Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.During a famine, also named Israel, went to Egypt with his family, where there was food. Over the years, the Egyptians turned the Jews into slave labor.

And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee. Joshua would not only enter the land, he would lead Israel into God's victory. 'Then Moses called Joshua and said to himyou must go with this people to the landand you shall cause them to inherit it' (Deuteronomy 31:7). Caleb would not only enter the land, he would still be strengthened by faith in God even in his old age.

After from that slavery, he brought them back to the promised land, under the leadership of. Because the people failed to trust God, however, he made them wander 40 years in the desert until that generation died.

(21-1) IntroductionHow do you feel when you stand on the verge of reaching a long-awaited goal? Are you happy, sad, or relieved that the journey is nearly over? Are you frightened of the tests and trials that still lie ahead, or do you view your future with courage and faith in God?Forty years of wandering in the wilderness had brought Israel to stand upon a mountaintop overlooking the land of promise. Every Israelite over twenty years of age when they left Egypt under Moses’ leadership was now dead, except for three people: Moses, Joshua, and Caleb (see ). All the others had died without realizing their cherished blessing. What caused those Israelites who left Egypt by God’s power to lose their privilege of setting foot upon the promised land?In formulating an answer, remember that God never breaks a promise.

Forty years before this time God had told the children of Israel, “I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to you. For an heritage: I am the Lord.” (.)God always keeps His promises. He has power to make them, and He has power to fulfill them. Some doubt this fact.

The initial company of Israelites who departed from Egypt did so with reluctance. Bad as things were in Egypt, the known seemed better than the unknown to those who lacked faith. During their forty years of desert wandering, the children of Israel alternately blessed and cursed the name of God. When He showed them miracles, they humbled themselves. When the tests and rigors of desert life became difficult, they hardened their hearts in anger and resentment. They forgot His power and trembled in fear at the thought of facing the Canaanites. In so doing, they lost their privilege to enter the land of promise.As their children stood on the mountain and saw in the distance the promised land, the realization of their expectations, were they ready?

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Did they appreciate the great blessing of receiving that which was denied their fathers? Could they move into the land under the leadership of a living prophet and possess the country on the Lord’s terms? Or would they pollute their inheritance, as their fathers had done before?Instructions to Students.Use Notes and Commentary below to help you as you read and study. Chapters 12–21 contain detailed descriptions of the tribal divisions of the land.Complete Points to Ponder as directed by your teacher.

(Individual study students should complete all of this section.).Use the maps given in this chapter to find various locations mentioned in your reading.Notes and Commentary on Joshua 1–24 (21-2). The Book of Joshua and the Man Joshua“The Book of Joshua is one of the most important writings in the old covenant, and should never be separated from the Pentateuch, of which it is at once both the continuation and completion. Between this Book and the five Books of Moses, there is the same analogy as between the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The Pentateuch contains a history of the Acts of the great Jewish legislator, and the Laws on which the Jewish Church should be established.

The Book of Joshua gives an account of the establishment of that Church in the Land of Canaan, according to the oft-repeated promises and declarations of God. The Gospels give an account of the transactions of Jesus Christ, the great Christian legislator, and of those Laws on which his Church should be established, and by which it should be governed. The Acts of the Apostles gives an account of the actual establishment of that Church, according to the predictions and promises of its great founder.

Thus, then, the Pentateuch bears as pointed a relation to the Gospels as the Book of Joshua does to the Acts of the Apostles.” (Clarke, Bible Commentary, 2:4.)Clarke called the Old Testament the Jewish Church, meaning the organization founded by Jehovah among the early Israelites. But Latter-day Saints know that Jehovah was the premortal Christ. This fact explains the remarkable parallels.

