We now move beyond Moses, not just as a character in the bible, but we leave the books that historically were thought to have been written by him. The Book of Joshua offers a turning point in the story, not only is the conquest of the Promised Land at hand, but scripture now begins the shift to more narrative and historical story telling. Of course, historical in the sense that this is the history of Israel yet not a history that is supported by overwhelming archaeological support.
So now we will read of the story of conquest and fabled battles at Jericho, Ai and Gibeon, We will hear of Rahab and spies, of trumpets and stones, and oh yes, the parting of more water. Let us continue on in our story.
The Book of Joshua begins with God's directive and charge to Joshua. Joshua is to follow in the example of Moses and to meditate on the Law that Moses has provided. Day and night is Joshua to ponder the Law and not stray from it. If Joshua maintains this Law, God will go with Joshua as God did with Moses.
So preparations are made, the people are given three (interesting number) days to prepare before they will enter into Promised Land. Joshua also reminds the tribes of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh to the deal that was agreed to with Moses about how they will be the vanguard of the army, while their people remain in the land of the Transjordan.
The story turns to Rahab in Joshua 2 as spies are sent into the land. While the king of Jericho searches for the spies, who evidently are not that good if king knows of their presence, Rahab, the prostitute, offers aid. From Rahab we hear about how the people of the land have heard of the Israelites and their journey, they recognize that God is with the Israelites and they are trembling in fear. Of course if you notice, Rahab truly out smarts the spies, again did I mention that they are not too smart? She places them on the roof, in a public setting, and the gates are closed, she then negotiates with the spies from a position of power. Rahab reaches an agreement to help the Israelites, she will help if they spare her family. They agree and Rahab is to tie a red cord over her door, reminiscent of the Passover. Rahab helps the spies escape from Jericho.
Having reached a camp at the Jordan in Joshua 3, the final preparations are made to cross over. Joshua informs the people of the plans and tells them to follow the Ark for the Lord will go with them. God uses the action of crossing over the Jordan as a means to demonstrate to all the people that God will with them and that Joshua is God's messenger.
As the people begin to cross the Jordan, as the first priests entered the river, the waters began to dry up. The priests remained with the Ark in the middle of the river as the people crossed and it was as if the water was just turned off. Just as God lead Israel out of Egypt via water, so God leads Israel into the Promised Land via water. In a way, all the people undergo a ritual washing so to speak.
Psalm 37
This Psalm is a very interesting one that takes a different form than we have seen, for it is an instructional Psalm. In it an elder of Israel, one with many years experience attempts to pass along knowledge of God to others. At the heart of the message is the understanding that the wicked will vanish, that God is timeless and throughout time God's Will will be done. While the wicked may look like they are being successful, eventually they will vanish like the flowers of the desert.
The listener is to practice patience, to trust in God, for God will deliver. Eventually the righteous will be vindicated and they will be vindicated by the Lord.
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