JOSHUA

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:2    "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.

    This was the point of transition from the leadership of Moses to Joshua. Not only did God choose Joshua, the Israelites also had to follow their new leader.
    God gave Joshua directions that had to be implemented. God still gives direction to each of us, we (I) need to listen and follow Him when He gives us a path to follow. (DRM 9/21/12)

1:3    Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.

    God was speaking to Joshua, the new leader after Moses died (v. 1). Clearly, He wanted Joshua to continue with the Israelite people into the promised land. The borders of the land were given to Joshua (v. 4), so why isn't Israel at these borders then or now?
    God spoke to Joshua, not the people. Joshua had faith in the Lord who spoke to him, but the people didn't hear the Lord God speak and were fearful or unwilling to take over all of the land that was promised.
    When God tells us to do something, we need faith to believe Him, and DO what we are told. (DRM 11/16/14)

    In Joshua 1:1-9, God assured Joshua of His presence, power, providence, provision and protection —just as God had assured Moses and been with him. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT, 11/16/14)

1:4    From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.

    What happened to this promise? God clearly told Joshua that Israel would extend to the Euphrates River - and they never got near that. Was God wrong?
    No, Israel didn't obey. God wanted them to put their faith in Him, but they got involved in internal fights and stopped listening to Him through His prophets. They had a lack of faith in what He could do.
    And so it continues even today. Not only Israel, but also some people who claim Jesus as Lord seem to lack faith that He can help them, then go to others. (DRM 5/21/14)

1:5, 6    No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you, I will not fail you or forsake you. ⁶Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 

    [Re: 1:5]    I would call this a conditional verse. Clearly God promised Joshua here that He would be with him and they would be successful in taking over the land. All started well in Jericho, but not in Ai (Joshua 7:1-5). Did God lie?
    While not written in this verse, God wants complete devotion and obedience to His laws. If even one (7:1) person breaks the law, all of the Israelites suffered.
    Later, Jesus said we are to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matt. 22:37) (DRM 6/22/15)

    God will keep His promises. He promised Moses this land for the Israelites and here He is telling Joshua the same thing.
    The statement, "Be strong and courageous" seems to be emphasized here. The Israelites would have to fight for the land, thus be courageous, but He would help them win it. They needed faith that He was with them.
    While we may not be in a physical battle, we are in a spiritual battle with Satan who wants to stop our faith in Jesus=God. We also need to be strong and courageous in our battle. (DRM 5/13/17)

1:5c    I will never leave you nor forsake you.

    Moses just died, and God put Joshua in charge. God spoke the words written above. 
    When I feel depressed or nervous, quite often I forget that God is always with me. As the verse says, I must never forget that God will not leave me. (DRM 9/27/87)

1:7    Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 

    Suddenly, I seem to see verses that refer to strength that will be needed to do the work of the Lord. Joshua was known for his physical strength, but more than probably, for his spiritual strength. I must study the Word and grow in "strength" to be of service to the Lord. (DRM 10/26/03)

1:8    This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way. . . 

    This answers the following question: {Which command given here is hardest for me to obey? Why?} Meditating - which means dwelling and comprehending every word. It seems that I always have to rush and get things done, and don't spend enough time reflecting on the words I just read. (DRM 4/14/02)

1:9    . . . Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

    This statement to the newly appointed Joshua can be taken literally to each of us today.
    I still have fears - and know they are sin, and still they return. This verse helps a lot to give me the confidence that God is with me and knows everything that is happening. There is no reason for fear. (DRM 10/25/09)

    There are 365 fear nots in the Bible. There is one here (v. 9). Do you think that Joshua was apprehensive about such a formidable task of taking the land? Indeed. But again, he is assured of the presence of the Lord (v. 9). Word of Life Diary

1:16    And they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go."

    This answers the following question: {How can I better respond to those in authority over me?} OBEY. I must remember that God knows everything and He allowed this person to be my supervisor. Since I am in this position, I must submit to do their will. It's not always easy. (DRM 4/15/02)

2:4    But the woman [Rahab] had taken the two men and hidden them, and she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. . . "

    God cares about His own people and protects them from trouble if He desires. These two spies for Joshua were protected because of Rahab's understanding of God. She was their savior whom they had to depend on. With faith, I probably will have to depend on others more in the future. I pray that He will protect me as He did for them. (DRM 10/27/03)

    Joshua sent the two men to spy out the land. Rahab was good to hide the men from the king, but clearly she lied in this verse and others in this passage.
    I don't think God encourages lying, but I also recall that we are to follow His authority higher than any earthly authority. Rahab was correct in this case. (DRM 10/26/09)

2:11    When we heard it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. 

