LORD crossed over to the desert plains of Jericho. 14

That day, the LORD exalted Joshua in the presence of all Israel so that they

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Now the LORD had told Joshua, 16“Command the priests who carry the ark of

the testimony to come up from the Jordan River.” 17

So Joshua ordered the priests, “Come up from the Jordan River.”

18

As soon as the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD

had come up from the middle of the Jordan River, and the soles of the priests’ feet came up to dry ground, the water of the Jordan River returned to its place, covering its banks as it had done so before. 19

The people came up from the Jordan River on the tenth day of the first month

and camped at Gilgal on the eastern outskirts of Jericho. 20Joshua set up the 12 stones that they had removed from the Jordan River at Gilgal. 21Then he said to the Israelites, “When your descendants ask their parents in years to come, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ 22you shall inform your descendants: ‘Israel crossed this Jordan River on dry ground 23because the LORD your God dried up the water of the Jordan River right in front of you, until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God had done to the Reed Sea—which he had dried up in front of us until we had crossed it also.’ 24Do this so that all of the people of the earth may know the power of the LORD, since it is strong, and so that you may fear the LORD your God every day.”

Chapter 5 1

All the Amorite kings who lived across the Jordan River to the west and all the

Canaanites kings by the Mediterranean Sea became discouraged as soon as they heard that the LORD had dried up the water of the Jordan River for the people of Israel until they had crossed it. They no longer had a will to fight because of the people of Israel. 2

At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make for yourselves some flint knives and

circumcise the Israelites a second time.” 3

So Joshua made some flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath-

haaraloth. 4Joshua circumcised them because all of the males among the people who came out of Egypt—that is, all the warriors—had died after during their journey through the wilderness, following their departure from Egypt. 5Although everyone who had left Egypt had been circumcised, nevertheless all the people born during the journey after their departure from Egypt had not been circumcised. 6The Israelites traveled 40 years in the wilderness until the entire nation—that is, the warriors who had departed from 142

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Egypt—had perished because they hadn’t listened to the voice of the LORD. The LORD had promised them that he would not let them see the land that he had sworn to give us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 7As a result, it was their descendants, whom he raised up to take their place, that Joshua circumcised. They had remained uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised during their journey. 8 When the circumcision of the entire nation was complete, they remained in their places within the camp until they were healed. 9

Then the LORD told Joshua, “Today I have rolled the disgrace of Egypt away from

you.” That’s why that place is called “Gilgal” to this day. 10

While the Israelites remained encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they

observed the Passover during the evening of fourteenth day of the month. 11On the day following Passover—on that exact day—they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land. Since the Israelites no longer received manna, they ate crops from the land of Canaan that year. 13

Now it happened that while Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up—and look!—he

saw a man standing in front of him, with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked him, “Are you one of us, or are you with our enemies?” 14

He answered, “Neither, because I, the commander of the Army of the LORD, have

now come.” Joshua then fell on his face to the earth and worshipped, saying to him, “O Lord, what do you have for your servant by way of command?” 15

The commander of the Army of the LORD said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals

from your feet, because the place where you’re standing is holy.” So Joshua did so.

Chapter 6 1

Meanwhile, Jericho was fortified inside and out because of the Israelites. Nobody

could leave or enter. 2The LORD said to Joshua, “Look! I have given Jericho over to your control, along with its kings and valiant soldiers. 3March around the city, all the warriors circling the city once. Do this for six days, 4with seven priests carrying in front of the ark seven trumpets made from rams’ horns. On the seventh day march around the city seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5When they sound a long blast with the ram’s International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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horn, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall cry out with a great shout, and the wall of the city will collapse. Then all the people are to charge straight ahead.” 6

So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and told them, “Pick up the ark of the

covenant, and have seven priests carry seven trumpets made from rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” 7

He said to the people, “Go out and encircle the city. Have the armed men march

out in front of the ark of the LORD. 8

And so, just as Joshua had commanded the people, seven of the priests went

forward, carrying the seven trumpets made of rams’ horns before the LORD, blowing the trumpets while the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. 9Armed men preceded the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and a rear guard followed the ark, while the trumpets continued to blow. 10

Joshua issued this command to the people: “You shall not shout or let your

voice be heard. Don’t utter a word until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11So the ark of the LORD was taken once around the city, then they went back to camp and spent the night there. 12

Johsua got up early the next morning, and the priests picked up the ark of the

LORD. 13The seven priests who carried the seven trumpets made from rams’ horns proceeded before the ark of the LORD, blowing their trumpets constantly. The armed men preceded them, and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets continued to blow. 14On the second day they marched around the city once and then went back to camp. They did this for six days. 15

They rose early at dawn on the seventh day and marched around the city seven

times, just as they had before, except that only on that day they marched around the city seven times. 16

As they completed the seventh time, after the priests had blown the trumpets,

Joshua told the people, “Shout, because the LORD has given you the city! 17The city—and everything in it— is to be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone who is with her in her house shall live, because she hid the scouts we sent. 18

“Now as for you, stay away from everything set apart for destruction so you

don’t covet and take any of these things. Otherwise, you’ll make the camp of Israel itself an object worthy of destruction, and bring trouble on it. 19But everything made of silver 144

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and gold, and vessels made of bronze and iron are set apart to the LORD. They shall go into the treasury of the LORD.” 20

So the people shouted and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people

heard the sound of the trumpets, they gave out a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The people charged straight ahead into the city and captured it. 21They set apart everyone in the city for destruction by sword, including both men and women, young and old, and oxen, sheep, and donkeys. 22

Joshua told the two men who had scouted the land, “Go into the prostitute’s

home and bring the women out of it, along with everyone who is with her, just as you promised her.” 23So the young men who had been scouts went in and brought Rahab out, along with her father, her mother, her brothers, and everyone else who was with her. They brought her entire family out and set them outside the camp of Israel. 24

Then they burned down the city, along with everything in it, except they

reserved the silver, gold, and vessels of bronze and iron for the treasury of the LORD. 25

But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, along with her family and everyone who was

with her. Her family has lived in Israel ever since, because she hid the scouts whom Joshua sent to observe Jericho. 26

Then Joshua made them take the following oath at that time. He said: “Cursed in the presence of the LORD is the man who re-establishes and rebuilds this city of Jericho! At the cost of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest he shall set up its gates.”

27

So the LORD was with Joshua, and his reputation spread throughout the land.

Chapter 7 1

Later, the Israelites broke their promise regarding the things that had been

devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, appropriated some of the things that had been devoted to destruction. As a result, the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites. 2

Joshua had sent men from Jericho to Ai, which was near Beth-aven, east of

Bethel. He instructed them, “Go up and scout the land.” So the men went up and scouted Ai. International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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Then they returned to Joshua and reported. “Not all of the people need to go up.

Only about two or three thousand men should go up against Ai. Since they are so few, don’t make all of the people work hard up there.” 4 5

So about three thousand went up there, but they ran away from the men of Ai.

The men of Ai killed about 36 of them, pursuing them outside the city gates as far as

Shebarim, killing them as they descended. As a result, the hearts of the people melted and turned to water. 6

At this, Joshua tore his clothes, fell down to the ground on his face before the ark

of the Lord until evening—he and the leaders of Israel—and they covered their heads with dust. 7Joshua said, “O Lord GOD, why have you brought this people across the Jordan River? To hand us over to the Amorites so we’ll be destroyed? Wouldn’t it have been better for us to be content to settle on the other side of the Jordan? 8O Lord, what am I to say, now that Israel has run away from its enemies? 9The Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of this, will surround us, and cut off our name from the earth! Then what will you do about your great name?” 10 11

But the LORD replied to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?

Israel has sinned: They have broken my covenant that I commanded them, they have

taken some of the things devoted to destruction, they have stolen, they have been deceitful, and they have stored them among their own belongings. 12The Israelites have been unable to stand before their enemies. They’re turning their backs and running from their enemies because they themselves have become dedicated to destruction. I will not be with you any more unless you destroy these things dedicated to destruction from among you. 13So get up and sanctify the people. Tell them, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, because this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: “There are things devoted to destruction among you, O Israel. You won’t be able to stand before your enemies until you remove what has been devoted to destruction from among you.”’ 14

“Tomorrow morning you shall come forward tribe by tribe. The tribe that the

LORD selects shall come forward by clans, the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward by households, and the household that the LORD selects shall come forward one by one. 15The one selected as having taken what has been devoted to destruction shall be cremated, along with everything that pertains to him, because he has transgressed against the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrageous thing in Israel.” 146

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Joshua Chapter 8

So Joshua got up early that morning, brought Israel near tribe by tribe, and the

tribe of Judah was selected. 17He brought near the clans of Judah, and the Zerahite clan was selected. Then he brought near the Zerahite clan family by family, and the household of Zabdi was selected. 18Next, he brought near his household one by one, and Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah was selected from the tribe of Judah. 19

Joshua then spoke to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and

give him praise. Tell me now what you have done. Don’t hide anything.” 20

Achan answered Joshua, “It’s true. I’m the one who sinned against the LORD

God of Israel. This is what I did: 21When I noticed among the war spoils a beautiful mantle from Shinar, along with 200 shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, I desired them, so I took them. They’re buried in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” 22

So Joshua sent some messengers, who ran to the tent. And there it was, hidden

in the tent with the silver underneath. 23They took the things that had been devoted to destruction from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all of the Israelites, and lay them out in the presence of the LORD. 24Then Joshua, with all Israel accompanying him, took Achan son of Zerah, along with the silver, the mantle, the gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and everything that pertained to him, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25

Joshua announced, “Why did you bring trouble to us? Today the LORD is

bringing trouble to you!” So all Israel stoned him to death, cremated them, buried them with stones, 26piling up a large mound of boulders that remains to this day. After this, the LORD turned his burning anger away, and that is why that place is called “the Valley of Achor” to this day.

Chapter 8 1

The LORD then said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid or lose heart! Take all the

fighting men with you, and go up right now to Ai. Take note that I have handed over the king of Ai into your control, along with his people, his city, and his land. 2Do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, but take its spoil and its livestock as war booty for yourselves. Set an ambush around the city.”

