The Book of Joshua begins a new chapter in the history of Israel as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, prepare to enter and conquer the Promised Land of Canaan. Chapters 1 to 5 lay the foundation for the events that will unfold, focusing on the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, and the Israelites’ preparation for battle. These chapters emphasize the importance of faith, obedience, and God’s guidance as Israel embarks on its mission to take possession of the land promised to their forefathers.
Joshua 1: God’s Commission to Joshua
In Joshua 1, God speaks directly to Joshua following the death of Moses, commissioning him as the new leader of Israel. God’s message is one of encouragement and assurance, promising Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will be with him: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5 KJV). Joshua is instructed to lead the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites, reminding him to faithfully obey the Law that Moses delivered: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8 KJV). Obedience to God’s law is emphasized as the key to success.
Joshua, now fully empowered by God, assumes leadership and prepares the people to cross the Jordan River. He instructs the officers of the people to prepare provisions, for within three days they will enter the land. Joshua also speaks to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their commitment to assist in the conquest even though they have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. The people respond to Joshua with loyalty and a pledge to follow him just as they followed Moses.
Joshua 2: The Spies and Rahab’s Faith
In Joshua 2, Joshua sends two spies to secretly scout out the land, particularly the city of Jericho. Upon entering the city, the spies lodge in the house of Rahab, a woman described as a harlot. When the king of Jericho learns of the spies’ presence, he orders Rahab to turn them over, but she hides them on her roof and tells the king’s men that they had already left.
Rahab, recognizing that the God of Israel is the true God, confesses her faith: “I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us” (Joshua 2:9 KJV). She acknowledges the fear that has gripped Jericho because of the miraculous works God has performed for the Israelites. In exchange for her protection of the spies, Rahab asks for mercy for herself and her family when the Israelites conquer the city.
The spies agree to her request and give her a scarlet cord to hang from her window as a sign of protection. They promise that anyone in her house will be spared, provided she does not betray them. The spies then escape, return to Joshua, and report that the land is indeed vulnerable, saying, “Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land” (Joshua 2:24 KJV).
Joshua 3: Crossing the Jordan River
In Joshua 3, the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, a significant moment as it marks the beginning of their entrance into the Promised Land. God instructs Joshua on how the crossing will take place: the priests are to carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. As soon as the priests’ feet touch the waters of the Jordan, the river will be cut off, allowing the people to cross on dry ground.
Joshua tells the people to sanctify themselves, for “the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5 KJV). As they approach the Jordan, the priests carrying the Ark step into the water, and the river miraculously parts, with the waters piling up in a heap far upstream. The entire nation of Israel crosses over on dry ground, just as their forefathers crossed the Red Sea years earlier. This event demonstrates God’s power and solidifies Joshua’s leadership in the eyes of the people.
Joshua 4: The Memorial Stones
After the miraculous crossing, Joshua 4 focuses on the establishment of a memorial to commemorate the event. God instructs Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take a stone from the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood with the Ark. These stones are to be set up as a memorial at their camp in Gilgal. The purpose of the memorial is to remind future generations of the miraculous event, so that when children ask, “What mean ye by these stones?” (Joshua 4:6 KJV), their parents can recount how God parted the Jordan River and allowed them to cross into the Promised Land.
In addition to the twelve stones placed at Gilgal, Joshua sets up twelve stones in the Jordan River itself, where the priests had stood. After the entire nation crosses, the priests carrying the Ark come up from the river, and the waters return to their place.
The chapter closes with the Israelites camping at Gilgal and Joshua reminding them of the significance of this day. The memorial serves as a lasting testimony of God’s power and faithfulness to His people.
Joshua 5: Circumcision, Passover, and the Encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army
In Joshua 5, the Israelites, now safely across the Jordan, undergo two important spiritual acts to reaffirm their covenant with God before proceeding with the conquest of Canaan.
First, Joshua is instructed to circumcise the men of Israel, as the new generation born during the wilderness wanderings had not been circumcised. This act of obedience symbolizes the people’s renewed commitment to the covenant that God made with Abraham. After the circumcision, God tells Joshua, “This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you” (Joshua 5:9 KJV), referring to the shame of their slavery and the years spent wandering in the desert.
Next, the Israelites celebrate the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land, marking their deliverance from Egypt. The day after Passover, they eat from the produce of the land for the first time, and the manna that had sustained them in the wilderness ceases, signifying the end of their journey and the beginning of their new life in Canaan.
At the end of the chapter, Joshua has a mysterious encounter with a divine figure identified as the commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua approaches the figure and asks whether he is on Israel’s side or their enemies’ side, to which the figure replies, “Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come” (Joshua 5:14 KJV). Joshua immediately falls to the ground in reverence, and the commander tells him to remove his shoes, for he is standing on holy ground. This encounter is reminiscent of Moses’ experience at the burning bush and serves as a powerful reminder of God’s presence and guidance as the Israelites prepare for battle.
Conclusion
Joshua 1 to 5 sets the stage for the conquest of Canaan, showing how God’s promises and guidance remain central to Israel’s success. From Joshua’s commission as leader to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, these chapters emphasize faith, obedience, and the importance of remembering God’s works. As the Israelites prepare for battle, they are reminded that their victory depends on their faithfulness to God and His covenant. Through the establishment of memorials and rituals like circumcision and Passover, the people reaffirm their identity as God’s chosen nation, ready to take possession of the land He promised them.
