The Book of Joshua

Good morning and hello to all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
    The book of Joshua starts a new time or generation for the Israelites.  For the first time in 40 years Moses is not their leader, he has died at age 120 and Joshua is appointed by God to lead the people.  He proved to be a capable and effective leader.
   The book of Joshua has three main divisions:  Chapter 1-12 the conquest of the land; Chapters 12-23 the division of the land; and Chapter 24 Joshua's charge to the people to remain faithful to God.
   The first 12 chapters tell us how the Israelite people, led by God and gave them the land of Canaan.  The faith and courage had to be shown to God so they would be able to conquer the land.  In chapter 1 verse 6-9 Joshua is told 3 times to be strong and courageous. V. 10-18 he tells the officers to prepare the people to move in three days.  The east bank of the Jordan was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and 1/2 the tribe of Manasseh since this land was well suited for herdsmen, of which they were.  However, there was a stipulation Joshua placed on them and that was the men of military or fighting age would help the other tribes take the land of Canaan.
   In Joshua 2:1-24 two spies were sent to spy on Jericho.  These men were hidden by Rahab, a prostitute of Jericho.  Because of this, when Israel captured Jericho, Rahab received protection from them and remembered as a heroine is the history of Israel. (please take time to read the story of Rahab).
   Joshual 3:1 to 4:9 (please read or listen to)   Joshua appointed 1 man from each of the 12 tribes, and when the priests of the Levi's stepped into the water with the Ark of the covenant; the water was held back and the Jordan riverbed was dry.  Each man from the tribes picked up a rock from the riverbed and then once across built a memorial to God.  These stones (memorial) was to remind the people of each following generations of what God had done for them (Israelites) when crossing the Jordan.
  This would remind the people of God's power, protection, and guidance.
   Chapter 5 tells of Joshua's circumcising all the men of Israel and the people's keeping the Passover in the plain of Jericho.  It was now that the people ate unleavened cakes and the manna ceased.  Now if you remember all were circumcised when God told Abraham to do so.  However, at this time they had traveled 40 years in the wilderness and the ones born during this period had not been circumcised.  Now was the time - in obedience to God.
  Whew!!  Tomorrow, the conquest of the land. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny