Joshua 4 

Joshua 4:1 This happened when the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan. Yahveh said to Joshua:

Joshua 4:2 “Bring twelve men from the people, one man for each tribe,

Joshua 4:3 and command them: Take twelve stones from this place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests are standing, carry them with you, and set them down at the place where you spend the night.”

Joshua 4:4 So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had secured from the Israelites, one man for each tribe,

Joshua 4:5 and said to them, “Go across to the ark of Yahveh your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes,

Joshua 4:6 so that this will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you? ‘

Joshua 4:7 You should tell them, ‘The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of Yahveh’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off.’ Therefore, these stones will be a permanent[1] memorial for the Israelites.

Joshua 4:8 The Israelites did just like Joshua had commanded them. The twelve men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just like Yahveh had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there.

Joshua 4:9 Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are still there today.

Joshua 4:10 The priests carrying the ark continued standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything was finished that Yahveh had commanded Joshua to tell the people, in keeping with all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people rushed across,

Joshua 4:11 and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of Yahveh crossed in the sight of the people.

Joshua 4:12 As Moses had instructed them, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh went in battle formation at the front line of the Israelites.

Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand equipped for war crossed to the plains of Jericho in Yahveh’s presence.

Joshua 4:14 On that day Yahveh exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him throughout his life, like they had revered Moses.

Joshua 4:15 Yahveh told Joshua,

Joshua 4:16 “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.”

Joshua 4:17 So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”

Joshua 4:18 When the priests carrying the ark of Yahveh’s covenant came up from the middle of the Jordan, and their feet stepped out on the solid ground, the water of the Jordan resumed its course, flowing over all the banks like before.

Joshua 4:19 The people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.

Joshua 4:20 Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan,

Joshua 4:21: He said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’

Joshua 4:22 You should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground’

Joshua 4:23 because Yahveh, your God, dried up the water of the Jordan in front of you until you had crossed over, just like Yahveh, your God, did to the Red Sea, which he dried up in front of us until we had crossed over.

Joshua 4:24 This is so that all the peoples of the land may know that Yahveh’s hand is mighty, and so that you may always fear Yahveh your God.”

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[1] עוֹלָם = permanent. Joshua 4:7; 8:28; 14:9; long ago Joshua 24:2.

Joshua 4 quotes:

“The story of chapter 3 picks up again in Joshua 4:14. The first thirteen verses explain why the tribes chose twelve representatives (3:12). These representatives were to pick up rocks that would be fitting memorials to the crossing of the Jordan. The importance of this endeavor is underlined by the repetition of the commands as coming from God and Joshua and the note that the stones are to be a memorial to the people (lit. sons or descendants) of Israel forever (4:7). Children would ask about the stones, and adults could tell them the story of the victorious crossing (4:6).”

Harris J. Gordon et al. Joshua Judges Ruth. Hendrickson Publishers ; Paternoster Press 2000. p. 37.

“God stopped the flow of the Jordan for the practical reason of giving his people access to the Land of Promise. God did it ultimately so that his people would recognize his power and reverence him (4:24). They would be assured that when they faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, they could trust God to work in their behalf.”

Lyles, Ron, et al. Joshua and Judges. 1st ed, Baptistway Press, 2005. p. 38.

“The memorial stones are designed to keep alive in Israel the memory of the miracle wrought by the Lord: when the Covenant Box crossed the Jordan into Canaan, the Jordan stopped flowing and the people crossed on dry land. They did as their fathers had done when they ey. the Sea of Reeds on dry land as they left Egypt.”

Bratcher Robert G and Barclay Moon Newman. A Handbook on the Book of Joshua. United Bible Societies 1992. p. 46.

Joshua 4 links:

confidence in the captain
Maranatha Daily Devotional – Monday, June 17, 2019
Maranatha Daily Devotional – October 5, 2015
miracle memorial
missions and memory
the power behind the grace
when your children ask

The JOSHUA shelf in Jeff’s library

Joshua 3     

Joshua 3:1 Joshua started early the following day and left the Acacia Grove with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan and stayed there before crossing.

Joshua 3:2 After three days, the officers went through the camp

Joshua 3:3 commanding the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahveh your God carried by the Levitical priests, you are to break camp and follow it.

Joshua 3:4 But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between yourselves and the ark. Don’t go near it so that you can see the way to walk because you haven’t traveled this way before.”

Joshua 3:5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves because Yahveh will do miracles among you tomorrow.”

