21

Joshua

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Joshua 1–5. Israel Was Prepared to Enter the Promised Land The Lord charged Joshua to serve with courage and faithfulness (see Joshua 1:1–9). The tribes with inheritances east of Jordan covenanted to assist the others in conquering Canaan (see Joshua 1:10–18). Israelite spies were aided by Rahab in Jericho (see Joshua 2). Miraculously, the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground (see Joshua 3). Israel built a memorial to commemorate the crossing (see Joshua 4). The covenant of circumcision was renewed, and the Passover was celebrated (see Joshua 5:1–12). Joshua beheld the Lord (see Joshua 5:13–15).	Religion 301 student manual, 21-1 through 21-12. Joshua 1:5; 4:14; 5:13–15. How did the Lord strengthen Joshua when he assumed the mantle of leadership from Moses? Exodus 15:14–16. How widespread among the Canaanites was the fear of the invading Israelites? How intense was it? (See also Joshua 2:9.) 1 Nephi 17:32–35. For what major reason did the Lord deliver the Canaanites into the hands of the Israelites? (see Joshua 2:24). Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 111–12. Who was the captain of the Lord’s host who appeared to Joshua?
Joshua 6–12. Israel Obtained Possession of the Land of Canaan Jericho was leveled and its inhabitants destroyed (see Joshua 6). Achan’s disobedience caused a temporary setback to Israel (see Joshua 7). The city of Ai was taken and its inhabitants destroyed (see Joshua 8:1–29). Joshua built an altar and read the words of the law before the congregation at Mount Ebal (see Joshua 8:30–35). The Israelites gained control of southern Canaan (see Joshua 9–10). The Israelites gained control of northern Canaan (see Joshua 11; JST, Joshua 11:20). The Israelites’ victories are summarized (see Joshua 12).	Religion 301 student manual, 21-13 through 21-26; 21-33. Hebrews 11:30. What caused the walls of Jericho to collapse? Ecclesiastes 9:18; 10:1. Can just one man’s failures or sins affect the welfare of a larger group? Exodus 34:11–12. How did Joshua and the Israelites err in their dealings with the Gibeonites? (see also Joshua 9:14–15; Alma 37:37).
Joshua 13–21. Inheritances Were Given in the Promised Land The tribes were allotted territories (see Joshua 13–19). Six cities of refuge were appointed (see Joshua 20). Forty-eight cities were appointed for the Levites (see Joshua 21).	Religion 301 student manual, 21-27. Numbers 13:30; 14:24. Why did Caleb receive a special inheritance? (see also Joshua 14:13–14). Numbers 18:20–24; Deuteronomy 10:9, 18:1–2. Why did the tribe of Levi not receive an inheritance? (see also Joshua 13:14). Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Oct. 1979, p. 115. What important lessons can we learn from Caleb’s request to be allotted territory in the area of the enemy Anakim? (see also Joshua 14:6–14).
Joshua 22–24. Joshua Died The construction of an altar caused misunderstanding (see Joshua 22). Joshua’s first farewell address appealed to Israel to keep themselves separate from the world (see Joshua 23). Joshua’s second farewell address caused the people to renew their covenants with God (see Joshua 24:1–27). The people departed to their inheritances, and both Joshua and Eleazar died (see Joshua 24:28–33).	Religion 301 student manual, 21-28 through 21-32. Deuteronomy 10:12. What does the Lord require of his people? Matthew 6:24. Is partial commitment to God sufficient? (see also Joshua 23:6–8, 11–13; 24:19–20). D&C 1:38. God fulfills all of his promises (see also Joshua 23:14). D&C 20:37, 77, 79. Are Latter-day Saints ever witnesses against themselves? (see also Joshua 24:22). D&C 42:29. What is the natural result of loving God? DS, 3:34. Saints may escape plagues by obedience. N. Eldon Tanner, in CR, Apr. 1971, pp. 67–72. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

