JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, 3/11/2025; 5/3/16.
Pastor Carolyn Sissom
Moses the shepherd gives way to Joshua the soldier.
Joshua teaches us the lesson that faith is “the victory that overcomes the world.”
“The response of men’s hearts to divine destiny must be birthed by the Holy Ghost. The Lord of Glory has but one theme, message, and project to build Himself a holy habitation in the earth that will contain and then dispense His glory, a people out of whom He can live and bless the nations. Survival in these last days pivots on two hinges: We must know the Lord is with us, and we must declare that we are with the Lord.” (Kelly Varner).
The present warfare of the Church is to possess the promises which the Lord has given to the Church. The warfare has been accomplished. Now, like Joshua, we must possess that which has been given to us.
There is not an Old Testament Jesus and a New Testament Jesus. There is One Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He continually leads His people into victory and rest. As we make our journey through the book of Joshua, we will see Christ Jesus as the Captain of Our Salvation, and the One who leads the Church into our inheritance of rest, bounty, and triumph.
God-sent men/women must be “in” the Lord’s message. The message in the prophet is his spiritual heredity---Christ in the man. The man in Christ. You might be the Lord’s messenger but are you in the Lord’s message.
As believers, by FAITH, we are responsible to surmount formidable obstacles, engage in protracted warfare, and overcome fierce foes before we possess the blessings and power of the Kingdom of God.
The kings of Canaan speak of those principalities and powers which resist our entrance into the heavenlies, and which dull our realization of his finished work.
Heaven is the realm of God, there is no conflict there, only REST. Canaan in typology is a picture of the believer’s present position and possession in Christ. Canaan is Kingdom Living.
Thus, Canaan in typology was a habitation and the promise of God, pointing to the heavenly places of the realms of the Spirit which is our heritage as New Testament Christians. However, like the Israelites, we have to destroy the demons in our own lives that separate us from possessing that inheritance.
The Book of Joshua is the Book of Conquest.
Joshua is “Yehowshuwa” and means “Jehovah-saved, Jehovah is salvation, Jehovah is deliverer.”
JESUS CHRIST is seen in the book of Joshua as:
1. The heavenly Joshua (Heb. 4:8) – Jesus gave us rest.
2. The Captain of our Salvation (Heb. 2:10).
3. The One who leads the N.T. Israel into their inheritance (Heb.4. Eph. 1. Throne of grace).
4. The Line of Scarlet Threat (Josh 2:18; Heb. 9:22).
5. The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of all the earth (Josh. 3:11; Rom 5.10) Who cut off every hindrance back to Adam (Josh. 3;16; 1 Jn. 3:8: Jesus destroyed the works of the devil).
6. The Stone upon the shoulder (Josh 4:5; Isa. 9:6: government is upon his shoulder…12 stones of government on the shoulders of one man from each tribe.
7. The memorial of twelve stones (Josh. 4:19-24; 1 Pet. 1: 3-5).
8. The Sharp knife of circumcision (Josh. 5:2-8; Heb. 4:12; Phil. 3:3: For we are the circumcision…).
9. The Passover Lamb (Josh 5: 10-12; 1 Cor. 5: 7-8: Christ our Passover).
10. The man who wields the sword (Josh 5: 13-15: Captain of the host of the LORD; Eph. 6: 12-18.
11. The Firstborn who gave his life to rebuild the City (Josh. 6:26; Rom. 8:29).
12. The Altar (Josh 8: 30-35; Heb. 13:10).
13. The One whose voice the Father hears (Josh 10:14; Jn. 8:29; 11:42).
14. The One who subdued the five kings (Josh 10: 15-27).
15. The heavenly High Priest who distributes the inheritance to the children of Israel (Josh 14:1 (Eleazer) Eph. 1:3: God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.)
16. The Heavenly Caleb who obtains the inheritance (Josh 14: 6-15: Give me this mountain. Heb. 8:6: more excellent ministry; better covenant, better promises.
