True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--Old Testamentಮಾದರಿ

Joshua: How They Took the Land Back

The book of Joshua is the natural next chapter in Israel’s story.

From Genesis to Deuteronomy, we followed the first steps of the family of faith, starting with Abraham all the way to Moses, who had just died. Now, God puts the baton into Joshua’s hand and tells him to lead the next generation of Israel into the land and make it their home.

Trouble is, the land was already occupied. In the four-plus centuries they’ve been slaves in Egypt, other people groups moved into the land God gave to Israel. These people were part of wicked cultures, worshipping idols, sacrificing children, and evil to the core. God had invited these people to Him, but they refused and now that deadline is up. Israel was now going to take back the land.

And just so everyone knew it’s His idea, God repeatedly and miraculously proved He was behind this take-over. He stopped the flow of the Jordan River so five million people could walk into the land on dry ground. He made the sun to stand still so Joshua could finish a battle. He pushed over Jericho’s walls with the sound of worship. As hard as that is to believe, the stories are all true.

In front of all these miracles, God whispered to Israel, “Don’t be afraid; I am with you.”

That promise from God is woven throughout the Bible. God said it to Jacob in Genesis 28, to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, to Gideon in Judges 6 and to the Jews returning to Israel in Isaiah 41. I’ll be with you. Don’t be afraid.

The fact is, Joshua and the new army of Israel had every reason to be afraid. They were woefully outmatched in every battle. They were relatively untrained and the enemies were fierce.

The morning before the battle with Jericho, Joshua surveyed the terrifying scene in front of him. Then he looked down at the edge of the camp, and saw someone standing there with a drawn sword. He asked him, Are you for us or for our enemies? The man said, “Neither. As the Captain of God’s army I’ve now come.” (Joshua 5:13-15)

Joshua bowed on his face before this Captain in worship. He knew who it was. It was the Lord Jesus, the pre–incarnate Christ. Joshua needed a word from God—and now God Himself showed up to be with him. This battle was not between Israel and the Canaanites or any other enemy. This was God’s battle to fight. And the amazing thing that happened next is just how the land of Israel became theirs again. God did it.

What makes this beautiful is the reminder that this is how every one of our spiritual battles is fought. It’s not our victory. It’s not our fight. It’s the Lord’s.

Next: What to do when you “did it again.”