Introduction to Joshua and Judges

A. Authorship and date – Joshua and Judges

The authorship and dating of the books of Joshua and Judges are attributed to the individuals named in the biblical texts themselves, and the dating aligns with the events described in them.

1. Authorship of Joshua:

• The book of Joshua is traditionally ascribed to Joshua himself, Moses' successor and the leader of the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan.
• According to this view, Joshua likely composed or dictated the account of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, drawing on firsthand experiences and divine guidance.

2. Dating of Joshua:

• The events of Joshua are traditionally dated to the late 13th and early 12th centuries BC, corresponding to the Israelites' entry into Canaan following the Exodus from Egypt.
• The conquest of Jericho, Ai, and other Canaanite cities, as described in Joshua, is believed to have occurred during this period under Joshua's leadership.

3. Authorship of Judges:

The book of Judges is attributed to Samuel, the last of the judges. Samuel, as a pivotal figure in Israel's history, had both the capability and the motive to compile and author the Book of Judges.

4. Dating of Judges:

• The events of Judges are dated to the late 12th and early 11th centuries BC, spanning the period of Israel's tribal confederacy and the emergence of the monarchy.
• The cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance described in Judges reflects the historical context of Israel's struggles against Canaanite and other foreign adversaries during this era.

In summary, the books of Joshua and Judges are believed to have been authored by the individuals named in the biblical texts themselves, and the dating aligns with the historical events described therein, particularly the conquest of Canaan and the period of the judges in ancient Israel.

B. Overview of the Historical Context: Joshua and Judges (Approx. 1400-1050 BC)

The period covered by the books of Joshua and Judges is one of significant transition and turmoil in ancient Israelite history. This era marks the initial stages of the Israelites' settlement in the land of Canaan after their Exodus from Egypt and the leadership of Moses. The following is a review or "Big Picture" view of these two books divided into 6 key periods:

1. Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings (15th-13th century BC):

• The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, escaped slavery in Egypt around the 15th century BC.
• After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, they journeyed through the wilderness for 40 years.
• During this time, the Israelites received the Law at Mount Sinai and experienced various trials of faith and obedience.

2. Conquest of Canaan (Late 13th-12th century BC):

• Following Moses' death, Joshua assumed leadership and led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
• The conquest of Canaan, as depicted in the book of Joshua, involved military campaigns to subdue and occupy the land.
• Key victories included the fall of Jericho, Ai, and other Canaanite cities.

3. Settlement and Tribal Allotments (12th-11th century BC):

• After the initial conquests, the land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Each tribe received its designated portion of territory, as described in Joshua 13-21.
• The period of settlement was characterized by both victories and ongoing struggles against indigenous Canaanite populations.

4. The Era of the Judges (Late 12th-11th century BC):

• Following Joshua's death, Israel entered a period of decentralized leadership.
• The book of Judges records the stories of various leaders, known as judges, who arose in times of crisis to deliver Israel from oppression. These judges emerged sporadically in different regions and faced threats from neighboring peoples, such as the Philistines, Moabites, and Ammonites.

5. Cycle of Apostasy and Redemption:

• The period of the Judges is characterized by a recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
• Israel's faithfulness to God wavered, leading to idolatry and moral decline.
• In response, God raised up judges to rescue the people and call them back to covenant fidelity.

6. Transition to Monarchy:

• The conclusion of the book of Judges sets the stage for the establishment of the Israelite monarchy.
• The period ends with the story of Samuel, who serves as the last judge and anoints Saul as the first king of Israel.

C. Similarities between Moses and Joshua as Leaders of the Jewish People

1. Divine Commissioning:

• Moses: Moses was chosen by God at the burning bush and was given the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3).
• Joshua: Joshua was appointed by God to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9).

2. Miraculous Events:

• Moses: Led the Israelites through the Red Sea on dry ground, a miraculous event demonstrating God's power (Exodus 14).
• Joshua: Led the Israelites across the Jordan River, which also parted to allow them to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3).

3. Military Leadership:

• Moses: Commanded the Israelites in battles during their journey through the wilderness, including the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13).
• Joshua: Led the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, including the battles of Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6-8).

D. Differences between Moses and Joshua as Leaders of the Jewish People

1. Role in the Exodus and Conquest:

• Moses: His primary role was to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, receiving the Law and guiding them through the wilderness (Exodus 3-40, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).
• Joshua: His primary role was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and oversee the conquest and distribution of the land among the tribes (Joshua 1-24).

2. Relationship with God:

• Moses: Had a unique and direct relationship with God, speaking to Him "face to face" as a man speaks to his friend (Exodus 33:11). He was also the mediator of the Law.
• Joshua: Received guidance from God, often through intermediaries like the angel of the Lord or direct commands but did not have the same level of intimate communication as Moses (Joshua 1:1-9).

3. Nature of Leadership:

• Moses: Led a people in formation, dealing with internal conflicts, rebellions, and the establishment of a national identity and religious system (Exodus, Numbers).
• Joshua: Led a people into fulfillment, focusing on military campaigns, settlement, and ensuring the division of the land according to God's promises (Joshua 1-24).

These similarities and differences highlight the unique roles and leadership styles of Moses and Joshua, as well as their respective contributions to the history and development of the Israelite nation.

E. The Significance of the Promised Land

The Promised Land holds profound significance for the Jewish people, deeply rooted in their history, faith, and identity. This land, primarily the region of Canaan, was first promised by God to the patriarch Abraham and his descendants as an eternal inheritance (Genesis 12:7, Genesis 15:18-21). This divine promise established the land as a central element of Jewish belief, symbolizing God's enduring covenant with His people.

