Joshua’s History

Joshua 1:1-9

In the first chapter of the book of Joshua Moses has died and it is now time for Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. God gives Joshua a charge and tells him three times between verse 6 and verse 9 to be strong and courageous. In this lesson we are going to look at the history of Joshua and see some of the things that led to Joshua being chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

History of Joshua :

1)  Israel battles Amalek (Exodus 17:9-14)

• This is the first battle that the children of Israel fought after leaving Egypt.
• Joshua leads the battle while Moses is the top of the hill holding up the rod of God.
• Here we see that Joshua as a young man could obey orders and was willing to go into battle.

2)  Joshua as Moses’ minister (Exodus 24:13)

• As the minister of Moses Joshua was on the mount with Moses when the children of Israel made the golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:17). This kept Joshua out of trouble.

3)  Joshua departed not out of the Tabernacle (Exodus 33:11)

• When Moses was dealing with God about not going with the children of Israel because of their being a stiffnecked people. Joshua would not depart out of the tabernacle.

4)  Joshua speaks hastily and makes a mistake (Numbers 11:28)

• There were other men in the camp that were prophesying and Joshua wanted Moses to forbid them. But Moses tells him not to be envious for his sake but that he wished all Israel could be prophets.
• Joshua makes a mistake but he does not let it destroy him.

5)  Joshua gives a good report of the land (Numbers 13-14)

• Joshua along with Caleb gives a good report of the Promised Land and tries to encourage the people to go into the land.

6)  Joshua charged by Moses (Deuteronomy 31:23)

• Moses is given a charge by Moses right before his death.

7)  Joshua is full of the spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9)

• Joshua has been through many things by this point and is now ready to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. But note that it is not until here that he is said to be full of wisdom.

How can we apply this to us today?

In Joshua we see the steps that are needed to be a great leader. Whether it is in ministry or the secular world, whether it is in church or in our families we need leaders especially saved leaders who will follow the Lord. Below we will compare the history of Joshua with steps to being a good leader.

1)  Obey and follow orders.

• As the leader in the battle against Amalek Joshua showed that he could follow orders. One of the first requirements to lead is to be able to follow.

2)  Be able to serve.

• As Moses’ minister Joshua showed that he could serve.
• If you have a desire for ministry you should learn to serve the man of God.

3)  Stay put.

• Joshua departed not out of the tabernacle at a crucial time. Stay in church especially during the hard and crucial times in your life.

4)  Learn from your mistakes.

• As a young man Joshua made mistakes and you will too. But learn from them and stick with it as Joshua did.

5)  Have Patience.

• Joshua had to wait 40 years to inherit the land he had spied out in Numbers 13-14.
• Patience is one of the hardest things for those who have a desire to do something for the Lord. But let God have time to mold you into the person he wants you to be so that he can do great things with you.
• Whether it is marriage, ministry, careers, or whatever your situation is have patience and wait on God let him guide you into the timing that he has for you.

Joshua’s History : Handout

Joshua 1:1-9

1)  What is happening in the opening chapter of Joshua?

2)  Give a chain reference showing us the history of Joshua.

3)  What is one of the keys things for us to see regarding Joshua’s History?