17. The Tabernacle of the Congregation (Joshua 18:1; Heb. 9:11 Christ…a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say not of this building; Rev. 21:3: the tabernacle of God is with men).
18. The Heavenly Refuge (Josh 20:1-9: heb.6: 19-20: We have entered within the veil where the Forerunner entered for us….
19. The Stone of Witness (Joshua 24:27; The stone heard the words of the Lord and would be a stone of witness; 1 Pet. 2: 1-8: Jesus a living stone… chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believes on him shall not be confounded. The stone which the builders rejected is made the head of the corner…a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed.
Notation in my notes from 2016. I was praying for the election (2016) and the Lord spoke to me, “Carolyn I raise up my leaders by Grace.”
The Lord prepares His man/woman for His kingdom purposes whether civil or spiritual.
Joshua was a warrior; Word-bearer; servant; faithful co-worker; lover of God’s House and God’s Presence; a man of zeal; a man of changed character. His name was changed from Oshea (“helper”) to Joshua (“Jehovah helps”). (Num. 11:28)
In Joshua chapter 1, the Lord spoke to Joshua four times to, “be strong and of a good courage.”
1:3: Every place that the sole of your foot shall read upon, that I have given unto you, as I said unto moses.
1:5: There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail your, nor forsake you.
1:6: Be strong and of good courage.
1:7: Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law…
1:9: Have I not commanded, you to be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
1:18: Whoever rebels against your commandment and will not hear your words, he shall be put to death, only be strong and of a good courage.
JOSHUA’S PREPARATION:
Part of Joshua’s preparation was rejection. He was a man who was rejected by his brethren (Num. 14: 6-12).
We can compare:
Paul……….14 years of obscurity……………. Apostle
Joseph…….13 years of prison…………………Throne
Moses…….40 years of wilderness……………...Deliverer
Joshua…….40 years of wilderness……………. Captain
Jesus………3-1/2 years of rejection……………King
Joshua was a leader who submitted to the laying on of hands.
He was chosen by God, set before the priesthood and the entire congregation.
Numbers 27:18-23:
The Lord said to Moses, Take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand upon him. Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before the entire congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. You shall put some of your honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord; at his word shall they go out, and at his work they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. Moses did as the Lord commanded him; and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before the entire congregation. He laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.
Joshua shouldered the responsibility as it was given to him.
He was a leader who obtained guidance through the Word.
He was a shepherd-husbandman (Num. 27: 15-23).
He was an example of faith.
Numbers 32:12: …Joshua, the son of Nun, for he has wholly followed the Lord.
He was found with the elders (Num. 32:28). He was a leader who caused others to inherit (Deut. 1:38). He was able to receive encouragement from another ministry. He received progressive revelation of his ministry.
He was filled with the spirit of Wisdom. Deut. 34:9: Joshua, the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him; and the children of Israel hearkened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.
(Points taken from “The Making of a Leader” by Frank Demazio, Portland, Oregon).
The book of Joshua covers approximately 30 years, from the death of Moses to the death of Joshua.
The focal point of this book is clearly the promised land. It contains the accounts of how Israel, entered, conquered, and divided Canaan. It is a book of victory and fulfilled promises.
Genesis contains the promising of the land. Exodus contains the leaving for the land. Leviticus contains the laws for living in the land. Numbers contains the wandering outside the land (old generation). Deuteronomy contains the preparing for the land (new generation). The book of Joshua is the possessing of the land.
The message of the Book of Joshua is God is faithful to keep His Covenant (Abrahamic) by giving the Land to the Seed of Abraham.
Those who believe must labor to enter into all that God gives (Heb. 3-4).
Israel’s trials and wanderings in the wilderness ended, and the beginning of the new life in the Land. The believer is responsible to surmount formidable obstacles, engage in a protracted warfare, and overcome fierce foes before they enjoy the land.
