LORD S ARMY 2 LORD S ARMY 67

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1 LORD S ARMY 68 LORD S ARMY 1

2 LORD S ARMY 2 LORD S ARMY 67

3 Additional Resources The LORD S ARMY A Study Guide for the Book of Joshua Craigie, Peter C. The Problem of War in the Old Testament. Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co Howard, David M., The New American Commentary Volume 5 - Joshua. Broadman & Holman Publishing Hess, Richard S., Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries). Tyndale Schaeffer, Francis A & Udo W. Middelmann, Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History. Francis Schaeffer Foundation. 2 nd Ed (1 st ed. 1975). Ralph, Davis Dale, Joshua: No Falling Words (Focus on the Bible). Baker Publishing Co Woudstra, Marten H., The Book of Joshua (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co LORD S ARMY 66 LORD S ARMY 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Read this first...5 Studying Joshua...6 Introduction to the Book of Joshua The History before Joshua - The Battlefield (the Land) - The Enemy (Canaanites) - The Theology of Joshua - Warfare in Joshua The Warrior and the War Week 1 - Introduction to Joshua Week 2 - Joshua The man Week 3 - Joshua The people Week 4 - Joshua The Reconnaissance From Wanderers To Warriors Week 5 - Joshua The Crossing Week 6 - Joshua The Memorial Week 7 - Joshua The Army The First Victory, The First Defeat Week 8 - Joshua First Conquest Week 9 - Joshua First Defeat Week 10 - Joshua First Victory Week 11 - Joshua Covenant The Southern War Week 12 - Joshua The Bad Treaty Week 13 - Joshua Battles, pt 1 Week 14 - Joshua Battles, pt 2 The Northern War Week 15 - Joshua Final Combat Week 16 - Joshua The Conquered The Spoils of War Week 17 - Joshua The Inheritance Week 18 - Joshua The Lone Soldier Week 19 - Joshua 15 The Borders Week 20 - Joshua The Appeal Week 21 - Joshua The Allotment Week 22 - Joshua The Cities Week 23 - Joshua The Breach The Next War Week 24 - Joshua The Charge Week 25 - Joshua The Choice 1. Read Genesis What is the significance of Shechem? 2. What choice does Joshua put forward to Israel? What choice does he make, and who does he make it for? 3. How has your view of Joshua changed since the beginning of this study? How do you think Israel felt about his death? 2. Following their verbal confession (v. 19) Joshua tells Israel of their rebellious hearts saying, You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. How does the Gospel affirm this statement and give us hope? 3. Read Hebrews How does this passage challenge your view of the victorious Christian life? Is it all conquest like Joshua? How does the life of Jesus prove this? 4. What is the most empowering, convicting, comforting, or otherwise impactful truth that you have gained from this study? LORD S ARMY 4 LORD S ARMY 65

5 THE NEXT WAR Scripture: Joshua Week 25 The Choice Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua The book of Deuteronomy ends with the reaffirmation of God s covenant (Deut 32.46) and the death of Moses. Similarly, the record of Joshua ends by reaffirming the covenant and the reporting of his own death by an unnamed editor. Joshua gathers all of Israel to Shechem, the very place where God had first promised the land to Abraham (Gen ). He then reviews the history of the covenant from Abraham to the present day when they are dwelling in cities they did not build, eating fruit they did not plant gifts from the LORD. Following the review, Joshua calls for a response. He charges them for Israel to make a choice between serving the gods or serving the LORD. The commitment is an exclusive one; they must make a decision that will literally kill ( cide) the alternatives. Choosing to serve pagan false gods which aren t anything more than wood or stone, as opposed to the living God who acts is foolish. Having laid out an argument with only one real choice, Joshua draws a proverbial line. He cares little for popular opinion and confesses his commitment to serve the LORD. The people respond with their own commitment, which Joshua challenges. If they are going to actually serve the LORD, they cannot simply confess with their mouths. If a commitment to the LORD is approached casually or taken lightly, it won t be lived out absolutely. This is an all or nothing relationship with a covenant-making God that requires more than religion. Israel served God faithfully all the days of Joshua and the elders. The entry into the Promised Land proved that a faithless generation could give birth to a faithful one. Tragically, the book of Judges proves that a faithful generation can also give rise to a faithless one. The question we must all ask is which one are we, trusting that even if we are in the midst of a faithless one, God remains faithful. Read this first The 66 books of Scripture are all part of the one story of Redemption. From the very first book of the Old Testament, even the first few chapters, Scripture points to the hero of the Bible, Jesus Christ. The entire purpose of the Old Testament is to point towards a future redemption of God s people when he will save his people from sin and death. God s covenant people, the people of his promise, hope in the coming of God s salvation. As each book and each chapter unfolds, God reveals more and more about his perfections. The book of Joshua is no exception, though it remains one of the most controversial books of the Bible. Through an incredibly violent narrative, God reveals himself as a holy and just warrior fighting for the purity of worship. Not only are many hard pressed to understand the relevance of book full of land surveys written thousands of years ago, others are equally disturbed by the apparent paradox of how a loving God can give commands for such brutal warfare. Joshua presents some difficult questions, causing many churches to avoid such studies. The leadership of Damascus Road, however, is committed to a verse by verse preaching of ALL Scripture because we believe that ALL Scripture is breathed out by God (2Tim. 3.16). The Apostle Peter wrote that: no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1.21). In other words, God intended us to have and to learn from every single word of Scripture including Joshua. Moreover, the Apostle Paul wrote that ALL Scripture, was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Roman 15.4). The words of Joshua, as difficult as they are, were written to instruct and encourage us in our faith. The story of Joshua and the people of Israel obtaining the promise rest is our story. The ultimate hope of obtaining the promise is not one of obtaining a big chunk of land it is Jesus himself. Joshua is a general who is led, a warrior whom Jesus fights for. Jesus is the true hero of this story, conquering sin and death that we might worship Him. Without him, we will not conquer no matter how hard we fight. With him, he fights for us and gives us rest (Matt ) Led by the King, Sam Ford, Lead Pastor On behalf of the Elders of Damascus Road Church LORD S ARMY 64 LORD S ARMY 5

