Jesus in Joshua and Judges

If the entire Bible points to Jesus, how can we see him in the violent and bloody books of Joshua and Judges? Here are a few ways.

Joshua

The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel entering the land God promised to give them under Joshua’s leadership.

• The names Jesus and Joshua are different forms of the same name. Both mean “the Lord saves.” Imagine asking, “Where do you see Jesus in the book of Jesus?”
• According to Matthew 1:5, Jesus was a descendant of Rahab. Rahab is introduced in Joshua 2. She is a Canaanite who confesses faith in the God of Israel then joins the people of Israel.
• The story of the conquered and executed kings in Joshua 10 sounds like Jesus’ death and burial.

²² Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.”²³ So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. ²⁴ When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks.

²⁵ Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”²⁶ Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening.

²⁷ At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the poles and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.

• Like Joshua, Jesus leads his people to victory over their foes.

“our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Tim. 1:10)

Judges

The judges were Israel’s military leaders before Israel’s kingship was established. Their lives show God’s faithfulness to his people. Although Israel repeatedly went astray by serving other gods, God continually rescued them by raising up and empowering a judge. God remembered his promise to Abraham by rescuing Abraham’s children.

The judge who is given the most attention is Samson (Judges 13-16). Here are a few similarities between  Samson and Jesus.

• Miraculous birth announced by an angel
• God’s chosen deliverer from before birth
  • “He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” (Judges 13:5)
  • “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
• Empowered by God’s Spirit
  • “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him.” (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14)
  • Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me” (Luke 4:18). And, “if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28).
• Defeated God’s enemies
• Betrayed for money – Delilah betrayed Samson; Judas betrayed Jesus
• Bound and beaten
• Victorious death
  • Referring to Samson: “Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.” (Judges 16:30)
  • Referring to Jesus “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15)

*Note while Samson fought a physical battle, Jesus fought a spiritual battle.

Les Bridgeman

After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.