The new generation had a new leader in a new sphere of living. We can apply that to our present President Trump who has brought in a government of a new generation of leaders with a mandate to usher in a new era.
We see and learn the principles of spiritual warfare in the heavenlies.
The book of Joshua is the Ephesians of the Old Testament. The “heavenlies” of Eph. 1:3; 2:6; 6:12 are illustrated by the land of Canaan, a picture of the experience of victory and conquest.
Joshua was born in the land of Egypt. With the sole exception of Caleb, he was the only adult Israelite who survived the 40 years of wilderness wandering to enter Canaan.
He was 85 years old when he succeeded Moses (according to Josephus).
He took 7 years to subdue 7 nations.
He died at the age of 110 and was buried in Timnath-Serah. The town was given to Joshua. It is now in the West Bank.
We learn our inheritance in Christ is obtained through the obedience of faith. The book of Joshua reveals a people who enter, overcome, and occupy the land of God’s Promise. This is the principle of victory by faith.
In Chapter 2, we meet Rahab.
Rahab’s victory of faith gave her a name in the Hebrew’s Hall of Faith. Heb. 11:31: By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with them that did not believe, because she received the spies with peace.
She is also in the lineage of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1: 5-6: Salmon begat Booz (Boaz) of Rachab (#7342=Rahab); and Booze begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David.”
James 2:25: Likewise, Rahab was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
The two spies who Rahab hid were the first fruits of the nation to cross over Jordan, and to enter the Land.
1. They are two in number (witness, covenant).
2. They were protected from the King of Jericho
3. They were hidden on the housetop under the flax (linen=righteous).
Rahab speaks of anyone who is locked in the bondage to the king of Jericho who through faith is delivered by the Blood (scarlet cord) to become part of the covenant community and the royal family.
The nation had been baptized into Moses (1 Cor. 10: 1-11), in the Red Sea (baptism in water), and in the Cloud (Holy Ghost Baptism). Now they were to move out of the Feast of Pentecost into the Feast of Tabernacles. Now they were to experience a third baptism; a baptism into Joshua, which is a baptism of fire that brings God’s people into a new dimension of spiritual warfare and the overcoming life.
The central figure of the Lord’s drama in chapters 3 and 4 is the Ark (the Presence of the Lord). It represents Jesus Christ in His Lordship: our Risen, Exalted, and Overcoming Head! The Ark denotes His Government, Power, Glory, Presence and Throne.
When you see God-ordained and sanctified ministry uphold and carry the Ark toward the impossible, then set out from where you are and follow it. Leave all else. Abandon your fear, unbelief, resentment, issues, and bitterness. Move forward.
The rending of the Jordan corresponds to the rending of the Veil. The nation of Israel had been baptized into Moses in the Red Sea.
1. Cor. 10: 1-11: I would not have you ignorant how our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized to Moses in the cloud and in the sea…
5:1: It came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from the children of Israel; until we passed over, their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them anymore, because of the children of Israel.
This reveals the fear of the enemy. The Amorites were mountain people apparently the greatest and most powerful of the Canaanites. Each nation was conquered by sovereign intervention except for Gibeon. At Gibeon, Joshua and Israel did not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.
5:2: “At that time the Lord said to Joshua, Make sharp knives and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.”
The children were uncircumcised because they had not circumcised them in the Wilderness. (5:7)
The cutting away of flesh was performed on the 8th day. New Testament circumcision is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the token sign, and seal of the New Covenant (Rom. 4; Gal. 3).
The new generation of the present day that our Lord is taking into the Kingdom must learn the truth of circumcision (the initial cutting away of the flesh). We cannot enter the Promised Land (Glory realm) apart from circumcision of the flesh:
Legally: The blessings of Abraham come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christs
Inwardly: It is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith.
Practically: We are baptized into Christ.
