Read: Deuteronomy 31:3-8; Joshua 1:1-18; Josh. 22:1-9; Josh. 23:1-24:13.

In accordance with his earlier promises to Abraham and to Moses, God called Joshua to participate in his mission by leading the Israelites into Canaan. This included entering a foreign land, going to war to take possession of it, and dividing it between the tribes. While it is difficult to understand why killing and war are part of God’s mission story, this was not an open authorization for war.  The instructions were for a specific time and place, and only when the Israelites remained faithful and holy, or set apart for God to use.  War and killing were not a national right or for defending human interests.  Rather, they were reserved for times instructed by God with the outcome decided by God (11:20; 23:3; 23:9-10; 24:11-13).  While God promised to go before them and be with them, courage and absolute obedience were required of all the Israelites for the task or they would fail (7:11-13; 23:12-16).

The purpose of God’s mission was that all people would know the Lord (4:20-24).  Indeed, Rahab and the people of Jericho, all of the kings west of the Jordan (and presumably many people in their kingdoms), and the Gibeonites came to know of Yahweh, the God whom the Israelites served (2:9-11; 5:1; 9:1-3; 9:8-11).  Joshua saw how God used him to fulfill the promise and he encouraged the Israelites shortly before his death to continue in completing their task.

  • How does this perspective of war differ from wars which are declared by nations and won by military strength, technology, and strategy?  Or from wars to defend people, ideologies, or human rights?
  • Consider Joshua 4:20-24.  How important is it to remember the purpose of God’s mission while completing the tasks he gives to us?  Why?
  • God told Joshua to lead a group of wandering tribes to conquer many settled nations.  Has God ever asked you to do a seemingly impossible task?  What was your response?
  • If God told you or your church to do a specific task, what things might discourage or distract you from continuing in absolute obedience?  How could you overcome the temptations and faithfully complete God’s task for you?