Adventure 1, Joshua 1-8: Led by God

When I was much younger, I always tended to think of Joshua as a young man when he came into the land of Israel - partly perhaps from a visual picture of him as Moses' protégé. Evidently, as one puts things in context of dates, we see him as at least 60ish because he spent 40 years in the wilderness after the spy trip to Canaan (he was excepted from the decree that all above 20 would die before entering Canaan, so he was probably at least that).
The dates given within the Bible do not give an exact answer, but scholars estimate him anywhere from 60 to 90 years old when he led the people over the Jordan, probably somewhere between these dates rather than at the extreme.
Another implication of this is that he had only one person in all of Israel near him in age - Caleb the other spy that trusted God. Quite sobering to think about.

I have often thought about the encouragement of God toward Joshua in terms of instruction to young leaders, but evidently it is a message for all ages, young like myself or old(er) like Joshua. The section before us begins with an exhortation to lean on God and meditate in His law - a bit like what we are doing with this blog. At the end, we will see Joshua reading out the words of Moses (the books of the law) to all the people.

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. 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. 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. 

(Jos 1:7-9)

There are a number of themes seen in the 'adventures' considered today.

First, I would like to consider the 'fresh start' seen. There are a number of features recorded that show the transition of the people of Israel into the promised land. The people are to sanctify themselves before crossing the river; the manna ceases as soon as they eat the food of the land; the circumcision (physical sign of the covenant with God) at Gilgal.

Remembrance is key - the repetition of the reading of the book of the law (if you know Deuteronomy, you know the story was repeated shortly before this, just before Moses died). The celebration of the passover (with all the symbolism of the lamb dying instead of the firstborn) is celebrated - which had been instituted when they left Egypt, so there was the reminder of that. The 12 stones set up to remind future generations of the power and provision of God.

Reliance on God is also key. Beginning with the encouragement of the Lord in chapter one, and then seen in the devastation of Jericho (save one house) with the Lord doing all work, not the people - this is contrasted with the battle against Ai, where the Lord was not with them, and full of victory they forgot to consult God before going into battle, but the situation was turned around once they had consulted God, dealt with the sin of Achan, and asked God whether to go up the next time. We see the trust of the spies in God - and the acknowledgement of the people of Jericho that God is able to destroy them. We see Rahab's trust in God by risking her life for the spies and hanging the scarlet cord out the window.

The videos were interesting - and interesting to hear the opinions of the actors about the characters they played. Sad to hear that the actress had never heard of Rahab, despite going to a Catholic school - I don't recall a time when I didn't know the story. But it did look a good portrayal of the character, and hopefully the series helps teach others and inspire them to consider the God of the Bible, about Whom all these stories of men are written!