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So Joshua and all of the fighting men prepared to go out against Ai. Joshua

selected 30,000 valiant warriors and sent them out by night, 4telling them, “Look, you are to lie in ambush around the city. Don’t go very far from the city, and all of you remain on alert. 5I and all of the army with me will advance upon the city. When they come out after us like they did before, we’ll run away from them. 6They’ll come after us until we’ve drawn them away from the city, because they’ll say, ‘They’re running away from us just like they did before.’ While we’re running away from them, 7 you get up from the ambush and seize the city, because the LORD your God will give it into your control. 8When you’ve taken the city, set it on fire, just as the LORD ordered. Look! These are your orders!” 9So Joshua sent them out, and they took their place in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. Now as for Joshua, he spent that night in the camp among the people. 10In the morning, Joshua got up early, mustered his army, and set off for Ai, accompanied by the elders of Israel in full view of the army. 11The entire fighting force with him attacked, approaching the city, and camped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai. 12Taking about 5,000 men, he set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai to the west of the city, 13stationing their forces with its main encampment north of the city and its rear guard to the west. Joshua spent that night in the valley. 14

When the king of Ai saw what had happened, he and his army quickly got up

early and went out to meet Israel in battle; he and all his people met at the place adjacent to the desert plain. But he didn’t know about the ambush that had been set against him on the other side of the city. 15Because Joshua and the entire fighting force of Israel pretended to lose the battle by running away in front of them toward the wilderness, 16

everyone in the city followed after them. As they pursued Joshua, they were drawn

away from the town. 17There wasn’t a single man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t run out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel. 18

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the battle lance that’s in your hand

toward Ai, because I will give it into your control.” So Joshua stretched out the battle lance that was in his hand toward the city. 19As soon as he stretched out his hand, the troops in ambush quickly got up from their place of hiding and attacked. They entered the city, seized it, and immediately set it on fire. 20

Then the men of Ai looked back behind them. Look! Smoke from the city was

rising into the sky. They were unable to run in any direction, because the Israelites who 148

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had fled toward the wilderness had turned around to attack their pursuers. 21When Joshua and the entire fighting force of Israel observed that the men who had been in ambush had seized the city and that the smoke from the city was rising, they turned around and attacked the men of Ai. 22Then the others came out from the city against them, so the men of Ai were surrounded by the Israelites, some on one side and some on the other. Israel attacked them until no one was left to survive or escape. 23But the king of Ai was taken alive and brought to Joshua. 24

When Israel had completed executing all of the residents of Ai in the open

wilderness where they had chased them, and after all of them—to the very last of them— had fallen by the edge of the sword, the entire fighting force of Israel returned to Ai and attacked it with swords. 25The total of all who fell that day, including men and women, was 12,000—the entire population of Ai. 26Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he had stretched out the battle lance until he had completely destroyed every inhabitant of Ai. 27Israel took only the livestock and the spoil of that city as their war booty, in accordance with the word of the LORD that had been commanded to Joshua. 28 29

Joshua burned Ai, turning it into a permanent ruin, and it remains so to this day.

He hanged the king of Ai on a tree until dusk, and at sunset Joshua ordered his body

brought down from the tree and laid at the entrance to the gate of the town. There he raised over it a large mound of stones, which stands there to this day. 30

Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 31just

the way Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites in the book of the Law of Moses: “…an altar of uncut stones that hasn’t been worked with iron tools…” and they offered burnt offerings to the LORD on it, along with peace offerings. 32

There Joshua inscribed on stones a copy of the Law of Moses that he had

written in front of the Israelites. 33All Israel, both foreigners and citizens, together with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Half stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half stood in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, so that they could bless the people of Israel. 34Afterwards, he read all the words of the Law—both the blessings and the curses—according to everything written in the Book of the Law. 35There wasn’t one word of everything Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read in front of the entire assembly of Israel, including the women, their little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them. International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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1

Eventually all the kings who reigned in the hill country across the Jordan River

and in the low-lying coastlands of the Mediterranean Sea facing Lebanon heard about this. So the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites 2united together as one to fight against both Joshua and Israel. 3

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and

Ai, 4they took the initiative by preparing their provisions shrewdly: they took tattered sacks for their donkeys, worn-out, torn, and mended wineskins, 5worn-out, patched sandals for their feet, and worn-out clothes. All of their food was dried out and covered in mold. 6Then they approached Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and addressed him and the Israelites, “We’ve arrived from a distant country, so please make a treaty with us right now.” 7

But the Israelites responded to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live in our midst. If this

is so, how can we make a treaty with you?” 8

So they responded to Joshua, “We are your servants.”

Joshua asked them, “Who are you? And where did you come from?” 9

They answered, “Your servants have arrived from a very distant land, because of

the reputation of the LORD your God, because we’ve heard a report about all that he did in Egypt, 10along with all of what he did to the two Amorite kings who were beyond the Jordan River—that is, to King Sihon of Heshbon and to King Og of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth. 11So our leaders and all of the inhabitants of our country told us, ‘Take provisions along with you for your journey, go to meet them, and tell them, “We are your servants. Come now and make a treaty with us.”’ 12Look at our bread: it was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for our journey on the very day we set out to come to you. But now, look how it’s dry and moldy. 13And these wineskins were new when we filled them, but look—now they’re cracked. And our clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” 14

So the leaders of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not ask the LORD about

it. 15They made a treaty with them, guaranteeing their lives with a covenant, and the leaders of the congregation confirmed it with an oath to them. 16

But three days after they had made the treaty with them, they learned that they

were their neighbors and were living in their midst. 17So the Israelites set out for their 150

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cities and three days later they reached their cities of Gibeon, Cherphirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18The Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had made an oath with them in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 19

Nevertheless, all of the leaders spoke to the entire congregation, “We have

sworn to them in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them. 20

So this is what we’ll do to them: we’ll let them live, so that wrath won’t come upon us

because of the oath that we swore to them.” 21

The leaders said to them, “Let them live.” So they became wood cutters and

water carriers for the entire congregation, in accordance with how the leaders had decided concerning them. 22

Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and asked them, “Why did you deceive us by

saying ‘We live far away from you,’ even though you were, in fact, living in our midst? 23

Now therefore you are under a curse. Some of you will always be slaves, wood cutters,

and water carriers for the house of my God.” 24

They replied to Joshua, “Because your servants had been informed that the

LORD your God had certainly commanded his servant Moses to give you the entire land and to destroy all of the inhabitants of the land before you. So we were terrified for our lives because of you. That’s why we did this. 25Now we’re under your control: do to us as it seems good and right in your opinion.” 26

So this is what Joshua did for them: he saved them from the Israelites, and they

did not kill them. 27However, on that very day Joshua made them become wood cutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the LORD’s altar in the place that he should choose, and this tradition continues to this day.

Chapter 10 1

King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem eventually heard how Joshua had conquered Ai,

utterly destroying it, doing to Ai and to its king just as he had done to Jericho and to its king, and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were now living among them. 2So they were terrified, since Gibeon was a large city, comparable to one of the royal cities, and was larger than Ai, and all of its men were warriors. 3

So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent word to King Hoham of Hebron, to King

Piram of Jarmuth, to King Japhia of Lachish, and to King Debir of Eglon. He told them, International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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“Come over and help me, and let’s attack Gibeon, because it made a peace treaty with

Joshua and the Israelites.” 5So the five kings of the Amorites—the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon— gathered their armies together and advanced with all of their armies toward Gideon, camped there, and besieged it. 6

The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal: “Don’t abandon your

servants. Come quickly, save us, and help us, because all of the kings of the Amorites who live in the hill country have attacked us.” 7So Joshua went up from Gilgal, along with his entire fighting force of mighty warriors with him. 8

The LORD said to Joshua, “Don’t fear them, because I have handed them over to

you. Not one of them will withstand you.” 9So after an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua attacked them by surprise. 10Then the LORD threw them into a panic right in front of Israel, who inflicted a great slaughter on them at Gibeon. They chased them along the road that goes up to Beth-horon, striking them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11

While they were fleeing in front of Israel and descending the slope of Beth-

horon, the LORD threw down huge hailstones on them from the skies as far as Azekah, and they died. More died because of the hailstones than who were killed by the Israelites in battle. 12Later that day, Joshua spoke to the LORD while the LORD was delivering the Amorites to the Israelites. This is what he said in the presence of Israel: “O Sun, be still over Gibeon O Moon, in the Aijalon Valley” 13

So the sun remained still and the moon stood in place until the nation settled their score with their enemies.

This is recorded, is it not, in the book of Jashar? The sun stood in place in the middle of the sky and seemed not to be in a hurry to set for nearly an entire day. 14

There has never been a day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice

of a man, because the LORD was fighting on behalf of Israel. 152

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After this, Joshua returned to the camp at Gilgal with the entire fighting force of

16

Meanwhile, the five kings had fled and hidden themselves within the cave of

Israel. Makkedah. 17Joshua was informed, “The five kings have been discovered hiding in the cave at Makkedah.” 18

So Joshua gave an order, “Roll large stones up against the mouth of the cave and

assign men to stand in guard there, 19but don’t stay there yourselves. Instead, pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Don’t allow them to enter their cities, because the LORD your God has delivered them into your control.” 20

Now it came about that after Joshua and the Israelites had finished inflicting a

very great slaughter, resulting in their destruction and the scattering of their survivors into their fortified cities, 21the entire army safely returned to Joshua’s encampment at Makkedah. No one could speak so much as a single word against any of the Israelites. 22

Then Joshua gave this order: “Unseal the mouth of the cave and bring out these

five kings to me from the cave.” 23

So they did. They brought out these five kings to him from within the cave: the

king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 24When they had brought these kings out to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel and spoke to the leaders of the men who had gone out to war along with him, “Come close and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came near and put their feet on their necks. 25

Joshua said to the army, “Don’t fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous,

because this is how the LORD will act with respect to all of your enemies whom you fight.” 26

After this, Joshua struck them down, executing them, and he hanged them on

five gallows until sunset. 27When daylight had gone, Joshua gave a command, and they took them down from the gallows and buried them in the cave where they had hidden themselves. They sealed the mouth of the cave with large stones that remain there to this very day. 28