Joshua 3:6 Then he said to the priests, “Carry the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them.

Joshua 3:7 Yahveh spoke to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just like I was with Moses.

Joshua 3:8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: When you reach the edge of the water, stand in the Jordan.”

Joshua 3:9 Then Joshua told the Israelites, “Come closer and listen to the words of Yahveh your God.”

Joshua 3:10 He said, “You will know that the living God is among you and that he will undoubtedly dispossess the Canaanites, Hethites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites before you.

Joshua 3:11 when the ark of the covenant of Yahveh of the whole land goes ahead of you into the Jordan.

Joshua 3:12 Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man for each tribe.

Joshua 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of Yahveh, Yahveh of the whole land, come to rest in the Jordan’s water, its water will be cut off.[1] The water flowing downstream will stand up in a mass.”

Joshua 3:14 When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people.

Joshua 3:15 Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan, their feet touched the water at its edge.

Joshua 3:16 and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city next to Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah – the Dead Sea – was completely cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho.

Joshua 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of Yahveh’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all of Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

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[1]  כָּרָת = cut off, exterminate, make a treaty or covenant. Joshua 3:13, 16; 4:7; 7:9; 9:6, 7, 11, 15, 16, 23; 11:21; 23:4; 24:25.

Joshua 3 quotes:

“The action of the story slows down in the crossing narrative (Josh. 3-4). Commands are repeated and events are described in laborious detail to indicate the importance of crossing the Jordan for the faith of Israel. The narrator also describes a liturgical drama that would be used for instruction of the young. The fords of the Jordan River and then Gilgal, the camp after Israel crossed the river, become the central locations for the narrative and the events to follow. The Israelite narrator’s point of view dominates the two chapters. Officers, Joshua, the Lord, and finally Joshua again give commands. Then the tribes cross the Jordan as a result of their obedience and God’s miracle.”

Harris J. Gordon et al. Joshua Judges Ruth. Hendrickson Publishers ; Paternoster Press 2000. p. 32.

“After certain preparatory communications and actions took place (Joshua 3:1-6), the Lord instructed Joshua concerning the crossing of the Jordan River (Josh. 3:7-8). Then Joshua communicated further words to the people (3:9-13).”

Lyles, Ron, et al. Joshua and Judges. 1st ed, Baptistway Press, 2005. p. 34.

“At Joshua’s command all necessary preparations are made, and the Israelites cross to the west bank of the Jordan River and so set foot on Canaan, the promised land. The passage is accomplished by a miraculous cessation of the flow of the river, recalling the drying up of the Sea of Reeds at the departure from Egypt. Memorial stones in the Jordan and at Gilgal, on the west side of the river, mark the event. Everything is ready for the conquest of the land.”

Bratcher Robert G and Barclay Moon Newman. A Handbook on the Book of Joshua. United Bible Societies 1992. p. 36.

Joshua 3 links:

a miracle for a mission
ACST 2 The Promise
following the ark
getting ready for missions
God alone is Immortal
God is Different
hurry up and wait
Maranatha Daily Devotional – Monday, June 19, 2023
Maranatha Daily Devotional – October 3, 2015
not too close
passing the ark
the commander’s commander
wet feet

The JOSHUA shelf in Jeff’s library

Joshua 2

Joshua 2:1 Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from the Acacia Grove, saying, “Go and the land, especially Jericho.” So they left, and they came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there.

Joshua 2:2 The king of Jericho was told, “Notice,[1] some of the Israelite men have come here tonight to investigate[2] the land.”

Joshua 2:3 Then the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they came to investigate the entire land.”

Joshua 2:4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I didn’t know where they were from.

Joshua 2:5 At nightfall, when the city gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don’t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!”

Joshua 2:6 But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof.

Joshua 2:7 The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the city gate was shut.

Joshua 2:8 Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof

Joshua 2:9 and said to them, “I know that Yahveh has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.

Joshua 2:10 You see, we have heard how Yahveh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you set apart for destruction[3] across the Jordan.

Joshua 2:11 When we heard this, our heart melted, and everyone’s breath[4] continually[5] failed because of you, because Yahveh your God is God in the sky above and on land below.

Joshua 2:12 Now please swear to me by Yahveh that you will also show kindness to my father’s family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

Joshua 2:13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death.”

Joshua 2:14 The men answered her, “We will give our lives for yours. If you don’t report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when Yahveh gives us the land.”

Joshua 2:15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, because she lived in a house that was built into the wall of the city.

