Joshua

 

2

 

v. 2 “Rahab – innkeeper or prostitute?”

            Although the NIV suggests that an alternative translation of her title was innkeeper, the Hebrew does suggest that Rahab was either at the time, or had been a prostitute (Examples of the same word can be found in Judges 11:1, 16:1; Ezekiel 23:4; Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25).  The Hebrew word is zone and the Greek is porne = common harlot.  Whether or not she was at the time is not of great importance.  What is noteworthy is that God can use everyone to further glorify Himself.

            The scriptures tell it as it is and let us know the worse so we might see God saves the worst of sinners when they exercise saving faith in Him.  It is no surprise in this immoral and ungodly city – who would be upright there?  None of course, but this woman is saved by faith trusting in God and His Word for salvation.

 

6

 

v. 20 “collapse of the wall”

            What I have not yet worked out is how, if the whole wall collapsed, did Rahab and her family survive when her house was part of the city wall (Joshua 2:15). 

 

v. 26 “Jericho cursed”

            The occurrence of this curse is recorded in I Kings 16:34 when Heil lost both his eldest and youngest sons when he rebuilt the foundations and gates of Jericho.

 

7

 

v. 24 “sons and daughters”

            It seems extraordinarily harsh and unfair that God should demand punishment on Achan’s family in contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16.  There are three points which might explain why God took this action.  Firstly, God is sovereign and has every right to do as He pleases (Deuteronomy 13: 12 – 17).  We are sinners deserving death don’t forget.  Secondly, the fact that God chose them as an example early in the new nation’s history may have saved many more Israelites from doing the same.  Setting such a harsh punishment may have cause those tempted to give it a second thought.  Thirdly, although it says sons and daughters, there is no indication that they were children.  On the contrary, it is more probable that they were adults considering that Achan was the fifth person from Judah (v.1).  What information that is provided in the Bible does not rule out the possibility that his sons and daughters were involved in the theft. 

They all lived in the same tent and therefore it is very possible they knew or even helped in this. What is significant is that he did not confess until found out – he could have all along, but he let the lot fall and his confession was simply that he had been found guilty.

 

The biggest thing here is that he was responsible for the death of three dozen Israelites – and that would affect all their families too.  The sin of one affects all and has done ever since Genesis 3 (Joshua 22:20).  What is true is that this was the only time in all the wars recorded that any Israelites dies – serious stuff this.

 

9

 

v. 14 “the key verse”

            Here is one of the few mistakes made by Joshua in that he (and the elders) did not ask the Lord their advice but took the Gibeonites at face value.  Instead of creating a whole country, Israel became burdened with another nation in their midst which later caused conflict.

 

10

 

v. 13 “the Book of Jasher”

            This book has never been recovered but what it seems to contain are written records of memorable events of certain men.  II Samuel 1:18 also mentions that the death of Jonathan and Saul were recorded in it.

 

11

 

vs. 6-9 “horses and chariots”

            There seems to be a twofold reason for cutting the hamstrings of the horses.  Firstly, as the Israelites were limited militarily because of their exile in the desert, it is highly possible that the army would not be able to use this modern equipment and this effectively destroying it would ensure that no one else could use it.  Secondly, God had commanded that great numbers of horses be kept as horses in that day and age equaled power and as such would cause the people/king to put their reliance not in their God but in their military power (Deuteronomy 17:16).  See also Psalms 20:7, Isaiah. 31:1 and in connection with idolatry no less in 2 Kings 23:11.

 

v. 21 “contradiction”

            Here we se documentation that Joshua destroyed Hebron, Debir and Anab.  However, it is mentioned earlier in Joshua 10:36-39 that he had attacked these places and left no survivors.  Why then did necessitate further destruction?  It seems logical that while Joshua may have destroyed the cities and the population therein, it is probable that there were those who had fled prior to its destruction and hence returned and re-occupied the cities.  In Joshua 14-15 Othniel and Caleb were forced to destroy the cities of Debir and Hebron.  It is likely that this was carried out under Joshua’s command considering the lengthy period of time that could have elapsed in this section.

 

15

 

v. 63 “complete destruction?”

            Although the Israelites conquered many lands and kingdoms, their downfall lay in their inability to remove all peoples from the land.  Joshua 13:2-7, 16:10, 23:4 and Judges 1 tell of the lack of vigor on the part of the Israelites to remove everyone from the land and this was later to cause trouble – and arguably to this day – when there were uprisings of these peoples (Judges 19:11; II Samuel 5:6-7).

Why were they not able – through fear?  Unbelief?  Stupidity?  This was not an inability for God had told them to do it and with Him all things are possible, not least what He has promised to do.  It was not could not, but would not and direct disobedience by choosing not to.  Judges 1:21, 27 – 33, 2:1 – 3 etc. Many of these places that were not taken later became a snare to Israel causing them problems and even cities where their Kings were slain.  What an admonition to take heed to fully obey the Word of the Lord.

 

Another thought here is what He says He will do and yet He chooses men to do it through! Isn’t this the same with the gospel and that all men must hear – He has said it will be done and yet limits this to finite men and their obedience to His Word!