Joshua captured Makkedah that very day, and attacked both it and its king with

swords, utterly destroying it along with every person in it, leaving no survivors. He dealt with the king of Makkedah the same way he had dealt with the king of Jericho. International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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Afterward, Joshua and all of Israel passed on from Makkedah to Libnah, where

they fought against Libnah. 30The LORD gave both it and its king into the control of Israel, and Joshua executed both its king and every person in it with swords, leaving no survivors. He dealt with the king the same way he had dealt with the king of Jericho. 31

Then Joshua and all of Israel passed from Libnah to Lachish, camped near it,

and attacked it. 32The LORD gave Lachish into the control of Israel, and Joshua captured it the next day. He attacked the city in battle and executed everyone in it, the same way he had treated Libnah. 33

Then Horam king of Gezer appeared to help Lachish. So Joshua attacked him

and his army, until he left no one remaining. 34After this, Joshua, accompanied by all of Israel, proceeded from Lachish to Eglon, laid siege to it, and attacked it. 35They captured it on that day, attacking it in battle. Then Joshua completely destroyed it that day, the same way he had dealt with Lachish. 36

Then Joshua, accompanied by all of Israel, left Eglon for Hebron, where they

attacked it, 37captured it, and executed its inhabitants—its king, all of its cities, and every person in it, leaving none remaining, the same way he had dealt with Eglon. He completely destroyed it, along with everyone in it. 38

Then Joshua returned, accompanied by the entire fighting force of Israel, to

Debir, where they attacked it, 39captured it, its king, and all of its villages. They executed them, totally destroying it and everyone in it, leaving no one remaining. He dealt with Debir and its king just as he had dealt with Hebron, treating them the same way he had dealt with Libnah and its king. 40

So Joshua conquered the entire land, the hill country, the Negev, the Shephelah,

and the wilderness highlands, along with all of their kings. He left none of them remaining, but completely destroyed every living person, just as the LORD God of Israel had commanded. 41Joshua conquered them from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza, including the entire territory of Goshen as far as Gibeon. 42Joshua conquered all of these kings and their territories in one campaign, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. 43Then Joshua returned to the camp at Gilgal, along with the entire fighting force of Israel.

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Joshua Chapter 11 Chapter 11

1

When Jabin king of Hebron heard all of this, he sent word to Jobab king of

Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, 2and to the kings in the north, in the hill country, in the plain south of Kinnereth, in the Shephelah, and in the hills of Dor toward the west, 3to the eastern and western Canaanites—the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites below Hermon in the territory of Mizpah. 4So they went out, they and all of their armies with them—a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore—accompanied by many horses and chariots. 5After all these kings had gathered together, they went out and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight Israel. 6

But the LORD told Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of them, because tomorrow about this

time I am giving them all to you—dead—in the presence of Israel. Hamstring their horses and burn their chariots in fire.” 7

So Joshua and his entire fighting force approached them suddenly by the waters

of Merom and attacked them. 8The LORD handed them over to the control of Israel, who defeated them and chased them as far as Greater Sidon and east as far as the Mizpah Valley. They attacked them until none of them were left. 9Joshua dealt with them just as the LORD had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots in fire. 10

Joshua then turned back and captured Hazor, executing its king, because Hazor

used to be the head of all of those kingdoms. 11They executed all of the people who lived in it, completely destroying and leaving no one alive. Then he burned Hazor in fire. 12

So Joshua captured and executed all of these cities, along with all of their kings,

completely destroying them, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded. 13

however, Israel did not burn any of the cities that had been built on tels, except for

Hazor only, which Joshua burned. 14The Israelites took the spoils of war from these cities, along with their livestock, but they executed every human being until they had completely destroyed them, leaving no one alive. 15Just as the LORD had commanded his servant Moses, and just as Moses had commanded Joshua, so also Joshua did, leaving nothing unfinished regarding everything that the LORD had commanded Moses. 16

So Joshua conquered all of these territories: the hill country, all of the Negev,

the entire land of Goshen with its foothills, the plains of Jordan, and the mountains of Israel with its foothills 17from Mount Halak and the ascent toward Seir, including as far International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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as Baal-gad in the Lebanon Valley that lies at the foot of Mount Hermon. Joshua captured all of their kings, struck them down, and put them to death. 18

Joshua fought an extended campaign against all those kings. 19There wasn’t a

single city that made a peace accord with the Israelites, except the Hivites who lived in Gibeon. The Israelites captured all the rest in battle, 20because it was of the LORD to harden their hearts so they would fight Israel in war, be completely destroyed without mercy, and be completely wiped out, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 21

At that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the hill country: from

Hebron, Debir, and Anab, as well as from all the hill country of Judah and Israel. Joshua completely destroyed them along with their cities. 22None of the Anakim remained in the land belonging to the Israelites—they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod. 23

Joshua conquered the entire land, in accordance with everything that the LORD had

spoken to Moses. Joshua presented it as an inheritance to Israel, dividing it according to tribal allotments. Then the land enjoyed rest from war.

Chapter 12 1

This is a list of the kings who ruled the land that the Israelites conquered, and

whose territories they took on the other side of the Jordan River toward the east, from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon, along with the entire eastern Jordan plain. 2Sihon king of the Amorites lived in Heshbon and ruled from Aroer, which is located on the edge of the Arnon River from the middle of the valley, including half of Gilead as far as Wadi Jabbok, the border of the Ammonites, 3and toward the Arabah as far as the Sea of Galilee to the east, as far as the Arabah Sea (that is, the Dead Sea) to the east as one travels in the direction of Beth Jeshimoth, and to the south as far as the foothills of Pisgah. 4The territory of Og king of Bashan was conquered. He was one of the last of the Rephaim, and lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei, 5ruling over Mount Herman, Salecah, and all of Bashan as far as the border of the Geshurites, the Maacathites, and half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Hesbon. 6

Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the Israelites defeated them. Then Moses,

the servant of the LORD, gave it to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as their inheritance. 7This is a list of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated beyond the Jordan River toward the west, from Baal-gad in the 156

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Lebanon valley as far as Mount Halak, which rises in the direction of Seir. Joshua gave it to Israel, distributing it according to their tribal divisions as their inheritance, 8 in the mountain regions, in the Arabah, on the foothills, in the wilderness, in the Negev; that is, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

The king of Jericho:

1

The king of Ai, which is near Bethel:

1

The king of Jerusalem:

1

The king of Hebron:

1

The king of Jarmuth:

1

The king of Lachish:

1

The king of Eglon:

1

The king of Gezer:

1

The king of Debir:

1

The king of Geder:

1

The king of Hormah:

1

The king of Arad:

1

The king of Libnah:

1

The king of Adullam:

1

The king of Makkedah:

1

The king of Bethel:

1

The king of Tappuach:

1

The king of Hepher:

1

The king of Aphek:

1

The king of Lasharon:

1

The king of Madon:

1

The king of Hazor:

1

The king of Shimron-meron:

1

The king of Achshaph:

1

The king of Taanach:

1

The king of Megiddo:

1

The king of Kedesh:

1

The king of Jokneam in Carmel:

1

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The king of Dor in the Dor heights:

1

The king of various gentiles in Gilgal:

1

The king of Tirzah:

1

Total number of all kings:

31

Chapter 13 1

When Joshua had become old, and well along in years, the LORD said to him, “You

are old, and well advanced in years, and much of the land still remains to be possessed. 2

This territory remains: all of the Philistine regions, including all Geshurite holdings

3

from the Shihor east of Egypt as far as the border of Ekron on the north (which is

considered part of Canaan). This includes the five rulers of the Philistines: the Gazites, the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, the Ekronites, and the Avvites. 4

“To the south, there remains to be conquered all the territory held by the

Canaanites, Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites, 5including the territory of the Gebalites and all of Lebanon facing the east from Baal-gad at the foot of Mount Hermon as far as Lebo-hamath, 6and all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephot-maim, including all the Sidonians. I myself will drive them out in the presence of the Israelites. 7You only have to allocate the land as an inheritance, just as I commanded you.” 8

The Reubenites and Gadites, along with the other half-tribe of Manasseh, received

their inherited portion that Moses the servant of the LORD had given them to the east beyond the Jordan River. 9Specifically included was from Aroer on the banks of the Wadi Arnon, and the town that lies in the middle of the valley, including all the plains from Medeba to Dibon, 10all the cities pertaining to King Sihon of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the boundary of the Ammonite territory, 11Gilead and the region belonging to the Geshurites and Maacathites, including all of Mount Herman, and all of Bashan as far as Salecah. 12Also included was the entire kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei. (He was the sole survivor left of the Rephaim.) Although Moses had defeated these people and driven them out, 13the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites—Geshur and Maacath live within the territory of Israel to this day.

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Joshua Chapter 13

Moses allotted no inheritance solely to the tribe of Levi. As he had mentioned to

them, the offerings by fire to the LORD God of Israel are their inheritance. 15

Moses allocated territory to the tribe of the descendants of Reuben according to

their clans. 16Their allocation was from the border of Aroer on the edge of the Arnon valley (including the city that’s in the middle of the valley and the entire plain next to Medeba), 17Heshbon and all of its cities that are on the plain, including Dibon, Bamothbaal, Beth-baal-meon, 18Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, 19Kiriathaim, Sibmah, and Zerethshahar on the hill in the valley, 20Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, Beth-jeshimoth, 21all of the cities of the plain, the entire kingdom of King Sihon of the Amorites, who used to reign in Heshbon and whom Moses attacked, along with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, nobles of Sihon who lived in the land. 22The Israelites also killed Balaam son of Beor, the occult practitioner, executing him by the sword as one of those killed. 23The border of the Reubenites was the Jordan River and its banks. This was the inheritance belonging to the Reubenites, divided according to their families, cities, and villages. 24

Moses also allocated territory to the tribe of Gad, that is, to the descendants of

Gad, according to their families. 25Their territory included Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer which is located near Rabbah, 26from Heshbon as far as Ramath-mispeh and Betonim, from Mahanaim as far as the border of Debir, 27the valley containing Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of King Sihon of Heshbon, with the Jordan River as its border as far as the southern end of the Sea of Galilee beyond the Jordan River to the east. 28This was the inheritance belonging to the Gadites according to their clans, cities, and villages. 29