Both Churches were the Church of Jesus Christ, given in different circumstances and with different priesthood emphasis. But in both cases baptisms were performed, and the principles of righteous living and faith in God were clearly taught.These parallels suggest that the book of Joshua may continue the typology, or symbolism, of Christ, just as did the law of Moses. Indeed, Latter-day Saints are taught that Moses was “in the similitude of the Only Begotten” (; see also McConkie, The Promised Messiah, pp. 442–48). Just as Moses, in his role as prophet, lawgiver, mediator, and deliverer, was a type of Jesus Christ, so Joshua, who led Israel into the promised land, was also a type of Jesus, who leads all the faithful into the ultimate land of promise, the celestial kingdom. ShechemBethelJebusAiJerichoShittimGilgalAdam (21-10). Why Were the Israelites Circumcised Now?Israel had wandered forty years in the wilderness because they were not faithful in their covenant with God. It is not surprising, then, that during that period they had failed to continue the practice of circumcision, which was the symbol of their covenant.

Therefore, after Joshua had led his people through the waters of the Jordan—a type of baptism (see Reading 21-7)—onto the sacred ground that had been denied their fathers, the Lord required them to reinstitute the physical token of the covenant. The Manna Is No LongerThis event marks a major turning point for Israel. For the first time in forty years the children of Israel were on their own.

The Israelites had been tenderly nursed with manna during that time, but now they were to stand forth in maturity and, from their own labor, eat the bread of the land. Considering that the manna had appeared every day but the Sabbath for forty years, or more than twelve thousand times, it truly was the end of a remarkable era.

Who Was the Captain of the Lord’s Host That Joshua Saw?Although there is a noticeable lack of detail in this account, what is recorded suggests a miraculous vision shown to Joshua. Most commentators assume either a mortal servant of God or an angel came to strengthen Joshua and Israel as they prepared for their first battle.Two things, however, suggest that Joshua may actually have seen Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ. First, when Joshua fell down to worship him, no attempt was made to stop him. Yet the mortal servants of God are quick to prevent others from worshiping them, even when they have demonstrated great power (see;; ). The same thing is true of angels, for twice, when he was awed at the presence of angels and fell at their feet to worship them, John the Revelator was told the same thing, “See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets” (; see also ).

The angel who appeared to Samson’s parents clearly taught them that any offerings were to be to the Lord (see ). But no attempt was made to prevent Joshua from falling down to worship this being.Second, the personage commanded Joshua to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground—the same instructions Jehovah gave to Moses on Mount Sinai (see ). But, since this account in Deuteronomy is very scant on details, it can only be surmised that the being may have been the Lord.

The Fall of JerichoThe inhabitants of Jericho knew full well of the powerful destruction that Israel had directed against the kingdom of the Amorites east of Jordan. Therefore, it is no surprise that they shut up their walled city against Israel.The prevalence of the number seven in the Lord’s dealing with Jericho’s defense is significant.

Throughout the law of Moses, seven was used numerous times to signify the covenant. Its association with the covenant probably stems from the idea that “ seven is associated with completion, fulfilment, and perfection” (Douglas, New Bible Dictionary, s.v. “number,” p. 898). By patterning the conquest of Jericho in sevens, the Lord taught Israel that their success lay in the covenant with Jehovah; His perfect power brought conquest, not their own.The horn blown was the Hebrew shofar, or ram’s horn (see ).

Scholars are generally agreed that the shofar was the oldest musical instrument in Israel. After being flattened by heat, the horn of a ram was forced to turn up at the ends. This shape thus created a most unusual and easily recognizable sound.

In early times the horn was used to warn of approaching armies, to give the signal for attack, or to dismiss troops from the field.As the ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of God in the tabernacle’s Holy of Holies, so it symbolized His leadership of the armies of Israel as they carried it before them while they marched around the city (see ). This was not a mere mortal conflict: Canaan was to be destroyed by the very God of Israel. This truth was impressively taught to Israel by the presence of the ark.Great care was given to honoring every detail of the oath that had been given to Rahab. What Caused the Walls of Jericho to Fall?Men have argued this question for ages.

Did the marching feet, the blaring trumpets, and the final shout weaken the walls in some way so that they tumbled in accordance with natural law? Or was some other principle in operation? Did the Lord simply, at a convenient point in time, level the walls by His power? Elder James E.

