Joshua 5-6 The Walls Come Tumbling Down
The theme of Joshua 5-6 is “The Walls Came Tumbling Down,” describing Israel’s miraculous victory at Jericho, their first major conquest in Canaan. Before the battle, God commanded the younger males to be circumcised, fulfilling their covenant with Abraham. The Israelites celebrated Passover and began eating the land’s produce instead of manna. Joshua encountered the commander of the Lord’s army, believed to be a manifestation of Jesus. God provided an unusual strategy: March around Jericho’s walls for six days, then seven times on the seventh day, blow trumpets and shout. The walls fell solely by God’s power, while Rahab and her family were spared due to her faith. These events highlight the importance of obedience and trust in God’s supernatural power for victory.
Joshua 3-4 Crossing The Jordan
The theme of Joshua 3-4 is “Crossing the Jordan.” After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land but must first cross the Jordan River during its flood stage. Guided by God, the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river, and the waters miraculously halt, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. Joshua instructs 12 men to take stones from the riverbed to create a memorial at Gilgal, reminding future generations of God’s power and faithfulness. This event demonstrates that trusting God and obeying him leads to overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and entering into his promises.
Joshua 2 Preparing To Conquer Jericho
The theme of Joshua 2 is about an unlikely ally. Preparing to conquer Jericho, Joshua sends two spies who hide in the home of Rahab, a woman with a bad reputation who risks her life to protect them. Rahab’s faith in God is remarkable, as she trusts in his power after hearing of his miracles, including parting the Red Sea and defeating enemy kings. Rahab secures a promise to save her family during the destruction by hanging a scarlet cord in her window. The spies return to Joshua with encouraging news about Jericho’s fear. Rahab’s story shows that anyone can trust in God and find redemption, regardless of their past.
Joshua 1 Strong and Courageous
The theme of Joshua 1 is “Strong and Courageous.” After Moses’ death, Joshua takes leadership, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God reassures Joshua to be strong and courageous and to obey and meditate on the Law, making God’s Word central to his leadership and success. Joshua prepares the tribes, including those living east of the Jordan, for the crossing while affirming unity. The chapter highlights faith, obedience and the courage needed to trust God’s promises and act boldly for his purposes.
Deuteronomy 33-34 Blessings And A Final Goodbye
The theme of Deuteronomy 33-34 is Blessings and a Final Goodbye. As Moses reaches the end of his leadership and life, he blesses each of the twelve tribes of Israel, acknowledging their unique role in God’s plan. He praises God for His faithfulness and reminds the Israelites of their special relationship with Him. In chapter 34, Moses goes to Mount Nebo, where God allows him to see the Promised Land he would not enter. Moses dies at 120 years old, still strong and full of vigor. God personally buries him, and his grave remains unknown to this day—possibly to prevent the site from becoming a shrine. The Israelites mourn him for 30 days, recognizing that no prophet had been greater than Moses, who knew God face to face. Leadership is passed on to Joshua, who is filled with wisdom to lead the people into their next chapter.
Deuteronomy 31-32 The Transition of Leadership
The theme of Deuteronomy 31-32 is The Transition of Leadership. As Moses’ life and leadership come to an end, he passes his role to Joshua, preparing him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses, now 120 years old, reminds the people that God will go with them. He encourages Joshua to be strong, courageous, and faithful to God’s commands. Moses officially commissions Joshua before all the people, ensuring a smooth and unified leadership transition. God emphasizes the importance of the Law, instructing the Israelites to write it down, keep it beside the Ark of the Covenant, and read it regularly. Chapter 32 includes Moses’ poetic song, praising God for His faithfulness while warning the Israelites not to forget His blessings. Despite their future unfaithfulness, Moses points to God’s justice and mercy. These chapters remind us of the importance of preparing future leaders and staying rooted in God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 29-30 The Decision Is Yours!
The theme of Deuteronomy 29-30 is The Decision is Yours! Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s covenant and the choice placed before them: obey and receive blessings or disobey and face curses. In chapter 29, Moses recalls God’s faithfulness, from rescuing them from Egypt to providing for them in the wilderness. He warns the people not to turn to idols like the nations around them, and he stresses that rebellion leads to devastating consequences, including exile. Chapter 30 highlights the mercy of God, showing that if the people choose to repent and return to Him, He promises restoration and blessings. Moses stresses that obeying God isn’t impossible—His Word is near, in their hearts and mouths. The message is clear: they hold the choice between life and death, blessings and curses. For us today, this passage reminds us that following God is a decision that affects every area of life.
Deuteronomy 27-28 Blessings And Curses
The theme of Deuteronomy 27-28 is Blessings and Curses. Moses delivers his final instructions before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, showing the two sides of God’s covenant: blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. In chapter 27, the Israelites were told to build an altar and write God’s laws on large stones as a public reminder. From Mount Gerizim, blessings were proclaimed to encourage faithfulness to God, while Mount Ebal represented curses for breaking His commands. Chapter 28 explains the blessings of obedience—fruitfulness, protection from enemies, and prosperity—but also outlines the severe consequences of turning away from God. Curses for disobedience included suffering, poverty, defeat, and exile. These chapters remind us that God’s commands are not to be taken lightly. Obeying Him leads to life and favor, while rejection brings consequences. Even today, our choices show if we choose the path of blessing or curse.
Deuteronomy 26 Our Best For His Glory
The theme of Deuteronomy 26 is Our Best for His Glory. This chapter reminds the Israelites to honor God by bringing Him their first and best offerings. As they entered the Promised Land, they were told to give the “firstfruits” of their harvest—showing gratitude to God as the source of all blessings. This included physically bringing their offerings to the tabernacle, presenting them to the priest, and reciting a prayer of thanksgiving that remembered how God had delivered their ancestors from Egyptian slavery and given them the land. The act of tithing was not just practical (to support Levites, the poor, and others in need) but also spiritual, reflecting faith and obedience. The chapter ends with a call to obedience, reminding the Israelites they were chosen to reflect God’s goodness to the world. Today, this teaches us to offer God our best—with thankful hearts and full devotion.
Deuteronomy 24-25 Open Hands And Changed Hearts
The theme of Deuteronomy 24-25 is Open Hands and Changed Hearts. In these chapters, Moses gives laws that promote kindness, justice, and fair treatment in society. The Israelites are told to care for the poor, widows, and travelers, remembering that they were once slaves in Egypt. This includes allowing the needy to gather food left in fields during harvest and being generous when lending to others. Regulations about divorce and family life highlight the need for respect and honesty in relationships. The Levirate Marriage law required a brother-in-law to marry a widow to preserve the family name and provide for her. Chapter 25 also addresses fairness in trade, punishments for crimes, and protection for animals and laborers. These laws emphasize that faith in God is shown through integrity, generosity, and love for others. Today, these principles remind us that godly living goes hand in hand with caring for people around us. #Faith, God's Care