Joshua 2:16 “Go to the hill country so that the men pursuing you won’t find you,” she said to them. “Hide there for three days until they return; afterward, go on your way.”

Joshua 2:17 The men said to her, “We will be free from this oath you made us swear,

Joshua 2:18 unless, when we enter the land, you tie this scarlet cord to the window through which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father’s family into your house.

Joshua 2:19 If anyone goes out the doors of your house, his death will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if anyone with you in the house should be harmed, his death will be on our head.

Joshua 2:20 And if you report our mission, we are free from the oath you made us swear.”

Joshua 2:21 “Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. After they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord to the window.

Joshua 2:22 So the two men went into the hill country and stayed there three days until the pursuers had come back. They searched all along the way, but did not find them.

Joshua 2:23 Then the men came back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the Jordan. They went to Joshua son of Nun and reported everything that had happened to them.

Joshua 2:24 They told Joshua, “Yahveh has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us.”

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[1] הִנֵּה = notice. Joshua 2:2, 18; 3:11; 5:13; 7:21, 22; 8:20; 9:12, 13, 25; 14:10; 22:11; 23:14; 24:27.

[2] חָפַר = investigate. Joshua 2:2, 3.

[3] חָרָם = set apart for destruction. Joshua 2:10; 6:18, 21; 8:26; 10:1, 28, 35, 37, 39, 40; 11:11, 12, 20, 21.

[4]רוּחַ= breath. Joshua 2:11; 5:1.

[5]עוֹד = continually. Joshua 1:11; 2:11; 5:1, 12; 14:11.

Joshua 2 quotes:

“The Bible gives a mixed picture of the importance of spies for warfare. In the wilderness of Sinai, Moses sent spies to gather intelligence on Canaan, but fearfulness spread when the majority brought back a negative recommendation (Num. 21:32, Jazer; Num. 13; Deut. 1:22—23). At other times skillful reconnaissance provided opportunities for surprise in warfare and ensured victory (Judg. 7:10-11; 1 Sam. 26:6-7). Faulty reconnaissance (Josh. 7:3; 8:1) cost Joshua and the people the element of surprise, and disobedience cost them a victory at Ai (Josh. 7:1, 2-5, 10-12). Ultimately the support of the Lord, not clever reconnaissance, enabled the people to possess the land of Canaan. In the book of Joshua, intelligence gathering was a dangerous enterprise that produced mixed results.”

Harris J. Gordon et al. Joshua Judges Ruth. Hendrickson Publishers ; Paternoster Press 2000. p. 27.

“Joshua’s instructions concerning the total destruction included a reminder about the need to spare Rahab and her family (6:17). When the city fell, the Israelites obeyed those instructions. It is logical that Joshua assigned the responsibility for the actual deliverance of Rahab to the two spies who had made an oath to her (6:22). Rahab and her family were placed “outside the camp of Israel” (6:23) due to principles of ceremonial uncleanness (see, for example, Leviticus 13:46; Deut. 23:3).”

Lyles, Ron, et al. Joshua and Judges. 1st ed, Baptistway Press, 2005. p. 27.

“The first part of the book of Joshua (1.1—12.24) narrates the conquest of Canaan, that is, the land west of the Jordan River. The first chapter is an introduction to the narrative, and it divides into three parts: (1) Joshua is ordered to cross the Jordan and occupy the land (1.1-9); (2) preparations are made to cross (1.10-11); and (3) the two and one-half tribes east of the Jordan promise to help (1.12-18).”

Bratcher Robert G and Barclay Moon Newman. A Handbook on the Book of Joshua. United Bible Societies 1992. p.

Joshua 2 links:

a pair of scouts
faith that sees beyond
God’s sovereignty and missions
her only hope
Maranatha Daily Devotional – October 2, 2015
Maranatha Daily Devotional – Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Rahab’s biggest fear
Rahab’s only hope
the body apart from the spirit – spirit in man
tying the scarlet cord
where did all the spirits go?

The JOSHUA shelf in Jeff’s library

Joshua 1

Joshua 1:1 It happened after the death of Moses, Yahveh’s slave.[1] Yahveh spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’s assistant:

Joshua 1:2 “Moses my slave is dead. Now, you and all the people get ready to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.

Joshua 1:3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot marches, just like I said to Moses.

Joshua 1:4 Your territory will be from the open country[2] and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates River – all the land of the Hittites – and west to the Mediterranean Sea.

Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just like I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.

Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.