Moses also allocated territory to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, for the half-

tribe of the Manassites according to their clans. 30Their territory extended from Mahanaim to include all of Bashan, all of the kingdom of King Og of Bashan, all of the 60 towns of Jair there in Bashan, 31half of Gilead, including Ashtaroth and Edrei. The cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan went to half of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, according to their clans. 32These were the allotments that Moses apportioned for an inheritance in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan River east of Jericho. 33

Moses allotted no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The LORD God of Israel is their

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1

This is what the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the

priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the Israelites allotted to them as an inheritance 2by lot, just as the LORD commanded through Moses for the nine tribes and the half-tribe, 3since Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the halftribe across the Jordan River. However, he did not give an inheritance to the Levites who lived among them, 4

since the descendants of Joseph constituted two tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim. They

did not allot a portion to the Levites in the land, since they were given cities to live in, along with pastures for their livestock and property. 5So the Israelites did just as the Lord had commanded Moses—they divided the land. 6

After this, the descendants of Judah approached Joshua in Gilgal. Caleb son of

Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the promise that the LORD gave Moses the man of God concerning the two of us in Kadesh-barnea. 7I was 40 years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land. I brought back an honest report to him. 8As it happened, my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the people’s bravery melt away with fear, but I fully followed the LORD my God. 9

Moses made a promise to me on that day when he said, ‘Surely the land that you covered

on foot will be your inheritance and will belong to your descendants forever, because you have fully followed the LORD my God.’ 10

“Look how the LORD has let me survive, as you can see, these 45 years since the

time when the LORD spoke this word through Moses, while Israel was wandering through the wilderness. And look! I’m here today—my eighty-fifth birthday! 11I’m still as strong today as I was the day Moses commissioned me. As my strength was then, so it is just as strong for battle, and for coming and going. 12Now then, give me that hill country about which the LORD spoke back on that day, because you yourself heard back then that the Anakim were there, with great reinforced cities. Perhaps the LORD will be with me and I will expel them, just as the LORD said.” 13

So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb son of Jephunneh for his

inheritance. 14Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, as it is today, because he fully followed the LORD God of Israel. 15Hebron used to be known as Kiriath-arba, after the greatest man among the Anakim. 160

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After all of this, the land enjoyed rest from war.

Chapter 15 1

Joshua said, “Now the allotment for the tribe of the descendants of Judah,

allocated according to their families, will extend to the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin until land’s end, 2then from the southern end of the Dead Sea, that is, from the bay that orients toward the Negev 3proceeding south to the ascent of Akrabbim, then continuing to Zin, and from there up along the south of Kadesh-barnea to Hezron, and from there up to Addar and then to Karka, 4passing along to Azmon toward the Wadi of Egypt and ending at the sea. This will be your southern border.” 5

The eastern border was the Dead Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan River. The

border of the north side extended from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan River 6

toward Beth-hoglah, and continuing on the north of Beth-arabah. The border ascended

up to the boundary marker set up by Bohan son of Reuben. 7

The boundary then went up to Debir from the Achor valley and turned north

toward Gilgal opposite the ascent of Adummim in the southern part of the valley. Then the border continued to the waters of En-shemesh and terminated at En-rogel. 8Then the border proceeded up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the southern ascent of the Jebusites (that is, to Jerusalem), and from there to the top of the mountain that faces the valley of Hinnom to the west at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north. 9

The border proceeded from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of

Nephtoah, then to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then the border curved toward Baalah (also known as Kireath-jearim). 10The border turned west from Baalah to Mount Seir, continuing to the top of Mount Jearim on the north (also known as Chesalon), and then proceeded to Beth-shemesh, continuing through Timnah. 11

The border proceeded north to the edge of Ekron, then curved to Shikkeron and

on to Mount Baalah, proceeding then to Jabneel, where the boundary ended at the sea. 12

The western border was at the Mediterranean Sea coastline. This is the border that

surrounded the territory of the descendants of Judah, according to their families. 13

Now Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh an allotment among the

descendants of Judah, just as God told Joshua, Kiriath-arba, which was named after the father of Anak (that is, Hebron). 14From there Caleb drove the three descendants of Anak, International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmi, the children of Anak. 15Then he went up from there to attack the inhabitants of Debir. (Debir was formerly known as Kiriath-sepher.) 16

Then Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage to the one who

attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it.” 17Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, captured it, so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as his wife. 18Sometime later, she came to Othniel and persuaded him to ask her father for a field. As she dismounted from her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you want?” 19

She replied, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the

Negev. Give me also some springs of water.” So he gave her the upper and lower springs. 20

Here’s a list of cities allotted for the tribe of the descendants of Judah according

to their families: 21The cities to the far south of the tribe of the descendants of Judah (toward the border of Edom in the south) included Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 22Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, 25Hazor-hadattah, Kerioth-hezron (also known as Hazor), 26Amam, Shema, Moladah, 27Hazar-gaddah, Heshmon, Beth-pelet, 28Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah, 29Baalah, Iim, Ezem, 30

Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, 31Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansanaah, 32Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain,

and Rimmon, for a total of 29 cities and villages. 33

The lowland cities included Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 34Zanoah, Engannim,

Tappuach, Enam, 35Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, 36Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim, for a total of 14 cities and villages. 37 39

Also included were Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal-gad, 38Dilan, Mizpeh, Joktheel,

Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, 40Cabbon, Lahmam, Chitlish, 41Gederoth, Beth-dagon,

Naamah, and Makkedah, for a total of 16 cities and villages. 42

Also included were Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib, 44Keilah,

Achzib, and Mareshah, for a total of nine cities and villages. 45

Also included were Ekron, with its towns and villages, 46from Ekron to the

Mediterranean Sea, including everything by the edge of Ashdod, along with their villages, 47Ashdod and its towns and villages, Gaza and its towns and villages as far as the River of Egypt, and the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. 48

The hill country included Shamir, Jattir, Socoah, 49Dannah, Kiriath-sannah (also

known as Debir), 50Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, 51Goshen, Holon, Giloh, for a total of 11 cities and villages. 52Also included were Arab, Dumah, Eshan, 53Janum, Beth-tappuach, Aphekah, 54Humtah, Kiriath-arba (also known as Hebron), and Zior, for a total of nine 162

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cities and villages. 55Also included were Maon, Carmel, Zeph, Juttah, 56Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah, 57Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah, for a total of 10 cities and villages. 58Also included were Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor, 59Maarath, Beth-anoth, and Eltekon, for a total of six cities and villages. 60Also included were Kiritah-baal (also known as Kiriath-jearim) and Rabbah, for a total of two cities and villages. 61

The wilderness included Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, 62Nibshan, Salt City,

and Engedi, for a total of six cities and villages. 63

Now as for the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, the descendants of Judah could

not expel them, so the Jebusites lives with the descendants of Judah in Jerusalem to this day.

Chapter 16 1

The territorial allotment for the descendants of Joseph proceeded from the Jordan

River by Jericho eastward of the waters of Jericho, into the wilderness, proceeding from Jericho through the hill country of Bethel 2and from Bethel to Luz, continuing to the border of the Archites at Ataroth. 3It proceeded westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon, then toward Gezer, ending at the Mediterranean Sea. 4

Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.

5

This was the territory allocated to the descendants of Ephraim according to their

families: the border of their inheritance on the east was Ataroth-addar as far as upper Beth-horon. 6Then the border proceeded west from Michmethath on the north, then turned east toward Taanath-shiloh, continuing to the east of Janoah. 7It proceeded from Janoah to Ataroth, then to Naarah, then proceeded to Jericho and ended at the Jordan River. 8From Tappuach, the border proceeded west to the Kanah brook, ending at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim according to their families, 9along with the cities that had been set aside for the descendants of Ephraim within the allotment of the descendants of Manasseh, including all of the cities and villages. 10However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in within the territory of Ephraim to this day, but they serve as forced laborers.

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The territorial allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, the first born of Joseph, was

allocated first to Machir the first born of Manasseh and father of Gilead. Since he had been a man of war, Gilead and Bashan were allocated to him. 2

Now allotments were made with respect to the remaining descendants of

Manasseh according to their families: for the descendants of Abiezer, the descendants of Helek, the descendants of Asriel, the descendants of Shechem, the descendants of Hepher, and the descendants of Shemida—the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph according to their families. 3

Zelophehad son of Hepher, grandson of Gilead, great grandson of Machir son of

Manasseh had no sons, but daughters only. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4They appeared before Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and declared, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.” As a result, consistent with the command of the LORD, he gave them an inheritance among their father’s relatives. 5

That is why 10 allotments fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and

Bashan beyond the Jordan River, 6since the granddaughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. (The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the Manassites.) 7

The border of Manasseh proceeded from Asher to Michmethath east of Shechem,

then turned south to include the inhabitants of En-tappuach. 8(The territory of Tappuach belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuach itself, on the border of Manasseh, was allocated to the Ephraimites.) 9The border proceeded to the Kanah brook and proceeded south. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, with the border of Manasseh on the north of the brook, terminating at the Mediterranean Sea. 10

The southern area was allocated to Ephraim and the northern area to Manasseh.

The Mediterranean Sea was the border, extending to Asher on the North and to Issachar on the east. 11In Issachar and Asher, Manasseh held Beth-shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, and the three coastal districts. 12The descendants of Manasseh did not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites

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Joshua Chapter 18

predominated in that territory. 13Later on, when the Israelites had become strong, they forced the Canaanites to work for them, but they never did expel them completely. 14

At that time, the descendants of Joseph asked Joshua, “Why did you give us

only one allotment and portion for an inheritance, since we’re numerous? For the LORD has blessed us all along.” 15

So Joshua replied to them, “Since you’re so numerous, go up to the forest and

clear ground there for yourselves in the territory of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, because the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.” 16

The descendants of Joseph replied, “The hill country isn’t sufficient for us, but

all the Canaanites who live on the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shean and its villages as well as the inhabitants of the Jezreel Valley.” 17

So Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh, “You’re truly a

numerous group, and you have great power. You shall not have only one allotment, 18but the hill country shall also belong to you. Even though it’s a forest, you will clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. You’ll drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and even though they’re strong.”

