Sunday School Lessons

APRIL 17, 2016

 

THE CROSSING OF JORDAN

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  God had said to Joshua, “This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel.”  (Verse 7a) God had before made known that Joshua was their new leader and the people had already pledged their allegiance to him as such, however, it would be the crossing of Jordan that would actually begin his magnification in their eyes.

2.  As it was in the crossing of the Jordan, which is a picture of water baptism, that God began to magnify Joshua, likewise, it was at the baptism of the greater Joshua in the Jordan River that God the Father began to magnify Him before the people. (Matt. 3:17) it was He Whom the people were instructed to follow. (John 1:32-37; 3:26-30)

3.  Just as the crossing of Jordan would separate the people form the wilderness and introduce them to the conflicts of Canaan, so also in believer’s baptism Christians show forth their commitment to leave the wilderness wanderings of this world and follow their great Captain as He leads His armies in spiritual warfare. In baptism we also declare our covenant relationship to God, and witness to all that He, by His glorious power, has parted the waters, as it were, that we might escape from the wilderness of death and cross over into His Kingdom.

4.  The people had gathered in obedient faith at the water’s edge expecting to cross over, but as yet, not knowing how. Thus, it will be in obedience to Joshua’s command that the people will see Joshua magnified. However Joshua, as a true picture of Christ, will deflect all glory back to God the Father.

 

I.  JOSHUA CALLED UPON THE PEOPLE TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD. (VERSES 9-13)

A.  JOSHUA WAS THE SPOKESMAN, BUT THAT WHICH HE SPOKE WAS FROM THE LORD. “AND JOSHUA SAID…HEAR THE WORDS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD.” (VERSE 9)

1.  He demanded their immediate and undivided attention. “Come hither, and hear…” Whatever may have had their attention at the time, they were to leave off with it. The sound of every other voice was to be silenced in order to hear the Lord’s words exclusively. When God speaks, even if it be through a servant, it demands our full and immediate attention.

2.  He had before said, “Sanctify yourselves,” now it was time to hear what they had prepared their hearts to receive. While we must prepare our hearts for the Word of God, it is, in fact, His Word that sanctifies. (John 17:17)

B.  JOSHUA WOULD NOW REVEAL TO THE PEOPLE WHAT THE LORD HAD REVEALED TO HIM. (VERSES 10-13)

1.  He begins with a word of encouragement very similar to that which the Lord had spoken to him. (Verse 10; compare Ch. 1:4-6) The encouragement is in the form of a sure promise, a sure word of prophecy; that God would without fail drive out the seven nations that now occupied the land of promise.  By their success, they would know that God was in their midst. And, doubtless, what is about to happen, of which Joshua will now apprise them, would certainly assure them that God was with them.

a)  Joshua spoke with full confidence that it would happen even as it was told to him. (Acts 27:25) They would be able to compare the actual event to what was told them, and know that not a single detail was unfulfilled.

(1)  God’s ministers can, like Joshua, speak the Word of God with all boldness and confidence.

(2)  We never need to fear that any event, great or small, shall ever disprove anything God has revealed in His Word.

b)  This preview was designed to impress upon the hearts of all the people that God must receive all glory, for it was according to His Word that it was done.

2.  Joshua next explains what the Lord had revealed to him with respect to the miraculous manner in which God would, by the greatness of His mighty power, provide for their safe passage over this Jordan. (Verses 11, 13)

a)  The Ark will pass before them into the waters of Jordan. (Verse 11) They had already been instructed that they must follow the Ark, and the order in which they were to conduct themselves. (Verses 3, 4)

b)  It will be when the priests actually step into the waters that the great miracle will take place. The Lord will at that moment cause the waters to stop as if a dam suddenly appeared. The dam was, however, the invisible hand of the Lord. What a sight it must have been to behold – flood waters standing upon a heap, a literal stationary wall of water!!

c)  There is no precedent to this miracle but the dividing of the Red Sea. That miracle is here repeated to show that the same mighty power of God that begins the salvation of His people also finishes it. It was repeated also to show that he Who had been with Moses is now with Joshua. (Verse 7)

