Joshua Bible Study
- Date: Every Wednesday until September 17, 2023
- Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Location: 501 Quintard Ave., Suites 1 &2, Anniston, Alabama 36201
- Coordinator: Ron Haygood
- Email: tlcanniston@gmail.com
Introduction to the book of Joshua (from the ESV Study Bible)
Joshua records part two of God’s grandest work of redemption in the OT period. In part one (the Pentateuch), the Lord redeemed his people out of slavery in Egypt and formalized his covenantal love for them at Sinai. Moses led the people during that time. Now in part two, under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord brings his people into the Land of Promise and gives them rest.
Purpose and Background
The book of Joshua seeks to explain God’s purpose in the events surrounding Israel’s capture of and settlement in Canaan. Those events are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such an account would have been relevant to ancient Israel from its earliest arrival in Canaan, and to every generation of God’s people to the present day.
Key Themes
The Lord’s continuing presence as the key to strength and courage (e.g., 1:5, 9).
The importance of the Lord’s instructions for succeeding in one’s mission and acting with wisdom (1:7–8).
The ability of the Lord to save the “outsider” (Rahab), and the danger of the “insider” falling away (Achan; see chs. 2 and 7).
The Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment (e.g., 10:42; 11:19–20).
The danger of failing to ask the Lord (e.g., 9:14).
The Lord as Protector of the covenant (e.g., 10:1–15, especially v. 11).
The unity of the people of God (18:1–10; 22:34).
The sovereignty of God in giving his people a place and rest (1:13; 11:23; 21:43–45).
The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises (1:2; 21:43–45).
The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone (ch. 24).
Outline
Crossing into the Land (1:1–5:15)
Taking the Land (6:1–12:24)
Dividing the Land (13:1–21:45)
Serving the Lord in the Land (22:1–24:33)