Chapter 18 1

After this, the entire assembly of the Israelites gathered together at Shiloh and set

up a Tent of Meeting there, where the land lay conquered before them. 2Seven tribes remained among the Israelites for whom their inheritances had not yet been allocated. 3

So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you delay invading and taking

possession of the land that the LORD God of your ancestors has given you? 4Appoint three men from each tribe and I’ll send them. They’ll begin to go through the land and record a description of it, categorized according to their inheritance, and then they’ll report back to me. 5They’ll divide it seven ways. Judah will stay in its territory on the south and the house of Joseph will remain in its territory on the north. 6Lay out the land in seven divisions, then bring your report here to me. I will then cast lots the LORD our God. 7The Levites have no allotment among you, since the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance. Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance to the east, beyond the Jordan River given to them by Moses the servant of the LORD.”

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So the men started out, following Joshua’s command to those who went to scout

the land, “Go through the land and record a description of it, and then return to me. I will then cast lots before the LORD your God in Shiloh.” 9Then the men left camp and went throughout the land, describing its cities in a book with seven divisions. Then they returned to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh. 10Joshua threw lots in Shiloh before the LORD and then divided the land accordingly to the Israelites according to their divisions. 11

The allotment of the tribe of the Benjaminites came up according to their

families, and their territorial allotment fell between the descendants of Judah and the descendants of Joseph. 12Their border started on the north side at the Jordan River, proceeded to the slope of Jericho on the north, then westward through the hill country, and terminated at the wilderness of Beth-aven. 13From there the boundary proceeded south in the direction of Luz to the slope of Luz (also known as Bethel), then proceeded to Ataroth-addar, on the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon. 14From there the boundary changes direction, turning southward on the western side opposite Beth-horon, terminating at Kiriath-baal (also known as Kiriath-jearim), which belongs to Judah. This forms the western boundary. 15

The southern boundary begins at the edge of Kiriath-Jearim, proceeding from

there to Ephron and then to the spring at the Nephtoah Waters. 16From there the boundary proceeds to the border of the mountain that overlooks the Ben-Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Rephaim Valley, where it proceeds down the Hinnom Valley south of the slope of the Jebusites toward En-rogel. 17Then it turns north toward En-shemesh and proceeds from there to Geliloth opposite the ascent of Adummin, where it turns toward the Stone of Bohan, Reuben’s son 18and proceeds north of the slope of Beth-arabah down to the Arabah. 19From there the boundary proceeds to north of the slope of Beth-hoglah and terminates at the northern bay of the Salt Sea where the Jordan River ends in the south. This is the southern border. 20The Jordan River forms its boundary on the east. This is the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin according to its families, boundary by boundary around the entire territory. 21

The towns belonging to the tribe of Benjamin according to their families were

Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keriz, 22Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, 23Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, 24Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba, for a total of 12 towns and villages. 25Also included were Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 26Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah, 27Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, 28Zela, Haeleph, Jebus (also known as Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim, 166

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Joshua Chapter 19

for a total of 14 towns and villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin according to their families.

Chapter 19 1

The second allotment turned up in favor of the tribe of the descendants of

Simeon according to its families. Its inheritance was enclosed within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. 2Its inheritance included Beer-sheba, Sheba, Moladah, 3Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, 4Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, 6Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen, for a total of 13 towns and villages; 7 Also included were Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan, for a total of four towns and villages. 8Also included were all the surrounding villages as far as Baalath-beer, in Ramah of the Negev. This was the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon according to its families. 9 The inheritance of the tribe of Simeon was contained in part of the territory of Judah; that is, because the tribe of Judah’s portion was too large for them, the tribe of Simeon obtained an inheritance within their inheritance. 10

The third allotment lot turned out in favor of the tribe of Zebulun according to

its families. The boundary of its inheritance extended to Sarid, 11then turned westward toward Maralah, proceeding to Dabbesheth, and then to the valley that is east of Jokneam. 12From Sarid it proceeded back eastward, creating a sunrise boundary at Chisloth-tabor, and proceeded from there to Daberath, then to Japhia, 13From which it proceeded toward the east to Gath-hepher, then to Eth-kazin, then going to Rimmon, where it turned toward Neah. 14On the north of Neah, the boundary turned toward Hannathon, terminating at Iphtah-el Valley 15and Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem, for a total of 12 towns and villages. 16These towns and villages are the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun according to its families. 17

The fourth allotment turned out in favor of the tribe of Issachar according to its

families. 18The territorial allotment included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, Bethpazzez, 22with the boundary including Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh. The boundary terminated at the Jordan River, for a total of 16 towns and villages. 23These towns and villages comprise the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar, according to its families. International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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The fifth allotment turned out in favor of the tribe of Asher according to its

families. 25The territorial boundary included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26

Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal, and on the west Carmel and Shihor-libnath, 27then

proceeded east to Beth-dagon. It proceeded to Zebulun and the Iphtah-el Valley, turned north to Beth-emek and Neiel, then proceeded north to Cabul, 28Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah as far as Great Sidon. 29There the boundary turned toward Ramah, reaching to the fortress city of Tyre and turned to Hosah, where it terminated at the Mediterranean Sea. Also included were Mahalab, Achzib, 30Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob, for a total of 22 towns and villages. 31These towns and villages are the inheritance of the tribe of Asher according to its families. 32

The sixth allotment turned out in favor of the tribe of Naphtali according to its

families. 33The territorial boundary proceeded ran from Heleph, the oak in Zaanannim, and Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel as far as Lakkum, terminating at the Jordan River. 34There the boundary proceeded west to Aznoth-tabor and then to Hukkok, reaching Zebulun at the south, Asher on the west, and Judah on the east at the Jordan River. 35Also included were the fortress towns of Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, 38Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh, for a total of 19 towns and their villages. 39These towns and villages comprised the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali according to its families. 40

The seventh allotment turned out in favor of the tribe of Dan according to its

families. 41The territorial allotment included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, 42Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45Jehud, Beneberak, Gath-rimmon, 46Me-jarkon, and Rakkon at the border near Joppa. 47Later, when the Danites lost their territory, they went up and attacked Leshem. After they captured it, and executed the inhabitants, they took possession of it and settled there, renaming the city of Leshem to Dan in memory of their ancestor Dan. 48These towns and villages comprised the inheritance of the tribe of Dan according to their families. 49

When they had completed distribution of the various territories of the land as

inheritances, the Israelites provided an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun. 50By a command from the LORD, they allocated the town that he requested, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the town and settled there.

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Joshua Chapter 20-21

These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the

heads of the families of the Israelite tribes distributed by lot before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they completed dividing the land.

Chapter 20 1

Then the LORD said to Joshua, 2“Tell the people of Israel, ‘Set apart cities of

refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses, 3so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally and without premeditation may run there and be protected from closely related avengers. 4He may run to one of those cities, stand at the entrance of the city gate, and tell his side of the story to the elders of the city. They shall bring him inside the city with them and provide him a place to live among them. 5

“‘Now if the closely related avenger pursues him, then they shall not hand the

killer over to him, because he struck down his neighbor without premeditation and without hating him beforehand. 6He shall live in that city until he stands trial before the community, until the death of the one who is high priest at that time. Then the killer may return to his own city and to his own home, that is, to the city from which he fled.’” 7

So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in

the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (also known as Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 8East of Jericho beyond the Jordan River, they reserved Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. 9These were appointed to be cities for all the Israelites and for the foreigner who lives among them, so that whoever kills anyone unintentionally may run there and not die at the hands of a closely related avenger until he stands for trial before the community.

Chapter 21 1

Then the family leaders of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua

son of Nun, along with the family leaders of the people of Israel. 2It was at Shiloh in the land of Canaan that they told them, “The LORD ordered through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, along with their pasture lands for our livestock.” 3

So, just as the Lord had said, the Israelites set aside cities for the Levites from a

portion of their own inheritances, along with their grazing lands. 4The lot turned out in International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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favor of the families of the Kohathites. So the descendants of Aaron the priest, who were Levites, received 13 cities by random lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 5

The rest of the descendants of Kohath received 10 cities by random lot from the families

of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 6

The descendants of Gershon received 13 cities by random lot from the families

of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh located in Bashan. 7The descendants of Merari, allocated according to their families, received 12 cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 8

The Israelites apportioned these cities, along with their pasture lands, to the

Levites by random lot, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses. 9

From the tribes of the descendants of Judah and Simeon, they gave these cities,

delineated by name: 10for the descendants of Aaron, one of the families of the Kohathites, of the descendants of Levi, since the lot fell in their favor first. 11They gave them Kiriatharba, also known as Hebron, (Arba was named after the father of Anak), in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasture lands. 12But the fields adjoining the city and its surrounding villages were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh for his ownership. 13

So they gave Hebron to the descendants of Aaron the priest to serve as a city of

refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands, 14

Jattir with its pasture lands, Eshtemoa with its pasture lands, 15Holon with its pasture

lands, Debir with its pasture lands, 16Ain with its pasture lands, Juttah with its pasture lands, and Beth-shemesh with its pasture lands, for a total of nine cities from these two tribes. 17

From the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasture lands, Geba with its pasture

lands, 18Anathoth with its pasture lands, and Almon with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 19All of the cities allocated to the priests, who were descendants of Aaron, numbered 13, along with their pasture lands. 20

Cities from the tribe of Ephraim were also allotted to the families of the

descendants of Kohath, that is, to the rest of the descendants of Kohath, who were Levites. 21They allocated Shechem to them as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, in the mountainous region of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasture lands, 22Kibzaim with its pasture lands, and Beth-horon with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 170

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Joshua Chapter 21

From the tribe of Dan were allocated Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon

with its pasture lands, 24Aijalon with its pasture lands, and Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 25

From the half-tribe of Manasseh were allocated Taanach with its pasture lands

and Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands, for a total of two cities. 26All the cities with their pasture lands for the families of the rest of the descendants of Kohath numbered 10. 27

To the descendants of Gerson, one of the Levitical families from the half-tribe

of Manasseh, were allocated Golan in Bashan as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, and Beeshterah with its pasture lands, for a total of two cities. 28

From the tribe of Issachar were allocated Kishion with its pasture lands,

Daberath with its pasture lands, 29Jarmuth with its pasture lands, and En-gannin with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 30

From the tribe of Asher were allocated Mishal with its pasture lands, Abdon

with its pasture lands, 31Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rebo with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 32

From the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands were

allocated as a city of refuge for the unintentional killer, Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands, for a total of three cities. 33

All the cities of the descendants of Gershon according to their families totaled

13 cites, along with their pasture lands. 34

From the tribe of Zebulon were allocated to the descendants of Merari (that is,

the rest of the Levites) Jokneam with its pasture lands, Kartah with its pasture lands, 35

Dimnah with its pasture lands, and Nahalal with its pasture lands, for a total of four

cities. 36

From the tribe of Reuben were allocated Bezer with its pasture lands, Jazah with

its pasture lands, 37Kedemoth with its pasture lands, and Mephaath with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities. 38

From the tribe of Gad were allocated Ramoth in Gilead with its pasture lands, to

serve as a city of refuge for the unintentional killer, Mahanaim with its pasture lands, 39

Heshbon with its pasture lands, and Jazer with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities

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So the entire allocation to the descendants of Merari (that is, the rest of the

families of the Levites) according to their families totaled 12 cities. 41

All of the cities of the Levites that had been set apart among the territorial

possession of the Israelites were 48 cites, along with their pasture lands. 42These cities were each surrounded by pasture lands, as was the case with all of these cities. 43

So the LORD gave all of the land to Israel that he had promised to give their

ancestors, and they took possession and settled there in it. 44The LORD gave them peace all around them, just as he had promised their ancestors. Not one of their enemies were able to stand before them—the LORD placed all of their enemies under their control. 45

Not one of good promise that the LORD made to the house of Israel failed—all of them

were fulfilled.

