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Psalm 105:42–45
“He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations, that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws” (Ps. 105:44–45).
In a very real sense, the epilogue to the book of Joshua appears in Scripture itself. The book of Judges, which we will begin studying in next month’s Tabletalk, picks up the history of Israel immediately following the death of Joshua. Unfortunately, Judges shows that Israel is far less successful at living in its new homeland in faithfulness to God than it was at actually gaining possession of the land.
Throughout the book of Joshua we see the Israelites erecting stones to preserve memories of the mighty works of God. Sadly, it doesn’t work. “The people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua.… However, when all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals” (Judg. 2:7–11). In the space of a generation, the people go from serving God to serving an idol. The people of Israel in the faithful generation of Joshua and the elders who outlive him somehow fail to pass on their knowledge of God to the next generation. Joshua foresees it and exhorts the nation not to forget. And yet it happens. Despite their great confession (Josh. 24:18), the people “ ‘forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods’ ” (Josh. 24:20).
Of course, a major reason for this shift of allegiance is the presence of pagan Canaanites in Israel’s midst. As we will see in Judges, Israel is not diligent to drive out the remnant of its enemies and soon falls prey to the Canaanites’ evil ways. Again, Joshua foresees it. He remembers the Israelites’ susceptibility to the Egyptian idols and their horrendous “harlotry” at Peor in Moab (Num. 25). But all his warnings are for naught. And for violating God’s covenant, Israel must suffer at the hands of its enemies time and again.
But despite all these dark clouds, God’s redemptive plan proceeds apace. He graciously gives judges to deliver His people from the consequences of their sin. In time, He gives them a king to rule them, a man after His own heart. And, in the fullness of time, God sends His Son to be Immanuel, “God with us,” the fulfillment of all His covenant promises. Even greater things than the conquest of Canaan lie ahead for the people of God.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take some time today to skim back through the book of Joshua. Write down three to five key lessons you have learned from this study, along with key Scripture passages. Then reflect on ways you personally and the church as a whole should live in light of these truths. Pray for divine help to fight the good fight each day of your life.
for further study
- Romans 8:37
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–6
- Ephesians 6:10–13
- 1 Timothy 1:18
- 1 Timothy 6:12