Joshua 3 and Isaiah 57

Joshua 3

- Joshua took Israel to banks of Jordan and set up camp.
- The officers spent 3 days telling the people that when the see Levitical priests carrying the ark, they should follow it.
- The people should stay 2,000 cubits behind the ark.
- Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves because tomorrow God would do wonders (he was anticipating God to do awesome things)
- The Lord told Joshua that he would do great things through Joshua just like He did through Moses.
- Joshua told the people that God would do great things so they should know God will remove the other nations.
- Joshua said that as soon as the priest's feet touch the waters they shall be held back in a heap.
- When their feet touch the water it stood in a heap at the city of Adam a far distance away.
- Could the people have seen the waters standing "in a heap"?
- The whole nation crossed on dry ground through the Jordan and the Jordan was high at that time due to perennial flooding.

Isaiah 57
- No one cares when the righteous dies
- The righteous man leaves calamity and enters peace (heaven?)
- These verses talk to sons of the sorceress, adulterer, and loose woman.
- God wants to know who they are mocking
- Their children are children of deceit.
- The burn with lust and kill their children.
- They have sacrificed to stones
- They sacrifice on a high mountain, they deserted God and opened up their beds.
- They have journeyed to the king and multiplied perfumes.
- The were weary at the length of their way, but did not say it is hopeless.
- The found new life doing things their way.
- They did not fear God when they lied.
- Their righteousness and their deeds will not profit them.
- God says they should cry out to their idols for deliverance.
- God says that those who take refuge in Him will lifted up.
- Those who trust in God, He will remove obstacles.
- Those with contrite and lowly spirit God sees and helps.
- He will revive their spirits.
- God will not always be angry with them.
- God was angry at the unjust gains and backsliding of the people.
- God will lead, restore, and comfort them.
- God promises peace to the far and near.
- There is no peace for the wicked who are like waves tossing dirt about.

Joshua 1 and Isaiah 55

Joshua 1

- The Lord to Joshua that Moses was dead and that he was to lead the Israelites across the Jordan.
- All of the land they touch will be theirs from Lebonon to the Euphrates River
- The will own the wilderness and the land west of the Great Sea (Red Sea?")
- No man will be able to stand against them.
- God tells Joshua twice to be strong and courageous and to do the commandments God had given to them.
- Following God's laws = good success and wisdom
- Joshua should meditate on God's law day and night = success and prosperity
- God tells him to be strong and courageous and not to fear a third time because God is with him
- Joshua sent officers to tell the people that they'd cross the Jordan in 3 days
- Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh and said God will give them rest and this land.
- These 3 groups were to leave their families in this land and go help the Israelites fight in the new land.
- After they help their brothers get land and find rest they can return home.
- They all agreed to go wherever he sent them.
- They promised to obey Joshua like they obeyed Moses.
- They added that God be with him as God was with Moses.
- They said that anyone who rebelled would be put to death.
- They ended by saying being strong and courageous.

Isaiah 55
- Starts by telling anyone thirsty to come to me
- They are to come and get wine and milk without money
- He asks why they labor for unsatisfying things
- He says to listen and eat what is good
- He says to listen so they might live
- He will make an everlasting covenant of love like he did with David
- An unknown nation will run to them because of God.
- He says to seek God while He is near
- Let the wicked forsake his ways and thoughts
- The wicked can still return to God and be pardoned
- God says their ways and thoughts are not aligned with His.
- God's ways and thoughts are higher than theirs.
- God's word will not return to Him empty like rain or snow.
- His word will accomplish His purpose and succeed in the thing He sent it for
- They shall be led in joy and peace.
- The mountains, hills, and tress will clap their hands and sing.
- The cypress will replace the thorn
- The myrtle shall replace the brier
- It shall make a name for the Lord and a sign that won't be cut off
- What is "it"?