Chapter 22 1

Later, Joshua called together the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of

Manasseh 2and told them, “You have kept everything that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have listened to me in everything that I commanded you. 3You haven’t abandoned your relatives these past days to the present, and you have met the obligation contained in the commands of the LORD your God. 4Now the LORD has given peace to your relatives, just as he told them. Therefore, proceed to your tents—to the land that is yours to possess—that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan River. 5Only be very careful to keep the commands and the Law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you—that is, to love the LORD your God, to follow in all of his ways, to keep his commands, to stay close to him, and to serve him with all your heart and soul.” 6That’s how Joshua blessed them. Then he sent them on their way and they returned to their tents. 7

Now Moses had made an allotment in Bashan to one half-tribe of Manasseh, but

Joshua made an allotment west of the Jordan River to the other half-tribe of their relatives. So when Joshua sent them on their way back to their tents, he also blessed them by saying 8“Return to your tents with great wealth, plenty of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron, and lots of clothing. Divide the spoil from your enemies among your relatives.”

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Joshua Chapter 22

The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh went back to the

land of Gilead, leaving the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, for their territorial possession that they had inherited in accordance with the command of the LORD given through Moses. 10

After they arrived at an area of the Jordan River that is in the land of Canaan,

the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh constructed an altar there by the Jordan River, and it was of great size. 11When the Israelites heard about it, they announced, “Look here, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have constructed an altar in Canaan’s frontier district of the Jordan River, on the side apportioned to the Israelites.” 12When the Israelites heard that announcement, the entire community of the Israelites gathered together at Shiloh in preparation for war. 13

Then the Israelites sent a delegation to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-

tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead. They sent Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, 14

and 10 officials with him (one for each of the tribal families of Israel, each one of them

a family leader among the clans of Israel). 15They approached the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them: 16“This is what the entire community of the LORD has to say: ‘What is this treacherous act by which you have acted deceitfully against the God of Israel by turning away from following the LORD today, and by building yourselves an altar today, so you can rebel against the LORD? 17Isn’t the evil that happened at Peor enough for us, from which we have yet to be completely cleansed even to this point, and because of which a plague came upon the community of the LORD? 18Now then, are you turning away from following the LORD today? If you rebel against the LORD today, by tomorrow he will be angry with the entire community of Israel. 19If the land of your inheritance remains unclean, then cross back over into the land that the LORD possesses, and receive an inheritance among us. Don’t rebel against the LORD and against us by constructing an altar for yourselves besides the altar of the LORD our God. 20Didn’t Achan son of Zerach act treacherously with respect to the things banned by God, and as a result anger fell on the whole community of Israel? And that man was not the only one to die because of his iniquity.’” 21

Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered in

reply to the officials of the clans of Israel: 22“The God of gods, the LORD, the God of gods, the LORD is the One who knows! And may Israel itself be aware that if this was an act of rebellion or an act of treachery against the LORD, may he not deliver us today! 23If International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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we have built an altar for ourselves intended to turn us away from following the LORD, or to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself demand an accounting from us! 24

“But we did this because we were concerned for a reason, since we thought,

‘Some time in the future your descendants may say to our descendants, “What do you have in common with the LORD, the God of Israel? 25The LORD has established the Jordan River to be a territorial border between us and you. Reubenites and Gadites have no allotment in the LORD.” So your descendants may cause our descendants to stop fearing the LORD.’ 26

“That’s why we said, ‘Let’s build an altar for ourselves, not for burnt offerings

or sacrifice, 27but instead it will serve as a reminder between us and you and between our generations after us, that we are to carry out the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, our sacrifices, and our peace offerings. That way your descendants will not say to our descendants in the future, “You have no allotment in the LORD.”’ 28

“That’s also why we said, ‘It may be if they say these things to us and to our

descendants in the future, so we will respond, “Look at this replica of the altar of the LORD that our ancestors made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifice, but rather as a reminder between us and you. 29May we never rebel against the LORD today by building an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifice to replace the altar of the LORD our God which stands before his Tabernacle.”’” 30

When Phinehas the priest, the leaders of the community, and the heads of the

families of Israel who were with him heard what the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the Manassites said, they were pleased. 31So Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest replied to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the Manassites, “Today we’ve demonstrated that the LORD is among us, because you have not acted treacherously against the LORD. Now you have delivered the Israelites from the anger of the LORD.” 32

So Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest and the leaders returned from the

Reubenites, the Gadites, and from the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan and to the people of Israel, bringing back word to them. 33What they said pleased the people of Israel, so they blessed God and said not more about going up to attack them in war and to destroy the land where the Reubenites and the Gadites were living. 34The Reubenites and the Gadites named the altar “Witness,” because they claimed “It stands as a witness between us that the LORD is God.” 174

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Joshua Chapter 23 Chapter 23

1

Many years later, after the LORD had given peace between Israel and all its

surrounding enemies, and after Joshua had become very old, 2Joshua called together all Israel, including their leaders, officials, judges, and tribal officers. He addressed them and told them, “I am old now, and have lived many years. 3You have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all of these nations on your behalf, because it has been the LORD your God who has been fighting on your behalf. 4Now look, I have allocated these nations that remain as an inheritance for your tribes, including all of the nations that I have cut off from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea to the West. 5The LORD your God is the One who will toss them out before you, driving them out of your sight. You will take possession of this land, just as the LORD your God promised you. 6

“Stand very strong, then, so you can keep and carry out everything written in the

book of the Law of Moses, turning neither to the right or to the left. 7That way, you will not mingle with those nations that remain among you, nor mention the name of their gods, nor make oaths by them, nor serve them, nor worship them. 8Instead, you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have been done today, 9because the LORD has expelled great and strong nations ahead of you. Now as for you, not a single man has been able to oppose you right to this day. 10A single man makes a thousand flee, because the LORD your God is the One who is fighting for you, just as he promised you. 11

“So be very diligent to love the LORD your God, 12because if you ever turn back

and cling to those who remain of these nations by intermarrying with them and associating one with another, 13know for certain that the LORD your God will not continue to drive out these nations ahead of you. Instead, they will be a snare and a trap for you, a whip to your backs, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. 14

“Look here: today I’m going down the path that everyone on earth takes, and

you know with all your hearts and souls that not a single word of all of the good things that the LORD your God spoke about you has failed to happen. Everything has been fulfilled about you—not one of them has failed. 15However, just as all of the good things have come about that the LORD your God promised, so also the LORD will bring upon you all of the threats until he has destroyed you from possessing this good land that he has given you. 16When you break the covenant of the LORD your God that he commanded International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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you to obey by going to serve other gods and worship them, then the anger of the LORD will blaze against you, and you will perish quickly from this good land that he gave you.”

Chapter 24 1

Then Joshua assembled together all of the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He called

for the leaders, officials, judges, and tribal officers of Israel. They assembled in formation before God, 2and Joshua told all of the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel has to say: ‘Long ago your ancestors lived beyond the Euphrates River, including Terah, father of both Abraham and Nahor, where they served other gods. 3Then I took your ancestor Abraham from the other side of the Euphrates River and led him through the entire land of Canaan. I multiplied his descendants, and gave him his son Isaac. 4

‘I gave Jacob and Esau to Isaac. And I gave Mount Seir to Esau as his

possession, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. 5

‘Later I commissioned Moses and Aaron, and I inflicted plagues on Egypt

by what I did among them. Afterwards, I brought all of you out. 6

‘Then I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, and you came to the Sea,

and the Egyptians followed your ancestors with chariots and horsemen to the Reed Sea. 7But when they cried out to the LORD, he placed darkness between you and the Egyptians, brought the sea upon the Egyptians, and swallowed them up. Your own eyes saw what I did in Egypt. Then you lived in the desert for a long time. 8

‘I brought you into the territory of the Amorites, who lived on the other

side of the Jordan River. They fought you, but I gave them into your control, and you took possession of their land. I destroyed them from your presence. 9

‘Then Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, showed up and fought against

Israel. He sent word to Balaam, summoning the son of Beor to put a curse on you. 10

But I wasn’t willing to listen to Balaam. So he had to bless you, and I delivered

you from his control. 11

‘Next, you crossed the Jordan River and arrived at Jericho. But the

citizens of Jericho fought you, that is, the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and the Jebusites, so I gave them into your control. 176

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Joshua Chapter 24

‘Then I sent hornets ahead of you to drive out two kings of the Amorites

before you without your using either sword or bow. 13I gave you a land for which you never worked and cities that you didn’t build but that you have lived in. You’re eating from vineyards and olives groves that you didn’t plant.’ 14

“Now you must fear the LORD and serve him in faithfulness and truth. Throw

away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Instead, serve the LORD. 15If you think it’s the wrong thing for you to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves today whom you will serve—the gods whom your ancestors served the other side of the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose territories you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. 16

In response, the people said “Far be it from us that we should abandon the LORD

to serve other gods, 17since the LORD our God is the One who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, from a life of slavery. He did those great things right in front of us, preserving us along the way that we traveled and among all the peoples through whose territory we passed. 18The LORD expelled all the people before us, including the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore, we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.” 19

So Joshua said to the people, “You will not be able to serve the LORD, because

he is a God of Holiness. He is a jealous God, and he will forgive neither your transgressions nor your sins. 20If you abandon the LORD and serve foreign deities, then he will turn and do you harm, consuming you after all the good he has done for you.” 21

The people replied to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.”

