Lesson Number 18 - "Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

The selection of Joshua to replace Moses was anticipated by the Israelites. There was (and still is) a system that God established that there would always be a worthy "Prophet in waiting." Known examples include Joseph for Jacob, Joshua for Moses, Nephi for Lehi and presently President Thomas A. Monson for President Gordon B. Hinckley. These prophets were and are still led by the Lord. History sometimes only records the results of their decisions without elaborating on the revelatory decision making process.

"The actions of Joshua raise the moral issue of the right to take by conquest a land inhabited by another people. To this, the rabbis of the talmudic era argue that the land of Israel was divinely designated for the children of Israel, and that the Canaanites were merely acting as caretakers of the land until the Israelites arrived."

"During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua always issued proclamations inviting the nations to choose peace and abandon idolatry. Jericho refused and was destroyed. The Gibeonites, fearing the same fate, chose peace, gave up idolatry and became servants, the "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the sanctuary." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

The name Joshua means Jehovah saves. In Hebrew it is pronounced "Jeho-Shua." That is the original pronunciation for the Savior’s name. Through Greek and then into Latin and finally into English it has transformed into "Jesus." Accepting the Savior, Jeho-shua, requires stepping into a "gateway."

"Since the tribes of Israel under Joshua crossed the Jordan to enter Erez (land) Israel after the Exodus from Egypt, the Jordan river has come to have a deep significance for Jews, symbolizing the gateway to the homeland after years of wandering in exile in the desert. The Bible relates that Joshua led the Israelites to a place across the Jordan from Jericho, and that the waters suddenly and miraculously stopped flowing, enabling the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. Folklore and mythology have popularized the Jordan as the gateway to Paradise, and crossing it is seen as stepping from a world of troubles to one of peace. The river is also important to Christians because John the Baptist performed baptisms on its banks and Jesus was baptized there."

"Since the tribes of Israel under Joshua crossed the Jordan to enter Erez Israel after the Exodus from Egypt, the Jordan river has come to have a deep significance for Jews, symbolizing the gateway to the homeland after years of wandering in exile in the desert."

" Folklore and mythology have popularized the Jordan as the gateway to Paradise, and crossing it is seen as stepping from a world of troubles to one of peace." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

Some religious Jews who experience repeated immersions, (monthly for women and regularly for men) step into their immersion font from the East side, immerse themselves and then exit to the West side. This could be construed as a reminder of entering into the gateway of cleanness as the Children of Israel entered into their Promised Land.

For the religious Jews, immersions are favored below ground level in flowing water that emanates from bedrock - the "Rock of Salvation." Consider that the lowest spot on the face of the earth where water flows that originated in bedrock is where the Children of Israel crossed into their erstwhile homeland. Judaism and Christianity agree that it is also the likely spot where Jesus came to John the Levite in Judea and was immersed.

The twelve stones that the Children if Israel removed from the Jordan River were probably used as the altar at Gilgal, just East of Jericho. Gilgal became the temporary site of the center of worship, in effect, a temporary Temple.

"According to the Bible the altar was made of stones joined together with earth, the wider stones being placed below and the narrower above. The stones of the altar of the Temple were smooth and were plastered over twice a year, and according to Judah ha-Nasi were smoothed down with a cloth every Sabbath eve. Four stones were placed at the four corners of the altar; these were known as the "horns" of the altar." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

Already discussed, the Lord has many names such as "Rock of Salvation." Another name is the "Bread of Life." There is a distinct connection of rock and bread considering the ancient methods of preparing flour to make bread.

"When threshing, in order to separate the kernels from the husks, a large wooden board whose underside was set with basalt stones was dragged over the grain by a pair of oxen. The grains could then be shaken horizontally in a round sieve with a fiber net attached. This winnowing caused the lighter elements to be carried away by the wind while the heavier kernels fell down in a heap. The kernels were then milled or crushed (by stone)." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

The Law that Moses negotiated for the Children of Israel was written on stone. Stones have always been symbolic for Jews.

"On the breastplate were embedded 12 precious stones, one for each of the tribes of Israel, and the Talmud speculates that the oracular message was miraculously spelled out by the protruding of letters out of the tribal names inscribed on the stones." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

The account of the fall of Jericho is regularly remembered in Jewish tradition as the holiday of Sukkot is celebrated. Sukkot happens for eight days beginning with the first full moon after the first day of Fall. It is a reminder of wandering through the wilderness and living in a "Sukkah," a "bowery" which is a temporary housing also called a "Tabernacle." The festival of Sukkot is a sequel to the eight days of Passover (seven days preceded by a preparation day) which occurs at the first full moon after the first day of Spring. Both of these Spring and Fall holidays have Biblical instructions to gather all of Israel for Holy Convocations. Latter-day Saints gather twice a year for General Conference which emanates from the "Tabernacle."

"The Bible records that Joshua, while besieging Jericho, made a circuit around the city every day for six days, and seven circuits on the seventh, when the walls fell (Joshua 6:12--20). Today, in the synagogue, on the first six days of Sukkot (except Shabbat), a single circuit is made around the bimah (pulpit) by the congregants . . . and chant hoshanot (praises to the Lord). On the seventh day, Hoshana Rabba, the procession is repeated seven times. . . . Every adult male in the congregation is honored with carrying a Torah, and . . . there is much singing . . ." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

The account of Joshua and Caleb as spies or emissaries for Israel just after leaving Egypt, have additional symbolism because they returned with a good report, a faithful example of choosing to serve the Lord and then continued to lead Israel. They were of the tribes of Joseph (Joshua) and Judah (Caleb). The tribes of Joseph and Judah always led Israel and must through a good report, faithful example in choosing to serve the Lord, continue to lead Israel in the Latter-days. The two tribes will once again combine as emissaries for the Lord in preceding the gathering of the rest of Israel.

The symbol of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism is the characterization of the two emissaries (Joshua and Caleb) carrying a clump of grapes between them - bringing good news!