6 Studying the Book of Joshua We will study the Book of Joshua VERSE by VERSE. Each chapter begins with the passage being studied with a key verse highlighted. The particular sermon will make use of additional texts that help flesh out the truth in the main passage. Following the given text, there is a basic summary referencing various passages that you can use for review or, if you miss a Sunday, will help you follow along with us wherever we are. The sermon may not follow the summary perfectly. There are also some questions for personal reflection, for Road Group discussion, and an entire section for Family Study. suggestions for individual soldiers PRAY: Before you begin, pray that God would open your mind to understand and your heart to accept His Word. Pray that, as you see the truth, the Holy Spirit will give you strength to act in accordance with what you have learned. STUDY: Work through the study and write out answers to the questions. Resist any temptation to skip over questions in the section. It is important to ponder how the truths apply to your life. Though these questions are sometimes penetrating and difficult, they are designed to help you think seriously about your understanding of God, yourself, and others. SHARE: Take what opportunities you can to share with others about what you ve learned and how you d like your life to change as a result. 1. Has all the land been possessed yet? How do you know? suggestions for Platoons (Road Groups) who fight together REVIEW: It is recommended that you take some time to meditate on some or all of the passages preached. Review the sermon but, more importantly, the verses and their surrounding contexts. Try to spend more time dialoguing about God s Word and the truth therein, rather than focusing on the strengths or weaknesses of the sermon itself. 2. In what way does Joshua charge the leaders to be strong? 3. What does Joshua promise Israel will happen if they remain faithful to God s Word? What does he warn Israel will happen if they don t? DISCUSS: In your time together as a community, discuss what you have learned. Present new questions or verses that have come to mind as you have studied. Focus on the implications for your lives individually and as a group. REVEAL: Share with one another how you sense God calling you to change, pray for one another about these things, and invite one another to encourage you and hold you accountable to apply the truth. PRAY: In your time together as a community, use this guide as a launching point for discussion and genuine care for one another. Resist the urge to have to discuss every question or get through the material. Listen to one another s hearts beyond the words of the answer so that you might minister to one another effectively. 2. How does the gospel (what God has done) inform all that we do? In other words, what is the difference between working FOR our righteousness and working FROM it? 3. What is the proper motivation for obedience? Why do we need both the grace of God (v.9-10) and the fear of God (v.11-13), both his goodness and his judgment? 4. When is our war over? Why must our battle be both against idolatry and for the one true God? What is the role of community in our fight? LORD S ARMY 6 LORD S ARMY 63