22

Joshua responded to the people, “You are giving testimony against yourselves,

that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” They replied, “We are witnesses!” 23

Joshua said, “Therefore abandon the foreign gods that are among you, and turn

your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24

The people replied to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey his

25

So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, making statutes and

voice.” ordinances in Shechem. 26He wrote these words in the book of the Law of God, took a large stone, moved it under the shade of the oak tree that was near the sanctuary of the International Standard Version® 1.4.1

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LORD, 27and then said to all of the people, “Look! This stone will testify against us, because it has heard everything that the LORD has spoken to us. So it will stand as a witness against you in the event that you deny your God.” 28Then Joshua dismissed the people, and each man returned to his territorial inheritance. 29

Some time later, Joshua servant of the LORD died at the age of 110 years, and

30

they buried him in his territorial inheritance at Timnath-serah in the mountainous region

of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. 31

Israel served the LORD for the entire lifetimes of Joshua and of the officials who

outlived Joshua, that is, the ones who had personally known everything that the LORD had done for Israel. 32

They also buried the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites brought up from

Egypt, in the parcel of ground at Shechem that Jacob had purchased from the children of Hamor, father of Shechem, for 100 pieces of silver. It became part of the inheritance of the descendants of Joseph. 33

Later, Eleazar son of Aaron also died, and they buried him at Gibeah, which

belonged to his son Phinehas, and which had been given to him in the mountainous region of Ephraim.

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Inductive Study Methodology

Appendix

Inductive Study Methodology Definition: Using the Bible as the primary source of information and reading with a purpose by asking relevant questions, so that through complete observation, one can accurately interpret, determine eternal principles, and then apply Scripture to all circumstances of life. • • • •

God speaks through the prophets, recorded in Scripture God gave the word so that He might reveal Himself to us God speaks through Jesus, as He is the word who came in the flesh The Holy Spirit gives all believers the ability to understand the word of God

Four Components of the Inductive Study Methodology 1. Observation: Seeing what the text says, to gain facts and information The process of observation is foundational to inductive Bible study Asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions helps students focus on the obvious Who People

What Events

Where Place

When Time

Why Reason or purpose

How Means or method

2. Interpretation: Determining what the text means to gain understanding Looking for information and the correlation in the context of Scripture Context: Looking at the surrounding words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and book in which something exists, occurs, or is placed. The author’s use of the repetition of ideas or thoughts will also help you discover meaning within the context. 3. Principlization: Determining what eternal truths are being taught Stating the author’s propositions, arguments, narration, and illustrations as abiding timeless truths. 4. Application: Conviction as to how the truth applies personally, leads to transformation. Component of the Methodology

Holy Spirit’s Ministry

Man’s Response

Product of Component

Observation -Focus on the obvious

Illumination

Reasoning

Facts & Information

Interpretation -Done in light of context

Teaching

Evaluation

Understanding

Principlization -Focus on learning biblical relevancy

Conviction

Summarization

Eternal Principles

Application -Begins with individual

Guidance

Accountability

Transformation

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Appendix

Step 1

Inductive Study Methodology

Book Overview

To Discover the Context or the Big Picture Purpose: To identify the flow of thought that ties the book together and to identify the author's reason for writing A. Who is the author:

B.

C.

D. E. F.

G.

• • • • •

Who is writing and what does he say about himself? What are his circumstances? Where is he and why is he there? When in his life is he writing? Why is he writing?

• • • • • •

Who is it written to? How is the recipient described? What does it say about the recipient? What is the relationship of the recipients to the author? Where is the recipient? Why is the author writing to the recipient?

• • •

Who are the other people mentioned and what does the text say about them? What do you learn about their relationship to the author or recipient? What is their relationship to the key message?

• •

Words generally repeated throughout the text When removed the text is left without meaning

• •

Teaching doctrinal truth that would inform and equip those who follow after Christ Historical narrative, sharing historical events or personal testimony

• •

A command or imperative statement, telling someone what they are to do Usually written in the second person such as you, your, or yourself; or introduced with the phrase “let us”

Who is or who are the recipient/s:

Other people mentioned: (either specifically, or by generalization or implication)

Look for key words

Look for declarative statements Look for instructions or commands

Look for exhortations •

H. I.

180

• •

A personal message from the author to encourage the recipients regarding their own situation, whether personally or within their church Show the uniqueness of the situation that led to the book being written Sometimes introduced with the word “you,” calling or urging obedience

• •

Confronting the behavior of the recipient that has not honored God To advise strongly, to reprove, or to call the recipients to repentance

• •

To put on guard or to put on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm To describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment

Look for admonitions Look for warnings

Inductive Study Methodology

Step 2

Appendix

Comprehensive Chapter Study

Observation Chapter by Chapter Purpose:

A.

Marking key words 1. 2. 3. 4.

B. C. D. E. F.

To examine the details of the chapter, to see how the chapter details relate to the book Mark so your eye can see on the page the occurrence of the word This is typically done with colored pencils God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and their pronouns are always keywords The key words become a basis for developing a list of facts

Making lists of the key words by writing phrases and sentences Reasoning through the lists of information from the key words Contrasts to see differences in perspective • •

Point out differences in words or phrases Most contrasts are identified by the following words: but, however, or never the less

• •

Dealing with ideas or bodies of truth that are similar Identified by the words like and as

Comparisons to see similarities in concepts

Terms of expression Time dimension and verb usage • Look for words like now, then, or later • Tells if something occurred in the past, will occur in the future, or is in the present Conclusion or results or purpose • Look for words like: for, for this reason, so that, that, or because

Step 3

Word Studies

Purpose: To deepen understanding of the text To clarify understanding of the text To determine the meaning of unknown or confusing words or sections of texts

A.

Pick a word 1. 2. 3.

B.

Look at the key words in the text Look at the words with unclear meanings Look at the verbs and nouns in the text

Look up the definition in a word study tool Exhaustive concordances contain three sections 1. Alphabetical list of all words used in the text of Scripture that are then ordered in biblical occurrence 2. Dictionary of Hebrew words arranged numerically 3. Dictionary of Greek words arranged numerically Expository Dictionaries (each of these is keyed to the KJV 1. Vine’s, Dictionary of the New Testament 2. Spiros Zodhiates, Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament 3. Spiros Zodhiates, Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament

C.

Read the definition back into the text

181

Appendix

Step 4

Inductive Study Methodology

Cross Referencing of Scripture

Purpose: To establish the context within the broader context of Scripture • • • •

Context always rules in all interpretation Amplify or clarify the understanding of the text Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture Scripture never contradicts Scripture

A.

How to determine cross references: 1. Look up the word in a concordance 2. Look up the word in a topical Bible 3. Look up verses identified by marginal references

B.

Read the cross reference

C.

Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference

Step 5

Determining Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title

A.

Paragraph analysis • Determine the paragraph theme. The editors of some translations of the Bible have each verse starting on a new line within each chapter. The NASB begins each new paragraph by printing the verse number in bold type. The NIV divided the chapters into paragraphs, as we know them, indenting at the beginning of each new paragraph. When you study the ancient languages of the Bible, there are differences in paragraph divisions from one manuscript to another. The words of Scripture were inspired, but years ago, editors added verse numbers, paragraph divisions, and the divisions made by chapter numbers.

B.

Developing each chapter theme and the book title • A collection of summary statements, one for each chapter and one for entire book • These can be verified from key words, instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings within the chapter 1. Use five words or less, with at least one actual word found in a chapter 2. Each chapter title should be distinctive from the other chapter titles 3. Each title should be descriptive of what is in the chapter 4. Place these themes on the Theme and Title Chart

182

How?

Why?

What?

Author Recipient(s) Other people Key words Declarative Statements Instructions Exhortations Admonitions Warnings

A. B. C. D. E.

F. G. H. I.

Identify the flow of thoughts which ties it together A. B. C. D. E. F.

•

•

Marking key words Making lists of facts Reasoning the lists Contrasts Comparisons Terms of expression of time, conclusion or results

Examine the details of the chapter Examine how the chapter details relate to the book

Step 2 Comprehensive Chapter Studies

Step 1

•

Appendix

Deepen the understanding of the text Clarify the understanding of the text

A. Pick a word B. Look up the definition in an exhaustive concordance or an expository dictionary C. Read the definition of the word back into the text

•

•

Word Studies

Step 3

183

Step 5

B.

•

• •

•

A.