3.  Here again, we have a wonderful Gospel truth typically set forth. From this point it was no longer the pillar of cloud that would guide them, but the Ark of the Covenant. (Verse 8) God’s presence was made dark and veiled before, but now it is made clear. That which was dark and veiled under the Law is made clear as day in the Gospel. (II Cor. 3:7-18; Heb. 12:18-24) It is not that the Law is done away. The Tables of the Law were within the Ark that went before them, beneath the golden cover called the Mercy Seat. The Ark was, of course, a type of Christ in Whom the Law was perfectly kept, and Who is also our mercy seat. His precious blood is there applied, and it is to Him that we look.

4.  Joshua here again confirmed his complete confidence in God’s promise by directing them to select twelve men (one from each tribe) who would be called upon for special service only after they had safely reached the other side. (Verse 12; Ch. 4:1-14) He did not wait to see if they would be needed, but had them selected in advance. This was done as an act of true faith.

II.  HERE IS SCRIPTURE’S BRIEF ACCOUNT OF HOW GOD MIRACULOUSLY GAVE HIS PEOPLE PASSAGE OVER JORDAN INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE. (VERSES 14-17)

A.  THE ABSENCE OF DRAMATIZATION IN THE BIBLICAL RECORD OF AN EVENT SO INCREDIBLE IS IN ITSELF VERY STRIKING.

1.  This is no doubt because we know how men are want to publish their great achievements with the utmost drama and hyperbolic language.

2.  Here the miracle speaks for itself. Only God could accomplish something so defiant of nature. Yet the plain, matter-of-fact, account given of it by the Holy Spirit tells us that omnipotence knows no difficulty. That which is impossible with men is perfectly possible with God. In fact, “God specializes in things thought impossible.”  The fact that the waters of Jordan were now broader and deeper and swifter than at any other time of the year made for no greater difficulty. (Verse 15b)

3.  What does this tell us about the way the Holy Spirit sometimes describes the mighty power of God in things having to do with our salvation? (Eph. 1:19-21)

4.  It is always a good thing when we are made to know that our reaching the heavenly Canaan is impossible except for the grace and power of God. Since with God all things are possible, nothing can prevent Him from saving His people. (Heb. 7:25)

B.  THE MIGHTY MIRACLE OCCURRED JUST WHEN THE FEET OF THE PRIESTS STEPPED INTO THE BRIM OF THE WATER. (VERSE 16a)

1.  The sight must have filled the people with awe, as they watched the rapidly flowing waters form a wall on the upward side, while the lower waters flowed away, leaving the river’s bed dry.

2.  Critics would label this impossible and argue that even if it were possible for water to congeal and cease to flow, the effects upstream would be devastating.

3.  The answer to such objections is simple if we believe in the almighty power of the Creator, Who is the God of  nature, Who can not only change its course but also alter its properties when He is pleased to do so. (Psa. 114:5, 8)

4.  This mighty miracle serves to assure us that nothing can prevent the Lord form saving His people. Whatever the obstacle, whatever the resistance from whatever source, God will prevail. (Hab. 3:8-13)

C.  GOD HAD CHOSEN THE PLACE OF THEIR PASSAGE SO THAT THEIR LANDING WOULD BE IN THE VERY SHADOW OF THE WALLS OF JERICHO. “THE PEOPLE PASSED OVER RIGHT  AGAINST JERICHO.” (VERSE 16b)

1.  This was a show of boldness, which was no doubt increased in them by the manner of their passage.

2.  This would also strike even greater fear into the hearts of the men of Jericho. (Ch. 2:11, 12)

3.  Then too, this area was so rich and fruitful that it would cause them to realize that the Land of Promise was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey.

4.  But we must also understand that this being the place of their encampment would also be a test of their faith. This would be so because of the length of time they would be encamped, and what would need to be done before they would actually engage in warfare.

D.  THE PRIESTS STOOD STILL IN THE JORDAN AGAINST THE GREAT WALL OF+ WATER WHILE THE PEOPLE PASSED OVER. (VERSE 17)

1.  The Ark of God was a token of the divine presence. It was a reminder to all the people as they passed over that God had stopped the river’s flow, and He was holding back the waters for their safe passage.