Joshua 1:7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to keep the whole instruction[3] my slave Moses commanded you carefully. Do not turn from it to the right or the left so that you will have success wherever you go.

Joshua 1:8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. You see, then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.

Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged because Yahveh, your God, is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people:

Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, because within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land Yahveh is giving you to inherit.'”

Joshua 1:12 Joshua said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh:

Joshua 1:13 “Remember what Moses Yahveh’s slave commanded you when he said, ‘Yahveh your God will give you rest, and he will give you this land.’

Joshua 1:14 Your wives, dependants, and livestock may remain in the land Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But your most capable[4] soldiers must cross over in battle formation ahead of your brothers and help them.

Joshua 1:15 until Yahveh gives your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they too possess the land Yahveh your God is giving them. You may then go back to the land of your inheritance and take possession of what Moses Yahveh’s slave gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

Joshua 1:16 They answered Joshua, “We will do Everything you have commanded us, and everywhere you send us, we will go.

Joshua 1:17 We will obey you, just like we obeyed Moses in everything. Certainly, Yahveh, your God, will be with you as he was with Moses.

Joshua 1:18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

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[1] עֶבֶד  = slave. Joshua 1:1, 2, 7, 13, 15; 5:14; 8:31, 33; 9:8, 9, 11, 23, 24; 10:6; 11:12, 15; 12:6; 13:8; 14:7; 18:7; 22:2, 4, 5; 24:17, 29.

[2] מִדְבָּר = open country. Joshua 1:4; 5:4, 5, 6; 8:15, 20, 24; 12:8; 14:10; 15:1, 61; 16:1; 18:12; 20:8; 24:7.

[3] תּוֹרָה = instruction. Joshua 1:7, 8; 8:31, 32, 34; 22:5; 23:6; 24:26.

[4] חַיִל = capable. Joshua 1:14; 6:2; 8:3; 10:7.

Joshua 1 quotes:

“God challenges Joshua also to be strong and very courageous in keeping the law (torah). The teachings of Moses will show the tribes how to take the land. The law, or instruction, was what Moses gave to Joshua. The Book of the Law ensures success (1:8) when Joshua follows it, keeps it in his mouth for speaking, thinks about it day and night, and obeys it carefully. If Joshua obeys the law in this way, God promises him, Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua will achieve prosperity and success (regular victories against the enemies) by following the instructions of the divine warrior. The passage should not be interpreted as promising financial security. Instead, God connects obedience to Moses’ gift, the law, to successfully receiving God’s gift, the land. Faithfulness te both gifts demands courage and strength.”

Harris J. Gordon et al. Joshua Judges Ruth. Hendrickson Publishers ; Paternoster Press 2000. p. 18.

“The Israelites no longer had Moses, but they still had God. Previously God designated Joshua to be the successor to Moses (Numbers 27:12-23). In fact Joshua served alongside Moses as his “aide” (Josh. 1:1). Frequently this word carried the connotation of one who served God in the context of worship, but it also (as it does here) denoted one who served under or alongside another. This verse describes Moses in relation to God, while it mentions Joshua in relation to Moses. By the end of the book, however, Joshua earned the title, “servant of the Lord” (Josh. 24:29).”

Lyles, Ron, et al. Joshua and Judges. 1st ed, Baptistway Press, 2005. p. 14.

“This is the first great lesson we must learn: that Joshua, not Moses, leads the people into the land. Joshua’s name means “Salvation of Jehovah,” or “Jehovah Salvation” and the New Testament form of it is Jesus (see Matt. 1:21 and the meaning of the name). Oh, that all Christians would simply trust their faithful Joshua, leaning only upon Him, and His atoning work, following only Him! How quickly would He lead them all into the full realization in experience of what He has so wondrously purchased for us in His Cross! May Moses (our works) die now with each of us that we may know none else hereafter as our Leader but our Joshua, our Lord Jesus Christ! For He not only “bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (I Pet. 2:24), but our connection with Adam the first was ended at the cross (see Rom. 6:6).”

Newell William R. Studies in Joshua-Job. Kregel Publications 1983. p. 39.

Joshua 1 links:

a mission manual
a theology of missions
encouraging our leaders
Immanuel – part 1
Maranatha Daily Devotional – Friday, June 14, 2019
Maranatha Daily Devotional – Friday, June 16, 2023
Maranatha Daily Devotional – October 1, 2015
our most capable
provisions for possessing the land
sources of strength and courage
the land of the Hittites

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The JOSHUA shelf in Jeff’s library