    Joshua had sent two spies into Jericho to see how the residents felt. This verse illustrates how the residents felt and the fact that many miracles had been performed by Moses (and now Joshua) on the way to Jericho. 
    I like this verse because this citizen said and knew that God was on Joshua's side from the things that were happening. This shows that even an unbeliever CAN see some of the truth! (DRM 11/8/87)

2:14    So the men said to her, "Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the LORD gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you."

    This was the agreement between Rahab the harlot and the two spies for Israel before the attack on Jericho.
    The agreement is based on mutual trust that neither party would tell what had happened.
    Trust seems to be a rare commodity today. People say they will do things, then "change their mind" after making commitments.
    As Christians, I believe that we should stay by our word and do what we say we will. (DRM 10/26/12)

2:15    Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall, so that she was living on the wall.

    How does this apply to my life? Rahab was helping others with the expectation that they would help her in the future. While I don't feel that help should be conditional, it is quite often expected. Like help in this case, I think love should be unconditional. The rest is in the Lord's hands. (DRM 10/28/03)

2:17, 18    And the men said to her [Rahab], "We shall be free from this oath to you which you have made us swear, ¹⁸unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father's household.

    Rahab had protected the spies from Israel, so this was the plan to protect Rahab and her family during the future attack.
    In a similar way, God protects His people from harm so long as they are truly in His family. He wants only the best for us. (DRM 10/28/09)

3:5    Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

    Some of the followers of Joshua doubted that he was a true prophet of God, and they wanted to see signs of his power (or God's). On this occasion, Joshua (and God) stopped the flow of the Jordan River so the people of Israel could walk on dry ground. (DRM 2/2/87)

    This answers the following question: {Why is it important for me to consecrate myself?} I think of consecrate as prepare. I should always be prepared for anything that the Lord leads me to do. I should be living with the expectation that today the Lord could call me home - hopefully in the rapture of the church. (DRM 4/16/02)

3:7    Now the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

    Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land, so was instructed to go to Mount Nebo to see the land, then died there. (Deut. 34:1-5)
    Joshua was the successor to Moses, but this was to be the first miracle that the Lord God would perform through him. As the verse states, "This day I will begin to exalt you. . . " which would occur when the Jordan stopped flowing so the Israelites could cross the river (v. 17).
    God is always in control. We (I) are/am to follow only His direction and not our own. (DRM 8/11/12)

3:10    And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite."

    God proved that He was with Joshua by the stopping of the water in the Jordan (v. 16). Not only was that a miracle of proof, but it was also a sign that He would deliver Israel from all of her nearby enemies (the listed city-states). God showed His power to the Israelites to reinforce their faith in Him and not other gods. (DRM 10/28/09)

3:13    "And it shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap."

    This is one of many miracles that God did in Old Testament times. When God wanted something done, He had [and has] the power to change the natural flow of things. In many ways it seems that He will have to do miracles for me to see how He will accomplish what I feel He has told me. (DRM 10/29/03)

3:16     . . . the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.

    God instructed Joshua how they would cross the Jordan River. Joshua told the people that the Lord would do wonders among them (v. 5) and this time they apparently had enough faith to believe, unlike their parents.
    When I wrote this verse here, I thought, "Why didn't the waters pile up at the point where they crossed, instead at a distance further away?" I guess that doesn't matter as they crossed on dry land and God did what He told Joshua He would.
    Faith is a requirement for miracles - both in the Old and New Testaments. This shows up throughout the stories - it's an important thing to learn - and to do in our lives. (DRM 12/31/14)

4:4, 5    So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe; ⁵and Joshua said to them, "Cross again to the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel. . .

    The Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River that God dried up for their passage (3:14-17).
    While the ark was still in the middle of the river, Joshua directed 12 men, one from each tribe, to go back into the Jordan and get a remembrance stone, then to bring it to a spot away from the river.
    The whole purpose of this was for people in the future to see and remember the spot where they crossed.
    As time goes on, memories fade; especially as generations continue to go on. We need ways to remember the past, and all He has done for us. (DRM 1/9/18)

    Physical reminders of God's faithfulness in the past can remind us to trust Him in the present — and with the future. (from Our Daily Bread 1/9/18 _{AMY PETERSON})

4:8    And thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the LORD spoke to Joshua according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place, and put them down there. 

    Joshua was thinking ahead. He wanted to remember what the Lord did and where it happened. . . like a memorial. Today, I am also remembering a year ago [when my father passed away] - but, like Joshua, God wants me to keep going and fight His battles. (DRM 10/30/03)

4:9    Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day.