2.  The priests themselves, those who were God’s chosen ministers, were faithful examples to the people. How their faith was tested as they stood still against a wall that God alone kept standing. Ministers, in times of peril,  are to be examples to the people.

3.  The priests carried their own protection. God’s presence is our protection, but we do not carry Him, rather He carries us.

 

 

APRIL 3, 2016

 

THE SCARLET CORD

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  The two spies that were sent out by Joshua to view the land, particularly Jericho, were guided by divine providence to the house of Rahab the harlot. Her house was situated on the wall of Jericho.

2.  The fact that they were providentially guided to that particular dwelling actually served a twofold purpose.

a)  First, they were able to gain from the harlot Rahab valuable intelligence for their commander respecting the present situation and state of affairs in Jericho. They would be able to report that the city was shut up, and that for fear of Israel, there was no courage in any man, and that God had truly delivered Jericho into their hands. (Verses 11, 24)

b)  Second, they were guided to the one house where, from among all of the condemned citizens of Jericho, one of the Lord’s chosen resided. Yes, the Lord had chosen for Himself one particular woman, who, even though a great sinner, He would save from the coming destruction.

3.  Considering the unconventional way in which the Lord intended for Israel to fight and win the battle of Jericho, which at the time was known only to Him, we must conclude that the chief mission of the spies was not to gain intelligence for the purpose of planning war strategies, but rather to arrange for the deliverance of Rahab.

4.  Thus the spies heard her appeal, and devised a plan for her deliverance – a plan that, if successful, would require obedient faith on her part and faithfulness to their sworn word on theirs.

I.  IN FAITH, RAHAB PLED FOR MERCY (VERSES 12, 13) It was covenant mercy for which she pleaded “Swear unto me by the Lord…and give me a true token.”

A.  SHE REQUIRED MORE THAN THEIR WORD ALONE.“Swear unto me by the Lord.”

1.  The spies were no doubt good and honest men, but concerning this all-important matter, she wanted something binding, something unbreakable. (Example of the Gibeonites. Ch. 9:15; II Sam. 21:1ff)

2.  We must admire Rahab, in that, she insisted upon having a solid foundation for her trust, even the Word of the Lord which changes not and abides forever. (Num. 23:19; I Pet. 1:25)

3.  It is often alarming to learn what flimsy footings people are willing to trust in for the hope of their soul’s salvation. Many simply trust to the words of men, or rely on feelings, or a prayer they said. How many are trusting to their baptism, church membership, or perhaps a decision? Let all such curious souls take a lesson from Rahab.

B.  SHE SOUGHT THE SAME SURE HOPE FOR HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY.“…I pray you, swear unto me…that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house…my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters…”

1.  This is yet another proof of genuine faith. It is difficult to believe that those have come to true faith who do not immediately begin to be burdened for the salvation of their loved ones. (John 1:40, 41)

2.  Evangelism is ever a product of true saving faith, and it is only reasonable that it should begin at home. (father, mother, brothers, sisters, etc…)

II.  RAHAB RECEIVED THE COVENANT PROMISE FOR WHICH SHE PLED ALONG WITH A TRUE TOKEN THEREOF. (VERSES 14-21)

A.  SHE MUST PROVE HER FAITH BY KEEPING THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT. (VRS. 14, 17, 20)

1.  “Our life for yours.” If she saved their lives by not reporting them, they would see that her life and the lives of her family members would be saved. (Verse 14)

2.  Her faithfulness would make their oath binding. “We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.”

3.  Covenant mercy is sure mercy because God is faithful to His word. “…swear unto me by the Lord.” Yet faithfulness is required of those who receive His mercy. “If thou utter our business, then we will be quit of thine oath.” Thank God, the conditions which He requires He supplies the grace to meet.

