Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua 16

Get ready—this is one of the wildest weeks of reading yet! We’re wrapping up Deuteronomy, closing out the first five books of the Bible, and moving into the book of Joshua, where Israel finally steps into the Promised Land. This week’s reading is packed with major transitions, epic battles, and some hard lessons on obedience. It’s going to be amazing.

Also, I’ll be releasing a separate video on the introduction to the book of Joshua, so check the link coming on Thursday. Now, let’s dive into three major highlights from this week’s reading.

Major Highlights:

1. Moses to Joshua
   First, the transition from Moses to Joshua. Moses has led Israel for 40 years, but now, he’s passing the leadership to Joshua. This is a significant moment because it’s not just about a change in leadership—it’s about trusting that God’s promises don’t die with one person. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses reminds Israel that God Himself goes before them, and Joshua is commissioned to lead with strength and courage. This transition sets the stage for everything that follows.

2. Wanderers to Warriors
   Second, the conquest begins. Israel moves from being a wandering people to warriors. They cross the Jordan River miraculously, similar to the Red Sea crossing, and immediately face Jericho—their first major battle. But the victories aren’t about military strength; they’re about obedience to God’s instructions. From marching around Jericho to setting ambushes in Ai, every battle requires full dependence on God. The lesson? Success in God’s plan always comes through obedience.

3. Failure of Complete Obedience
   Third, the failure to fully drive out the inhabitants of the land. While Israel wins many battles, they don’t always follow through on God’s command to completely remove the people of the land. The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a treaty, and later, groups like the Jebusites and Canaanites remain in the land (Joshua 16). This partial obedience will have long-term consequences, leading to Israel’s future struggles with idolatry and corruption.

Key Themes to Pay Attention To:

1. Be Strong and Courageous
   In Joshua 1, God tells Joshua three times to “be strong and courageous.” This isn’t just about physical battles; it’s about trusting God in the face of overwhelming challenges. Just as Joshua needed courage to lead Israel, we need courage to walk in faith today. What’s one area in your life where you need to trust God’s strength over your own?

2. Devoted to Destruction
   This is one of the hardest parts of the book of Joshua—God’s command to completely destroy the inhabitants of the land. While this can seem harsh, it’s about absolute allegiance to God. These nations were deeply entrenched in idolatry and rebellion against God. In our lives, we are called to put to death anything that competes with our devotion to God (Colossians 3:5). What is God calling you to remove from your life to fully follow Him?

3. Listening for Instruction
   Joshua’s success wasn’t about his own wisdom; it was about following God’s precise instructions. From how to cross the Jordan to the exact way to bring down Jericho, God led Israel step by step. The same is true for us—God’s guidance is available, but we must listen and obey. How can you make space to hear God’s direction in your life?

Supernatural Worldview Focus:

Earthly + Spiritual Geography

The conquest of Canaan is not just a physical battle—it’s a spiritual one. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 reveals that God had disinherited the nations, assigning them to other spiritual beings, while claiming Israel as His own. The people in the land were not just random inhabitants; they were aligned with the seed of the serpent—those in rebellion against God’s rule. This theme goes back to Genesis 3:15. The conquest of Canaan was about reclaiming territory for God and His chosen people, driving out those who represented opposition to His kingdom.

This ties directly into the theme of being "devoted to destruction." The removal of these nations was about spiritual purification—eliminating the strongholds of idolatry and rebellion. Just as Israel had to drive out these forces, we are called to remove anything in our lives that stands in opposition to God’s reign. This is not just about external enemies but about the spiritual battle within—aligning ourselves fully with God’s purposes and refusing compromise.

Closing

This week’s reading is powerful. It challenges us to trust in God’s leadership, obey completely, and recognize the spiritual realities behind the physical world. Take a moment to reflect: Where is God calling you to be strong and courageous? What in your life needs to be fully surrendered to Him? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear what stands out to you.