An Introduction to Joshua: Conquest and Inheritance

The Book of Joshua stands as a pivotal narrative in the Old Testament, bridging the wilderness wanderings of Israel with their establishment as a nation in the promised land. Following the death of Moses, God raises Joshua, his faithful servant and successor, to lead the children of Israel into Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, promised to Abraham and his seed for generations. This book is a testament to God's faithfulness, His power, and the importance of obedience, providing a profound introduction to the themes of divine conquest and the inheritance secured by God's covenant.

The Man Joshua: God's Chosen Leader

Before his prominent role as Israel's leader, Joshua, whose original name was Oshea, meaning "salvation," was renamed Joshua by Moses, meaning "the LORD is salvation" or "Yahweh saves" (Numbers 13:16). This change foreshadows his future mission. Joshua was no stranger to leadership or spiritual warfare. He served as Moses' faithful aide, accompanying him up Mount Sinai and remaining near the tabernacle. He was among the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, and unlike the ten who brought back a fearful report, Joshua and Caleb stood firm in their faith, declaring that Israel could indeed conquer the land because the LORD was with them (Numbers 14:6-9). This unwavering faith, coupled with his long apprenticeship under Moses, prepared him uniquely for the monumental task of leading a nation into battle and settlement.

God's Commission: Strength and Courage

The book of Joshua opens with a direct commission from God to Joshua, a charge that sets the tone for the entire narrative:

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:1-9

This passage underscores several crucial principles:

  • Divine Initiative: God initiates the action, commanding Joshua to "arise, go over this Jordan."
  • Divine Promise: God promises His unfailing presence ("as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee") and guarantees success in the conquest.
  • Human Responsibility: Joshua is repeatedly exhorted to "be strong and of a good courage" and, most importantly, to diligently obey and meditate upon the Law of Moses. Success is inextricably linked to faithfulness to God's Word.

The Conquest of Canaan: God Fights for Israel

The first twelve chapters of Joshua detail the military campaigns that led to the subjugation of the Canaanite inhabitants. This was not merely a territorial acquisition but a divine judgment upon wicked nations and the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. Key events include:

  • Crossing the Jordan: Just as the Red Sea parted for Moses, the Jordan River miraculously divided for Joshua and Israel, signifying God's approval of Joshua's leadership and His presence with His people (Joshua 3:13-17). This miraculous crossing served as a powerful sign to both Israel and the Canaanites.
  • The Fall of Jericho: The capture of Jericho, a heavily fortified city, was a testament to God's unique battle strategies and Israel's obedience. The walls fell not by military might but by faith and the sound of trumpets and shouts, demonstrating that "the battle is the LORD's" (Joshua 6:20).
  • The Sin at Ai: The initial defeat at Ai highlighted the dire consequences of disobedience. Achan's sin of taking devoted things brought God's judgment upon the entire camp, teaching Israel the importance of corporate holiness and strict adherence to God's commands. Once the sin was dealt with, Ai was conquered.
  • The Southern and Northern Campaigns: Joshua led Israel in decisive victories against coalitions of southern kings (e.g., Gibeon, Makkedah, Lachish) and northern kings (e.g., Hazor, Madon). In these battles, God often intervened directly, as seen in the hailstones and the sun standing still at Gibeon (Joshua 10:11-14), further proving that Israel's success was supernaturally enabled.

    • The conquests were brutal, but they were in accordance with God's just judgment upon the Canaanites, whose wickedness, including child sacrifice and gross immorality, had reached its full measure (Genesis 15:16). Israel was God's instrument of judgment, tasked with rooting out idolatry and preparing the land for a holy nation.

    The Inheritance: Division of the Land

    Chapters thirteen through twenty-two detail the division of the conquered land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This phase, though less dramatic than the battles, was equally significant, representing the fulfillment of God's centuries-old promise to Abraham:

    And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

    Genesis 13:14-15

    The land was allotted by lot, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in the distribution. Each tribe received its specific portion, including cities of refuge for unintentional manslayers and cities for the Levites. Caleb, a co-spy with Joshua, received his promised inheritance of Hebron due to his unwavering faith and courage (Joshua 14:12-14). The book concludes this section with a powerful summary of God's faithfulness:

    And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

    Joshua 21:43-45

    This declaration highlights God's perfect fidelity to His Word. Every promise made was fulfilled, every good thing spoken came to pass.

    Spiritual Lessons for Believers

    The Book of Joshua is not merely a historical account; it is replete with profound spiritual lessons for believers today:

    • God's Faithfulness: The overarching theme is God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. He fulfills His Word, even when circumstances seem impossible.
    • The Importance of Obedience: Israel's success was directly tied to their obedience to God's commands. Disobedience, as seen with Achan, brought defeat and judgment. For the Christian, obedience to Christ's commands and God's Word is paramount for spiritual victory and fruitfulness.
    • Faith in Action: Joshua's leadership exemplifies courageous faith. He stepped out in obedience, trusting God's promises despite formidable enemies. Believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
    • Spiritual Warfare: The conquest of Canaan is a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare believers engage in today. We do not battle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). Just as God fought for Israel, He fights for us, equipping us with spiritual armor and the power of His Word.
    • Christ, Our Greater Joshua: The name Joshua is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus. Just as Joshua led Israel into their physical inheritance, Jesus, our ultimate Saviour, leads us into our spiritual inheritance in Him – salvation, eternal life, and all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). He is the One who truly brings us rest from our enemies, sin and death.

    Conclusion

    The Book of Joshua stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It chronicles a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating how God raised a humble servant to lead a nation into its promised inheritance through miraculous conquest and meticulous division. The narrative reminds us that God's promises are sure, His commands are to be obeyed, and His presence guarantees victory. For the believer, Joshua's story serves as an enduring encouragement that the Lord our God is with us whithersoever we go, enabling us to overcome spiritual foes and enter into the glorious inheritance secured for us in Christ Jesus.