7 THE NEXT WAR Week 24 The Charge suggestions for your Army s (family s) BONFIRE We encourage each family to set aside some time each week to reading and talking about Jesus. Scripture: Joshua Therefore be strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand or the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done this day. Joshua Joshua is old and he senses it is his time to die. Some of his final words are a charge for Israel to remain faithful over the long haul. As he exhorts Israel, he reminds them of all that God has done on their behalf how he has fought for you (v. 3b). The motivation behind Israel s commitment to the mission is not what they might accomplish, but what God has already achieved. GROW AS A FAMILY: Sunday morning is where we gather as a Sacred Assembly to worship our God together in unity. Our hope is that parents will not abdicate their responsibility and make the church responsible to teach their children about God. We desire to see parents to pastor their homes every day of the week. We realize this is difficult. To help you, we have provided suggested activities to follow each week. These are simply suggestions to help guide you as you lead your family. Please adjust or modify these to accommodate the needs of your family. LEARN AS A FAMILY: Make a practice of discussing what you are learning. The spirit of Deuteronomy says, And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart teach them diligently to your children talk of them when you sit in your house...when you walk when you lie down when you rise bind them on your hand and between your eyes write them on your doorposts and gates. Just as God had charged his newly appointed leader of a new generation, Joshua instructs the future generations that will rise after he passes. He charges them to remain strong, specifically, to commit themselves uncompromisingly to God s Word, as they had done through the conquest. In other words, the conquest is over but the fight is never done. And at the heart of the fight is not for more land or money, rather, it is against idolatry and the ways of sin, and it is for the purity of worship and delight in the ways of God. Joshua s charge is given with both promises and warnings. If they fight to love the LORD, they will experience blessing. If they fight against the idolatrous remnant of the nations they have driven out, they will be prosperous. But if they fight for their lust, they will be destroyed. If they cling to the nations, they will kindle the anger of the LORD and be removed from the land. These are the last words of a leader with a deep concern for legacy. WORSHIP AS A FAMILY: One day each week, we are encouraging families to hold a worship service on a Sabbath rest day other than Sunday. The elders of Damascus Road believe it is important to Sabbath in this way as a family, outside of the church gathering. This can include a brief time of singing, reading Scripture, and prayer. If you make it enjoyable and consistent, you will find your children look forward to this day all week! PRAY AS A FAMILY: Finally, we re encouraging each family to spend some time in prayer. Not only do we want to encourage this as a daily discipline, but also as part of the Sabbath experience. In times past, the Jewish culture made a practice of regularly laying hands on and praying over their children. We think it will go far to demonstrate this kind of dependence on God in a more intentional and visible way. questions or comments? If you have feedback or questions about the series or studies, please feel free to them to life@damascusroadchurch.org. LORD S ARMY 62 LORD S ARMY 7

8 Introduction to the Book of Joshua The History before Joshua All too often when we study the Old Testament, we make one of three mistakes in our approach: 1) we misunderstand the Old Testament as only a series of stories and events that teach good principles for today; 2) We dismiss the Old Testament as only applicable to Israel as a nation, and not to the church today; or 3) we ignore the Old Testament completely because it is difficult to understand. Without the Old Testament, the New Testament makes little sense. That is because Old and New Testaments are both part of one larger story with Jesus as the hero. The entire purpose of the Old Testament is to point towards a future redemption when God will save his fallen chosen. Gods covenant people, the people of his promise, hope in the coming of Jesus Christ God s salvation. In the Old Testament his covenant is lived out in the life of Israel until Jesus comes, and in the New Testament in the life of the church until Jesus comes again. Joshua, then, is not a study of Israel s history as much as it is a study of our own. A review of what has happened before Joshua will help us to understand what place the narrative of Joshua has in the overall meta-narrative that is Jesus story. To begin, the first five books of the Old Testament are called the books of the Law or the Pentateuch. They include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Joshua is the bridge between the GIVING of the Law and the LIVING of the Law. Genesis is the book of beginnings. It starts with the description of creation and ultimately provides insight into the relationships between God and nature; Man and nature, Man and God; and man and man. This book alone establishes the foundational theology and understanding of God s designs beginning with creation being perfectly FORMED. Tragically, the pinnacle of his creation, mankind, causes the DEFORMATION of all of creation through rebellion. Sin enters the world when Adam decides that what is good, right, and truthful does not rest with God s Word alone. In love, God removes them from the garden so that they won t eat from the tree of life and continue to live in their sin. The plan to save men had already begun. Although sinful man is utterly destroyed by a flood, sin lives on and mankind stupidly attempts to build a self-glorifying culture without God. He then chooses Abraham, a Babylonian who is not a moral man, perhaps even a godless man. God selects him by Grace and makes a covenant with him, promising to make his seed a great nation that will, in turn, bless the world. The remainder of Genesis follows his family line to establish the Covenant people (Israel) through Abraham, his son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob. It ends with one of Jacob s (Israel) youngest of 12 sons (12 tribes) named Joseph, providentially saving Egypt and taking care of the family during a famine. 1. Who does Joshua commend and what does he command them to do? 2. What do the Transjordan tribes construct at the Jordan River? 3. How do the tribes west of the Jordan respond to the actions of the Transjordan tribes? How is the conflict resolved? 2. Some leaders are commenders only, while others are commanders only. Why must a good leader balance both and avoid extremes? 3. What is dangerous in viewing the church as a democracy? How might a commitment to pluralism impact doctrine or issues of church discipline? 4. Clearly, all of Israel has a godly passion for the true worship of God. Moreover, they also have a godly anxiety for those who wander from the path. Why must we be careful to have our love for people be motivated by a love for God? LORD S ARMY 8 LORD S ARMY 61

