Study 1: Joshua 1: 1-6

This study by Trent delves into the leadership shift from Moses to Joshua in guiding the Israelites. From Moses dispatching 12 spies, to the Israelites' rebellion which leads to 40 years in the wilderness, Moses' death, and Joshua's subsequent rise to lead the people into the Promised Land. The sermon underscores themes of the transience of our work for the kingdom, the value of servant leadership as exemplified by Joshua, the importance of allowing God to shape our narrative, and the necessity of embracing God's promises with faith.

Scripture References

Sending Spies to Scout the Promised Land

• Numbers 13:1-33 outlines Moses sending the 12 spies, including Joshua, to explore Canaan. It details their return, the report of the land's bounty, and the discouraging report by ten of the spies that led to Israel's rebellion.

• Numbers 14:1-38 describes the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, God's decree of their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, and the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who showed faith in God's promises.

40 Years of Wandering in the Wilderness

• Numbers 14:33-34 explains the consequence of the Israelites' rebellion—wandering in the desert for 40 years until the generation that doubted God had passed away.

• Deuteronomy 34:1-8 recounts the death of Moses just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, symbolizing the end of their wilderness period and the transition to new leadership under Joshua.

Commissioning Joshua as the New Leader

• Joshua 1:1-9 records God's commission to Joshua following Moses' death. It emphasizes God's promise to be with Joshua as He was with Moses, encouraging Joshua to be strong and courageous in leading the people into the Promised Land.

Learning Leadership by Serving

• Exodus 24:13 and Exodus 33:11 highlight Joshua's role as Moses' aide, illustrating his learning and preparation for leadership through service.

• Mark 10:43-45 where Jesus teaches about true greatness being found in serving others, aligning with Joshua's example and Pastor Evans' message on aspiring to leadership through service.

Allowing God to Tell His Story through Our Lives

• Psalm 115:1 emphasizes not to us, but to God's name be the glory, reflecting the sermon's call to focus on God's story through our lives rather than our own ambitions.

Taking Hold of God's Promises by Faith

• Hebrews 11:1-6 speaks to the necessity of faith in inheriting God's promises, mirroring the Israelites' challenge to take hold of the Promised Land and encouraging believers to stand firm in faith.

Reflection Questions

• How does the transition from Moses to Joshua challenge your understanding of leadership and succession in your own life? Reflect on any personal experiences where you had to step up as a leader or support a new leader.

• How can you cultivate a spirit of servant leadership similar to Joshua's service to Moses? Consider practical steps to serve others in your community or workplace.

• Reflect on the concept of the temporary nature of our kingdom work. How does this perspective influence your current priorities and actions, especially in relation to the eternal story God is telling through your life?

• Consider when you faced a "Jordan River" moment, standing on the brink of a promise or challenge. How did faith play a role in your decision to move forward, and what was the outcome?

• Identify a promise from God's Word that faith calls you to take hold of. What obstacles have prevented you from fully embracing this promise, and how can you overcome them through faith?

Hebrew Word Study

• Study the Hebrew word for "faith" (אמונה, emunah)

  • Dive into the Hebrew concept of faith as seen in the story of Joshua. Compare its usage and implications in the narrative of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land with other instances in the Hebrew Bible. Reflect on how this broader understanding of "emunah" enriches your comprehension of faith in both personal and communal contexts.

• Examine the meaning of "serve" (עבד, avad) in Joshua's role as Moses' aide

  • Explore the various dimensions of the Hebrew word for "serve" and its significance in the relationship between Moses and Joshua, as well as its broader application in the context of servant leadership. Consider how understanding the depth of "avad" can enhance your approach to serving others in your life and leadership.

• Delve into the concept of "promise" (הבטחה, havtacha) in the context of the Promised Land (ארץ המובטחת, Eretz HaMuvtechat)

  • Analyze how the Hebrew word for "promise" is used throughout the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and what it signifies about God's character and His commitments. Investigate the layers of meaning behind God's promises and how they were perceived and received by different characters, such as Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites. Reflect on how this deeper understanding of "havtacha" can affect your perception of God's promises in your own life.

Biblical Exegesis Opportunities

Exploring the Leadership Transition from Moses to Joshua:

• Opportunity: Examine the historical and cultural significance of leadership transition within ancient Israelite society. This involves understanding the roles and expectations of leaders like Moses and Joshua, the process of succession, and the implications for the community. Study the Hebrew terms related to leadership and divine appointment (e.g., משה "Moshe" for Moses, יהושע "Yehoshua" for Joshua, and נביא "navi" for prophet or leader) to grasp the depth of their responsibilities and the divine endorsement of their roles.
  

