Come Follow Me 22: Joshua 1–8; 23–24

Come Follow Me Lesson 22: Joshua 1-8; 23-34

Introduction:

The Lord said, “Be strong and of a good courage.” Why should they feel this way? Not because of their own strength—or even Moses’s or Joshua’s—but because “the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). When we have our own rivers to cross and walls to bring down, wonderful things can happen in our lives, because it is “the Lord [who] will do wonders among [us]” (Joshua 3:5).

Joshua, book of How is Joshua a continuation of the first five books? (Jews regarded it as the first of the “former prophets.”)

Personal Study: Joshua 1-2

How Can I Know God Will Be With Me if I’m Faithful to Him?

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

 
I have felt the Lord with me many times. My own life experiences have given me faith to be strong and of a good courage. The Lord even called me an elect lady before Eliza was born, when I found out that Bob would not be with me when she was born.

How do Faith and Works work together?

Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25 Rahab didn’t perish because she received the spies.

James 2:17: 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

How did Rahab’s faith and works serve in saving herself, her family, and the Israelite scouts?

How can your own faith in Jesus Christ and your works influence those around you for good?

King David and Jesus Christ came through Rahab’s line:

Matthew 1:5: And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse.

Family Study: How important are the scriptures to you? Do you value them appropriately?

Joshua 1:8: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Reading chapters 1 and 2:

Joshua 1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/1?lang=eng

vs 5-7 Every current prophet must feel an overwhelming amount of responsibility as the mantles shifts to Him to be the Lord's prophet for the world.

Vs 8 How important are the scriptures to you? Do you value them appropriately?

Vs 9 The Lord can be with us in every place and every situation.

Vs 13-15 We are to care for one another and each other's safety, peace, and prosperity. I am saddened that the United States would allow Russia to drive Ukranians from the homes and their Country.

Vs 16-18 The people supported Joshua as the new prophet without hesitation. They would do as he asked. How willing are we to do that?

Joshua 2: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/2?lang=eng

Vs 3-6: Rahab defied the message of the king and hid the Israelites who came to spy out the country.

Vs 8-15 Rahab knew that the land would be given to the Israelites. She recognized that they worshiped the true God. She asked a blessing for herself and her family, and they obtained it because of her faith and good works.

Vs 18-19 A scarlet thread was used to mark Rahab's household, so that the Israelites would not go in to kill them.

Personal Study: Joshua 3-5

Do you experience the wonders of the Lord in your life?

Joshua 4:24 Do I know that the Lord’s hand is mighty?

Joshua 3:5 What wonders has the Lord done in your life? Are you will to sanctify yourself, so that you can see more miracles?

How should our preparation to go to the temple be the same as the Israelites sanctifying themselves before they crossed the river Jordan? How does the river, or even our baptism or receiving our endowments, represent a newness of life? Were the Israelites receiving a newness of life when they entered the Promised Land?

The Jordan River parted for the Israelites, just like the Red Sea had done. This time, it did not part until the priests’ feet were dipped in the water. Joshua 3:13, 15

2 Kings 2:6–15 Elisha was blessed by Elijah at the Jordan River. When Elijah parted, Elisha saw it and a double portion of his spirit was given him. He wore the mantel of a prophet. (The waters again parted)

5:1–14  Naman the Leper was made clean according to Elisha’s word by washing in the river Jordan.

Mark 1:9–11. Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan and received the Holy Ghost there. The Father witnessed that He is His Beloved Son.

Mark 1:9–11. 12 Stones were taken from the River Jordan to represent the 12 Tribes.

Joshua 3: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/3?lang=eng

Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the water of the Jordan; it stands up as a heap, and Israel passes over on dry ground.

5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
What a great promise. Are you ready?

7 ¶ And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Joshua 4: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/4?lang=eng

Joshua places twelve stones to commemorate the crossing of the Jordan—Joshua is magnified before the children of Israel as they cross the Jordan—After the priests bearing the ark pass over, the river returns to its course.

