CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, PDO MUSCAT
TOPIC: JOSHUA
Introduction:
JOSHUA (son of Nun) was also called JEHOSHUA, and JEHOSHUAH, and OSHEA. He was the successor to Moses and the man who led the nation of Israel to conquer the land of Canaan and settle in the Promised Land.
Joshua was born in Egypt. He went through the great events of the Passover and the Exodus with Moses and all the Hebrew people who escaped from slavery in Egypt at the hand of their Redeemer God. After God had said that Moses and Aaron were no longer qualified to take the children of Israel to the Promised Land (Ex. 32:1-4, Numb 20:12, 23&24), Joshua was nominated as Moses’ successor. In the Wilderness of Sinai, Moses took his assistant Joshua with him when he went into the mountains to talk with God (Ex. 24:13). Moses also gave Joshua a prominent place at the TABERNACLE. As Moses’ servant, Joshua would remain at the tabernacle as his representative while the great leader left the camp to fellowship with the Lord (Ex. 33:1 I).
When Moses sent spies to scout out the land of Canaan, Joshua was selected as the representative of the tribe of Ephraim (Num. 13:8). Only Joshua and Caleb returned to the camp with a report that they could conquer the land with God’s help. The other ten spies complained that they were "like grasshoppers" in comparison to the Canaanites (Num. 13:33). Because of their show of faith, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones, from amongst the Israelites who departed Egypt, allowed to enter the promised land at the end of their years of wandering. All other Israelites who lived at that time died before the nation entered the Promised Land (Num. 14:30).
After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites to conquer the land (Joshua I--2), supervised the division of the territory among the 12 tribes, and led the people to renew their covenant with God (Joshua 13-22).
When Joshua died at the age of 110, he was buried in the land of his inheritance at Timnath Serah (Josh. 24:30). As Moses’ successor, Joshua completed the work which this great leader began. Moses led Israel out of Egypt; Joshua led Israel into Canaan. Joshua’s name, an Old Testament form of Jesus, means "the Lord is salvation." By his name and by his life, he demonstrated the salvation that comes from God.
He was determined to serve the Lord irrespective of popular opinion: Josh 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the
other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (KJV)
The Bible says in Judg 2:7 "And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua. who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel".
A. Joshua’s EarIy Life and Training (Exod 24:12-13: Numb 13 - 14:10:JIosh I)
I. Intimately associated with Moses Ex. 24:1 2& 13; Ex. 33:1 I
Q
I: Do you think Joshua was influenced by the life of Moses? DiscussNum 13:16.
" Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua."(NIV).2. Was sent with others to view the promised land (Num I 3:1-3,8). Makes a favorable report irrespective of popular opinion. (Num 13:26-30,14:6-10).
Q2: What was the report of the other spies? Were they realistic?
Q3: All the spies saw same people and things. Why then was Caleb/Joshua’s report different? Did they see things differently and what lessons are there for believers?
Q4: Can we relate these lessons to our special circumstances? - the situation in Nigeria, our health, job etc.
3. Rewarded for his courage and fidelity Num 14:10, 14:30; 14:38; 32:10-12.
4 Commissioned, ordained, and charged with the responsibilities of Moses’ office Deut 1:38; 3:28; 3 1:3; 31:23 and
34:9; Divinely inspired and equipped Num 27:15-18; Deut 34:9; Josh 1:5, 1:9, 3:7, 8:8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful". Joshua I, Vs 8 (NIV)
Q5: Why did God chc~e Joshua to succeed Moses? What characteristics distinguish Joshua from other Israelites of his time?
Q6: How was Joshua ordained for the task, and what lessons can we learn from Moses behaviour?
Q7: How did God equip Joshua for the task ahead? Was it really necessary to equip him since the man was already doing very well?
5 God’s promises to Josh 1:5-9.
Q8 Were there conditions attached to the promises? Were these promises specific to Joshua, or can they apply to us today?