    Since I believe everything that's written in the Bible, I would think that these 12 stones would still be together somewhere at the bottom of the Jordan River. With technology today, we could find these stones and prove the Bible is true.
    This may seem insignificant, but Joshua wanted people to remember the parting of the Jordan - so their faith, and His past work, would be visible for generations in the future. (DRM 10/29/09)

4:18    It came about when the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD had come up from the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks as before.

    God proved Himself over and over to the Israelites and, as time progressed, they forgot all of His provisions to their ancestors. No matter how many times He provided, there were always doubters - and so it is today.
    I pray that I won't lose my faith as life gets more difficult as I age. Like for the Israelites, His provision will be clearly seen. (DRM 10/30/09)

4:21, 22    He said to the sons of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' ²²then you shall inform your children, saying, 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground'.

    It had been about 40 years from the time the Exodus began and the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. In the desert they cried out to God for various "needs" and denied that He was leading them or providing for them. Now that whole generation was gone and they were entering the promised land. This time God wanted them to remember His provision, so He had them take the stones out of the middle of the river.
    I wonder/hope that people can go and see them today. (DRM 5/11/13)

4:23    "For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed; 

    Certainly I had remembered of Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, but I didn't know of Joshua and the parting of the Jordan until recently.
    Just the thought of the power of God is told in this chapter and it makes me think how insignificant I am. 
    Thankfully God knows that I have a significant purpose here and that I will know that purpose in time. (DRM 7/14/87)

    This answers the following question: {What has or is happening in my life that reveals the hand of the Lord?} Some people have come to know the Lord through the works that I have done for Him (Testimony Newsletter). Unfortunately I don't know of many, and pray that this web site will also be used by Him. (DRM 4/17/02)

4:24    that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever."

    This section [4:15-5:1] is basically a review of the first half of the chapter. This final verse in chapter 4 tells me why God held back the Jordan River. God can do anything He wants to do. He will water over those He loves and, hopefully, this will attract others to follow Him. Lord, I pray that you will use me to attract others to follow You. (DRM 10/31/03)

5:1    Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan . . . their hearts melted and they no longer had . . . courage . . .

    There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God is powerful. If I knew about the separation of the waters, certainly I would fear those people also! I would probably want to "join their side" as their leader (God) is all powerful!
    Thank you, God, for putting me on your winning team! (DRM 11/19/87)

5:7    Their children whom He raised up in their place, Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them along the way.

    The first generation after the Exodus from Egypt was circumcised (v. 4), but now they all had died, and this was the next generation of men that were about to go into the promised land.
    Like circumcision, faith should be passed down from generation to generation - preferably as the boy is still young. (DRM 10/31/09)

5:13    Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing 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?"

    As we follow the long exodus journey with Moses and now Joshua, it is clear that the Lord God was directing every move that was made. Both Moses and Joshua clearly heard and obeyed His voice.
    In this verse, God sent an angel {or Jesus} (v. 14) to direct the capture of Jericho; showing again that He was directing the events.
    As Christians, we also have a Director to point us in the right direction. The problem, at least for me, is to hear His voice clearly. An angel would help, but we need to be still to hear His voice. (DRM 9/8/15)

5:14    He said, "No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, "What has my lord to say to his servant?"

    Who was this "captain of the host of the Lord?" I can think of a clue from another part of the Bible where the angel said not to worship him (the angel) but rather the Lord God. Since this person, the captain of the host of the Lord DIDN'T say not to worship him, it was probably the Lord Jesus=God. Verse 15 is like what was said to Moses.
    We/I don't worship angels, but are so thankful for their job to protect us from harm (so long as we are believers) and as directed by God.
    God and Jesus deserve our worship; no one else. (DRM 4/21/15)

5:15    And the captain of the LORD'S host [angel?] [Jesus?] said to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so. 

    Who came to visit Joshua? Angels don't want to be bowed down to, so now I think it was Jesus. Joshua had just crossed the Jordan into Israel - it was certainly Holy Ground. Today, I think many places are holy. Wherever Jesus and I are together is holy in my heart. May it stay that way! (DRM 11/1/03)

6:5    [The LORD said] "And it shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead."

    At the time God spoke this to Joshua, it was a prophecy. In worldly reasoning, yelling at a wall doesn't make it fall down. But with God, anything can and usually does happen. Joshua never doubted His word. Why should I doubt, when I hear? (DRM 11/2/03)

6:10    But Joshua commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard nor let a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, 'shout!' Then you shall shout!"

    Only God and Joshua knew the plan to go around Jericho for seven days. Without knowing the plan, I would think there might be some complaining by the sixth day!
    The only way to live is to follow God's plan, and not my (our) own. I try very hard to hear for His direction. (DRM 11/1/09)

6:16    At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city. . . "

    There is no way that the Israelites could have taken the city of Jericho unless God was in the whole process. They followed God's directions to Joshua and God is the One who made the wall fall.
    Many things in my life are the same way. I can not change the minds of others or arrange meetings with strangers, but God can. My life is in His hands. (DRM 11/2/09)

6:20    When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed, so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. 