The significance of the Promised Land is multifaceted. First, it represents the fulfillment of God's promises. After centuries of bondage in Egypt, the Exodus led by Moses marked the beginning of the journey to this land. It was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and the realization of a promise made generations earlier. The subsequent conquest and settlement under Joshua's leadership further affirmed God's commitment to His covenant.

Second, the Promised Land is central to Jewish religious life and practice. It was the site of significant biblical events, including the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's law. The land hosted key religious centers, such as Jerusalem and the Temple, which became focal points of worship and pilgrimage which united the people and their heritage.

The land also symbolized a place of rest and peace. For the Israelites, it was a destination after years of wandering in the desert—a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), representing abundance, security, and divine blessing.

Lastly, the Promised Land has cultural and national significance. It shaped the Jewish people's identity, serving as a unifying element despite periods of exile and dispersion. Throughout history and even to this day, the hope and desire to return to the Promised Land has sustained Jewish communities worldwide, highlighting its enduring significance in their collective memory and identity.

F. Covenant

Meaning of the Word Covenant in Jewish History

The word "covenant" (Hebrew: "berith") in Jewish history refers to a binding agreement or pact between God and His people. This concept is foundational to the relationship between God and the Israelites, encompassing promises, obligations, and a sense of mutual commitment. Unlike modern contracts, a covenant in biblical times was not merely a legal arrangement but a profound spiritual bond that defined the identity and destiny of the Jewish people.

Various Covenants from Genesis to Judges

Genesis

• Covenant with Abraham: The idea of covenant begins with God's promises to Abraham. God promises Abraham that he will be the father of a great nation, that his descendants will inherit the Promised Land, and that through him all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:18-21, Genesis 17:1-8). This covenant is marked by faith and trust, with Abraham's descendants required to uphold their part by following God's ways.
• Covenant with Noah: Earlier, God establishes a covenant with Noah after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again and giving the rainbow as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 9:8-17).

Exodus

• Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God renews His covenant with the descendants of Abraham, now the nation of Israel. This covenant, mediated by Moses, includes the giving of the Law (Torah) and is formalized through the Ten Commandments and other laws (Exodus 19-24). It establishes Israel as a holy nation and sets forth conditions for blessings and curses based on their obedience to God's commands.
• Passover Covenant: The deliverance from Egypt and the institution of the Passover meal serve as a covenantal reminder of God's salvation and the people's obligation to remember and obey as basic elements of the covenant (Exodus 12).

Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

• Covenant Renewal and Law: These books contain further elaboration on the laws and the covenant, detailing how Israel is to live in the land they are about to enter. Deuteronomy especially emphasizes covenant renewal, calling the people to choose life and obedience (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Joshua

• Fulfillment and Continuation: Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites enter and take possession of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham. Joshua's final address calls for the renewal of the covenant at Shechem, urging the people to serve God faithfully in the land (Joshua 24).

Judges

• Covenant Failure and Restoration: The book of Judges illustrates the cyclical nature of Israel's fidelity to the covenant. The people repeatedly fall into sin and idolatry, facing oppression as a result. Each time they cry out to God, He raises judges to deliver them, temporarily restoring the covenant relationship. This period highlights the conditional aspects of the covenant, showing the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance (Judges 2:11-19).

Summary

From Genesis to Judges, the covenant is a central theme that defines the relationship between God and Israel. It starts with individual patriarchs and expands to the nation, incorporating laws, promises, and conditions. The covenant underscores God's faithfulness and the expected response of obedience and loyalty from His people thus shaping the spiritual, social, and political life of Israel throughout these formative books.

F. Lessons

Here are three practical lessons that can be gleaned from this introductory material on Joshua and Judges.

1. Faith and Obedience are key.

Lesson: The stories of Joshua and the early judges emphasize the importance of faith and obedience to God. Joshua's success in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and the initial victories were directly tied to his unwavering faith in God's promises and his obedience to God's commands. Conversely, the recurring cycles of sin and disobedience in Judges will show the negative consequences of straying from God's ways.

Application: In our own lives, maintaining faith and obedience to God is the number one obligation we have in order to maintain a proper relationship with Him and a sense of peace and trust within ourselves.

2. Leadership Today Empowers the Leadership of Tomorrow

Lesson: Both Moses and Joshua were dynamic and pivotal leaders who shaped the destiny of the Israelites. Moses laid the groundwork, leading the people out of bondage and establishing the law, while Joshua took on the mantle to lead them into the Promised Land. Their leadership and the way they mentored others had long-lasting impacts.

Application: Effective leadership involves preparation, mentoring, and the ability to pass on responsibility. In the church, leaders should strive to be the ones who inspire and prepare others to continue the mission. Building up the Kingdom involves investing in the next generation now and thus ensure that our efforts in this generation will continue to bear fruit in the next.

3. The Operative Word in Church Growth is We, Not Me.

Lesson: The covenant relationship between God and Israel was not just individual but communal. The successes and failures of the Israelites were often collective, and the entire community was called to uphold the covenant.

Application: In our spiritual lives, we should recognize the importance of collective responsibility in the church. The growth of each individual strengthens the whole body and the weakness of one part affects the whole as well.

The idea here is that we are responsible not only for our spiritual health but for the church's health as well. What we do or neglect to do affects not only ourselves.

Collective accountability and support lead to a stronger, more united and fruitful church. We each have a part to play in keeping the church healthy and productive.

These lessons demonstrate the timeless relevance of every book in the Bible, not only the ones we are studying in this series. Each book offers insights into faith, leadership, and fellowship that are applicable in the church of every generation.