Stones meant as a memorial of the Israelites crossing Jordan.

4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:

5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:

6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

 

20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?

22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:

24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.

 

Joshua 5: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/5?lang=eng

The inhabitants of Canaan fear Israel—The males of Israel are circumcised—Israel keeps the Passover, eats the fruit of the land, and manna ceases—The captain of the Lord’s host appears to Joshua.

All the males were circumcised before entering the promised land. No one had been circumcised while in the wilderness.

A Captain of the Host of the Lord met with Joshua.

Watch video Exercise Faith in Christ (also see Ether 12:12)

Personal Study: Joshua 6-8

How has obedience brought God’s power into your life?

What accursed things are keeping your from feeling peace and God’s power in your life? (See Joshua 7:10–13)

What things do you need as you approach God for further help?

Consider the Lord’s instructions for taking Jericho (see Joshua 6:1–5) What can you learn from this story?

Joshua 6: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/6?lang=eng

Jericho is taken and destroyed—Only Rahab and her household are saved.

vs 10 Don't get ahead of yourself.

Vs 14-17, 20-25:  6 days they walked around the city once, blowing the trumpets, and carrying the Ark of the Covenant.

On the 7th day, they walked around the city 7 times, and the people gave their shout, when they were asked to do so.

Rahab's house was saved. The rest of the city destroyed.

 

Joshua 7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/7?lang=eng

Israel is defeated by the people of Ai—Joshua complains to the Lord—Achan and his household are destroyed because he disobeyed the Lord by taking the spoils of Jericho.

Vs 10-12 Haughtiness made the Israelites think that a few in number could take Ai. But it was the Lord that gave them Jericho. Interestingly, even Joshua, true to the pattern of the Israelites momentarily loses faith and face; he said, would to God we'd stayed on the other side Jordan.

God did not bring this destruction upon them. They did. Achan took of the spoils of Jericho, even though they'd been commanded not too.

To again gain the Lord's favor, they would have to destory the accursed thing from among them.

 

Vs 13 What accursed thing should I banish from my own life? How can I help protect others from choosing accursed things?

 

Joshua 8: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/8?lang=eng

Joshua uses an ambush, takes Ai, and slays its inhabitants—He builds an altar in Mount Ebal—The words of the law, both blessings and cursings, are read to the people.

Truly Achan should have not taken spoil of Jericho. He should have been faithful. All were allowed to take the spoil of Ai.

Joshua led away the armies of Ai after the army of Israel. Ai thought they’d conquered like the first time. But Joshua had armies secretly hiding, which were waiting for the signal to go and take Ai and burn the city. Ai was also given to them. The Lord allowed them to take the spoil.

Vs 30-35: When they'd obtained the city of Ai, they built and altar, gave thanks, and read the law.

Personal Study: Joshua 23-24

Cleave to the Lord your God

Joshua delivers his final teachings. He issues warnings, counsel, and blessings.

23: 8 But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day.

24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Readings

Joshua 23: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/23?lang=eng

Joshua exhorts Israel to be courageous, keep the commandments, love the Lord, and neither marry among nor cleave unto the remnants of the Canaanites who remain in the land—When the children of Israel serve other gods, they will be cursed and dispossessed.

Joshua 23:3: The Lord protects and delivers His people.

Joshua 23:6-8: It takes courage to stay true to the Lord and obey all His commandments.

Joshua 23:10-11: The battle is the Lord's. He fights for us, when we are righteous. Love Him.

Joshua 23:14: All of God's promises are always fulfilled.

Joshua 24: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/josh/24?lang=eng

Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel—Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only—Joshua and Eleazar die—The bones of Joseph, taken from Egypt, are buried in Shechem.

Joshua 24:14-15: This God only will I serve: the God of Israel. How are you doing with that?

Joshua 24:22-27: You can renew your covenants with God each week as you partake of the sacrament.