9 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 23 The Breach Scripture: Joshua Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the LORD by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the LORD?...he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. Joshua 22.16, 18b Now that the land has been possessed by the faithfulness of God, the last three chapters of Joshua focus on the continued faithfulness of the people to retain the land. Essentially, the question for all of Israel is whether or not they will remain unwavering in maintaining the purity of worship, as they live with each other AND among the people s they have not fully conquered. Joshua is a strong leader. He is a man of action, but he is also a man of gratitude. The passage begins with Joshua s commendation of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh, who had settled east of the Jordan but traveled across the Jordon to aid in the conquest of the whole land. These tribes have spent over five years at war, apart from their home and families. Having come at the strong charge of their leader, they now return at his equally powerful blessing. Upon their return, the tribes make the decision to build a large altar as a witness to the unity they themselves demonstrated with all of Israel for future generations (v. 27). The tribes west of the Jordan hear of the altar. Unsure of its purpose, they assemble to make war against the tribes they once fought with. Deuteronomy made it clear that Israel was to worship at the place of God s choosing. The building of an altar for worship and sacrifice would be a serious breach of God s covenant, threatening all of Israel. Their strong reaction demonstrates their uncompromising faithfulness and passion for the purity of worship. The potentially tragic misunderstanding leads to a confirmation of faith in the Transjordan tribes. The tribes explain that the altar is in fact a monument to ensure their future fidelity (v ). The purity of worship is preserved, the unity of Israel affirmed, and all of this is verified by a trusted man of God signaling a new era in the leadership of Israel. Exodus Eventually, Joseph dies and everything he did for Egypt is forgotten. Blessed by God, the Hebrews are made to be slave laborers in Egypt. The word Exodus means departure as the book tells the story of the redemption of God s people from enslavement, led by God through a man named Moses. Exodus records God declaring his name through a series of miracles ending with the parting of the Red Sea. The book provides foundational theology with regard to who God is, and what he expects from his people. It records God establishing his written law, the sacrificial system, and the building of the Ark of the Covenant (a representation of God s presence not in fact his presence). Leviticus - The book of Leviticus is about holiness. As they travel toward the Promised Land book of Leviticus records a series of specific laws and regulations for worship and living (some quite disgusting as regards birth, bodily discharge, sex, food, diseases,) including the specifics concerning offerings. Israel stands as God s earthly representative; therefore, God establishes authority over every aspect of their religious, communal and personal life as a means of attaining holiness. Numbers The book of numbers continues to follow the travels of Moses as he leads Israel toward the promised land through three different areas. Their goal is to travel from Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of Canaan. In Jewish terms, the Book of Numbers is known as the Rebellion in the Wilderness. That is because as they approach the border of the Promised Land and, Instead of excitement and faith, there are murmurings of rebellion of God s people. Instead of a response of gratitude, faith, and obedience, they responded with unbelief, climaxing in their refusal to enter the Promised Land after a report from faithless spies. Instead of living out their identity as God s redeemed covenant people, their lack of faith condemns them to live out their lives in the desert. In short, God waits for a generation to die so he can start with a new crew, plus the two faithful spies Caleb and Joshua. Through his own disobedience, even Moses himself forfeits his right to enter the promised rest of God. Deuteronomy The title means repetition of the law. The book is a review of the promises and mighty acts that reveal God s character. Written in the form of a treaty between a king and his vassal state, it calls on Israel to remember what God had done for them. In response, the people are called to a complete and total commitment to God; but the book ends with God telling Moses that they will ultimately fail. However, even with the people s failure, God is true. It makes sense then that Deuteronomy, as the capstone of the Five books of the Law, takes us to edge of the Promised Land but, like Moses, not into it. With the death of Moses, we see that the Law can only take us so far. While in some sense it can lead us in the way of God, it cannot lead us into his presence. Joshua Enter Joshua, meaning Salvation from God, this is one of the most controversial, action-filled, and seemingly blood-thirsty books of the Bible. It provides a historical look at Israel as they enter the land promised to Abraham. LORD S ARMY 60 LORD S ARMY 9

