Joshua 6 The First Cities

The Lord would do the conquering if Israel would do exactly what God commanded. They did and God did. Rahab was saved.

  • The Fall of Jericho (verses 1-21)
    • Write out verse 2
    • What did God tell Joshua to do to conquer Jericho?
    • Write out verse 5
      • what do you think the people thought when they heard their directions?
    • Little side note:
      • according to verse 10 it tells us that their voices are not to be heard while marching around the city. This is where the importance of context comes in. Read things well.
      • We read that the people were told that Joshua spoke to the people, and the people would advise when the wall collapsed. But in verse 3 we are told that God said to march around the city with all the men of war.
      • I always wondered how you would keep women and kids quiet on that big of a march, how were voices not heard. But it was trained men of war that were walking around the town because this was a battle, not a leisurely walk around Jericho.
        • This is also why it is important not to take Vegitales too seriously when you think about bible stories ;)
    • Who was saved from destruction?
    • Write out verse 18
  • The Sparing of Rahab and Her Family (verses 22-27)
    • What was Rahab known for? This is key to when we start looking into the New Testament.
    • Where did Rahab move to after Jericho was destroyed?

Joshua 7 The Sin of Achan

One sin affected the whole camp.

  • Defeat of Ai (verses 1-15)
    • What did Achan do according to verse 1?
    • What does it say about the Israelites as a whole?
    • Describe what you are learning about in verse 5
    • Summarize Joshua’s prayer
    • What was the Lord’s response to Joshua’s prayer?
    • What does God tell them in verse 13 that they need to do? And what will happen if they don’t?
    • How is the Lord going to show them who did it?
  • The Judgment of Achan (verses 16-26)
    • How quickly did Joshua respond to the Lord’s direction?
    • Who was selected as the guilty party?
    • Write out verse 19
    • What was Achan’s response?
    • What was the result of this sin?
    • What was the Lord’s response in the end?

Chapter 8 The Conquest of the Land

After sin had been confessed and dealt with, God gave Joshua and Israel victories at Ai – and through the central, southern, and northern campaigns. We will read about this from chapter 8-12 with chapter 12 giving a summary of all the kings and cities that fell at the hands of Israel.

  • The Conquest of Ai (verse 1-29)
    • What is the first thing Joshua is told in verse 1?
    • Summarize verses 3-7
    • Write out verse 8
    • Summarize what this battle looked like.
    • Describe what is happening in verses 18-20
    • What happens after Israel wins the battle?
  • Renewed Commitment to the Law (verses 30-35)
    • Write out verse 30
    • Describe what Joshua did in the rest of this chapter

What things did you learn about God today? Did you learn anything new about people in general? About yourself? What things can you take away from today that will help you to be obedient to Christ?

Reflection: To counteract the pull of demands and pressures in your life, take advantage of the “little solitude’s” in your daily routines for reorienting your perspective. Consider using these times of inward quietness for: rest and refreshment; a checkpoint for evaluating whether you are making conscious choices about how you spend your day or drifting with the current of external forces; an interlude of communion with God; listening for the divine Whisper of guidance for your day.

Psalm 30 Joy in the Morning. Today, in your time of solitude, reflect on the things that the Lord has brought you from. Let a heart of gratitude flow towards all that He has already brought you through and be preparing for what He is going to continue to do. Be intentional today in this time of reflection in having a heart of gratitude. Prepare your heart for the beginning of this holiday season we are now entering in.