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“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given to you…”
— Joshua 1:3 (AMP)

INTRODUCTION #

The Book of Joshua is a powerful continuation of God’s unfolding purpose through the children of Israel. After the death of Moses, God appoints Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land—not merely as an act of conquest, but of covenant fulfilment.

But more than a historical conquest, this book unveils deep spiritual truths about:

• Union with Christ
• Inheriting spiritual promises
• Walking in obedience by the Spirit
• Driving out the remnants of the flesh

Let’s explore how Joshua is not just a book of battles, but a picture of Jesus leading His people into rest and victory.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK #

HEBREW WORD STUDIES #

CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF JOSHUA #

THEMES AND LESSONS #

1. Inheriting the Promises #

God had already sworn by Himself to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his seed:

“On the same day the Lord made a covenant (binding agreement) with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I have given this land…’”
— Genesis 15:18 (AMP)

It was not a vague possibility. It was a settled promise. But promise alone was not possession. Israel still had to step into it, face giants, cross rivers, and obey divine instruction.

Likewise, in Christ, God has already granted us every spiritual blessing:

“He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.”
— Ephesians 1:3 (AMP)

This means that your inheritance is not earned—but it must be walked into. Possession is not passive. It is not automatic. The blessings are in Christ, but they must be received, matured, and manifested through a life of faith.

What is “Inheritance” Spiritually? #

The Greek word used in Ephesians 1:3 for “blessing” is εὐλογία (eulogia), meaning a good word or favour spoken over—what God has decreed over us in Christ.

The word “inheritance” throughout Scripture implies:

Spiritual Warfare Is Part of Inheritance #

Just as Israel had to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, so we must overcome the works of the flesh, the patterns of the old man, and the lies of the enemy.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4 (AMP)

Many want the land but avoid the war. But every inheritance has giants, and every promise has conditions—not to earn it, but to cooperate with it by the Spirit.

Obedience and Walking by the Spirit #

The land flowing with milk and honey could not be entered by murmuring Israel in the wilderness. They died outside the promise because of unbelief:

“So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest] because of unbelief and an unwillingness to trust in God.”
— Hebrews 3:19 (AMP)

Your inheritance in Christ is tied to union, obedience, and surrender.

“For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
— Romans 8:14 (AMP)

You do not conquer by striving but by surrender. By yielding to the Spirit, you are led into territory the flesh cannot enter.

Israel’s Journey & Spiritual Parallel in Christ #

A Call to Possess #

God is not withholding your inheritance. It is already yours in Christ. But the question is: will you step into it?

“Do not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
— Hebrews 6:12 (AMP)

This is not religion. It is a relationship. You are called to walk by the Spirit, fight the good fight of faith, and inherit what has already been freely given to you.

2. Crossing the Jordan: A Picture of Death to Self #

“And it shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord… rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off… and they will stand in one mass.”
— Joshua 3:13 (AMP)

Crossing the Jordan was not just a geographic event—it was a spiritual picture. Israel had left Egypt, wandered in the wilderness, and now stood at the edge of promise. But between them and their inheritance lay one final barrier: the Jordan River—a prophetic image of death to self, and entry into the resurrected life of Christ.

Jordan Symbolism in Scripture #

What Jordan Represents Spiritually #

A. The End of the Wilderness Life #

Wilderness represents carnality, double-mindedness, murmuring, and survival mentality. The Jordan crossing marks the end of wandering and the beginning of warfare.

You cannot carry wilderness attitudes into your Canaan assignment.

“Let us therefore rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us…”
— Hebrews 12:1 (AMP)

B. A Baptism into Death #

The name “Jordan” comes from the Hebrew word Yarad (יָרַד), meaning to go down, descend. Spiritually, the Jordan is a descent into death to self.

Just as Israel entered the Jordan and came out on the other side as a new people, we too must pass through death:

“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:4 (AMP)

C. Following the Ark #

The Ark represents the Presence of God, and the priests carried it into the river first. Christ, our High Priest, went before us into death:

“Jesus has entered [the sanctuary] as a Forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever…”
— Hebrews 6:20 (AMP)

He stands during death so we can pass through safely.

Spiritual Parallel: Baptism and Union #

Crossing the Jordan is the Old Testament type of the New Testament baptism—not just water baptism, but the spiritual immersion into Christ.

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—spiritually transformed, united together…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:13 (AMP)

It is a once-for-all transition from the fleshly life of Adam to the Spirit-led life of Christ.

Post-Jordan Realities #

Crossing Jordan is not the end—it is the beginning of warfare, occupation, and maturity. Giants still dwell in the land, but now the battle is the Lord’s.

“You shall remember that the Lord your God is He who goes before you as a consuming fire…”
— Deuteronomy 9:3 (AMP)

What This Means for Us Today #

To cross your Jordan is to say:

“I am no longer living by survival. I will walk by faith. I will trust the Presence to lead me. I will follow Christ into the unknown.”