Talmage discussed this question in these words:“May we not believe that when Israel encompassed Jericho, the captain of the Lord’s host and his heavenly train were there, and that before their super-mortal agency, sustained by the faith and obedience of the human army, the walls were leveled?“Some of the latest and highest achievements of man in the utilization of natural forces approach the conditions of spiritual operations. To count the ticking of a watch thousands of miles away; to speak in but an ordinary tone and be heard across the continent; to signal from one hemisphere and be understood on the other though oceans roll and roar between; to bring the lightning into our homes and make it serve as fire and torch; to navigate the air and to travel beneath the ocean surface; to make chemical and atomic energies obey our will—are not these miracles? The possibility of such would not have been received with credence before their actual accomplishment. Nevertheless, these and all other miracles are accomplished through the operation of the laws of nature, which are the laws of God.” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 222–23.) (21-15). Why Did the Israelites Lose the Battle of Ai?“Consider the defeat of Israel by the men of Ai; a law of righteousness had been violated, and things that were accursed had been introduced into the camp of the covenant people; this transgression interposed resistance to the current of divine help, and until the people had sanctified themselves the power was not renewed unto them” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 105; see also.)For further discussion of the significance of this loss, see Points to Ponder in this chapter. (21-16)The act of placing dust upon one’s head had the same symbolic meaning as dressing in sackcloth and sitting in ashes. It was a token of great remorse, true humility, and deep repentance.

It also symbolized the unworthy station of man compared to deity (see; compare; ). This sense of unworthiness seems to be the meaning of King Benjamin’s comment that the people considered themselves as less than the dust of the earth (see ). Why Was Achan Worthy of Death?It may appear that the action taken against Achan for taking the booty of Jericho was too severe, but the death of the mortal body may often be a merciful act both to other people and to the offender (see; ). Some offenses of men are of such consequence that the payment of the life of the offender is required for the expiation of the sin. Achan’s disobedience cost the lives of thirty-six men (see ). But even more important, Israel’s spiritual death would be more serious than the physical death of individuals.

For Israel to fail to obey the Lord in all things would be tantamount to depriving her of the land of Canaan (see ). It is apparent from his voluntary confession that Achan understood this truth (see ).See the tables of weights and measures in Maps and Charts to better understand the value of a shekel of silver.

(21-18)More than Jericho, Ai, the second city conquered after Israel crossed the Jordan, became a model for the conquests of other cities. Once Ai was taken, Joshua moved Israel to Mount Ebal and fulfilled the instructions of Moses to build an altar there and pronounce the blessings and cursings of the Lord from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (see; ).

(21-19)Although the subtle alliance manufactured through deceitful means saved their lives, the people of Gibeon became the perpetual slaves of Israel. Moses had warned Israel not to make any covenants with the Canaanites (see ), and this warning may explain why Joshua was so upset when he discovered the deception. Since the oath had been made, however, he honored it, placing the people of Gibeon in slavery instead of having them killed. (21-20)Adonizedek (a Hebrew word meaning “lord of justice”) is an example of many other civil leaders who chose titles for themselves or had titles bestowed upon them by greater rulers whose vassals they were (Fallows, Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. “Adonizedek,” 1:56). Perhaps he, like other Canaanite kings, assumed this name in imitation of the ancient patriarchal king of Salem, Melchizedek, “king of righteousness” (Fallows, Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. “Melchizedek” 2:1136). He was the chief of the confederacy of five kings that made war against Gibeon. Did the Sun Really Stand Still in the Heavens?The Book of Mormon makes it clear that it was the earth, not the sun, that was involved in Joshua’s miracle.

Mormon, discoursing on the might and power of God, wrote:“Yea, and if he say unto the earth—Move—it is moved. Yea, if he say unto the earth—Thou shalt go back, that it lengthen out the day for many hours—it is done; And thus, according to his word the earth goeth back, and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun. And behold, also, if he say unto the waters of the great deep—Be thou dried up—it is done. Behold, if he say unto this mountain—Be thou raised up, and come over and fall upon that city, that it be buried up—behold it is done.” (.)“So here we have the words of a Book of Mormon prophet confirming the fact that God can—and would, when necessary—cause that the earth should stop in its rotation to lengthen a day. SidonHazorAchshaphShimronGilgalJerichoBethhoronGezerAshdodLibnahGathEglonDebirHebronLachishMakkedahJerusalemGireon (21-24)The destruction of the five nations of the Canaanites was accomplished over a period of days rather than on the same day as the battle at Gibeon. (21-25)This chapter summarizes the conquest of northern Canaan. The destruction of these northern kingdoms, however, required a long time (see ).

