Student Connect

great to meet Pastor greetings from Harare , Zimbabwe

Hello dexjoseph35

I am Catherine Luke I am new to the class my first day. Good to meet you. Joshuna is a good book to read. of the promise land

I. The Importance of the Physical Land of Israel in God's Plan

1. Historical and Theological Significance

• The land of Israel holds a central place in the history of God's relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, it was the land promised to Abraham and his descendants as an inheritance (Genesis 12:7). It was the place where God intended to establish His people and have them worship Him alone. The temple in Jerusalem, located in this land, was the center of religious life and sacrifice. It was a place where the presence of God was manifested in a special way among the people.

• Even in the New Testament, the land of Israel is the backdrop for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. His ministry took place in the towns and regions of this land, and Jerusalem was the site of His passion and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

1. Symbolic Value

• The land can be seen as a symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenantal promises. It represents the place where God's redemptive plan was initially centered and from where the message of salvation spread to the world.

II. The Return of the Jews to the Land and Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

1. Diverse Interpretations

• There are different views among Christians regarding the return of the Jews to the land as a fulfillment of prophecy. Some Christians believe that the regathering of the Jewish people to the land of Israel is a clear fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies such as those in Ezekiel 36 - 37, which speak of the restoration of Israel. They see it as a sign that God is still at work in His plan for the Jewish people and that the end - times events may be approaching.

• Others interpret these prophecies in a more spiritual or allegorical sense. They believe that the restoration promised in the Old Testament was fulfilled in a spiritual way through the coming of Jesus and the establishment of the Church, which is seen as the new Israel. In this view, the physical return of the Jews to the land may not have the same eschatological significance.

III. Christian Response to the Current Conflicts in the Region

1. Prayer and Compassion

• Christians should first and foremost respond with prayer. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the entire region (Psalm 122:6). This includes praying for the safety and well - being of both Israelis and Palestinians. We should have compassion for the suffering of all people affected by the conflict, regardless of their ethnicity or religious affiliation. There are innocent civilians on both sides who have endured the pain of war, displacement, and loss.

1. Advocacy for Justice and Peace

• Christians should advocate for justice and peace. This means speaking out against any form of violence and oppression. We should support efforts to find a just and lasting peace in the region. This might involve supporting organizations that work to provide humanitarian aid, promote dialogue between the two sides, and work towards a two - state solution or other peaceful resolutions.

1. Not "Taking Sides" in a Divisive Way

• While it's important to understand the historical and political contexts of the conflict, Christians should avoid simply "taking sides" in a way that fuels the animosity. We should recognize the rights and dignity of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The goal should be to see all people in the region as created in the image of God and to work towards a solution that respects the humanity and rights of everyone. We should look at the conflict through the lens of the gospel, which calls for love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

My Response

The book of Joshua offers several profound insights that enhance our understanding of Jesus and His ministry.

Firstly, the concept of God's promised land in Joshua parallels the idea of the kingdom of God that Jesus preached. In Joshua, the Israelites were on a journey to claim the land that God had promised them. This involved facing numerous challenges, battles, and moments of doubt. Similarly, Jesus came to inaugurate the kingdom of God on earth, and His followers are on a spiritual journey to enter and fully experience this kingdom. The Israelites' dependence on God to overcome their enemies in the conquest of Canaan mirrors the Christian's need to rely on Jesus to overcome the spiritual forces of darkness that oppose the establishment of God's kingdom in our lives.

Secondly, Joshua's role as a leader who was chosen by God to lead His people resonates with Jesus' role as the ultimate leader of God's people. Joshua was given specific instructions by God on how to lead the Israelites, and he had to have faith and courage to follow through. Jesus, too, is our leader who guides us according to God's will. He gives us the example of perfect obedience to the Father, and through His teachings and actions, He shows us the way to live in the kingdom of God.

After studying the lesson, I appreciate more deeply the victory that Jesus has achieved for us. Just as the Israelites experienced victory over their enemies in Canaan under God's guidance, Jesus has triumphed over sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection is the ultimate proof of this victory, and it gives us the assurance that we, too, can share in this victory through faith in Him. We no longer need to fear the powers that oppose us because Jesus has already overcome them.

Response to Another Student's Post

Student's Post: "I think the book of Joshua shows us how God is a God of justice. The Canaanites were punished for their wickedness, and the Israelites were used as God's instrument. When I think about Jesus, I realize that His sacrifice on the cross was also an act of justice. It was God's way of dealing with the problem of sin. But I'm still confused about how the violence in Joshua relates to Jesus' message of love."