    "And the walls came tumbling down." This was one of the great Bible stories. What an experience it must have been to see God's hand personally at work in such an obvious way! (DRM 4/23/88)

6:26    Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his first-born he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."

    There ARE rules that we must follow. God used Joshua to state that Jericho must not be rebuilt — like Sodom and Gomorrah. As far as I know, the ruins of Jericho still exist. While Jesus' blood saved me from my sins, there are still written absolutes that we can't do. The Bible is truly an absolute rule book. (DRM 11/3/03)

7:1    But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, . . . took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel. 

    This answers the following question: {What characteristics in Achan do I see represented in myself?} Achan, and the other Israelites, were told not to take certain things, but did. He acted independently of the Lord, which I probably also do. I must listen to the Lord's directions, NOT MINE. (DRM 4/18/02)

7:4    So about three thousand men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai.

    The Israelites were confident they would win the battle against little Ai. The Lord God brought them from Egypt and gave them this promised land, and now they fled from their enemy in Ai.
    Later in the passage we see that one man in the Israeli force had stolen something - thus sinning against the Lord's commands.
    I (we) have to be absolutely pure in our desires to defend the Lord - verbally or any other way. When things don't go well, I (we) need to examine what we have done that may have displeased the Lord. (DRM 7/17/12)

    Dear Lord, I don't want anything in my life to hinder my fellowship with You. You know what's in my heart. Reveal any areas of my life that are not pleasing to You and forgive me. Amen. (from Our Daily Bread, 7/17/12)

7:5    The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their [Israel's] men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

    With confidence, the people of Israel went to take their second city, but were defeated. With God's previous promises, I'm sure I would ask God the same question I ask Him today — why? Later (v. 11), God tells them they have sinned against Him. When things go bad, one possibility is that I (we) have unconfessed sin. I pray that I am made aware of all of my sins, so I can confess them and correct my ways. (DRM 11/3/09)

7:6    Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.

    Joshua's men had just suffered a defeat at the small city of Ai. He was pleading for God's mercy and direction on what to do next.
    What Joshua didn't know was that one of his men had stolen items from a previous military victory at Jericho (v. 1).
    Joshua sets a good example for me (us) in his pleading to God for direction. He wanted to correct for whatever sin that had occurred — I (we) should do the same when we don't understand God's actions. {Submissiveness} (DRM 5/15/13)

7:11    [the LORD said] "Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things.

    It seems that human nature is to sin. The Israelites had kept booty from a battle that they were banned from keeping. When the next battle came, they lost, as they had not followed the leading of the Lord previously. I pray that I may hear His leading and know how to do as I have been told. (DRM 11/4/03)

7:12    Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you any more unless you destroy the . . . 

    This answers the following question: {What can happen in my life when I sin and try to hide it?} Without confession of sin, God will not reward us with our heart's desires. Since God already knows everything about us, I don't see why people are afraid to confess. He already knows! (DRM 4/19/02)

7:13    Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the LORD, the God of Israel, has said, "There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst."

    Israel had just been defeated at Ai, Joshua found out from the Lord that they lost because some soldiers had taken things that were prohibited/banned.
    God wanted/wants us to follow His directives to be successful in battle or other things in our lives today.
    The Lord is to be honored and His directives are to be followed or we will also find failure. (DRM 12/27/12)

7:15a    He who is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him . . . 

    Achan sinned against the Lord, by stealing and concealing some silver and gold plunder. Achan and his family were stoned to death for their sin.  (DRM 4/24/88)

7:20    So Achan answered Joshua and said, "Truly I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: ^25b . . .And all Israel stoned them [Achan's family] with stones; and they burned with fire . . . 

    What did Achan do to deserve his fate? He did not confess his sin until after the Lord pulled him out of the crowd - by the use of lots. He thought he could hide from the Lord God. Probably his family knew of his deception, so they were also stoned to death. In this way Israel was kept pure and the goal was probably to remain sinless . . . which no one can achieve. (DRM 11/5/03)

7:21    . . . when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the silver underneath it."