10 The Battlefield (the Unconquered Land) Joshua 1.4 describes the boundaries of the Promised Land: 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. Below are listed some geographic locations, important to understanding the conquest: 1. Shittim: For 39+ years, the Israelites wandered the wilderness just East of the Promised Land. The story begins with the Israelites camped at Shittim. It is from here that they begin their crossing of the Jordan. 2. Jordan River: After spies return from Jericho with a positive report, Joshua prepares Israel to cross the Jordan. Similar to the miracle of the Red Sea, God stops the flow of the river from the town of Adam in the North. 3. Gilgal: The Israelites camp at Gilgal after the crossing. There they celebrate a feast and renew their covenant with God. 4. Jericho: This powerful walled city is conquered by following God s instructions to march around it. It is Israel s first victory in the Land. 5. Ai: Their first victory is followed by their first defeat at Ai. Their defeat is caused by one man s disobedience to God s commands at Jericho. After the sin is rooted out, they go onto conquer Ai in a second battle. 6. Ebal & Gerizim Mts.: After the victory at Ai, Joshua built an altar at Mount Ebal. Then, the people are divided at the foot of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerazim. Standing between the two mountains, the priests hold the Ark of the Covenant. There, as Moses had commanded (Deut ), Joshua renews the covenant by reading the entire Law of God every word. 7. Gibeon: After reaffirming their covenant, the Gibeonites travel to meet Joshua. Though God commanded Joshua not to make treaties with anyone in the land, the Gibeonites deceive Joshua and trick him into signing a treaty. When it is discovered, Joshua honors the treaty but forces them to become slave laborers. 8. Valley of Aijalon: Upset at the Gibeonites for making a treaty, the Canaanite King of Jerusalem gathers armies to attack Gibeon. Because of the treaty, Joshua is forced to defend Gibeon, resulting in a war where the sun stands still until all are defeated. 9. Hazor: Another King, Jabin, organizes other surrounding cities to attack Joshua. So begins the Northern campaign of Joshua whom God makes victorious. 1. Read Numbers What are the cities of refuge? What impresses you about the rules regarding these cities? 2. Read Numbers What are the cities of refuge? 3. Read Ex and Num Who are the Kohathites? Who are they descendents of, and what is their job? (see also Lev ; ; Deut ; Num , 27.21; Deut ) 2. How does God s justice represented in the cities of refuge help to inform the belief that God is unjust with how he deals with the Canaanites? 3. It is easy to say, I m not a priest. In what way is the sojourner existence of the priests indicative of the mentality we are all supposed to live daily? How is it different? 4. If you were to write a doxology (a short hymn of praise) that declared the promises God has kept in your life, what might it say? Try to write one. LORD S ARMY 10 LORD S ARMY 59

11 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 22 The Cities Scripture: Joshua Shiloh: After the armies of Canaan are conquered, Israel sets up the tabernacle (portable tent of meeting) at Shiloh. It is here that Joshua apportions the rest of the land to the remaining tribes. 11. Then the LORD said to Joshua, Say to the people of Israel, Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood by command of the LORD the people of Israel [also] gave to the Levites the following cities and pasturelands out of their inheritance. Joshua 20.4; 21.3 Shechem: There is no more war when Joshua lives. Before Joshua dies, he addresses the entire nation from Shechem. He reminds them that the land was conquered because of their obedience to God s commands and that holding the land and prospering in it, is dependent on their continuing obedience. (*some information adapted from Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale Press) After the spoils of war have been divided and distributed, the LORD commands Joshua to follow through on the instructions given to Moses for setting aside special cities within the various allotments. Specifically, God commands that Israel set aside cities for both justice for criminals and provision for the priests. God commands that six cities are set aside as Cities of Refuge for those who kill another person accidentally. What exactly constitutes an accidental or intentional murder is laid out by the Law in great detail (Num ). Within a narrative full of violence and brutality that declares God s justice and holiness, the cities of refuge help remind us of God s mercy and grace. The cities are established to protect from vindictive vengeance for something tragic as opposed to proper retribution for a clear injustice. The very existence of the cities, however, emphasizes the sanctity of life that is at the heart of God. Those who murder motivated by sin are to be killed. And while those who murder accidentally are to be protected, they are still exiled. God s justice and mercy not only covered Israel, but those who sojourned with them hinting toward a time when God will bring those far off near. God also commands that cities be set aside for the Levitical priests (Num ). The tribe of Levi did not receive its own inheritance; rather, they resided in certain cities throughout Israel. In order to ensure their inheritances, the heads of the households of the Levites approach Joshua with the authority of God s promise. The Levites were set apart for special service to protect the purity of worship in Israel (Num. 3-4). They ask only for what they need to fulfill their calling of a somewhat rootless existence among Israel. Unlike the rest of Israel, they would be forced to depend on God s provision in a way that all Israel should aspire to. Once the land is divided, tabernacle is established, justice is affirmed, and spiritual leadership assumes its place, Israel is ready to worship. The last three verses (4345) is Israel s statement of worship, their doxology recognizing God s faithfulness. LORD S ARMY 58 LORD S ARMY 11

12 The Spoils of Battle (the Divided Land before & after) Before the land was conquered, it was inhabited by the various tribes of the Canaanites. God identified the distinct tribes that would be subject to his wrath through Joshua. After all of the Canaanites are conquered, Joshua divides the lands among the 12 tribes of Israel. When Joshua was alive, there was no longer any war in the land. After his death, Israel found itself without a leader and entered a dark time in their history. The book of Judges records a period of 325 years, where Israel s disobedience results in oppression at the hands of new and old enemies, and even civil war. 1. What do the Israelites set up at Shiloh? Why? 2. What does Joshua send the remaining tribes to do before giving their allotments? What happens when they return why is this significant? 3. After the distribution to the tribes is completed, what do the sons of Israel give Joshua? Why? 2. Why is it important to have a Shiloh a sacred place to worship corporately? How is a similar view of the church gathering being challenged today? 3. The Israelites have failed to take the land that is subdued. What excuses do you think they might have used as reasons for their unwillingness to settle the land? How might this relate to our own failure to live actively in the promises of God and our continuing mission? 4. How might the setting up of Shiloh compare with planting Damascus Road Church? When do you think a church is ready to plant another church? What might cause people to become dangerously sluggish? LORD S ARMY 12 LORD S ARMY 57