B.  THE SPIES GAVE RAHAB THE TOKEN WHICH SHE REQUIRED. (VERSE 18)

1.  The very cord by which she let them down from her window to make their escape was to remain in her window. (Verses 15, 18)

2.  The red cord marked her house as a household of faith. Note the similarity to the marking of the houses of the Israelites when the death angel was to pass through the land of Egypt. (Ex. 12:13, 23) Just as God’s judgment passed over the houses of His people marked by the red blood of the Passover lamb, His destruction would pass by the house of Rahab and her family where the red cord was displayed.

3.  Notice who it was that ultimately must honor this token. So far as the spies knew, it would be Joshua and the fighting troops who must take notice of the red cord and spare this house. Therefore, those with battering rams, swords, and spears would need to be very watchful, so as not to violate the covenant. However, that responsibility was removed from them, for it was God Who made the walls of Jericho fall flat. They had no control over the matter of Rahab’s house upon the wall. Only God could prevent her house from falling with all the rest. Only God could spare the lives of Rahab and her family.

4.  We can rest assured that God’s judgment will never touch those who are of the household of faith, which house is secured by the blood of the everlasting covenant. It is the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s son that protects us and keeps us safe.

5.  Rahab was saved not only temporally, but eternally. The red cord may have spared her physical death, but it was the blood of Christ which it symbolized that saved her from perishing eternally.

C.  SAFETY COULD ONLY BE GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO REMAINED IN THE HOUSE OF SAFETY. (VERSE 19)

1.  Much as Rahab desired to secure the deliverance of her loved ones, ultimately the responsibility lay with each individual member of the family.

2.  Rahab’s faith could not suffice to save those she loved any more than our faith can secure the salvation of our loved ones. We can, as she, see that they know the way of salvation, and pray that they lay hold of it.

3.  Those who would be saved must believe on Christ and keep on believing, for only those who continue in faith shall be saved.

D.  RAHAB IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF SOVEREIGN MERCY. (HEB. 11:31)“Rahab perished not with them that believed not.”

1.  Hosts of others had access to the same information as Rahab, yet they believed not.

2.  Jericho was a condemned city, under the curse of God. While others feared, but sought no escape, Rahab did, and perished not.

3.  Rahab’s was a singular faith which went against the current of her fellow citizens.

4.  She was clearly singled out by God’s distinguishing grace which calls and saves the most unlikely of sinners.

III.  RAHAB’S FAITH BORE THE MARK OF THE TRUE FAITH OF GOD’S ELECT.

A.  SHE, ACCORDING TO HER TRUE FAITH, FOUND THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT AGREEABLE. (VERSE 21)

1.  First, she submitted verbally to the terms. “And she said, according to thy words, so be it.”

2.  Second, “she sent them away, and they departed.” In this she was true to her commitment, and also bound herself to hope in their word.

3.  Third, she proved her faith by displaying the scarlet cord in the window of her house, and waiting.

B.  HER FAITH PROVED TRUE IN THAT IT WAS NOT MERELY A SPUR OF THE MOMENT.

1.  Before the spies came, she believed the reports, and desired mercy.

2.  After the spies came and left, she clung to the promise.

3.  During the interval and throughout the long seven days siege she stayed faithful.

4.  True faith will withstand severe testing, persevering even unto the end.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

1.  Rahab was a harlot before she was saved, and even after her conversion she was referred to as “Rahab the harlot.”  (Josh. 6:25; Heb. 11:31; James 2:24) This does not suggest that she continued in her unclean lifestyle, but is rather meant to magnify the grace of God that can reach and save the worst of sinners.

2.  Rahab joined herself with the people of God never to be separated from them as long as she lived. True converts are always eager to join with the Lord’s people.

3.  Rahab had the peculiar honor of being married to Salmon, a prince of Judah, and her name is listed among the ancestors of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

MARCH 27, 2016

 

RAHAB AND THE SPIES

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Moses, God’s honorable servant, and faithful leader of the people of Israel was now dead. This means that the time was come for God’s chosen successor to the great mediator to arise and take command, and conduct the people over Jordan into the land of promise.

