THE STORY OF JOSHUA: WHO WAS JOSHUA IN THE BIBLE, THE SUCCESSOR OF MOSES

Welcome to the Inspiring Illustrations channel. The Story of Joshua Who was Joshua in the Bible, the successor of Moses? Joshua, son of Nun, was the successor of Moses in leading the people of Israel and played a crucial role in the conquest of the Promised Land. He is remembered for his courage, faithfulness to God, and obedience to his commandments. Joshua served as Moses' assistant, learning to wait on the Lord and be a faithful worshipper. Additionally, he was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. His story is recorded in the Book of Joshua, the sixth book of the Old Testament. In this video, we will dive into the fascinating story of Joshua, exploring everything the Bible reveals about this extraordinary leader of the people of Israel. We will examine his journey from beginning to end, uncovering the challenges he faced and the lessons we can learn from his life. But before we proceed, I would like to extend a special invitation to new viewers, don't forget to subscribe to our channel and activate notifications. This way, you won't miss any of our Bible studies. The story of Joshua begins long before he became the leader of Israel. In fact, we first encounter him in the Book of Exodus, where he is introduced as a young assistant to Moses. But let's start at the beginning. Joshua was born in the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His father's name was Nun. Interestingly, Joshua was not always called Joshua. His original name was Hoshi, which means salvation. It was Moses who changed his name to Joshua, which translates to God is salvation. This alteration is recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapter 13, verse 16. This name change was significant, foreshadowing the crucial role Joshua would play in God's plan for his people. As we see in the Book of Exodus, chapter 17, verses 8 to 13, Joshua's first significant appearance in the scriptures is as a military leader. Moses appointed him to lead the Israelite army against the Amalekites. This battle demonstrated not only Joshua's military prowess, but also the power of prayer and unity among God's people. As long as Moses kept his hands raised, with the support of Aaron and Hur, Joshua and the Israelites prevailed. But Joshua was not just a warrior. He was also a devout servant of God and a close companion of Moses. In the Book of Exodus, chapter 33, verse 11, we read, The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But his young aide Joshua, son of Nun, did not leave the tent. This verse gives us a glimpse into Joshua's deep spiritual life and his desire to be in God's presence. A decisive moment in Joshua's life came when he was chosen as one of the twelve spies sent to explore the promised land. While ten of the spies returned with a discouraging report, only Joshua and Caleb maintained their faith in God's promise. In the Book of Numbers, chapter 14, verses 6 to 9, we see his courageous declaration. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. This unwavering faith would define Joshua's leadership in the years to come. Joshua, chapter 1. After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide, Moses my servant is dead. Now then you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan river into the land I am about to give to them, to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river the Euphrates, all the Hittite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua assumes leadership after Moses, be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this book of the law always on your lips, 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua then commanded the officers of the people, go through the camp and tell the people, get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own. But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, the Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land. Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise. Then they answered Joshua, whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go, just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous. Joshua Chapter 2 Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho From the Acacia Grove camp, Joshua secretly sent two spies with orders to examine the land, especially the city of Jericho. They went and stayed at the house of Rahab, a prostitute. The news that some Israelites had come to spy out the land reached the king of Jericho. So the king sent a message to Rahab, demanding that she turn over the men who were in her house, as they had come to spy on the whole land. However, Rahab had hidden the spies and told the king's messengers that while some men had come to her house, she did not know where they were from. She explained that at dusk, just before the city gate was closed, the men left and suggested that if the king's men hurried after them, they might catch up with them. Rahab had taken the spies up to the roof and hidden them under stalks of flax she had laid out. When the king's men left to pursue the spies, the gate of the city was shut. They searched for the spies along the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan. Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof and said, I know that the Lord has given this land to you, the Israelites. Everyone here is afraid because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sion and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear, and everyone's courage failed because of you. For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death. The spies agreed, Our lives for your lives. If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land. Rahab's house was part of the city wall, so she let them down by a rope through the window. She told them, Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide there for three days until they return, and then go on your way. The spies agreed, We will keep the oath you made us swear, but under certain conditions, when we enter the land, you must tie the scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down. And you must bring your father and mother, your brothers, and all your family into your house. If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads, we will not be responsible. But if anyone is harmed inside the house, we will be responsible. And if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear. Agreed she replied, and sent them away. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. Then the two spies started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river, and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands. All the people are melting in fear because of us. Joshua, chapter 3. Joshua and all the people of Israel got up early in the morning, left the Acacia Grove camp, and went to the Jordan River. Before crossing, they camped there. Three days later, the leaders went through the camp, instructing the people, When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the Ark, do not go near it. Joshua told the people, Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you. He then instructed the priests, Take up the Ark of the Covenant and pass on ahead of the people. So they took it up and went ahead of them. And the Lord said to Joshua, Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant, When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river. Joshua said to the Israelites, Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. By this you will know that the living God is among you and that He will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Jurgishites, Amorites, and Jebusites. See, the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. And as soon as the priests who carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap. It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was at flood stage. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the Ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. Joshua, Chapter 4. The Twelve Memorial Stones. When all the people of Israel finished crossing the Jordan River, the Lord spoke to Joshua, Choose twelve men, one from each tribe, and command them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests stood. Carry these stones and place them where you camp tonight. Joshua then called the twelve men he had chosen and said, Go ahead of the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, and go to the middle of the Jordan. Each of you should take a stone on his shoulder, one for each tribe of Israel. These stones will serve as a memorial to the people, reminding them of the works of the Lord. In the future, when your children ask the meaning of these stones, you will explain that the waters of the Jordan stopped flowing on the day the Ark of the Covenant crossed the river. These stones will make the people of Israel always remember this event. The men did as Joshua commanded. As the Lord had instructed, they took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, and carried them to the camp. Joshua also placed twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the spot where the priests who carried the Ark had stood. These stones are there to this day. The priests stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua to speak to the people had been completed. Then the people hurried and crossed the river. When everyone had crossed, the Ark of the Covenant and the priests also crossed and stood in front of the people. The men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh crossed ahead of the rest of the people, ready for battle, as Moses had instructed. About forty thousand men prepared for war marched before the Lord toward the plains of Jericho. That day, the Lord made all the people of Israel recognize Joshua as a great leader. Throughout Joshua's life, they respected him just as they had respected Moses. And the Lord said to Joshua. The Lord commanded Joshua to instruct the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to come out of the Jordan River. Joshua obeyed. When the priests came out of the Jordan and stepped on dry ground, the river returned to its place and overflowed its banks as before. The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped at Gilgal, east of Jericho. There, Joshua set up a monument with the twelve stones taken from the Jordan. And Joshua said to the people of Israel. When in the future, your children ask the meaning of these stones, you will tell them that the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. The Lord your God made the Jordan stop flowing so that you could cross, just as he did with the Red Sea. This way, all the peoples of the earth will know the power of the Lord your God, and you will respect him forever. Joshua. Chapter 5. All the Amorite kings west of the Jordan River and all the Canaanite kings along the Mediterranean coast heard that the Lord had dried up the Jordan for the Israelites to cross. With the arrival of the Israelites, they became afraid and lost their courage. The Circumcision at Gilgal. The Lord said to Joshua, Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again. So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Jibbiath Haraloth. This was because all the men of military age who had come out of Egypt had died in the wilderness. All the men who came out of Egypt had been circumcised, but those born during the journey through the wilderness had not been. The people of Israel had wandered in the wilderness for forty years. During this period, all the men of fighting age who had come out of Egypt died because they had disobeyed the Lord. The Lord had said they would not see the good and fertile land he had promised their ancestors. However, the sons who replaced them had not been circumcised on the Joshua circumcised this new generation. The entire nation remained in the camp until all the circumcised had healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua that he had removed the disgrace of Egypt from them. Therefore, that place has been called Gilgal to this day. The Israelites camped at Gilgal on the plains around Jericho and celebrated the Passover on the evening of the The day after the Passover, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened bread and roasted grain. From that time on, the manna stopped falling from the sky, and the Israelites began to eat the food of the land of Canaan, the commander of the Lord's army. While Joshua was near Jericho, he saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked if he was for them or against them. He replied that he was neither for nor against them but was the commander of the Lord's army. Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence and asked what he should do. The commander of the Lord's army instructed Joshua to take off his sandals because the place where he was standing was holy. Joshua did so. Joshua. Chapter 6. The Fall of Jericho. Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out, and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of ram's horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in. So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it. And he ordered the army, Advance. March around the city with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord. When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord's covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. But Joshua had commanded the army, Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout. So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there. Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them, and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, For the Lord has given you the city. The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury. When the trumpet sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed. So everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it, men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys. Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, Go into the prostitute's house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her. So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belong to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel. Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord's house. But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belong to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho, and she lives among the Israelites to this day. At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath. Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild the city Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son he will lay its foundations. At the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates. So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land. Joshua, chapter 7. The Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord's anger burned against Israel. Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-Avon to the east of Bethel, and told them, Go up and spy out the region. So the men went up and spied out Ai. When they returned to Joshua, they said, Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it, and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there. So about three thousand went up, but they were routed by the men of Ai, who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water. Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same and sprinkled dust on their heads. And Joshua said, Alas, sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan. Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this, and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your great name? The Lord said to Joshua, Stand up. What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned. They have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things. They have stolen. They have lied. They have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. In the morning, present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord chooses shall come forward clan by clan, the clan the Lord chooses shall come forward family by family, and the family the Lord chooses shall come forward man by man. Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the Lord and has done an outrageous thing in Israel. Early the next morning Joshua had Israel come forward by tribes, and Judah was chosen. The clans of Judah came forward, and the Zerahites were chosen. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward by families, and Zimri was chosen. Joshua had his family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah was chosen. Then Joshua said to Achan, My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done, do not hide it from me. Achan replied, It is true. I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done. When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath. So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the Lord. Then Joshua together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Acre. Joshua said, Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today. Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Acre ever since. Joshua chapter 8. The Destruction of Ai. The Lord said to Joshua, Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that this time you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city. So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night with these orders. Hide an ambush close behind the city. Do not go very far from it. Be ready to attack. I and all those with me will advance on the city. When the men come out against us, we will flee from them, as we did before. They will pursue us, thinking we are fleeing again, and leave the city unprotected. Then you will rise up from ambush and take the city. The Lord your God will give it into your hand. After you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the Lord has commanded. See, I have given you orders. So Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. Joshua spent that night in the camp. Early the next morning Joshua mustered his army, and he and the leaders of Israel marched before the people toward Ai. The soldiers who were with Joshua marched up and camped north of the city, with a between them and Ai. Joshua had taken about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. The main camp was to the north of the city, and the ambush was to the west. Joshua spent the night in the valley. When the king of Ai saw this, he and all his men hurried out early in the morning to meet Israel in battle at a certain place overlooking the Araba. But he did not know that an ambush had been set against him behind the city. Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. All the men of Ai were called to pursue the Israelites, and they pursued Joshua and were lured away from the city, leaving it unprotected. Then the Lord said to Joshua, Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city. So Joshua held out his javelin toward the city. As soon as he did this, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position, ran, entered the city, and set it on fire. When the men of Ai looked back and saw the smoke rising from the city, they had no chance to escape in any direction. The Israelites who had been fleeing toward the wilderness turned back and attacked their pursuers. When Joshua and his men saw that the city had been captured and burned, they turned around and began to attack the men of Ai. The Israelites who were in the city also came out to fight the men of Ai, surrounding them completely and killing them all. Only the king of Ai was captured and brought to Joshua. The Israelites killed all the men of Ai in the open fields and in the wilderness where they had been chased. Then they returned to Ai and killed those who were in it. That day, twelve thousand people, men and women, fell. Joshua did not lower the javelin he held out until he had destroyed all who lived in Ai. The Israelites took for themselves the livestock and plunder of the city, as the Lord had instructed Joshua. He burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolate place to this day. The king of Ai was impaled on a pole and left there until evening. At sunset, Joshua ordered the body to be taken down from the pole, thrown at the entrance of the city gate, and covered with a large pile of stones, which remains to this day. At that time, Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel. He followed the instructions Moses, the servant of the Lord, had given according to what is written in the book of the law of Moses, to build an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On this altar, they offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. In the presence of the Israelites, Joshua wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses. All the Israelites, with their elders, officials, judges, and foreigners living among them, stood on both sides of the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses had instructed for the blessing. Joshua read all the words of the law, the blessings and the curses, just as it is written in the book of the law. Every commandment that Moses had given was read to the whole assembly of Israel, including women, children, and foreigners living among them. Nothing was left out. Joshua, Chapter 9. The Treaty with the Jibbeonites. When all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things, those in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon, the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. However, when the people of Jibbeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to deception. They collected provisions and loaded their donkeys with They put on worn-out sandals and old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and the Israelites, We have come from a distant country, make a treaty with us. The Israelites said to the Hivites, Perhaps you live near us. How can we make a treaty with you? We are your servants, they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, Who are you and where do you come from? They answered, Your servants have come from a very distant country, because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him, all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, Sion king of Heshbon and Oji king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtoreth. And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, Take provisions for the journey, go and meet them and say to them, We are your servants, make a treaty with us. This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home, but now see how dry and moldy it is. And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey. The Israelites sampled their provisions, but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Three days after they made the treaty with the Jibbeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them. So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities, Gibeon, Kephara, Beeroth, and Kiriath-Jerim. But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, but all the leaders answered, We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. This is what we will do to them. We will let them live, so that God's wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them. They will become woodcutters and water carriers for the whole assembly. So the leaders' promise to them was kept. Then Joshua summoned the Jibbeonites and said, Why did you deceive us by saying, We live a long way from you, while actually you live near us? You are now under a curse. You will never be released from service as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God. They answered Joshua, Your servants were clearly told how the Lord your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you. So Joshua did not spare them from death, but made them woodcutters and water carriers for the community and for the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day. Joshua Chapter 10 The Defeat of the Amorites Adonai Zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had taken and completely destroyed Ai, killing its king, and that he had done the same with Jericho and its king. He also heard that the Jibbeonites had made a treaty with the Israelites and were living among them. The people of Jerusalem were very afraid because Jibbeon was a large city, like one of the royal cities, and larger than Ai, with brave men. Adonai Zedek sent messengers to Hom, king of Hebron, to Piram, king of Jarmath, to Japhia, king of Lachish, and to Debir, king of Eglon with this message, Come up and help me attack Jibbeon, because it has made a treaty with Joshua and the Israelites. Then the five Amorite kings, king of Jerusalem, king of Hebron, king of Jarmath, king of Lachish, and king of Eglon, joined forces. They moved up with all their troops, encamped before Jibbeon, and attacked it. The Jibbeonites sent word to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly, and save us. Help us. All the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us. So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. The Lord said to Joshua, Do not be afraid of them, I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to Joshua took them by surprise, marching all night from Gilgal. The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Jibbeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth-horon, and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makeda. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel, Son, stand still over Jibbeon, and Moon, over the valley of Aijalon. So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. As it is written in the book of Jasher, the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel. Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makeda. When Joshua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makeda, he said, Roll large stones up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it. But don't stop. Pursue your enemies. Attack them from the rear. Don't let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand. So Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely, but a few survivors managed to reach their fortified cities. The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makeda. No one uttered a word against the Israelites. Joshua said, Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me. So they brought the five kings out of the cave, the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmath, Lachish, and Eglon. Joshua summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings. So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight. Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. At sunset, Joshua gave the order, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large stones, which are there to this day. Other Victories of Joshua That day Joshua took Makeda. He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makeda as he had done to the king of Jericho. Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makeda to Libna and attacked it. The Lord also gave that city and its king into Israel's hand. The city and everyone in it Joshua put to the sword. He left no survivors there. He did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho. Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libna to Lachish. He took up positions against it and attacked it. The Lord gave Lachish into the hand of Israel, and Joshua took it on the second day. The city and everyone in it he put to the sword, just as he had done to Libna. When Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, Joshua defeated him and his troops, leaving no survivors. Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon. They took up positions against it and attacked it. They captured it on that day and put it to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish. Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. They took the city and put it and its king, its towns, and everyone in it to the sword. They left no survivors. They did to Hebron as they had done to Eglon, destroying it completely and leaving no survivors. Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned around and attacked Debir. They took the city, its king, and its villages, and they put them to the sword. They totally destroyed everyone in it, leaving no survivors. They did to Debir and its king as they had done to Hebron, as they had done to Libna and its king. So Joshua struck the whole region, the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills, and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel had commanded. Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. Joshua, Chapter 11. The Defeat of Jabin and His Allies. Jabin king of Hazor, upon learning of the events, sent messengers to Jobab, king of Madden, and to the kings of Shimron and Akshaph. He also summoned the kings from the northern mountain regions, the Jordan valley south of the Sea of Galilee, and the plains and coastal areas near Dor. Additionally, he sent messages to the Canaanites on both sides of the Jordan, the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites in the mountains, and the Hivites living at the foot of Mount Hermon in the land of Mizpah. All these kings gathered their armies, forming a force as numerous as the grains of sand on the beach, with many horses and chariots. They joined together and camped near the waters of Merom, ready to face Israel. The Lord told Joshua not to fear, for the next day, at the same hour, He would deliver all the enemies into Israel's hands. Joshua was to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots. So Joshua and his soldiers attacked by surprise near the waters of Merom, and the Lord gave victory to the Israelites. They pursued the enemies to Sidon, Mishraphoth Maim, and the valley of Mizpah to the east, fighting until they eliminated them all. Joshua followed the Lord's instructions, hamstringing the horses and burning the chariots. Then Joshua returned, captured the city of Hazor, and killed its king, for Hazor was the most powerful of all these cities. The Israelites eliminated all the inhabitants and burned the city. Joshua conquered all these cities and their kings, eliminating everyone as Moses, the Lord's servant, had commanded. However, the Israelites did not burn any of the cities built on ruins, except Hazor, which Joshua burned. They kept all the valuable objects and livestock from these cities, but eliminated all the people, leaving no survivors. The Lord gave these instructions to Moses, who passed them on to Joshua, and Joshua carried out all the Lord's orders. Joshua conquered the entire region, including the hill country of Judah, the Negev, the land of Goshen, the western foothills, the Jordan Valley, as well as the mountainous and coastal areas of Israel. This area extended from Mount Halak, near Seir, to Balgad in the valley of Lebanon, at the foot of Mount Hermon. Joshua eliminated all the kings of these regions in long battles. None of these cities made peace agreements with Israel, except Gibeon, where some Hivites lived. The other cities were conquered in war. The Lord caused the inhabitants of these cities to insist on fighting against Israel, so that they would be completely destroyed, as the Lord had commanded Moses. At that time, Joshua eliminated the giant Anakites who lived in the mountains of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and throughout the hill country of Judah and Israel. He completely destroyed these peoples and their cities. No Anakites remained in the land of Israel, except for some who continued to live in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. As the Lord had commanded Moses, Joshua took the land and distributed it to the Israelites as an inheritance, dividing it among the tribes. And so, the war came to an end. Joshua, Chapter 12. The Kings Defeated by Moses The people of Israel defeated the kings who lived east of the Jordan River and took their lands, which extended from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon. Among the defeated kings, the first was Sion, king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon. His kingdom began at Aror, in the Arnon Valley, and extended to the Jabbok River, the border with Ammon, encompassing half of Gilead. On the east side of the Jordan Valley, Sion's kingdom extended from the Sea of Galilee to Beth Jeshimoth, east of the Dead Sea, and southward to Mount Pisgah. The Israelites also defeated Og, king of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim, who resided in Ashtoroth and Edrei. His kingdom included Mount Hermon, Salcha, and all of