5:13-15: “It came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand; and Joshua went to him, and said to him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries? He said, Nay, but as Captain of the Host of the Lord am I now come. Joshua fell on his face to the earth and did worship. He said to him, What says my Lord to his servant? The Captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place whereon you stand is holy, and Joshua did so.
Victorious faith demands complete obedience.
The visitation of the Lord Jesus took place probably between the 15th and the 21st of the lst. month (during Unleavened Bread). Joshua lifted up his natural eyes and beheld Jericho. The he saw the “Captain of the Host of the Lord.” This was Christ the Lord. The word for Captain is “Prince”.
This visitation informed Joshua of who was the real Leader and caused him to totally depend upon God. He was about to receive a supernatural and illogical strategy of warfare.
Ch. 6: God ordered unorthodox military strategy to demonstrate His power to man; and to discourage self-reliance and pride; in so doing to bring all glory to God.
The supreme truth of this book is obstacles are no match for God and a people of FAITH.
Joshua 6:1-2: Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, See, I have given into your hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor.” This would be to “See” in FAITH; and the promise of FAITH because the Israelites had not yet conquered the city. Joshua by FAITH, I have given with a certainty Jericho with its strongholds into your hand.
6:3-5: You shall compass the city, all you men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus, shall you do six days. Seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day you shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. It shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet,
The perimeter of Jericho was approximately 5 miles. In order to compass the city 7 times---on the 7th day that would be 35 miles. Church compass the gates of Hell, for they shall not prevail against your onslaught (Mt. 16:18; Gen. 22:17).
The Ark of the Covenant is the Presence of the Lord Himself. In verse 8 the Ark is called the Lord.
The trumpets struck terror into the Canaanites and inspired courage in the Israelites.
This is the POWER OF FAITH released.
Crossing Jordan typifies that deeper union of our hearts with Jesus Christ in his death whereby we become separated unto Him and introduced to the fullness of Jesus’ nature and ministry.
Jericho was the first and strongest city of Canaan. This earnest proved that God in his might was more than able to subdue the land. Jericho represents impossible obstacles (walls). The fall of Jericho and its king (Satan) speaks of the fall of Babylon and this world system. This will happen by supernatural means and design.
Canaan is a picture of the believer’s present position and possession in Christ Jesus; that spiritual Sabbath into which we can now enter (Heb. 3-4).
Canaan is the normal Christian life. After Canaan is entered, the city of Jerusalem would be established, the Temple built; and the manifestation of the Glory of God in Divine order on Mount Zion would be seen.
In practical terms, Canaan (conquered) is the abundant life of Jn. 10:10 and land (lifestyle) that flows with milk and honey. Canaan is kingdom living.
Canaan was:
1. The place of rest; bounty; and triumph. Thus, Canaan was a habitation and the promise of God, pointing to the heavenly places of the realms of the Spirit which is our heritage.
2. Canaan was not attained by the Law (works) but came to Israel by the GRACE of God. It was by Promise (Heb. 4: 9-10). It was received.
3. Canaan was held in trust by Joshua. He was led by praise, for this warrior submitted to priestly ministry.
4. Canaan, the life of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost was not received by the old generation because of doubt and unbelief. Hearts that believe, receive (Heb. 4:11).
5. Canaan was infested by the heathen hordes and had to be purged from the powers of darkness and idolatry. These high places of idolatry must be destroyed and the enemy driven out. A God of holiness and complete triumph demands that Canaan be possessed by his people. The Saints will possess the Kingdom.
Canaan living is Kingdom living.
This is the same principle as the Canaanite curse broken off of the life of those in sexual sin and perversion by the Blood of Jesus; and the 13 sexual perversions driven out. (See The Canaanite Curse by: Pastor Carolyn Sissom, www.eastgateministries.com)
Spurgeon described the redeemed Canaan as “Christian perfection, the higher life, the rest of faith, the life more abundant, perfect love.”