2.  Joshua, the son of Nun, was the man that God had chosen, sanctified, and prepared for this great responsibility, and the enormous challenges that it would entail. Joshua had already distinguished himself as a man of unwavering faith and courage. He had repeatedly proven himself to be a worthy choice for captain of the Lord’s host. The Lord had groomed the man who was to be successor to Moses under Moses’ own hand. Who better to take up the mantle of God’s servant than Joshua, whose years of apprenticeship were marked by loyalty and faithfulness to Moses and to God in matters of both religion and government?

3.  Among the many characteristics that served to highly recommend Joshua as a suitable leader for the people of God was his willingness to wait upon the Lord. He certainly knew that he had been selected and ordained to be the new leader, yet after Moses’ death, he waited. Then, after the thirty day period of mourning was completed, he waited upon the Lord. Not until after the Lord had given him his charge and encouragement, did Joshua take command. (Verse 10)

4.  Joshua commanded the officers (leaders of the individual tribes) to notify their people that in three days they would pass over this Jordan. Therefore, they must make the necessary preparations for the journey. Joshua’s command, being his first as Israel’s new leader, was well received. The people took the occasion to express their faith in Joshua, and to promise him their allegiance.

5.  In three days Joshua would conduct the people over Jordan. The people would use these three days to prepare for the passage, and Joshua would, like a good general, use it to gain intelligence for warfare. This he did by sending spies, particularly to check out the city of Jericho. As a result of this mission we have the amazing story of Rehab and the spies.

I.  THE MISSION OF THE SPIES. (VERSES 1-7)

A.  THE SENDING OF SPIES WAS AN ACT OF WISDOM ON JOSHUA’S PART. (VERSE 1a)

1.  Jericho would be their first military encounter once they were on the other side of the Jordan, therefore Joshua said, “Go view the land even Jericho.” He thought it best to know the situation before going over.

2.  There is no conflict between faith in God’s promise, and careful preparation and planning. (Ch. 1:3-6; Luke 14:28)

a)  Joshua did not doubt that God was with him, nor did he doubt the promise made to him in Ch. 1:5, nevertheless he saw the need to act wisely as a responsible captain, and send men before him.

b)  Not only does faith in God not discourage the proper use of means, it rather encourages it.

c)  To use faith as an excuse for slackness in our endeavors is not to trust God, but to tempt Him.

d)  That Joshua acted with God’s approval in this matter is made clear by the providential care that these two men enjoyed in carrying out their mission.

e)  The fact that the intelligence gained from the spies had little or nothing to do with the strategy that defeated Jericho does not mean that the mission was not of God, or unnecessary.

(1)  We must always act wisely and do our duty, even though the battle is the Lord’s. He always works beyond our efforts, and sometimes apart from them, nevertheless we must do our duty and act in wisdom.

(2)  The divine purpose in the mission of the spies had to do with saving Rehab and her house more than it did with making battle plans, as would later become apparent.

B.  THE READINESS OF THE TWO MEN TO BE SENT ON AN ADVENTURE SO HAZARDOUS IS TO BE ADMIRED. “AND THEY WENT.”

1.  In Verse 16 of the previous chapter, the people said to Joshua, “All that thou commandest us we will do.” For those two men (young men, LXX) that was not just idle talk.

2.  By their unquestioning obedience to their captain, and their zeal in the service to their camp and cause, they sent a message to Joshua and the people that was most encouraging.

3.  Joshua had himself demonstrated such faithfulness and courage as a spy at Kadesh Barnea, but the unfaithfulness and cowardice of ten other spies greatly disheartened the people. (Num. 13) such would not be the case here. No doubt, Joshua’s former faithfulness was here rewarded.

4.  There is no avoiding that we must sometimes see through the eyes of others. The captain was, to be sure, most careful in choosing these two good young men to be his eyes.

C.  THE PROVIDENCE THAT DIRECTED THE SPIES TO EXACTLY THE RIGHT LOCATION IS MOST REMARKABLE. “…AND CAME INTO AN HARLOT’S HOUSE.”