Bashan, up to the border with the Jeshurites and Maccathites, and half of Gilead, up to the lands of Sion, king of Heshbon. Moses and the people of Israel defeated these kings, and Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave their lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the eastern half of Manasseh. The Kings Defeated by Joshua Joshua and the people of Israel defeated all the kings of the lands west of the Jordan River, from Balgad in the valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, toward Seir. Joshua divided these lands among the tribes to be their permanent possession. These lands included the hill country, the plains, the Jordan Valley, the slopes of the mountains, the desert, and the southern region. In this land lived the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The defeated kings were from the following cities, Jericho, Ai near Bethel, Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmath, Lachish, Eglon, Gezer, Debir, Gedir, Horma, Arad, Libna, Adulim, Makeda, Bethel, Tapua, Hefur, Afek, Lacheron, Madin, Hazor, Shimron-Moron, Akshaf, Tannik, Megiddo, Kadesh, Joknim, in Carmel, Dor on the coast, Goyim in Galilee, and Tirza, 31 kings in all. Joshua, chapters 13-21. The Division of the Land Among the Tribes The division of the promised land among the tribes of Israel is a crucial moment in the history of the Hebrew people. After the conquest of Canaan, led by Joshua, God commands that the land be distributed among the twelve tribes of Israel as an inheritance. Key Points. Two and a half tribes, Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River during the time of Moses. Joshua, with the help of the priest Eleazar and the tribal leaders, oversees the distribution of the remaining land. The division is done by lot, reflecting the divine will in the allocation of territories. Caleb, for his faithfulness, receives Hebron as a special inheritance. Judah, the most prominent tribe, receives a large portion in the south. Ephraim and the other half of Manasseh receive lands in the central region. The remaining seven tribes—Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan—receive their portions after a detailed survey of the land. The Levites do not receive a contiguous portion but are given cities scattered throughout the territory, as commanded by God. Six cities of The tabernacle is established in Shiloh, becoming the religious center of Israel. This process of division not only fulfills God's promise to Abraham but also lays the foundation for the future nation of Israel, defining the boundaries and responsibilities of each tribe. The distribution of the land highlights important biblical themes such as the importance of obedience and the fulfillment of divine promises. Joshua's final speech and the renewal of the covenant represent a crucial moment in Israel's history, marking the transition of leadership and reaffirming the people's commitment to God. Joshua, now elderly, summons all the leaders of Israel for his farewell speech. He recalls God's blessings and the victories granted to Israel. Joshua warns the people against idolatry and mixing with neighboring nations, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to the law of Moses. He cautions about the consequences of disobedience to God. In Shechem, Joshua gathers all the tribes for a solemn moment of covenant renewal. He recaps Israel's history, from Abraham to the conquest of Canaan. Joshua challenges the people to choose between serving God or foreign gods. The people respond by affirming their commitment to serve only Yahweh, the true God. Joshua establishes a memorial of the covenant renewal and records these words in the Book of the Law of God. The death of Joshua, at the age of 110, marks the end of a crucial era in Israel's history. The Book of Joshua recounts his passing, highlighting his faithfulness and leadership until the end. The impact of his death is profound, signaling a significant transition for the people of Israel. The Book of Judges picks up this event, emphasizing how Joshua's absence ushers in a new phase in Israelite history. His death not only closes a chapter, but also paves the way for new challenges and dynamics within the nation. The account in Judges highlights how the generation that knew Joshua remained faithful, evidencing his lasting legacy. Beyond these direct accounts, Joshua is remembered in various other books of the Bible, demonstrating his enduring impact on Israel's history and faith. In Kings, we see the fulfillment of his prophecy about Jericho, reaffirming his prophetic authority. Chronicles mentions him in the genealogy of Ephraim, situating him in Israel's historical lineage. Nehemiah evokes the days of Joshua when discussing religious practices, indicating how he became a reference point for faithfulness to God's law. In the New Testament, Stephen includes Joshua in his recapitulation of Israel's history, recognizing his crucial role in the nation's formation. The Epistle to the Hebrews makes a profound theological comparison between the earthly rest provided by Joshua and the spiritual rest found in Christ, elevating Joshua's significance to a messianic and typological level. These varied references show how Joshua transcended his time, becoming a symbol of faithful leadership, obedience to God, and the fulfillment of divine promises. As we conclude our study of Joshua's life, we are left with a powerful example of leadership, faith, and obedience. Joshua's story reminds us that with God, all things are possible. It challenges us to trust in God's promises, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It encourages us to be courageous in our faith and steadfast in our commitment to God's Word. So dear friends, as we reflect on Joshua's remarkable journey, let us ask ourselves, how can we apply Joshua's example of faith and obedience in our own lives? In what areas do we need to trust God more fully, even when circumstances seem challenging? Remember, just as God was with Joshua, He is with us today. May we, like Joshua, choose to serve the Lord faithfully, leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. Thank you for joining me in this exploration of Joshua's life. If you found this message inspiring, please share it with others who might benefit from these timeless truths. And don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more in-depth Bible studies like this one. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you strong in faith and courageous in spirit.