The principle of Joshua and Ephesians:
Joshua Ephesians
Habitation – Canaan is a Heavenly places
Land of milk and honey; believers die and rise again
Redeemed by blood to be to be seated in His presence
Brought into the land. (In God’s rest).
1: 3-4: The Heavenlies (Canaan) are the predestined inheritance of a chosen people. To enjoy the blessings, one must be in the place of blessing (in the land.
2:18-22: The Heavenlies (Canaan) are opened by a Divinely ordained Leader.
2:5-8: The Heavenlies are a gift of grace to be received by faith.
3:8-10: The Heavenlies (Canaan) are the sphere of striking divine revelation.
6:12: The Heavenlies (Canaan) are described as a scene of conflict (the giants and walled cities).
Through the Blood of Jesus and Faith in His life, death and resurrection, Jesus opened the heaven that we may experience the heavenlies on earth as it is in heaven.
Unbelievers and scoffers make much of the judgments of Jehovah upon all the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. Israel was commanded by God to completely exterminate the Canaanite inhabitants of the land including men, women, and children. The present international rules of engagement prohibit this kind of warfare for all except the enemy.
The Canaanites were a people cursed by God from their very beginning. The principles of the Canaanite curse include every manner of sexual immorality and unclean sex spirits. They were a vile people who practiced the basest forms of immorality.
God waited patiently for hundreds of years, giving the wicked inhabitants of Canaan time to repent before He finally decided to destroy them. When their iniquity was full, divine judgments fell.
The battle confronting Israel was not simply a religious war; it was a theocratic war. Israel was directly ruled by God and the extermination was God’s direct command. No other nation either before or after Israel (in the natural) has been a theocracy.
The Promised Land is the principle of inheritance:
1. We are to inherit the earth. – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”
2. Jesus secured the Abrahamic Covenant (Ro. 15:8).
3. Our inheritance is all things.
4. We have been made worthy and fit to inherit (Col. 1: 9-13).
5. The inheritance is in Light (the Word) (Col. 1:12-13).
6. It is in the heavenlies (Spirit: Canaan).
7. It is to be revealed in the last time.
8. It is the divine nature available through the promises (2 Pet. 1:4).
9. It is revealed through the five-fold ministry, especially the Apostle and the Prophet.
10. The Pentecostal experience of the Holy Ghost baptism is the key and the door into our possession. It is the earnest (pledge, foretaste, down payment, and guarantee) of our full inheritance.
11. We are to inherit Jesus and He is to inherit us.
The book of Joshua is intensely practical. The land of Canaan is the lifestyle of Romans 14:17.
The first eight chapters of Joshua reveal eight principles of entering this life:
1. We must see the land and walk in the land.
2. Anyone can inherit the land.
3. Follow valid ministry (Ark) into the land.
4. Don’t forget past deliverances.
5. Change your diet from manna to the mature corn.
6. Victorious faith demands complete obedience.
7. Understand that some will be cut off out of the land.
8. Understand the principle of priesthood responsibility (the total involvement of the entire congregation).
In Joshua chapters 9-10, we see a confederacy of kings against Joshua.
9: 1-2: It came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side of Jordan, in the hills, and in the valley, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite; the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel in one accord.
Israel had outnumbered Ai, so the carnal minds of the Kings imagine that victory is certain if they can outnumber the Israelites.
These nations made a treaty with Israel. They were told to destroy them. God will go to any extent in helping His people. Joshua the leader speaks with authority of faith. Even though he had just recently disobeyed the Lord. We should not become overly discouraged every time we make a mistake. God is bigger than our mistakes.
The shrewd and subtle serpent (Gibeonites) was a long thorn in Israel’s side. God hates a mixture.
The congregation murmured. The princes did the right thing by honoring the oath. A leader must stand by his obligation and be merciful to others.
The Gibeonites became slaves. They were descendants of Canaan and ancestors of the Nathinim (those who served at the temple).