1.  How they crossed the river we are not told, nor are we told how they came to this particular house.

2.  Though they would not have chosen the house of a harlot, nevertheless it was to the house of Rahab the harlot that they were guided by the hand of Providence.

a)  Even as one who had lived so wickedly, she could serve the divine purpose, and who would be better informed than she?

b)  Even though a harlot, she was one of God’s chosen, and clearly, the spies were sent to her more for her benefit that their own. Just think about that, if you will.

3.  It soon becomes evident that God was already dealing with this woman; therefore she immediately knew her need of them. Thus, a dual purpose was served. Where else could they have found a safe haven in Jericho?

D.  THE KIND RECEPTION THAT THE SPIES RECEIVED FROM RAHAB WAS A WELCOME RELIEF. (VERSES 2-7)

1.  Though she had been accustomed to receiving men into her house, these men she received by faith. (Heb. 11:31)

2.  Perceiving that they had been observed, she hid them, and when the authorities came for them, she covered for them.

3.  She pretended that they had been customers who came and went. She averted any further search by sending the search party on a fruitless journey.

4.  James refers to what Rahab did as proof of her genuine faith. (James 2:25) Even though Rahab, in protecting the spies had to betray her own country and king, she is justified in that she knew that God had given the land to His people (Verse 9); and even though in order to protect these men of God she resorted to telling an untruth, this too was recorded by the inspired apostle as a good work. Granted, this was an extraordinary situation, yet when a friend’s virtue is inquired after as a crime, no one would be required to betray that friend. Plus, Rahab’s acts of deception placed her own life in danger. Had not God protected her by causing the king’s men to believe her lie, she would most likely have been put to death.

II.  THE CONFESSION OF RAHAB. (VERSES 8-11) She secured the spies on the condition that they would secure her. How amazed they must have been as they lay hidden under the stalks of flax, hearing this woman as she imperiled her own life to save theirs. This was, as James confirms, her justifying work, i.e. work that proved her faith to be real.

A.  HER’S WAS AN AMAZING CONFESSION OF TRUE FAITH. (VERSES 8, 9)

1.  She believed that Israel’s God was the only true God, and was determined to be numbered with His people.

2.  Her’s was a know so faith. “I know.”

3.  It was preceded by a sense of terror. “Your terror has fallen upon us.”

a)  Terror alone is not enough. It appears that all of the inhabitants of Jericho were terrified. We know that Felix trembled when Paul spoke to him about temperance, righteousness, and judgment to come (Acts 24:25), yet he went on to perish in his sin.

b)  Rahab, on the other hand, acted wisely and sought to be reconciled with God, rather than to remain an object of His wrath.

c)  Knowing the terror of the Lord, let us persuade men. (II Cor. 5:11)

4.  This faith came by hearing. “For we have heard.”

a)  This is essential to true faith. (Rom. 10:17)

b)  How wonderful! God blessed the hearing that had so terrified her soul, and brought faith to the saving of it.

c)  The reports that she heard came not from those who were sympathetic with the cause of God and His people. It’s not the preacher, but the Word that has such power over souls.

B.  SHE CONFESSED ISRAEL’S GOD AS THE ONLY TRUE AND ALMIGHTY GOD. (VERSES 10, 11)

1.  In true faith all rival gods are removed.

2.  Who but the Almighty God, the unrivaled Sovereign, could have delivered this people out of Egypt in the astounding manner that He did? “We heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea.” If this knowledge was still so terrifying after forty years, what must it have been like at the time? This magnifies the horrible sin of unbelief in that generation of Israelites which failed to possess the land.

3.  Then more recently, how could this people have utterly destroyed the Amorites and their two kings, if God had not empowered them? “And what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites.”

C.  RAHAB’S WAS A SINGULAR FAITH.

1.  These reports melted the hearts of all of Rahab’s people so as to dispirit them. But Rahab’s heart was melted in a different way, taking away her will to resist. (Psa. 110:3)

2.  All heard the same reports, yet without the same result. The only possible explanation for the difference lies in the fact that God made the word effectual in Rahab, for she was His. (John 6:45)

3.  What a trophy of grace is this converted heathen prostitute. She is spoken of ever after as “the harlot Rahab” (Heb. 11:31), not to suggest that she remained a harlot, for she did not, but to emphasize the fact that the amazing grace of God can save the worst of sinners.