13 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 21 The Allotment Scripture: Joshua So the men arose and went, and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, Go up and down in the land and write a description and return to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh. So the men went and passed up and down in the land and wrote in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions. Then they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh, and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD. And there Joshua appointed the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion. Joshua These next two chapters are packed with details as the land is portioned out to the seven remaining tribes. As it is with much of the second half of Joshua, at first it may be difficult to discover the profit from verses that read like little more than land surveys. In and among the various allotments, however, God has hidden some powerful truths. Chapter 18 begins with Israel assembling and setting up the tent of meeting at Shiloh. Shiloh is approximately 10 miles northeast of Bethel and 30 miles north of Jerusalem in the tribal territory of Ephraim. Shiloh then, would serve as the primary center of worship for Israel as prophesied by Moses (Deut ). Here, all of Israel would offer sacrifices and enjoy regular worship. The establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh signaled a new day in Israel and pointed forward to a final new day in heaven. Despite this new dawn, a shadow of laxity appeared to be falling among the remaining tribes of Israel. Though the land laid subdued, ready for Israel s taking, Joshua question of how long they will put off going into taking possession of the land evidences their apparent unwillingness to settle down. The power of God in conquest and the worship of God at Shiloh was only the beginning the land must still be possessed, the free gift taken. He gives them a shove in the right direction, sending out men to survey the land and return with descriptions. After writing down their descriptions, Joshua submits them to the will of God to distribute to the tribes of Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. God, not Joshua, gives to each their lot. After all allotments are completed, the people give Joshua a personal inheritance by command of the LORD. This final allotment serves as a noteworthy end to a larger statement about God that records the promises kept to the two faithful spies, Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13-14). In it, we are reminded of God s faithfulness to His chosen people despite the unfaithfulness of the majority. The Enemy (Canaanites) The Canaanites are the people who inhabit the Promised Land when the Israelites cross the Jordan. They were the cursed descendents of Ham (Gen. 10.6), the youngest son of Noah, who had sinned against his father during a strange episode following the flood (Gen ). Canaan was the youngest son of Ham whose family, over time, grew quite large and encompassed six different tribes including the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Biblically, Canaanite is sometimes used to designate the non-israelite inhabitants of the land in general (Gen. 12:6; Num. 21:3; Judg. 1:10). The Israelites, prior to entering the Promised Land, were commanded utterly to destroy the descendants of Canaan and then possess it (Ex. 23:23; Num. 33:52, 53; Deut. 20:16, 17). Many find it hard to understand why God would annihilate an entire race of people like the Canaanites. Perhaps a better question is why he allows any idolatrous cultures or individuals to live at all. Nevertheless, Abraham had been told, hundreds of years prior to Joshua s conquest, about the evil people in the land. In fact, God told Abraham that his descendents would wait until the fourth generation to possess the land because, the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet complete (Genesis 15.16). So, as God graciously cared for Abraham and his family, He mercifully waited for the Amorites to have their fill of good times. In other words, the nations which Israel destroyed weren t saints. On the contrary, they were deeply contaminated with idolatry Perhaps a better question is why he allows any idolatrous cultures or individuals and sin. Their cultures were highly immoral due in large part by their devotion to the worship of Baal. The Semitic word Baal means "lord" or "master" and the Canaanites believed that Baal was in absolute control over nature and over people. They believed that the only god who was superior to Baal was his father El, but Baal was the principal deity of the land. Archeology has proven that Baal religious practices included sex worship, commanded religious prostitution, incest, and other forms of sexual immorality, as well as human sacrifice. The Bible records their zeal for sexual perversion, divination, and pagan hanky panky (Lev ; Deut ). Though God could have rightfully destroyed such people at any time, he decided that the sin had come to its climax in the land, just as He will at the end of the age. The Theology of Joshua The Purity of Worship (A Holy War): The idea of Israel s separateness from the Canaanites permeates the narrative. They are the family of God, chosen among all peoples of the earth to be set apart as holy. They are not a better people in themselves, rather, they are special because God has graciously chosen to set his love on them (Deuteronomy 7.6-8). The conquest, therefore, begins with ceremonies that signify their distinction from the sinful culture LORD S ARMY 56 LORD S ARMY 13