The note in is of interest because the Anakim were a race of giants (see ) and because Goliath came from Gath (see ). What Does Hough Mean?To hough a horse is to cut the leg tendons above and behind the tarsal joint or ankle, thus rendering the horse useless. The Israelites were foot soldiers rather than charioteers. The fear seems to have been that should the horses and chariots be used as vehicles of war, Israel would turn from faith in God and trust in the arm of flesh (see; ).

(21-27)These chapters contain accounts of the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. The map of Canaan in Maps and Charts gives a clear picture of how the land was divided between the tribes. Chapter 18 discusses the Levite cities commanded by Moses to be given to members of the tribe of Levi (see; ), and chapter 20 lists the cities of refuge and their purpose.

(21-28)This chapter demonstrates the critical balance between true worship and apostate idolatry. Without a knowledge of why the 2½ tribes had built the altar on the other side of Jordan, one would judge the action to be an adulteration of the holy worship in the tabernacle. Satan’s counterfeits can appear very convincing. Fortunately, the tribes showed that it was an act of legitimate worship and not idolatry. The tragedy is that in a short time Israel would no longer react strongly against idolatry.

(21-29)The thirty-one Canaanite city-states destroyed by Joshua in his day were not all that the Lord intended to purge from Israel (see ). Since men tend to adopt the values or habits of those with whom they associate, it was imperative that all idolatrous nations in Canaan be destroyed.

Joshua warned Israel of three things in the event that some heathen nations, including those that surrounded them, were allowed to remain: (1) beware of social intercourse with them (see ), (2) refrain from worshiping their false gods (see ), and (3) avoid intermarriages with them (see ). Otherwise, “snares and traps,” “scourges,” and “thorns” awaited Israel. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”Near the end of his life Joshua called his people together for a final blessing and warning, very much as Moses had done. Such messages should be considered very significant, for what a prophet says as he approaches death seems to be an effort on his part to rid his garments of the blood of the people by placing the full responsibility for their conduct squarely upon their shoulders (see ).

Joshua showed Israel exactly what God had miraculously done for them in the past and challenged them to choose whom they would serve.Elder Erastus Snow, commenting on the feeling some have that being obedient to God somehow limits their agency, gave an interesting insight on choosing to follow God:“If good and evil is placed before us, does not the person who chooses the good and refuses the evil exhibit his agency and manhood as much as the man who chooses the evil and refuses the good? Or is the independence of manhood all on the side of the evil-doer? I leave you to answer this question in your own mind.

To me, I think the angels and saints and all good people have exercised their agency by choosing the good and refusing the evil; and in doing so they not only exhibit their independence and manhood as much, but show a much higher and greater nobility of character and disposition; and I leave the future to determine who are wise in the choice of their freedom and independence.“Joshua said to ancient Israel: ‘Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; if the Lord be God, serve him; if Baal, serve him. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ I think what we need to learn are the true principles that shall lead us to peace, to wealth and happiness in this world, and glory and exaltation in the world to come. And that if we can learn these principles, and receive them in good and honest hearts, and teach them as our faith, and practice them in our lives, we shall show our manhood, our independence and our agency as creditably before the angels and the Gods, as any wicked man can, in refusing the good and cleaving to the evil, exhibit his before the devil and his angels.” (In Journal of Discourses, 19:180–81.) (21-31)Reference is made here to “the bones of Joseph”. When Joseph, Jacob’s son, was dying, he extracted a promise from the children of Israel that they would take his body with them when they left Egypt (see ). Most likely his body had been embalmed in the Egyptian manner.

Upon Israel’s departure from Egypt, Moses honored the promise and “took the bones of Joseph with him”. Following Israel’s arrival and settlement in the promised land, Joseph’s remains were interred, as recorded in. Points to Ponder(21-32) The inhabitants of Canaan were ferocious and warlike.

