Joshua

Crossing the River Jordon on dry ground during the flood season, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing.

In the book of Joshua, the narrative continues where it left off in Numbers. Joshua has been ordained by Moses and takes over leadership of the nation of Israel. He turns out to be a Godly and very capable leader and army general. At long last, the people cross the Jordon River into the promised land. The first part of the book involves spies, battles, war tactics, and plenty of death and mayhem. The last parts of the book really bogs down in legal and geographical information as the law is again reiterated and the boundaries of the inheritance of each of the tribes is described in detail.

For the most part, the people are finally on side with God and obey him to the letter. When there is one exception, a battle is lost and the guilty parties are put to death, willingly it seems. As the Lord promised, Israel's enemies 'melt' before them. The twelve tribes of Israel take the promised land from its inhabitants in a very forceful and decisive manner.  

Impressions: God is really driving it home that he wants his people to be "set apart". There is zero tolerance for adopting any culture from their enemies, be it religious or social. We, today, are distracted and influenced by our own culture way beyond what Israel was. Has God changed in his patience? No. There is a new covenant. Were we still under the law of Moses, we would all be dead men walking.

Readability: Up to Chapter 12,  4 1/2 stars. Beyond chapter 12,        1 star