14 whose land they will inhabit. Under Joshua s leadership, the people were to keep itself and the land undefiled by the idolatry that currently exists. The entire book, therefore, should be viewed less as secular conflict, and more as a Holy God s commitment to fight for the purity of worship. The Possession of the Land (Milk and Honey): The land and what it signifies, however, is still incredibly important. Deuteronomy brings the narrative to the edge of the Promised Land, and Joshua records the conquest of the Land the primary objective to which the narrative of the Pentateuch led. This land had been promised to Abraham, and later to his sons (Genesis 12.7; ,17; ; 17.8; 22.17; , 28.4). The land is often described as flowing with milk and honey, a land of goodness, beauty, and rest. Spiritually, the land points to our own final rest with God, where we hope to dwell with Him free from our own enemies sin and death. As it is, the land is God s gift to Israel, but it is God s land used for His glory. Therefore, the land is part of the Israel s identity, a nation defined by God, holding to physical boundaries set by God, a particular form of government led by God, and a particular way of living given by God. The conquering, holding, and prospering in the land are explicitly connected with obedience to God s ways. The Promise Kept (Covenant): The book of Joshua could be titled Promise Kept as the conquest is the fulfillment of God s promise to Abraham hundreds of years earlier. It is a continuation, a new chapter in the same story that began in Genesis 12 and 15. As the narrative begins, Joshua is reminded of the original promise (1.6). And, before, during, and after the total conquest there are several Covenant Renewal ceremonies. The ark, often referred to as the Ark of the Covenant, comes to represent the covenant itself the very presence of the God who is faithful. 1. Read Genesis 48. What does the experience of Manasseh and Ephraim teach you about God s ways? 2. What complaint do the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh bring to Joshua? What do you think the true motivation was behind their complaint? Warfare in Joshua Joshua is a book of war. Moses and the Israelites were given rules regarding waging warfare well before entering the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 20 explains a process by which the Israelites are to approach cities and offer peace before fighting. If the cities agree to surrender, their citizens are spared by living their remaining days as servants. This applies only to cities that are NOT within the Promised Land. Cities within the Promised Land are dealt with entirely differently. Deuteronomy states, 16 But in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes, 17 but you shall devote them to complete destruction, the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as the LORD your God has commanded, 18 that they may not teach you to do according to all their abominable practices that they have done for their gods, and so you sin against the LORD your God. Faithful fulfillment of commands such as this make the record of Joshua one of the most controversial, action-filled, and seemingly blood-thirsty books of the Bible. 3. Why don t the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh want to take the land of the forest? (See Deuteronomy ). 2. Are you currently, or have you ever been, discontent with what God has given you? What idol is at the heart of your discontentment? How is this undermining the gospel? 3. How does Joshua s response to the complaint, and the accompanying excuse, inform how we should minister to the complaints of others? 4. What fears are paralyzing your heart from enjoying God on mission right now? What do you fear losing most right now? LORD S ARMY 14 LORD S ARMY 55

15 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 20 The Appeal Scripture: Joshua However, they did not drive out the Canaanites Joshua The next two chapters record the allotments given to the sons of Joseph Manasseh and Ephraim. Birth order in Israel determined which son would receive the birthright blessing. Even though Manasseh was born before Ephraim, the younger brother receives priority in blessing. Though the reason for this rests with God s sovereignty, the history is recorded in Genesis 48. There, Joseph brings the two boys before his old and blind father Jacob to receive a blessing. To aid his sightless father, Joseph places Manasseh in front of his right hand and Ephraim opposite his left. But Jacob, crosses his arms and places his right hand of blessing on Ephraim. Though Joseph attempts to straighten out the mistake, Jacob assures his son that he knew what he was doing. So, as the blessing went, the allotment goes. Ephraim is first to receive his inheritance (chapter 16) and Manasseh is blessed second (chapter 17). They are both given one allotment that is divided between them, one in the North and the other in the South. After Manasseh s southern allotment is given, however, both tribes approach Joseph with a complaint. Their discontent hearts are veiled in logical arguments about being a numerous people and needing more land. Without apology, Joshua challenges their reasoning by instructing them to take more land from the enemy with all the people they have (v.15). Their response only reveals their discontent and fears which contrast greatly with the courage and faith of Caleb. Though the two half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh make a detailed argument about the strength of the enemy, it is not enough to convince Joshua. Their fears echo the very thing that Moses warned they would feel before ever entering the land (Deut ). A once confident army of the LORD has degenerated into a spineless tribe of whiners. Joshua answers their fears and complaints with a charge to have faith and fight. He does not give them an easier alternative, rather, commands them to drive out the Canaanites despite the apparent odds. Commands to drive out the Canaanites also cause many to distance themselves from the Old Testament God of wrath and gravitate toward the more loving God that Jesus appears to follow in the New Testament. Verse 18 explains God s brutality toward these people has everything to do with the purity of worship. The idolatry actively destroyed by God in the Old Testament is just as explicitly condemned by Jesus and the apostles in the New. That is because Jesus is that same God. It s clear from history that God has patiently and mercifully given everyone more than enough time to repent. They refused, and God used Israel to bring judgment upon a deserving people. As the Bible teaches that everyone is born sinful, we know that there is no such thing as a good or innocent man, woman, or child. Though we might claim God to be unfair, the last thing we want is a fair God who gives us all what we in fact deserve death. Instead, we have a merciful, forgiving, and gracious God whose patience does run out at some point because he is just and holy. God s judgment here is not a violation of the 6 th commandment: Thou Shall Not Kill. It is the just act of a just God, justifiably, enforcing a just law. As scholar Walter Kaiser puts it, war is God s ultimate, but reluctant, method of treating gross evil that resists every other patient and loving rebuke of God. LORD S ARMY 54 LORD S ARMY 15