    After Joshua had defeated Jericho with God's help, he was more confident, as were his spies, that they could defeat the small city of Ai (v. 3). Joshua didn't know that a man named Achan had taken items from Jericho that were banned.
    God knew of Achan's sin and allowed Joshua's army to fail at Ai. (vv. 10-13). This verse is part of a quote from Achan.
    God knows everything. We can't hide from God, He is everywhere. He knows our every thought and action. We need the fear of God, but, as Christians, also need Jesus who died for our sins. That's the only way that God will allow us into His Heaven. (DRM 7/6/17)

    Acknowledging Jesus as Lord, admitting our sin, and seeking forgiveness provides the foundation for healthy and faithful relationships with God and others. By submitting to our loving Creator and Sustainer daily, we can serve Him and enjoy His presence—together. (from Our Daily Bread, 7/3/17 _{XOCHITL DIXON})

7:24    Then Joshua and all Israel with him, took Achan the Son of Zerah, the silver, the mantle, the bar of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent and all that belonged to him; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor.

    Achan's thievery caused Israel to lose the battle at Ai. After a process that found out he was the cause, Joshua destroyed Achan and all of his family(!) and possessions to satisfy God's judgment on Israel.
    No matter what we (I) accumulate in life, the Lord Jesus is more important. I can't take my possessions with me after my life is over. (DRM 11/4/09)

7:25b    And all Israel stoned them [Achan's family] with stones; and they burned with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 

    This answers the following question: {Why is God fair in this situation as well as my own?} God wants us to ask for forgiveness for our sins. We must admit He is the ruler over all. If we don't admit that, He may choose to take us off the earth. I must do His will and not my own. (DRM 4/20/02)

8:25    Twelve thousand men and women fell that day — all the people of Ai.

    This chapter deals with the battle of Ai. Joshua had an ambush prepared and attacked the warriors from Ai on both sides. I can understand why the 12,000 were killed. (DRM 4/25/88)

9:4-15 excerpts/summarized Neighbors of Joshua heard of his successes and acted craftily (v.4), said they were from a far country (v.6) and asked for a covenant (v.6). The men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD (v.14). 

    This answers the following question: {Why is it important to seek the Lord before making big decisions?} These people, who came to Joshua, were deceivers who lied to get what they wanted. If the men of Israel had prayed for direction from the LORD, He probably would have warned them of the deception that was occurring.  (DRM 4/21/02)

9:15    Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

    Joshua and the Israelites were deceived by this group who claimed to be from a far country, but were really their neighbors. (v. 16)
    Certainly Joshua had no easy way to determine if their story was true or not - like we could access today - but he did have an unused Source that he didn't use - the Lord God. (v. 14)
    Before making  any decision, it is best to call on the Lord and seek His counsel. (DRM 3/1/12)

9:22exerpts     Then Joshua . . . said, "Why did you deceive us by saying, 'We live a long way from you,' while actually you live near us?"

    The Gibeonites had heard what had happened in Ai, and feared for their lives, so "surrendered" to Joshua rather than die. They became woodcutters and water carriers. (DRM 4/26/88)

10:5    So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it.

    The people of Gibeon had just made peace with Joshua and Israel (v. 1), and the five kings joined forces to attack this larger city.
    This seems like recent history when the surrounding nations attacked Israel in 1973. God defended His people and even caused the sun to stop (v. 13) as they were dependent on Him. I believe He also does this for individuals - so long as we are dependent/devoted to Him - and it is His will. (DRM 11/5/09)

10:13a    So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation [Israel] avenged themselves of their enemies. 

    In my other reading today [John 15:7], Jesus states to believers to ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you! While I believe Jesus = God can and did stop the sun, I also think that Jesus was referring to everyday needs more than universal changes. Jesus changes lives and wants us to grow spiritual; to be more like Him. He's willing to help - I need lots of it! (DRM 11/6/03)

10:14    There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!

    In this verse and the preceding one, the Lord made the earth stop for "about a full day," thus extending sunlight for Joshua and his army. God is all powerful! (DRM 2/19/88)

11:5    All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. 

    Joshua had another battle on his hands! Many kings joined forces to fight Joshua and Israel, but God was with Israel and they won! (DRM 4/27/88)

11:15    Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses. 

    This answers the following question: {What failures might I be experiencing because of disobedience?} It seems that I'm "too busy" to listen to the LORD and just keep doing what I think is right. Probably that is the reason that I'm not making any progress in my spiritual life. I need to listen more! (DRM 4/22/02)

11:20    For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that he might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy, but that he might destroy them, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 

    Many times I wondered why there are so many battles and so much death in the Bible. This verse seems to explain it. God wanted Israel to be "pure," not contaminated with marriages with the evil non-believing world. To be sure of that, He hardened their hearts and Israel was told to kill all that didn't believe. Lord, may I be "pure" to You only. (DRM 11/7/03)

11:23    So Joshua took the whole land according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.