My Response:

I completely agree with your point about God's justice being evident in the book of Joshua. The Canaanites' actions had reached a point where God's judgment was necessary. And you're spot - on in connecting this to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. His death was a just act that satisfied God's wrath against sin. It was the ultimate solution to the problem of humanity's disobedience.

Regarding your confusion about the violence in Joshua and Jesus' message of love, it's a common and valid concern. The key is to understand the context of salvation history. In the time of Joshua, God was establishing a people for Himself, a nation through which the Messiah would come. The Canaanite culture was deeply corrupt and idolatrous, and God's judgment was a step in the larger plan of redemption.

Jesus, on the other hand, came to fulfill the law and the prophets. His message of love is central to the new covenant. But His love doesn't ignore justice. His sacrifice on the cross is an act of both love and justice. He loves us so much that He was willing to bear the punishment for our sins. And this act of love also upholds God's justice.

We can also see that Jesus' love is about restoration and reconciliation. While the events in Joshua were about judgment and conquest, Jesus came to bring people back into a right relationship with God. His love is the foundation for the transformation of our hearts and lives, leading us to live in a way that reflects God's character.

My Approach to Teaching or Preaching on the Book of Joshua

I. Introduction and Setting the Context

I would begin by providing historical and cultural context. Explain that the Book of Joshua follows the Israelites' journey from the wilderness after the Exodus. They are about to enter the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which God had promised to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This context is crucial as it sets the stage for the battles, conquests, and the establishment of the Israelite nation in Canaan.

II. Emphasizing Key Themes

1. God's Faithfulness

• Throughout the book, God remains faithful to His promise to give the land to the Israelites. He guides Joshua, just as He had guided Moses. For example, when Joshua leads the people across the Jordan River, God miraculously stops the flow of the river (Joshua 3:1 - 17). This shows that God is with His people and will fulfill His covenant, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. I would encourage the audience to trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

1. Obedience and Disobedience

• The Israelites' success in the conquest of Canaan is directly related to their obedience to God's commands. When they follow God's instructions, like in the battle of Jericho where they marched around the city as God commanded (Joshua 6), they experience victory. However, when Achan disobeys and takes some of the devoted things from Jericho, it leads to defeat in the battle of Ai (Joshua 7). I would use these examples to stress the importance of obedience in the Christian life and the consequences of disobedience.

1. Leadership and Courage

• Joshua is a remarkable leader. God tells him multiple times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6 - 9). He steps into the role of leading the Israelites after the death of Moses, a huge responsibility. I would highlight how Joshua's leadership, based on his trust in God, can inspire modern - day leaders to be bold and confident in following God's will in their leadership positions.

III. Dealing with Issues

1. The Issue of Violence and Conquest

• One of the most challenging aspects of the Book of Joshua is the violence and conquest involved in taking the land. I would approach this by explaining the theological and historical reasons. The Canaanites were a corrupt and idolatrous people, and God's judgment was being carried out through the Israelites. However, this also raises questions about God's justice and mercy. I would discuss how God's ways are higher than our ways, and that in the grand scheme of salvation history, this was a necessary step for the establishment of a people who would preserve the knowledge of the one true God.

1. The Problem of Incomplete Conquest

• The Israelites did not completely drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan as God had commanded. This led to future problems, such as the Israelites intermarrying with the remaining Canaanites and adopting their idolatrous practices. I would use this as a lesson about the importance of following God's commands fully and not leaving room for compromise in our spiritual lives.

Response to Another Student's Post

Student's Post: "When teaching the Book of Joshua, I would start by making it relatable to modern - day struggles. I would focus on Joshua's trust in God during times of uncertainty. For example, when he had to lead the people into a new land filled with unknown dangers. I would also talk about the importance of unity among the Israelites. They had to work together to achieve their goal of taking the land. However, I'm not sure how to handle the more violent parts of the story, like the destruction of Jericho."

My Response:

I really like how you emphasized making the story relatable to modern - day struggles. Focusing on Joshua's trust in God during uncertainty is a great point. In our lives, we often face situations where the future is unclear, and looking at how Joshua relied on God can give us the strength to do the same.

Regarding the unity of the Israelites, it's a crucial theme. Just as they needed to be united to conquer the land, in our communities, whether it's a church, a family, or a workplace, unity is essential for achieving common goals. We can draw parallels to how divisions can weaken us and how coming together in a shared purpose can lead to success.

About the violent parts of the story, like the destruction of Jericho, it is a challenging topic. One way to approach it is to look at it from a historical and theological perspective. In the ancient Near East, warfare was a common part of life, and God was using the Israelites as an instrument of His judgment. But it's also important to note that this was a unique period in salvation history. We can contrast this with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. This can lead to a deeper discussion about how God's revelation has evolved over time and how we, as Christians, are called to live in the light of Jesus' teachings.

