Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Matt. 2:15 ; Josh. 1:1-3; Acts 3:22-26; Heb. 3:7—4:11 ; 2 Cor. 10:3-5

Memory Text: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (10:11 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">1 Corinthians 10:11 , ESV).

In the book of Joshua, there is a sense that the life of its main character points beyond itself to a reality that is much greater than the man himself. We see this principle all through the Bible, such as with the land of Canaan, a symbol of our eternal hope in a new earth. And, of course, the earthly sanctuary service pointed to a greater reality: “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (09:11 &version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Heb. 9:11 , NKJV).

But the question arises: In what way does Joshua point to a future fulfillment? How can we be sure that such an interpretation of the book is legitimate? What are the biblical principles that control the application of the book of Joshua to New Testament realities and to end-time events?

This week, we will look at principles of biblical interpretation concerning typology. We will study how the Bible itself contains indicators of typology and how the life of Joshua foreshadows the ministry of the Messiah and points to symbolism fulfilled in the church, as well as in the consummation of human history.

* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 6.