    It must have been a difficult time for all the men of Israel, as they had to fight all their enemies - city by city. In v. 19 we are told that no other city than Gibeon made peace with Israel, so they had battle after battle. Still, the Lord was with them and it was finally over, so now they had their own country.
    Sometimes we (I) have personal battles with different things - I think the point is that the Lord was with them - and all worked out well in the end. Then they could enjoy peace. (DRM 11/6/09)

12:1a    These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan. . .

    Chapter 12 of Joshua lists 31 kings that the Israelites had defeated. Only God knows exactly why He wanted people eliminated => purification of Israel? (DRM 4/28/88)

13:33    But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them. 

    Other tribes got land, but the tribe of Levi didn't get land, but the Lord, God of Israel. I know I would have preferred receiving God instead of land! (DRM 4/29/88)

14:3    For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes [Gad and Reuben] and the half-tribe [East Manasseh] beyond the Jordan, but he did not give an inheritance to the Levites among them.

    Most Bibles have a series of maps at the back of the Book. If you look at the one titled "Land of the Twelve Tribes" you will see that Israel after Moses, in Joshua's day or a little later, was much larger than it is today. The Levites were the tribe of priests that didn't receive land, but lived throughout the whole country so part of their duties (v. 4).
    This is evidence that God wanted the Israelites to have enough land to do their labors. In the future, Israel will be great again - and probably have more land. We have to trust God=Jesus and He will provide for us in His time, and in His will . (DRM 12/14/17)

14:7    I [Caleb] was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart.

    Caleb was a spy for Moses at the age of 40 (v. 7, 10) and was one of the two with the minority report. He trusted in God to overthrow the enemy, but the majority were too afraid to continue, so they were left in the desert 40 years. Seemingly as a reward for his faith, Caleb was just as strong at 85 as he was at 40. God rewards those with faith in Him.
    While it may not seem like doing God's will at a moment in time is very fruitful, God remembers and will reward us (yes, us) sometime in the future if we follow Him and His will today. (DRM 7/30/15)

14:8    Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the LORD my God fully. 

    This answers the following question: {What qualities in Caleb's life do I want most in my life?} Caleb seemed to be dependent on the Lord, when others weren't. The Lord blessed him with strength through age 85 (v.11) as a result of his obedience. May my faith stay as sure as Caleb's was! (DRM 4/23/02)

14:9    So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God fully!

    Caleb (v. 6) was reflecting on what Moses told him when he was spying out the land 45 years before - and brought back a good report. Now Caleb and the sons of Judah (v. 6) were requesting the same land that was promised 45 years before.
    God blesses those who follow Him, I pray that He will bless me as He knows my desire to serve Him. (DRM 11/7/09)

14:11    I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. 

    Joshua stated in this passage [14:5-15] that he was 85 years old on the day he wrote this - and was as strong as when he was 40. While I know I am losing my energy, I can always hope and pray that God will use me as he did Joshua. While strength is important to me, serving the Lord somehow is more so. (DRM 11/8/03)

14:12    Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. 

    Joshua was still dividing the land, and Caleb had waited 45 years for his share. In this chapter Joshua gave Caleb Hebron as his inheritance. (DRM 4/30/88)

14:13, 14    So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. ¹⁴Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully.

    Caleb was one of the spies of the land 40 years earlier and brought back a positive report, which the others didn't. Now that the land was being given to tribes and people of Israel, Caleb was asking for the specific land of Hebron based on Moses' promise (v. 9)
    Caleb had a long wait, but Moses' promise was fulfilled by Joshua. If we also follow the Lord's will, we will also be rewarded by Him. It may seem like a long time now, but eternity will make this little time on earth to be a distant memory. (DRM 12/7/15)

15:20    This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, clan by clan:

    Most of this chapter names lists of villages and towns that were to be given to the tribe of Judah. Thank God that we don't have to depend on the law! (DRM 5/1/88)

16:10    They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Bezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor. 

    Considering the fact that whenever the Israelites took over other towns and killed every living thing, it was kinder to let the Canaanites live, even though it was to include forced labor. (DRM 5/2/88)

17:18a    . . . but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; . . .

    The people of Joseph wanted more land to settle on and Joshua said they could clear the hill country. The enemy was nearby, but Joshua knew they would be driven out. (5/3/88)

18:3    So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?

    It seems that after the Israelites knew of their inheritances that they did not take their lands. In verse 8 a survey of the land was begun. We should never fear God. (DRM 5/4/88)

19:51d    And so they finished dividing the land.

    This chapter shows how the land was divided by lots and how the territory was to be given to each tribe.