Justification of the Destruction of the Canaanites

Yolanda Laurent

Queens College of Theology

BS506 – Book of Joshua

January 16, 2025

Our Heavenly Father offers his love to us throughout our lives and his request from us is that we are faithful to him. That request seems very simple however; we have all had times where we fell short of fulfilling our end of the agreement. For God to continue to love us and be our everything it requires us to utilize our free-will and choose to serve him obediently and fervently. When we think of the magnificent presence of God and all that he has done for us and has continued to do for us; it is certainly understandable of his request and his reaction to us being disobedient and at times ungrateful and unappreciative of his grace and mercy.

As Christians, we cannot continue to be disobedient and not follow God as the results will be detrimental to us. As Christians we should attempt daily to walk in a manner where we trust God, intentionally obedient and faithful to him as he deserves that from us given all he has done for us. As Christians, we should truly understand the goodness of God and as we gain understanding from the word we should apply the knowledge so we can live more righteously Hebrews 10:26 -27 advises us of what can occur if we are knowledgeable of the truth yet continue to sin, the results can be dire to us.

How do you feel about the fact that God asked the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites?

God is immutable and infallible in all his ways. He is our sovereign God who exercises infallibility through his divine omniscience when he does things that should be done. Still, humans cannot fully comprehend his reactions towards our actions.  The results of God’s wrath are always justifiable. God’s decision to direct the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites is certainly one of those justifiable acts of God due to the sinful behaviors of the Canaanites. God’s covenant with the Israelites was to gift them a life that would be fully blessed and wonderful if they obeyed his words.

         In an effort to ensure that the Israelites were not influenced negatively by the Canaanites if they were to interact with them, God decided to have them destroyed. This was all in the protection of the Israelites; to keep them faithful to the path that God had ordained for them so that when they entered into the Promise Land it would be a holy place rid of evil. God's love for the Israelites and his desire to keep them as his faithful servants showed up in many circumstances. He did so many things for the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land and this directive was of value to the plan to keep the Israelites on the path to righteousness.

How would you explain why it was justified?

         I would never question the decisions of God as I honor him in an omniscient manner. His knowledge and actions are incomprehensible to me and that should be as it acknowledges how great he is in my life and should be in all our lives. Questioning God’s authority or his decisions is rebellious and futile which can lead to abysmal consequences. The decision to have the Israelites destroy the Canaanites was due to their iniquity. God wants us to live righteously therefore, if he is leading his people to the Promised Land then he would as he has always done protect us all from evil.

         God has shown how he would protect those he loves and are faithful to him in many instances in the Bible. Throughout the journey of leading the Israelites to the Promised Land God showed how much he was committed to them by providing all they needed including protection from anyone. Hence, the call for the destruction of the Canaanites was no different. Such a great display of love by ordering the destruction of those that he deems to be a threat to his people is truly magnificent. God's actions will always be justified as he knows best. 

What does it mean for us today?

         This level of love is what we all should want to have in our journey in this life. For us today this situation should pose as a wonderful example of how much God will do for us. If we decide in our hearts to love, honor, and follow God faithfully there is nothing that he would not do for us. What a wonderful space to be in where you are so loved by the most powerful being in existence that he would do anything for you. I use examples as this as I think all Christians should as a display of love and commitment from God to those who serve and honor him. Christians are so blessed to have the kind of agape love in abundance. If we follow God faithfully and passionately – his love will endure with us forever.

In what way was the destruction of Canaan an extraordinary event?

        The destruction of Canaan was extraordinary because it displayed how much God loved his people. This type of relationship everyone should desire to have; is a relationship where a person will do anything for us to ensure we are living righteously. God’s promise to lead the people of Israelites to the Promised Land was kept by him and he did all that was required to ensure that his end of the agreement was accomplished. God had promised the Israelites throughout their generations that they would inherit the Promised Land and as Joshua continued the conquest the destruction of Canaan was inevitable as God never fails in his promises to those that love and serve him.

        In closing, God’s display of his love for us ranges from simple to grandiose and all in between. There is nothing that he would not do for those who love and are faithfully obedient to him. Following God is a privilege and honor and we should truly commit to doing this wholeheartedly. Of course, we know that at times this life is not easy but it is always easier with God in our life and leading us. He has shown us time and time again how much he would love those who chose him, so we have no reason not to. God’s love is unlike any other and what he would do for us is incomparable and magnificent – look at his display by ordering the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites!

Reference

King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)