Joshua 5:13-15 records Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army. Some key’s to it’s theology are as follows: (1) timing: this encounter happens right before the Jericho campaign begins, right before Israel is going into battle; (2) the Commander does not say He was on Joshua’s side because it was important for Joshua to realize God’s people must be on His side. This Divine Warrior is ready to administer God’s judgment on Jericho. God’s people are in a spiritual battle in which God will fight for His own (cf. Ephesians 6:10-20); (3) this encounter makes us understand our need to respond to God’s holiness. Joshua has to take off his sandals. But in order for this encounter to do something to us, we must see our Lord in this story. In order for Jesus to be “for us”, He ends up being God’s adversary on the cross and is able to confer His righteousness on all who believe in Him. This puts us on the Lord’s side and assures He will fight for us so we can experience LifePlus. One day Jesus will arrive again with a sword to administer God’s final justice and secure for us complete salvation.

Joshua 5:1-12 records a massive circumcision ceremony that Joshua conducted prior to beginning their military invasion into the Land.  This shows that our relationship with God is the basis for spiritual victories.  Only as everyone was in right relationship with God, evidenced by succumbing to circumcision, could God’s people begin to experience LifePlus in Canaan.  This circumcision ultimately points to the circumcision of the heart which God said was necessary for entrance into His kingdom.  Spiritual victories are guaranteed for those who by faith in Christ meet the conditions of God’s covenant.  On the cross, Jesus’ sacrifice “rolled away” our reproach (cf. v. 9).  Notice the emotional state or condition of God’s enemies in v. 1 (“…their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them…”).  However, if God’s people had not obeyed the one condition of the covenant, the enemies would have got their spirit back!  Praise God that His grace forms an obedient people!

Verses 5-7 present God’s instructions to build a memorial and the reason why. In order to make progress in the spiritual life we must remember God’s mighty, saving acts. Again, the plot drives the theology. Verse 14 repeats the concept of Joshua being exalted. There could be no victories in the Land, no settling in to enjoy LifePlus, unless Joshua is followed. It is important to note in v. 19 that God’s people come up out of the river on the same day the Exodus occurred. That day is also the time when the Passover lamb was chosen for sacrifice four days later. The great acts of deliverance at the Exodus and the Jordan River point to the ultimate act of deliverance at the cross. Remembering what God has done for us is the starting point for all righteous living. To forget is to fall into unbelief and disobedience. This makes our worship services so important.

Verses 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 contain references to “the ark of the covenant.” Verse 7 states that God would use this event to ‘begin to exalt” Joshua “in the sight of all Israel.” The presence of the Ark teaches us that God is present and at work in our lives and we can follow Him to enjoy more of the life He provides. This narrative isn’t so much about how to live the Christian life, but more about giving us confidence to live it in spite of fierce opposition. Our Great High Priest went through the waters of death ahead of us just as the priests who were carrying the ark. As Joshua was exalted in the Jordan, so also our Lord was exalted at His baptism (cf. Matt. 3:13-17). By faith we follow our Lord through every obstacle that poses a threat to our advances in holiness.

Verses 2, 3, 9, 14, 24 highlight “the land” the Lord gave to His people.  Once again, something about this life in the land must translate into our life in Christ.  But in this narrative the unlikely alliance with Rahab gives us confidence that our Lord has provided LifePlus living for Believers.  Of all characters in the OT, a prostitute believes in God and is instrumental in gaining an important victory for His people in the Land.  Certainly, Rahab’s faith is to be copied, but observe that God guarantees His blessings on Believers through Christ who was born in Rahab’s line (cf. Matt. 1:5).  Salvation was secured for us as Christ gave His life in place of us (cf. Joshua 2:14 and the oath, “Our life for yours even to death!”).  Application takes the form of gaining confidence or trust in God’s ability to save from temptation.

Verses 14-15 record Joshua’s instructions for the 2.5 tribes to help their brothers.  It’s probably significant that this is Joshua’s first take-charge moment.  The plot drives the theology of this passage.  Enjoying God’s rest is a family affair, not every man for himself.  God describes entrance into the Promised Land as “rest.”  It’s one angle on how life in the Promised Land relates to life in Christ.   Notice that every able-bodied warrior is needed in this fight.  Although the 2.5 tribes were already experiencing their rest, they couldn’t rest while their brothers and sisters had battles to fight.  The response of the 2.5 tribes urges us to obey our Lord.  They were so serious that they issued the death penalty on anyone who disobeyed.  Of course, on the cross, Jesus, the Obedient One, died in place of the disobedient ones.  By faith in Him we are able to obey and join the fight for the rest He provides (cf. Hebrews 4).

I considered v. 6 important enough to include it in two sermons. Since the command to obey is repeated in vv. 7-8, this is an important part of the theology of this opening scene. Enjoying God’s eternal life (LifePlus) is conditioned upon obedience. And that obedience requires strength and courage due to all the opposition we face from the world, flesh, and the devil. The OT condition of “good success” and “prosperity” need to be defined in terms of our salvation in Christ–LifePlus. Joshua’s obedience points to Christ–God with us (v. 9)–who completely obeyed God’s Law and made His perfection available to us who believe. Verse 8 drives the application by urging Believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word.

Joshua is presented as God’s new commander and God guarantees him victory because He would be with him.  Theology follows this portrayal of him.  Joshua’s responsibility was to be strong and courageous (v. 6).  Life in the Promised Land contains similarities to our Christian life.  Like those who followed Joshua, those who follow Christ by faith are able to enjoy God’s unlimited spiritual protection and provision.  On the cross, God did to Jesus what He said He wouldn’t do to the Israelites (cf. v. 5 “I will not…forsake you”) and this secures our victory.  In the application, before we talk about the need for a strong and courageous faith (following Joshua’s positive example), it is important to highlight that what Joshua did for Israel, Jesus does for those who believe.  Then Believers can be strong and courageous in the fight for holiness.

The story of Israel’s invasion, conquest, and division of the Promised Land bolsters the faith of Believers by showing them God’s faithful exercise of His power on behalf of His redeemed people. Joshua also provides numerous instructions for Believers that help them in their quest to enjoy all God has provided for them in Christ. This type of summary gives the sermon series a sense of unity and purpose.