20:1-3    Then the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, ²"Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, "Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, ³that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

    Accidents happen. God knows this. He loves us so much that He even thought of a way to protect the innocent who were involved in an accident where the other person died. I wonder how often this happened? Six cities were declared to be cities of refuge where people could go for protection from relatives of the deceased if they thought the accident was a murder.
    There isn't anything that God isn't aware of. He knows our hearts and protects the innocent - where this is an example. Certainly I would not have thought of this procedure - and it shows more of His infinite wisdom. (DRM 1/10/16)

    With the psalmist, we can say confidently to the Lord, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance" (32:7). (From Our Daily Bread, 1/10/16) _{LAWRENCE DARMANI}

20:4    And he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them. 

    The cities of refuge are explained well in this verse. This made me think of a person's conversion. Instead of a city, we go to Jesus to confess and ask forgiveness. After He listens, He allows us to live in His Kingdom. The former sinner is able to live in peace. Thankfully, Heaven will be forever. (DRM 11/9/03)

20:5    Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.

    It seems that this may had led to the USA phrase, "Innocent until proven guilty." Only God knows the heart of each person, but He provided a way to protect the innocent.
    Like the Cities of Refuge, I (we) have a refuge when we go to God and ask for forgiveness of sins and protection from the world = devil's ways. (DRM 11/8/09)

20:9    Any of the Israelites or any alien living among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed. . .

    Cities of refuge are interesting and sound quite fair to people who made an honest mistake. I wonder what happened to them? (DRM 5/6/88)

21:3    So, as the Lord had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns. . . out of their own inheritance. 

    The Lord promised the Levites land, and gave them 48 villages that were in Israel's territory. 
    The Lord fulfills His promises! (DRM 5/7/88)

21:44    And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.

    The Lord God said that He would provide for His people, Israel, and He did!
    On days when I get anxious (like today), I need to remind myself that the Lord is still watching over me and He will provide for all of my needs - in His own way. (DRM 11/9/09)

21:45    Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed: all came to pass. 

    This answers the following question: {How do the promises of God affect my life?} I can depend on them. Everything that I have felt the Holy Spirit tell me has come to pass. It generally calms me down to know that He is in control and loves me. (DRM 4/24/02)

22:2    and said to them, "You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. 

    This answers the following question: {What character quality in these people do I want for myself?} These people were obedient to both the Lord's commands and Joshua's. In a way, they were people after God's heart. I pray that I may also be obedient and pleasing to the Lord Jesus. (DRM 4/25/02)

22:5    "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses, the servant of the Lord gave you; to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

    What a great verse! Lord, have me keep all the commands listed above in addition to everything else stated throughout the Bible. Let me be a willing servant! (DRM 5/8/88)

    I have been saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Does that mean I should ignore this verse? I don't think so! The Lord know that I will sin, and wants me to know what sins are, but has made provision, in Jesus, to forgive me. I think I should try to follow this verse, but know that I can depend on Jesus if I fail and ask for His forgiveness. (DRM 11/10/03)

23:3    And 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 who has been fighting for you.

    This is from "Joshua's Farewell Address," and is a reminder to the Israelites that God is the One who is watching over them and fighting for them.
    How is this different than how He also fights for us today as individuals in His family? While generally it's not visible - He is truly working behind the scenes to arrange for our good - even if we don't know it at the time. (DRM 11/10/09)

23:6    Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or the left. 

    I get diverted - a LOT! Depending on the circumstances, I believe that Satan and his friends are trying to keep me from serving my Jesus. It's hard to stay on track. Perhaps the ultimate goal seems too far away. I must continue to follow His plan for my life - and do it humbly and according to how He directs me. (DRM 11/11/03)

23:8    But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

    This answers the following question: {In the light of God's response to obedience, what response do I give?} Continued obedience. God is pleased when I obey Him, just like a human father would. When I disobey the Lord, then He will take good things away - as described in verses 12 and 13. (DRM 4/26/02)

23:13    Know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land - which the LORD your God has given you.

    And that's exactly what happened. God could say, "I told you so." As time progressed, the people slowly drifted away from their Provider, Deliverer and eventually suffered the consequences.
    I pray that I won't drift away from my love for the Lord and I will hear and do only His will for my life. (DRM 11/11/09)

23:16    "When you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land which He has given you."

    There is only ONE God. He later became Jesus in the flesh. He wants our undivided attention. He doesn't want us to serve anyone or anything else but Him. If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I will also be serving the Father. Don't divert me! (DRM 11/12/03)

24:2    Joshua said to all the people, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the River [Euphrates], namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods.

    Within the first 12 verses of this chapter is a history of the nation of Israel from before Abraham's day through the early battles as they settled in their new homeland, which we call Israel today.
    The point is that God provided for them every step of the way. They had to wait in Egypt, but He had a plan, and it was carried out in His time. He also has a plan for you and me individually. (DRM 11/12/09)

24:11    You crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho; and the citizens of Jericho fought against you, and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Girgashite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. Thus I gave them into your hand.