The Spies' Report and Israel's Response:

• Opportunity: Dive into the cultural context and significance of the scouting mission to the Promised Land, focusing on the Hebrew words used for "spy" (תרים "turim") and "land" (ארץ "eretz"), and the concept of "report" or "bring back word" (דבר "davar"). Analyze how the narrative reflects ancient Near Eastern practices of reconnaissance before conquest, the psychological impact of the report on the Israelite community, and the theological implications of trust and fear in God's promises. This examination can shed light on the community's dynamics and the serious consequences of faith versus fear.
  

Joshua's Commissioning and the Concept of "Being Strong and Courageous":

• Opportunity: Investigate the phrase "be strong and courageous" (חזק ואמץ "chazak ve'ematz") within its ancient Near Eastern context, including its literary structure, usage in military settings, and as a form of divine encouragement. Understanding the original Hebrew text and its connotations can offer insights into the nature of Joshua's leadership, the challenges he faced, and the source of his strength and courage. This analysis can also explore how this theme of divine encouragement recurs throughout the Bible, highlighting a continuous call for reliance on God amidst adversity.

Podcast Transcript

This week, we're starting a study on the book of Joshua, the sixth book in the Old Testament, following Deuteronomy. I invite you to turn to Joshua chapter 1, verses 1 and 2. We'll need to lay some groundwork as we delve into this 24-chapter book, which will likely take us a few weeks.

Many of us, having studied Exodus, are familiar with Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. We covered every verse, navigating through the narrative, understanding Moses's role. Now, as we transition from Deuteronomy to Joshua, we move from one leader to another. We'll read Joshua 1:1-2, pray, and then explore these verses further.

We won't dive too deep into the first few verses today, focusing instead on laying a solid foundation. There's a lot in these foundations that will benefit you if you're willing to engage fully.

So, let's read Joshua chapter 1, verses 1 and 2. "After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses's 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.'" Let's pray together as we start this journey.

We ask God to speak to us as we open His Word, seeking clarity and challenge from His Spirit and Scripture. We pray for open hearts, receptive to the Lord's message. If we find no immediate application in our lives, may we store away His teachings for future application, trusting in His Word to fulfill its purpose.

I won't have you flipping through scriptures with me today. Feel free to follow along in whatever format suits you, cross-referencing as needed. Take notes and verify whether my interpretation aligns with the scriptures.

I reminded the covenant class this morning about the importance of following church leadership as long as they follow Jesus. It's crucial to hold leaders accountable and verify their teachings against scripture. Now, let's focus on Joshua. Understanding who he is is essential before we delve into his book.

In Numbers chapter 13, Moses sends scouts, including Joshua, into the Promised Land. This story marks the beginning of Joshua's significant role. Moses changes Joshua's name from Hoshea, meaning "salvation," to Joshua, signifying "the Lord is salvation." This name change highlights the depth of their relationship and shifts the focus from Joshua as a mere agent of salvation to the Lord as the ultimate savior.

The narrative then shifts to the scouting mission in Canaan, highlighting the faith and courage of Caleb and Joshua among the scouts. Despite the daunting report from the other scouts, Caleb and Joshua stand firm in their faith, advocating for the Israelites to trust in God's promise.

Their faithfulness sets them apart, leading to a pivotal moment where the entire community faces a test of faith. The majority's disbelief and the resulting divine decree that they would not enter the Promised Land underscore the serious consequences of disobedience and the importance of faith in God's promises.

The narrative of Moses's final days, including the poignant scene on Mount Nebo, where he views the Promised Land he will never enter, is a testament to his legacy. His life, marked by moments of both triumph and failure, illustrates the complexity of faithfulness. Moses's story is a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience, but also of the depth of his commitment to God and His people.

Joshua's emergence as leader, marked by God's command to prepare to cross the Jordan, signals a new chapter in Israel's story. This transition emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the importance of readiness—both physical and spiritual—for the tasks God sets before His people.

The assurance that God will be with Joshua as He was with Moses is a profound statement of divine faithfulness. This continuity of divine presence and guidance is a cornerstone of Joshua's leadership and a key theme in the narrative of Israel's journey.

As we delve into the book of Joshua, we are reminded of the enduring themes of faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a narrative rich with lessons on divine guidance, the importance of trust in God, and the consequences of disobedience.

In conclusion, our study of Joshua offers valuable insights into leadership, faith, and living in alignment with God's will. It challenges us to reflect on our own journey of faith and the legacy we aim to leave. Inspired by Joshua's example,