In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua] was in the beginning with God.

JOSHUA

The Book of Joshua (c. 1405-1387 BC) is the first of the twelve books of history. It records the conquest and settlement of Israel in the land promised them by God through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. With a strategy of divide and conquer, Joshua leads the armies of Israel into Canaan and splits it into three regions. During the battle for Jericho, God reminds Israel that their victories are by His power, not through their military might. Later, God also reminds Israel that sin and disobedience leads to failure.

The name “Joshua” in the Old Testament comes from the Hebrew name “Yehoshua” meaning ‘the Lord saves’. The shortened form is “Yeshua” and the Greek equivalent to this name in the New Testament is “Iesous” or “Jesus” meaning ‘He will save His people from their sins’. The parallel between Joshua and Jesus is no coincidence. Joshua was victorious in conquering Canaan and settling Israel in the Promised Land. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was victorious in conquering sin and bringing salvation to the world. Soon He will bring redemption to Israel in the Promised Land of Palestine at the end of this age. The Palestinian Covenant will be unconditional and eternal. For the rest of us who are covered by the blood of Christ, He will bring us into eternal glory with Him as the adapted sons (and daughters) of Abraham.

Joshua 1-5: Preparation for the conquest of Canaan

Joshua 6-13: The conquest of Canaan; the battle of Jericho

Joshua 13: Settlement east of the Jordan River

Joshua 14-19: Settlement west of the Jordan River

Joshua 20: The cities of refuge

Joshua 21: Cities for the priesthood families of the Levites

Joshua 22: The exhortations of Joshua and Israel