God Always Keeps His Promises (Sections B–C)

Use the map in the Religion 301 student manual, 21-23, to show the pattern of the conquest of Canaan. Discuss the three military theaters (Jericho and Ai, southern Canaan, and the northern confederacy) and point out examples of the Lord’s aid to the children of Israel in their conquest of Canaan. Compare Joshua 22:4 and 23:5, 14 with Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. Discuss God’s promise to his people that he would support them and give them an inheritance in the promised land. As a God of truth who cannot lie (see Ether 3:12; D&C 63:6), he fulfilled his promise. Testify of this fact, and use this concept to discuss how God’s promises to us can give us faith and courage in times of trial and difficulty.

The Greatness of Joshua (Sections A–B; D)

Although Joshua has been overshadowed by the greatness of Moses, he was in his own right a mighty leader in Israel. Allow your students time to locate passages of scripture that highlight Joshua’s life or give insight into his character. Discuss them and what they-teach about his greatness. You could supplement the students’ list with some of the following:

Numbers 13:8, 16; Deuteronomy 32:44. Joshua was the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. Moses changed his name from Hoshea to Jehoshua.

Numbers 11:28. As a young man Joshua was a servant of Moses.

Exodus 17. Joshua distinguished himself in battle against the Amalekites.

Exodus 24:9–13. Joshua was among the seventy elders who were allowed to see the Lord at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Exodus 24:12–18. Joshua accompanied Moses into the higher reaches of Mount Sinai, patiently waiting until his leader returned from talking with the Lord.

Numbers 13:1–2; 14:6–10. Joshua was one of twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan to search out the land. Only he and Caleb showed faith in God in reporting their findings.

Deuteronomy 1:37–38. Joshua was divinely designated as Moses’ successor.

Numbers 27:18–23. Joshua was solemnly consecrated by Moses to be his successor.

Joshua 3:7–4:14. Joshua’s stature in the eyes of the Israelites was increased by the miracle at the River Jordan.

Joshua 5:13–15. A visit from the captain of the Lord’s host attested to Joshua’s divine mission.

Joshua 6–12. Joshua demonstrated superior ability as a military commander (see especially Joshua 10:12–14; 11:15).

Joshua 23–24. Joshua’s farewell speeches give evidence of his unwavering devotion (see especially Joshua 23:6, 8, 11, 14; 24:14–15, 26–28).

Why the Canaanites Were Destroyed (Section B)

The complete destruction of Canaanite cities and near-extermination of the Canaanite inhabitants may seem unduly harsh, but it should be remembered that the Canaanites were utterly corrupt. The Lord never destroys a people until they are “ripe in iniquity” (1 Nephi 17:35; see also Genesis 15:13–16; Moses 8:20–22, 28–30; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7). Uncompromising opposition to the Canaanites and their depravity was the only alternative the Israelites had if they themselves were to survive spiritually. Help your students understand why the annihilation of the Canaanites was necessary (see Leviticus 18:3, 20–25; Deuteronomy 7:1–6; 9:4–6; 18:9–12; 20:17–18; 1 Nephi 17:32–35).

The Lord Will Fight Our Battles (Section B)

The book of Joshua testifies that God will fight the battles of his people. Discuss what that promise means. What does the book of Joshua teach about what the Lord requires of his people? Will he take away their challenges and problems or solve all of them himself? What light do the following scriptures shed on this promise: Alma 38:5; Ether 12:27; 1 Corinthians 10:13?

The Importance of Obedience (Section D)

Point out that in Joshua, chapters 23 and 24, Joshua pleaded with his people to keep their covenants and obey the Lord God of Israel. He also warned them of dire consequences if they failed to do so (see Joshua 23:13–16). Ask the students if we share a similar obligation to obey divine regulations and if we need to worry about similar consequences if we choose not to keep the Lord’s commandments (see Religion 301 student manual, 21-30; 21-32; Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:34).