Book of Joshua

These are notes from Sunday, January 27.

The Book of Joshua chronicles how the people of Israel took possession of the "promised land", an area roughly encompassing the region of Palestine.

The people are camped at Shittim, east side of the Jordan, when Joshua sends spies west into the target territory. They are hidden there by Rahab, described as a "prostitute", but who may rather have been a single woman running a sort of inn or boarding house, not necessarily a person of ill-repute. In exchange for protection, the spies promise to keep Rahab and her family from harm when the Israelites invade. Indeed, when Jericho is sacked, Rahab and her family and possessions are spared.

The nation crosses the Jordan River following the Ark of the Covenant. The waters part much as did the waters of the sea when the Hebrews fled from the Egyptians.

The people arrive at Gilgal, a word that sounds like the Hebrew word "rolled back". This imagery is an intentional reference to the circumcision rite undertaken by all the men of Israel in that place. This is a new generation -- the previous were consigned to die in the wilderness because of their disobedience -- and has not been circumcised, and thus not dedicated to the covenant. This must be done before they undertake to conquer the land.

The references to the brutal extermination of men, women, and children are troubling. We noted that, in other times and cultures, it was not unseemly to do such things in warfare. Modern codes of honor and conduct in battle do not apply. This is another instance where an awareness of the difference between our culture and ancient ones is helpful in understanding how a story may be applicable to today.

One of the traditional themes of Joshua is "be strong, for the Lord your God is with you." We divided into smaller groups to discuss the question -- At what time in your life did you need to rely on God for courage and strength?