 

 

 

MARCH 20, 2016

 

JOSHUA TAKES COMMAND

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  God had chosen Joshua and set him apart to be Moses successor, and bestow on him the singular honor of being the man who would conduct the people of Israel into the land of promise. Although Joshua knew this to be his calling, he did not immediately upon Moses’ death thrust himself into that roll. Even after the thirty days mourning period was past Joshua still did not assert himself, but rather waited upon the Lord to speak. This fact further speaks to the good character of God’s choice servant.

2.  When, in due time, the Lord spake to Joshua, and gave him his commission, we can even better understand why Israel’s new leader did not rush in where angels would fear to tread. The awful magnitude of his calling can be ascertained from the assurances and encouragements that attended it. (Verses 5, 6)

a)  Great strength and courage would be required, which only the Lord’s presence could supply.

b)  Like Moses, when he was commissioned to go before Pharaoh, Joshua needed assurance of the Lord’s presence and help. (Ex. 4:12)

c)  The Lord encouraged Joshua by assuring him that in this enormous undertaking he would be successful, because He would make good His covenant promise. (Verse 6)

3.  The Lord further assured Joshua that he would receive guidance and encouragement in his mission from the Book of the Law, which he was to constantly read and meditate upon. (Verses 7-9)

a)  Joshua was to be guided and governed by the written Word.

b)  The Word of God was to be his personal meditation as well as his rule of government.

c)  We, like Joshua, must have God’s presence and His Word, and we shall not have the one without the other.

4.  After having received his orders along with these encouragements, and also with clear instructions how to prosper and succeed, Joshua set himself to the work.

I.  JOSHUA GAVE THE COMMAND TO MAKE READY FOR THE MARCH. (VERSES 10, 11)

A.  JOSHUA IN FAITH GAVE ORDERS TO HIS OFFICERS TO INSTRUCT THE PEOPLE WHAT TO DO. (VERSES 10, 11)

1.  Notice how Joshua’s faith is here seen in that his response was immediate. “Then…” (Psa. 119:60; Col. 3:23) He did not wait for a more accommodating time, perhaps when the waters would not be at flood stage, as they then were. God’s commands do not wait for convenient seasons, and obedience must disregard the difficulties.

2.  Notice also, “Joshua commanded the officers.” He did not confer with these heads of tribes. He conferred not with flesh and blood, but rather acted with the authority of His God-given position.

a)  These men were themselves officers, but there was a chain of command, and Joshua was their commander. In carrying out our commission, we are not to weight the opinion of men, when it comes to declaring God’s Word. (Acts 4:19)

b)  This kind of chain of command is essential in the ministry of the church, if we are to have good success.

(1)  Our great Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ, commands with all authority. (Matt/ 28:18)

(2)  His ministers are therefore to exhort with all authority. (Tit. 2:15)

(3)  Heads of families are by the same authority to command their households. (Gen. 18:19)

c)  Up the chain of command each individual finds himself subject to the Supreme Authority Himself. In this case had a family member disregarded the order of the family head, he would also have been acting in disobedience to the officer who issued the order, to Joshua who commanded the officer, and to the Lord Himself Who commanded Joshua. It is therefore very serious when we assert ourselves against duly ordained authority. (Eph. 6:1; Heb. 13:17; Luke 6:46)

B.  JOSHUA ISSUED ORDERS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE TO PREPARE FOR THE MARCH. (VERSE 11)

1.  They were to prepare victuals for the journey, and they had but three days to see to it. “Prepare you victuals,  for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan.”

a)  They must not count on being able to find and prepare food once they were in the land, at least not right away.

b)  They could not expect to gather manna for the passage. That was sent every morning with the dew, and could not be laid in store.

c)  The word here rendered victuals is literally meat, and more specifically game. The verb form means to hunt or catch game. This was something very different for them, something they had not done for some time, if ever.

2.  These orders may have seemed strange for another reason. Perhaps had he said, “Prepare you boats” it would have seemed more reasonable. However, God, Who bore them out of Egypt upon eagles’ wings, would in like manner bring them into the land of Canaan.

