BSF: People of the Promised Land, Part I

From Joshua to Solomon, God’s united people entered and flourished in the promised land.

This 30 week studies will begin, separately for both men and women, during the lunch hour beginning in September.Beginning with Israel’s entrance into Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, People of the Promised Land I and II chart the ups and downs of the nation of Israel. People of the Promised Land I covers the united kingdom of Israel, from Joshua to Solomon.We will study the books of Joshua, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11 and overviews of Psalms and Proverbs.

Overview

Joshua: In the days after Moses, a new leader would guide God’s people faithfully and courageously into the land the Lord had promised.Ruth: During the days of Judges, the people repeatedly turned their hearts away from the Lord. Yet amid the darkness, stories of grace, such as Ruth’s, resonate and foreshadow God’s great offer of mercy to the Gentiles.The Last Judge and First King: Samuel was the last of Israel’s judges and God’s answer to a childless woman’s prayer. Amid the people’s rebellion, God called on Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.David: A great warrior as well as a beautiful poet, David became Israel’s anointed champion. More important, he would be the integral ancestor to the divine King to come, the Lord Jesus Christ.Solomon: With God’s gift of wisdom, David’s son ruled a peaceful, prosperous nation. He had the great privilege of building the temple in Jerusalem. But Solomon’s wayward ways later in life would set the stage for the nation’s division to come. The subsequent divided kingdom will be covered in People of the Promised Land II.

People of the Promised Land, Part I Themes

ProvisionBy God’s design, Israel marched to conquer Canaan with no allies in battle. The Lord alone would give His people success.LeadershipWhether conquering a new land or leading a diverse nation, God anoints leaders to guide His people in His will. The likes of Joshua and David show that great leadership requires faithfulness, prayer, courage and humility.HolinessGod calls His people to be distinct from the ways and means of the world. God would show His people His desire for holiness for their good and His glory.FaithfulnessSin is infectious, and God’s people are not immune to rebellion as they turn to their own ways. Yet God remains faithful to His own. And through mercy and admonishment, He shepherds His people into a deeper relationship with Him. “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”Contact Stuart Holland to be added to the Men’s study and Sharon Snoddy to be added to the Women’s studyLearn more about BSF here -> https://resources.bsfinternational.org/