Although Joshua is a record of historical events, it has much to say to Christians today.  It records military battles and geographical territory, but the principles by which God works among the Israelites apply to the spiritual battles we face and the spiritual ‘land’ we need to possess.

A New Generation

The book marks a new phase in the development of God’s chosen people. After the death of Moses, it is time for a new leader to take the Israelites forward to claim their God-given inheritance.  The years of wandering in the wilderness come to an end as the Israelites cross the Jordan and enter the promised land of Canaan.  An earlier generation came to the same point forty years earlier but failed through unbelief to take hold of what God had promised them. All of that generation except Joshua and Caleb have died.  Now comes the challenge to the Israelites to be clear in their commitment to God’s purposes, to show their obedience to his word and to live by faith in his sovereign providence.

A Saviour

The name ‘Joshua’ is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name ‘Jesus’, meaning ‘Saviour’. Both the man and the book point forward to Jesus the Saviour, through whom we may receive our kingdom inheritance. 

Joshua faces demanding tasks as the new leader and God teaches him that, if he is going to achieve the necessary victories, he must begin by regularly meditating on God’s Word. 

Rahab’s involvement in the spying mission into Canaan illustrates something of God’s plan of salvation, including the fact that notorious sinners can be saved. The scarlet cord hanging from her window is a reminder of the blood daubed on the lintel and doorposts in the account of the Exodus. These point forward to the blood of Jesus shed at Calvary for our salvation.

God’s Presence and Power

As the Israelites cross the Jordan to begin their entry into the promised land, it is the priests who lead the way, carrying the ark of the covenant as a reminder that the presence of God is essential to their whole endeavour. A clear focus on God through worship will be central to their progress. Echoing the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, God halts the flow of the river as soon as the priests step into the water so that the mass of people walk on dry land into Canaan. God’s miracle-working presence is just as vital for his people today as we seek to advance his kingdom. The capture of Jericho and the extending of daylight hours further underline how God is willing to intervene supernaturally for the well-being of his people.

Remembering and Renewing Covenant

Having crossed the Jordan, Joshua and the people are instructed to take twelve stones from the river and set them up as a testimony to God’s provision and protection in leading his people into their inheritance. It is always good for us to be reminded of what God has done in the past so that we learn something about his ways for the present. It also builds up our faith for whatever lies ahead of us.

More than once in this book we read of the covenant being renewed. This is a key theme throughout Scripture that needs to be applied constantly in the church: we are a people of covenant. Sadly, though, the sin of Achan not only brings God’s judgement on himself but also results in death for all his family. The Bible shows us on many occasions that obedience leads to blessing and victory, whereas disobedience leads to judgment and defeat.

Receiving Our Inheritance

The encounter with the Gibeonites (chapter 9) gives us a warning not to make any major decision without first consulting God. Joshua was deceived into making a treaty that represented a compromise for Israel and made it harder for them to pursue their main aim – the conquest and possession of the land, their inheritance.

The details of the specific territory that was allocated to each tribe may seem rather dull reading at first, but if we put ourselves in the position of those people as they received their inheritance we can rejoice in a God who fulfils his promises and cares about details. 

‘All of the good promises that the Lord had given Israel came true.’ (21:45, NLT)

Just as Joshua was taught and trained by God in the ways of leadership, he makes a point of instructing the next generation in honouring and obeying God, maintaining vision and covenant, remembering God’s faithfulness and living by the Word of God.

There is a very helpful overview of Joshua at Bible Project.