To determine the paragraph and chapter themes To determine the book title Summary statements for each paragraph, chapter, and the book From the key words, declarative statements instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings Use five words or less Each chapter title should be distinctive from the other chapter titles Descriptive of what is in the chapter Place each theme on the Theme and Title Chart

Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title

Establish the context • within the broader context of Scripture Amplify or clarify the • text

A. Look up the word or phrase using: • a concordance • a topical Bible • marginal references B. Read the cross reference C. Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference

•

•

Cross Referencing Scripture

Step 4

Inductive Study Methodology: Summary of the Process

The Overview: Discovering the context or the big picture of the book • Identify the author’s reason for writing

Inductive Bible Study

Appendix

Map

Sidon

Israel

Mt. Hermon

During the Time of

Joshua

Damascus

Dan DAN

Tyre ASHER

Kadesh

NAPHTALI

Kazor

Great Sea

ZEBULUN

BASHAN Sea of Chinnereth

Golan

Mt. Tabor ISSACHAR

Mt. Gerizim EPHRAIM Shiloh

GILEAD

River Jordan

MANASSEH Shechem

DAN

RamothGilead

MANASSEH

Megiddo

AMMON

GAD

Bethel Ai Jericho BENJAMIN

Shittim Bezer Mt. Pisgah

Jerusalem Salt Sea REUBEN

JUDAH

Lachish Hebron

Aroer

Debir

MOAB Beer-Sheba SIMEON

Negeb Desert

EDOM

0

Scale in Miles 10 20

30

185

Appendix

Joshua Review Chart Major Event or Summary Statement:

Spiritual Significance:

BOOK Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 187

Appendix

Joshua Review Chart Major Event or Summary Statement:

Spiritual Significance:

Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24

188

Appendix

Word Study Index Hebrew Words

I Instructions 8451

A Abandon 5800 Anger 639 Ark 727 Army 6635 Assembly 6951 Avenger 1350

31 62 44 50 66 101

B Been deceitful 3584 Blessed 1288 Blessing 1293 Broken their promise 4604 Burnt offerings 5930

63 113 66 62 66

C Circumcise 4135 Cities 5892 Commanded 6680 Commander 8269 Community 5712 Consecrate 6942 Courageous 553 Covenant 1285 Cursed 779

49 86 31 50 101 44 31 44 59

D Demoralized 5307 Desired 2530 Destroyer 7843 Discouraged 2865 Disgrace 2781

35 63 17 31 49

E Elders 2205 Exalt 1431

101 45

F Fail 7503 Faithfulness 530 Fear 367 Fear 3372 (be) Fearful 6206

31 26 35 118 31

G Give 5414 Glory 3519 God 430 God of 430 Good 2896 Graciously 2617 Grain offering 4503

66 63 32 113 76 36 113

H Have broken 5674 Holy 6918 Hoshea 1954 Household 1004

62, 102 107 22 76, 118

J Jehovah-Nissi 3071 Joshua 3091 Judges 8199 L Leaders 2205 Levitical 3881 Living 2416 Lord 136 LORD 3068 M Manna 4478 Meditate 1897 Memorial 2146 Mighty 430 My Banner 3071 O Oath 7621 Obey 8085 Occult practitioner 7080 Officers 7860 Orders 1697 P Passover 6453 Peace offerings 8002 Permanent ruin 8077 Power 3027 Praise 8426 Priests 3548

31 22 22 118 62 44 45 62 30 50 31 22, 45 113 22 36 32 86 118 66 17, 49 66 66 45 63 44

R Rebellion 4777 Rebels 4784 Refuge 4733 Relatives 251 Rest 5117 Revered 3372 Right 3477 Righteousness 6664 Righteousness 6666

113 32 101 32 32 45 76 26 40

S Scouts 4397 Servant 5650 Servant 8334 Served 5647 Set apart for destruction 2764 Set apart to the LORD 6944 Shrewdly 6195 Sign 226 Sin 2399 Sin 2403

58 30 22 118 59 59 75 36 102 102 189

Appendix Sin 5771 Sin 6586 Sin through ignorance 7686 Sinned 2398 Sinning 5758 Spare 5337 Spirit 7307 Spoil 7998 Strength 3581 Strong 2388 Strong 2389 Sure 571 T Take an oath 7650 Transgressed 4603 Transgression 6588 Treacherously 898 Treachery 4604 Treasury 214 Treaty 7965 Tribes 7626 Trouble 5916 Trumpets 7782 Truth 8549 V Villages 2691 W Warriors 1368 Wicked schemes 5766 Witness 5707 Worshipped 7812 Y Yards 520

102 102 102 62, 102 102 36 22, 108 65 86 31 45 36 36 102 102 102 102 59 75 45 58 58 118 86 32 102 113 17 44

Greek Words A Authorities 1849

10

B Be alert 69 Believe 4100 Blood 129 Breastplate 2382

122 70 10 40

C Cosmic powers 2888

10

D Devil 1228

10

E Effort 4343 Endurance 5281 Evil 4190

190

122 70 11

F Faith 4102

70

G Glorified 1392 Gospel 2098 Guilt 817

82 54 102

H Heavenly realm 2032 Helmet 4030 Holy 40 Hope 1680 Human opponent 4561

11 81 107 82 10

I Intercedes 5241 Intercedes 1793

122 122

J Justice 571 Justified 1344

26 81

M Mighty 2904

10

P Peace 1515 Petitions 4335 Pray 2172 Pray 4336 Prayer 2171 Put on 1746

54 122 122 122 122 10

R Request 1162 Righteousness 1343

122 40

S Salvation 4992 Sanctified 37 Shield 2375 Spirit 4151 Spiritual forces 4152 Stand 2476 Strategies 3180 Strength 2479 Strong 1743 Sword 3162

81 82 70 93, 107 10 10 10 10 10 93

T Tempted 3985 Truth 225

93 26

W Word 3056 Word 4487 (It is) written 1125

93 93 93

Appendix

Bibliography Arnold, Clinton E. Ephesians Power and Magic. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1989. Brisco, Thomas V. Holman Bible Atlas. Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998. Butler, Trent C., Editor. Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991. Epp, Theodore H. Joshua – Victorious by Faith. Lincoln, NE, Back to the Bible, 1968. Epp, Theodore. The Believer’s Spiritual Warfare. Lincoln, NE, Back to the Bible, 1973. Foulkes, Francis. The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, Leicester, Inter-Varsity, 1989. Gurnall, William. The Christian in Complete Armour. Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1989. Harris, Stephen L. and Robert L. Platzner. The Old Testament: an Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Boston, McGraw-Hill, 2003. Kaiser, Walter C. Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1978. Keil, C. F. and F. Delitzsch. Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament – Joshua, Judges, Ruth. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1950. Kitz, Anne M. “Undivided Inheritance and Lot Casting in the Book of Joshua,” Journal of Biblical Literature, 119, no. 4, 2000. Lockyer, Herbert, Editor. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986. Moo, Douglas. The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1996. Soulen, Richard N. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Atlanta, John Knox Press, 1981. Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Gordonsville, Dugan Publishers, Inc. Toms, Paul. Winning the Battles of Life. Ventura, CA, Regal Books, 1986. Torrey, R.A. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. New Kensington, PA, Whitaker House, 1996. Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Victor Books, 1983. Walvoord, John F. & Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary – Old Testament. Victor Books, 1985. Wiersbe, Warren W. The Strategy of Satan. Wheaton, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1983. Woudstra, Marten H. The Book of Joshua. Grand Rapids, Wm. G. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991.

______________. The Complete Word Study Old Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1994.

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Sunergos Bible Studies Name of Study: Book Studies: Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith The Book of Ruth The Life of David The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther Jonah The Sermon on the Mount The Gospel According to Mark The Epistle to the Romans Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit Ephesians Philippians and the Call to Biblical Fellowship Colossians Titus and the Call to Biblical Discipleship Philemon (Learn the Inductive Bible Study methodology with this short study) James Topical Studies: Old Testament Worship for Followers of Christ Prayers of the Bible Women of the Word Discipleship Series Studies:

Number of Lessons: 10 4 12 8 5 10 14 22 23 10 12 12 9 9 2 11 8 12 12

The format of the Discipleship Series is different, as each lesson is like one day’s work in the other studies.

The Call to Biblical Character – An In-depth Look at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10-12) The Call to Bear Fruit by the Power of the Spirit – An In-depth Look at Galatians 5:22, 23 The Call to Live Victoriously by Faith – An In-depth Look at Ephesians 6:10-20 The Call to Biblical Fellowship – An In-depth Look at the “One Another” Commands A Woman’s Call to Biblical Discipleship – An In-depth Look at Titus 2:3-5

11 12 10 12 16

All of these lessons are in-depth inductive Bible studies that encourage the students to examine Scripture through observation before seeking to interpret, while looking for eternal principles in the word that can be applied to their own life. While the studies encourage critical thinking, they also provide some “commentary” from a variety of conservative sources. The studies include instruction for studying inductively, and the work for each lesson has been divided into five days. All studies have been formatted with two options for completing the lessons. The student who has less time for study can complete the opening observation questions which cover the portion of Scripture or theme for the day, and then the student can move to the last question/s which might incorporate other Scriptures and as well as several application questions. The other option is for the student to complete the entire lesson for each day and that would generally take between 30 minutes to one hour. This option includes word studies and an in-depth look at the passage or theme for the day. Leader’s Guides are available for each study to provide resources for those interested in leading a study. Check the Sunergos Bible Studies’ website www.sunergosbible.org for availability, costs, and ordering options. New studies, leader’s guides, and other resources are available from the website.

Book Summary Just as Israel faced a variety of strong enemies, so do we! How do you face opposition? Where do you turn for support? What does it mean to be a part of God’s army today? Join forces with others who follow Christ through this in-depth inductive Bible study of the Old Testament book of Joshua. The book of Joshua is not just a historical record of Israel’s conquest and occupation of the Promised Land, because the message of the book of Joshua can make a difference in your life today. The ten lesson study looks at the attributes and nature of God as He revealed Himself to His chosen people, including a look back at what God told His people before they entered the Promised Land and how His word was fulfilled when Israel moved into the land of Canaan. The study also focuses on the spiritual armor that is available for believers based on what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-20. Because this is an inductive study, it carefully observes the text of Scripture, interprets the original intent of the book, and challenges the student to claim the eternal principles that can be applied for all those who follow Jesus Christ. The study provides a number of options for completing the lessons. The student could complete the observation questions followed by application questions, or complete the remainder of the lesson for an in-depth study. Students can also study only some of the portions of the in-depth lesson beyond the observation questions. When a group is meeting weekly to discuss the lessons, each student benefits from the review discussion suggested by possibilities in the accompanying leader’s guide.

Author Profile JAN WELLS has been married forty years, is the mother of two grown children, and a grandmother. A former English and history teacher, Jan has written twenty in-depth, inductive studies reflecting her passion for the Lord and His word. Incorporated in Jan’s writing are a commitment to the importance of the ministry of discipleship within the body of Christ and a sensitivity to the differences in the way people think and learn. Jan, the creator of Sunergos Bible Studies, has taught the Bible to adults for over twenty years in an interdenominational ministry. The author has an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Simpson University (C&MA) and is pursuing an M.Div. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (SBC). Sunergos Bible Studies have been used in a number of churches throughout the country and internationally, and because of their thoroughness, they have become valuable resources for many pastors and Bible teachers.