II.  JOSHUA NEXT REMINDS THE TWO TRIBES AND A HLAF OF THEIR OBLIGATION. (VERSES 12, 13, NUM 32:1-5, 16-19) Moses had agreed to grant the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh the inheritance which they had requested on this side of Jordon with the stipulation that they go over with their brethren, who would inherit in the land of Canaan, and help them conquer the land by driving out the enemies. This they agreed to do. Since the agreement was made between the two and a half tribes and Moses, Joshua felt it necessary to remind them of the agreement.

A.  MOSES WAS DEAD, BUT THE WORD THAT HE COMMANDED WAS STILL BINDING. “REMEMBER THE WORD WHICH MOSES, THE SERVANT OF THE LORD COMMANDED YOU.”

B.  THEY MUST SEE THEIR BRETHREN SETTLED BEFORE SETTLING DOWN TO ENJOY THEIR INHERITANCE WHICH THEY NOW HAD IN POSSESSION.

C.  THE WARNING THAT MOSES GAVE AT THE TIME HAD NOT LOST ITS PUNCH. (NUM 32:23)

D.  TO THE CREDIT OF THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES, THEY DID FULFILL THEIR OBLIGATION WITH HONOR. (JOSH. 22:1-4)

III.  THE PEOPLE’S GOOD RESPONSE TO JOSHUA AS THEIR NEW LEADER. (VERSES 16-18) This answer was, of course, expressing the allegiance of all of the people, not merely that of the two and a half tribes whom Joshua had just singled out in the verses immediately preceding.

A.  THEY PLEDGED THEIR ALLEGIANCE AND FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE TO HIM. (VERSE 16)

1.  To Joshua as their prince and also their captain they promised their obedience.

2.  This is the very allegiance that we owe to our Prince and Savior, Jesus Christ. “What He says we will do, where He sends we will go.”

B.  THEY HELD JOSHUA IN THE SAME HIGH HONOR AS THEY DID MOSES. (VERSE 17a)

1.  This generation of Israelites had hearkened unto Moses much more so than their fathers. Moses had in the first four chapters of Deuteronomy rehearsed in their ears the failures of the previous generation to hearken to him and to the Lord. Now that the Lord had taken Moses from them, and ordained Joshua to take command, the people express their intention to obey him as they had obeyed Moses.

2.  It is good when God’s people honor and hearken to those whom He places over them. However, it is not good when the attachment is so strong that, should the Lord remove His servant, none would be seen as a worthy successor. Let us count God’s faithful ministers worthy of honor for their work’s sake, especially those that rule well, who labor in the word and doctrine. (I Thess. 5:13; I Tim. 5:17)

C.  THEY OFFERED APPROPRIATE PRAYER FOR THE NEW LEADER. (VERSE 17b) “The Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses.”

1.  What better prayer could God’s people offer for their leaders than this?

2.  The presence of God brings with it everything that is good, and everything that is needful. (Ex. 33:14-16)

3.  Every true minister covets the prayers of the people that God has given him. (Eph. 6:18, 19)

D.  THEY PROPOSED A SENTENCE OF DEATH FOR ALL WHO WOULD BE GUILTY OF INSUBORDINATION. (VERSE 18)

1.  This proposed sentence was just, for in time of war insubordination constitutes treason. It was just also because Joshua was God’s commander.

2.  The previous generation had not proposed such a law, but for their disobedience God had Himself condemned them to die in the wilderness.

3.  One thing is certain; all who refuse to obey Him of Whom both Moses and Joshua are clear types that is, Jesus Christ, will surely be cut off. (Deut. 18:19)

E.  THEY ENCOURAGED JOSHUA, EVEN WITH GOD’S OWN WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. “Only by strong and of a good courage.”

1.  God had said, “Be strong and of a good courage.” (Verse 6a) These words were spoken with the force of a command, for when the Lord repeated them in Verse 9 He said, “Have not I commanded thee?” Note, Who it is that gave the command, “have not I (God Himself) commanded thee?”

2.  There is no better encouragement than God’s own words.