3. Victory through Faith, Not Might #

“See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors.”
— Joshua 6:2 (AMP)

Jericho was the first city Israel faced after crossing the Jordan. Its walls were tall, fortified, and intimidating. To the natural mind, it was impossible to conquer. Yet God’s strategy had nothing to do with weapons—only with obedience.

This was not a military campaign. It was a spiritual pattern.

Prophetic Significance of Jericho #

A Pattern of Overcoming by Faith #

Joshua’s instructions were clear, strange, and unconventional. March in silence. Do nothing. Wait. Then blow trumpets and shout. This was a test of obedience-based warfare.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”
— Hebrews 11:30 (AMP)

Obedience, not striving, brought the victory. The people had to walk in circles for days before the breakthrough came. This is how we war in the Spirit. Not by effort, but by alignment with heaven.

Strongholds Fall by Obedience #

In the New Covenant, Jericho represents every fortress of thought, fear, sin, or addiction that seems immovable. But Paul writes:

“The weapons of our warfare are not physical… but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (AMP)

Strongholds are broken when:

• The Presence leads
• The people align
• The voice of the Spirit is obeyed

Christ Is Our Jericho Conqueror #

4. Dividing the Inheritance Tribe by Tribe #

Because God is a God of order. He did not call a crowd; He called a family with tribes, identity, and destiny. Each tribe had its portion, boundaries, and role in the unfolding purposes of God.

“The boundary lines [of the land] have fallen for me in pleasant places…”
— Psalm 16:6 (AMP)

Christ in the Division of the Land #

From Land to Life: Our New Testament Inheritance #

The book of Joshua is not just about geography but spiritual identity. It prophetically reveals how believers today are to step into their spiritual inheritance in Christ:

“In Him also we have received an inheritance…”
— Ephesians 1:11 (AMP)

This inheritance includes:

• Spiritual authority (Luke 10:19)
• Victory over the flesh (Romans 6:14)
• Union with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
• Access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
• The gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7)

But just like the tribes of Israel, each of us must claim, possess, and walk in what has been given.

A Warning from the Half-Hearted #

Some tribes—like Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh—chose land outside of the Promised Land’s boundaries (Numbers 32). Though they requested it, it was not God’s best.

They remind us that it is possible to:

• Choose comfort over calling
• Settle for less than God’s full plan
• Drift spiritually by staying on the edges

The Holy Spirit Divides as He Wills #

Today, our inheritance is not measured in acres but in grace, gifts, and function within the Body of Christ:

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:11 (AMP)

God still assigns. He still divides. He still appoints gifts, spheres, callings, and responsibilities. There is no place for comparison—only faithful occupation of what He has given you.

5. Caleb and Hebron: Wholehearted Possession #

“Now give me this hill country… for you heard on that day that the Anakim were there… perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out…”
— Joshua 14:12 (AMP)

Caleb was 85 years old, yet his strength had not waned. Why? Because he had another spirit (Numbers 14:24)—a spirit of faith and wholly following the Lord. While others feared the giants, Caleb set his eyes on Hebron, the very place known for its giants—and claimed it for God.

What Is Hebron? #

• Hebron means fellowship or joining.
• It was the ancient burial ground of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• It was once a stronghold of the Anakim, the giants who caused Israel to fear.

By asking for Hebron, Caleb wasn’t choosing ease—he was choosing legacy. He was claiming a place of covenant history and turning it into covenant destiny.

Christ in Caleb and Hebron #

The Caleb Spirit #

To walk in the “Caleb spirit” means:

• You do not settle for less than God’s full promise
• You pursue your inheritance even when others fear
• You ask boldly—no matter your age, delay, or past
• You turn places of defeat into platforms of divine destiny

6. Cities of Refuge: Christ Our Safe Place #

“You shall designate cities to serve as cities of refuge for you, so that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally may flee there…”
— Numbers 35:11, fulfilled in Joshua 20

After the land was divided, six cities of refuge were appointed. These cities were safe havens for people who accidentally killed someone. They could flee there and be protected from revenge until a fair trial was held.

Why Were These Cities Needed? #

Because ancient Israel had no police force. Justice could easily become revenge, and bloodshed could become a cycle. God provided a way for mercy and safety in the midst of judgment.

Christ: The Ultimate City of Refuge #

Flee to our Refuge #

We all have unintentional sins—moments of weakness, failures, things done in ignorance. The cities of refuge remind us that God makes provision for even our deepest regrets.

But we must flee to the refuge.
Not walk. Not delay. Run.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10

7. A Warning about Partial Obedience #

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump…”
— Galatians 5:9 (AMP)

The book of Joshua celebrates many victories—Jericho fell, the sun stood still, and kings were defeated. But it ends with a sobering truth: not all the land was fully possessed.

“There remains yet very much land to be possessed.”
— Joshua 13:1 (AMP)

Some of the Canaanite nations remained, either because of fear, laziness, treaties, or compromise. This partial obedience would later become the cause of idolatry, war, and judgment in the generations that followed. What was not driven out became a snare (Judges 2:2–3).