Chapter 10
Hab. 3: 11-12: The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; at the light of Your arrows they went, and at the shining of Your glittering spear. You did march through the land in indignation; you did thresh the heathen in anger.”
Under Joshua’s leadership, Jehovah uncovered His bow and shot his arrows. He subdued the nations of Canaan, even making the sun to stand still. The Book of Joshua tells the story of Jehovah defeating the enemy and then meting out the land to the twelve tribes. He “drove asunder” or “terrified” heathen nations.
Josh 11:23: so, Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Josh: 21:43-45: the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he swore to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. The LORD gave them rest round about…there stood not a man of all their enemies before them…all the good things the LORD promised Israel came to pass.
Chapter 23 is a beautiful passage of Holy Scripture of the faithfulness of God to the Faithful. It takes place eight years after the conquest of the land (and the allotments to the various tribes). The enemy was cut off and subdued, but not expelled. The Word that sustained Joshua is now given.
In all the LORD calls us to do, He will give us His WORD, that WORD will sustain us in all our battles. It is a sure thing the LORD will always send us into enemy territory to take Kingdom. It is a sure thing; there will always be a battle.
23: 1-6: “It came to pass a long time after that the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. Joshua called for all Israel: their elders, their heads, judges, and officers. He said to them, I am old and stricken in age. You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you; for the Lord your God is He that has fought for you. Behold, I have divided to you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even to the Great Sea westward. The Lord your God, He shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God has promised to you. Be very courageous to keep and do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, that you turn not aside there form the right hand or to the left.”
There are three geographic points in the ministry of Joshua:
1. Gilgal - The military headquarters of the invasion.
2. Shiloh - The religious center of the people.
3. Shechem –The political cradle of the nation.
24: 19-24: Joshua said to the people, You cannot serve the Lord; for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins, if you forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He has done you good. The people said to Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. Joshua said to the people, ‘You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve Him,’ and they said, ‘we are witnesses.’ Therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel. The people said to Joshua, ‘the Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.’
The purpose of the seeming discouragement is to guard against a response of mere emotion. Joshua faces the pastor’s dilemma. It is his duty to persuade, but a decision induced merely by his persuasiveness will evaporate like dew. He can only remind them what is involved, what their cost will be, and with whom they have to do. They must make the act solemn and as honest as possible, counting the costs. Part of that cost will be the rejection of the world and often our own families.
Turning away from God begins with fear, a guilty conscience, and pretense.
24: 25-27: “Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. Joshua wrote these words in the book of the Law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. Joshua said to the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us; for it has heard all the words of the LORD which he spoke to us; it shall be therefore a witness to you, less you deny your God.”
There were two witnesses that Day:
1. “We the people”
2. The stone which heard all the words of the Lord.
Let this be a reminder that our words are powerful and are embedded in creation. Our words continue to witness either for good or bad. Stones can hear. Stones can speak and praise.
24: 28-30: “Joshua let the people depart, every man to his inheritance. It came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being a110 years old. They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.”
Only here is Joshua called the servant of the Lord. Perhaps it is the highest title we will receive after our mission on earth has finished. Either that or the “friend of God.”
24:29 - The death of a great soldier Joshua
24:32 - The death of a great statesman Joseph
24:33 - The death of the great religious leader Eleazar
Joshua 24: 31-33: Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that out lived Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord, that He had done for Israel. The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, they buried in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for 100 pieces of silver; and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.”
Success comes through the gift of God with man’s obedient and persevering response. The Israelite invasion of Canaan was never a complete success, and all too soon the vision and determination were lost; but the book attests that Joshua did fulfill his mission.
Carolyn Sissom, Pastor
Eastgate Ministries Church, 10115 West Hidden Lakes Lane, Richmond, TX
Scripture from K.J.V. – I entered into the labors of Principles of Present Truth on Joshua by: Kelly Varner. Comments and conclusions are my own and not meant to reflect the views of Bro. Varner (1949-2009); The Canaanite Curse, Pastor Carolyn Sissom