    God (through Joshua) wanted to remind the Israelites what He had done for them in the past, thus this chapter of history.
    After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, the battles for the land began. This started with Jericho, but then went on to other "kingdoms," as each city generally had a wall and would have to be attacked - probably like what they did at Jericho.
    God's point was that they won these cities with His help. He wanted them in the land He had promised.
    He also has a plan for each of us - and we will succeed if we follow only His direction. (DRM 10/2/15)

    As a result of God's provision (defeating the armies of the other people), Joshua reminded them to fear and serve the Lord. (from INSIGHT, Our Daily Bread 10/2/15)

24:13    And I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built, and have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. 

    This passage was titled "Joshua reviews Israel's History," of which this verse was a summary. Here we see how God provided for Israel's needs through a long period of time. I think of it as a reminder that the Lord Jesus will also meet all of my needs as I live my life for Him. (DRM 11/13/03)

24:14    "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 

    This answers the following question: {What are some wrong choices I have made? Some right choices?} I always tried to make more money and it seems that the Lord prevented me from trusting in money and to trust in Him instead. I'm glad that I finally heard Him and can depend on His provisions. (DRM 4/27/02)

24:15    If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

    This passage/verse could cause controversy among Christians. On the day we first trust the Lord Jesus as Savior, did we choose Him, or did He choose us?
    Joshua didn't know Jesus when he wrote this book (aided by the Holy Spirit), so was referring to the Creator God. Only two parts of the Trinity were known of.
    Perhaps the Israelites didn't know all the other gods and didn't realize how serving money etc. was really serving another god. Over time, they drifted away and never knew it. (DRM 6/6/14)

24:15d    But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

    Everyone can make a choice as to what to believe. Some people still worship false gods and don't know what they are even doing.
    I thank the Lord that he gave me the ability to understand His word and that I can know exactly who is Lord and who I should serve. (DRM 2/25/87)

24:16    The people answered and said, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods;

    Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land and in their battles to acquire the land that was occupied. The people in that generation saw how the Lord was providing for them and were more than willing to worship and serve the true God.
    Later generations did not go through this period and didn't see the Lord God's actions first hand, so they drifted away and went to other gods - which became their downfall.
    God wants our complete devotion to Him. He is willing to show us His presence if we look in the right places. Don't serve anyone or anything but the God of Creation and our bodies = Jehovah. (DRM 1/22/13)

    The word serve is used 11 times in verses 14-24. To serve God means to fear Him, obey Him, and worship Him. We face the same decision that the Israelites faced: In light of God's deeds, whom will we serve? (from INSIGHT, Our Daily Bread 1/22/13)

24:20    "If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you."

    Joshua said this to the nation of Israel. Certainly it was prophetic of what was to come. It was a warning to each one of them individually also. Since it is in the Bible for my understanding, it also applies to me. If, now that I know the Lord, I change my heart and worship something else, then I know that trials will occur. (DRM 11/14/03)

24:22    Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves the LORD, to serve Him." And they said, "We are witnesses."

    Sometimes what we say and what we do don't align. Some of the people still served other gods that they brought from Egypt. Here they declared their allegiance to the one God who brought them to their new land.
    A verbal declaration of faith must be accompanied with a change of heart, and a true desire to follow only His direction. (DRM 11/13/09)

24:23, 24    "Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."
                 ²⁴The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and we will obey His voice."

    Joshua knew the Israelites couldn't/wouldn't keep their commitment to the Lord God. I just thought of some possible reasons why. 1. Commitments are generational. What the parents committed to, the children didn't, so 40 years later most of the people didn't make the commitment. 2. Who are other gods? Maybe they knew Baal was another god, but what about money? They needed commitment to one and only one God. As time progressed the commitment faded.
    How am I doing in my commitment to serving the Lord? Are diversions taking me away from serving Him? When this begins, I also need a new commitment to try over - and over. (DRM 3/26/15)

24:27    And Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us; thus it shall be for a witness against you, lest you deny your God."

    When we commit ourselves to do something, it's easy to forget over time, however, if we set up a reminder that we said we would do something, the memory lasts longer. . . like a monumental stone. . . I can refer back to my journal, but still need a constant reminder - perhaps on a wall or obvious place. (DRM 11/15/03)

24:31    Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the LORD which He had done for Israel.

    Someone wrote these words at the end of the book to tell us that Joshua died. After his death and burial, the Israelites were ruled by elders, then comes the book of Judges. Probably for a short time the Israelites followed the Lord, but the process of drifting away was started soon afterward. I pray that I won't drift away from my faith in the Lord Jesus! (DRM 11/14/09)