The book of Joshua is a fascinating account of how God fulfilled his promises to his people and gave them the land of Canaan. But it is also a rich source of insight into who God is and what he is like. In this article, we will explore some of the attributes and characteristics of God that are revealed in the book of Joshua. We will see how God is faithful, powerful, holy, merciful, and sovereign.
God is faithful
One of the main themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness to his covenant with Israel. God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would give their descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21; 26:3-4; 28:13-15). He also promised to Moses that he would bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into the promised land (Exodus 3:8; 6:4-8; 33:1-3). God kept his word and fulfilled his promises through Joshua.
Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45)1
God is powerful
The book of Joshua also shows God’s power over nature, nations, and enemies. God demonstrated his power by parting the Jordan River, making the sun stand still, sending hailstones, and collapsing the walls of Jericho. He also gave the Israelites victory over the Canaanites, who were stronger and more numerous than them.
The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. (Joshua 10:10-11)2
God is holy
The book of Joshua also reveals God’s holiness and his demand for obedience and purity from his people. God commanded the Israelites to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan, to circumcise the males at Gilgal, and to refrain from taking any of the devoted things from Jericho. He also punished the sin of Achan, who violated the ban and brought trouble on Israel.
But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel. (Joshua 7:1)3
God is merciful
The book of Joshua also displays God’s mercy and grace to those who repent and seek his protection. God spared Rahab and her family, who hid the spies and confessed their faith in the Lord. He also made a covenant with the Gibeonites, who deceived the Israelites but pleaded for their lives.
Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.” So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel. (Joshua 6:22-23)4
God is sovereign
The book of Joshua also affirms God’s sovereignty and his control over history and nations. God chose Joshua to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites. He also planned and directed the conquest of Canaan, giving the land to the tribes as their inheritance. He also used the Canaanites to test and discipline the Israelites, and to fulfill his purposes.
The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” (Joshua 10:8)5
The book of Joshua teaches us many things about God and his relationship with his people. It challenges us to trust his promises, to rely on his power, to obey his commands, to seek his mercy, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. It also invites us to worship him and serve him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Leave a Reply