They resisted bitterly any attempt by others to settle on land they regarded as their own. But the Lord had given Canaan to the Israelites. It was theirs to hold if only they had the courage and strength to wrest it from the Canaanites and keep it safe from their enemies.In the strength of God, Joshua and Israel became fearless. Nations trembled at the mention of their name.

Courageously they swept over the land of Canaan, east and west of Jordan, and none could stop their conquering spirit—except themselves. They had earned, for the present, at least, the name Jeshurun (“righteous Israel”) because they had chosen to serve the Lord.The Saints today also face a world intent on their spiritual destruction. Canaan has long passed from the earth, but Satan, who incited Canaan’s wickedness and opposition to Israel, is still determined to destroy those who follow the Lamb of God (see ).

Sometimes modern Israel may feel apprehensive as they see the impending judgments drawing closer and closer. Modern Canaan will be destroyed in preparation for the establishment of a worldwide Zion, and this destruction is not pleasant to contemplate. Elder Ezra Taft Benson used two passages from the book of Joshua to counsel those who feel anxiety as they contemplate the future.“Now during this critical period, and it is a critical period that we are passing through, I hope that we will keep ever burning in our hearts the spirit of this great work which we represent. If we do so, we’ll have no anxiety; we’ll have no fear; we’ll not worry about the future because the Lord has given us the assurance that if we live righteously, if we keep his commandments, if we humble ourselves before him, all will be well. I turn to two passages of scripture today which I’d like to read:“‘ Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (.)“This was the Lord’s admonition to his son, Joshua, encouraging him to trust in God. Joshua answered that admonition in counsel to his people in these words:“‘ choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ (Ibid., 24:15.)“Embodied in these two passages of scripture are the two principal essentials for security and peace: first, trust in God; and second, a determination to keep the commandments, to serve the Lord, to do that which is right. Latter-day Saints who live according to these two admonitions—trust in God and keep the commandments—have nothing to fear.“The Lord has made it very clear in the revelations that even though times become perilous, even though we be surrounded by temptation and sin, even though there be a feeling of insecurity, even though men’s hearts may fail them and anxiety fill their souls, if we only trust in God and keep his commandments we need have no fear.” (In Conference Report, Oct.

1950, pp. 145–46.)(21-33) There are powerful spiritual lessons for modern Saints in the account of Achan and Israel’s defeat at Ai. First, the story shows the effect of individual sin on the whole community.

No one sins in isolation. We cannot say that our actions influence only ourselves for even if we do something sinful that is completely personal, our individual loss of spiritual power means a lessening of power for all mankind and contributes to the withdrawal of the Lord’s Spirit, and that is damaging to all mankind.There is a second valuable lesson in the Lord’s answer to Joshua when Joshua asked why Israel had been defeated (see ). If we have lost power with God, we can know, as surely as we know the sun will rise on the morrow, that the problem lies within us and not within God.

As He said in our day, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise”. And the key for restoring the relationship with God was also given when the Lord told Joshua, “Up, sanctify the people”.Joseph Smith was taught a similar lesson when the Church was deeply in debt. Read.Note how the Lord introduces a third element into the problem-solving process.

Most of us look at problems in this way:We think that the problem is something external, that is, if we can summon enough power, it can be solved through our own effort. But the Lord told Israel through both Joseph and Joshua that while there was an external problem, there was also an internal one that blocked the channels of true power. Here is how the problem-solving process should work:.How did Abraham and Sarah apply this principle in relationship to Sarah’s barrenness? (see ).How did Joseph use this principle when presented with the problem of interpreting the pharaoh’s dream? (see ).How could this lesson be applied in such modern situations as a wife with an inactive husband, a parent with wayward children, a child with unbelieving parents, a person struggling to overcome a bad habit?.How is this principle of power related to the principle taught in?.Isn’t this the whole principle behind the doctrine that ultimately we are saved by the grace of Christ “after all we can do”?.Read carefully.

Isn’t this the very way that we eventually come to salvation?