The Danger of Incomplete Surrender #

God does not call us to almost obedience. He desires a whole heart—not ninety-nine percent.

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5 (AMP)

What Israel left unconquered externally became their downfall internally.

Incomplete Obedience in Joshua & Incomplete Obedience in Us #

Jesus does not merely want to live in us; He wants to reign in us. That means yielding every part—not just what is convenient.

Christ, Our Obedience #

“Through the obedience of the One, the many will be made righteous.”
— Romans 5:19 (AMP)

Where Israel failed, Christ succeeded. He obeyed the Father perfectly, even to the death of the cross. And now, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are empowered to walk in true obedience—not from fear, but from union with Christ.

“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
— Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

Key Truths #

1. Victory over sin begins with total heart submission to Christ
2. Partial surrender is still disobedience
3. What you tolerate today may destroy you tomorrow
4. Obedience is not performance, but yielding to the Spirit

5. Covenant Faithfulness and Choice #

“Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…”
— Joshua 24:15 (Amp)

As Joshua neared the end of his life, he stood before the people not only as a military leader but as a covenant father. He had seen the hand of God split the Jordan, bring down Jericho, and fight for His people again and again. And now, with aged clarity and spiritual urgency, he lays before them the final choice:

“Choose today…”

This was not a moment for shallow religion or mere tribal identity. Joshua was asking for a covenantal allegiance from the heart. Would they serve the living God in intimacy—or fall back into the gods of Egypt, of the Amorites, of convenience?

It Was Never Just About the Land #

The promised land was never the final goal. The land was a platform for relationships. The inheritance of Canaan was always meant to point to a greater spiritual reality—living in covenant fellowship with God.

“He brought us out from there so that He might bring us in…”
— Deuteronomy 6:23 (Amp)

They were not just saved from Pharaoh, but called to serve Yahweh in love. God did not want obedience from fear, but obedience that flows from intimacy and reverence.

Obedience Flows from Love #

Joshua’s final appeal was not merely moral, but relational:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (Amp)

He was saying: I have known His faithfulness. I have tasted His presence. I choose Him.

This mirrors Jesus’ words:

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
— John 14:15(Amp)

Love is the foundation of obedience. Covenant faithfulness is not about external law, but internal union with God. Just as marriage is not maintained by rules but by relational devotion, so our walk with God is sustained by love.

Repeated Patterns: Choice and Consequence #

Throughout the Bible, God gives His people choices, and those choices carry consequences:

God never forces devotion. He invites us into partnership—to choose Him daily, intimately, fully.

Fulfilled in Christ #

Christ is the true Covenant-Keeper. Where Israel faltered, Jesus obeyed perfectly. And now, through the Spirit, we are empowered to walk in new covenant faithfulness:

“Now may the God of peace… strengthen you [making you complete and perfect] in every good work to do His will…”
— Hebrews 13:20–21 (Amp)

Our obedience flows not from fear of judgment, but from the indwelling life of Christ:

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
— Colossians 1:27 (Amp)

6. Rest from War (Joshua 21–22) #

“So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers… not one of their enemies withstood them… the Lord gave them rest on every side…”
— Joshua 21:43–44 (AMP)

After years of conquest, Israel enters into rest. The land was distributed. The tabernacle was established at Shiloh. The eastern tribes return home with blessings and peace (Joshua 22). This “rest” was more than a military victory—it was covenant peace under God’s rule.

Christ, Our True Rest #

This earthly rest in Canaan foreshadowed a greater spiritual rest that would come through Christ.

“For we who believe enter that rest…”
— Hebrews 4:3 (AMP)

To walk in this rest today means:

• You cease from self-effort
• You trust in Christ’s finished work
• You live from the Spirit, not for approval

7. Final Warnings and Covenant Renewal (Joshua 23–24) #

“Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth…”
— Joshua 23:14 (AMP)

As he nears death, Joshua delivers two final messages:

1. A call to faithfulness – warning Israel not to mix with the nations, marry their daughters, or serve their gods.
2. A covenant renewal – recounting God’s mighty acts from Egypt to Canaan, ending with this famous call:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
— Joshua 24:15 (AMP)

Joshua’s Final Plea: Covenant Loyalty #

He charges the people to:

• Remember God’s faithfulness
• Put away idols
• Serve God with sincerity and truth

This covenant moment mirrors Exodus 19–20 (Mount Sinai), but now it’s at Shechem, a place of promise and decision.

“You cannot serve the Lord,” Joshua says, unless you’re truly surrendered. (Joshua 24:19)

Christ and Covenant Fulfilment #

Application of the Book of Joshua #

• Victory is possible, but only by faith
• Rest is real, but only in Christ
• Obedience matters, but only through the Spirit
• Inheritance is available, but must be possessed
• Idolatry is still deadly, and the call to choose God daily remains

In Christ,
Godwin.