16 THE WARRIOR & THE WAR Scripture: Genesis Deuteronomy Week 1 Introduction to Joshua Now the LORD said to Abram, go from your country and your kindred and your father s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. Genesis The narrative of Joshua begins with the death of a man named Moses. The story that is told, however, begins over four hundred years earlier with a man named Abram. In Genesis 12, by grace, God calls Abram out of his country to a land I will show you (Gen ). Later, God makes a covenant with Abram, whereby he promises to make his offspring great in number and to bless the world through a promised son. He is also told, for certain, that his family will spend four hundred years afflicted in a land that is not theirs. Lastly, God tells Abram that one day He will judge the nation that enslaved them and his offspring will be freed. He promises that Abram s offspring will finally possess a land of their own, a promised land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. (Gen ). This is where the story begins. The story continues through the first five books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch), recording God s fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, his son Issac and his grandson Jacob. As foretold, Jacob s sons find themselves saved by then enslaved in the land of Egypt. After four hundred years, God raises up Moses to lead his people to the Promised Land. Speaking for God, Moses tells Israel: I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus ). God miraculously and powerfully delivers his people out of Egypt and, through Moses, gives them His Law. The story of Joshua is the bridge between the calling of God s people to be worshippers and those same people living as worshippers in the world. And while Joshua is the record of God s faithfulness to his redeemed people, ironically, it reminds men of their need for a Savior. Beginning with the death of Moses reveals to us how far the Law will in fact take us. And while the Law is good and can get us closer to God, it cannot save. We need Yeshua, meaning Jehovah the Savior (Jesus), to enter God s rest. 1. Can you name the 12 tribes of Israel? Why is Judah so special (See Isaiah 11.1; Genesis )? 2. Read Judges Who is Othneil? How might this event have impacted his future role? 3. Read Numbers In the light of this Scripture, what is the significance of Joshua 15.63? 2. What do you think the interaction between Achsah and Othneil sounded like before they spoke with Caleb? How might this give us a good or bad example of marital conflict resolution? 3. If you have children, what kind of man or woman do you hope they will marry? Describe the ideal future spouse. 4. The chapter is basically a large land survey, detailing boundaries for people. Why do you think God sets boundaries as opposed to living as a mosaic of people? What might this teach us about boundaries for our families? LORD S ARMY 16 LORD S ARMY 53

17 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 19 The Borders Scripture: Joshua This is the boundary around the people Joshua We begin this somewhat tedious passage of Scripture (the longest chapter in Joshua) by remembering that Paul taught all Scripture is profitable. In essence it is a list with a lot of names and locations. Chapter 15 records the inheritance allotted to Judah, including a repeat of what was given to Caleb, as well as the description of the land s boundaries. The record also includes a brief account concerning Caleb s victory over the three sons (chiefs) of Anak. As part of the possession of his family s inheritance, Caleb offers the hand of his daughter in marriage to the man who conquers the city of Debir (similar to what Saul offered for defeating Goliath). Caleb s younger brother, Othneil, who will one day save Israel as the first judge (Judges ), captures Debir: the city of the book. After Achsah is taken to her new home by her faith, she urges her new husband to ask her father for a field. Either he refuses or agrees it is best for her to make the request, and she does. She reverently asks for a blessing of water in addition to what she has received as a gift for her marriage. He agrees, and in addition to the barren land of Negeb, he gives her the adjoining land with springs of water. One can learn much about young leaders, marital relations, even parenting from this short encounter. It is noteworthy that Judah is the first territory that is described west of the Jordan. This tribe plays a significant role in the overall story of redemption as it is from this tribe that the messiah will come. Yet, with as much blessing as the specific boundaries tangibly represent, verse 63 ends declaring that Judah also failed to drive out all of the evil inhabitants of the land. This failure reminds the reader that the ultimate fulfillment of God s promises was not complete, providing a sense of now but not yet sense to living within God s kingdom that will be even more realized at Jesus first coming, but fully realized when He returns a second time in glory. LORD S ARMY Read the Introduction to this study (pgs. 7-13). What most interests or concerns you about this book? What questions do you already have? 2. When does the story of Joshua begin? What is the story about? 3. Read Numbers & Numbers Why weren t the people allowed to enter the Promised Land? What two men, of that generation, did get to enter? Read Numbers & Why wasn t Moses allowed to enter the Promised Land? 1. What Scripture, idea, or comment most impressed upon you personally during 2. Read Deuteronomy 34 about Moses death. How does it make you feel that Moses was not allowed to enter the land? Why do you feel this way? 3. Read 2Peter Why is it hard to believe and live in God s promises? What promises are most difficult to believe for you right now? 4. The death of Moses teaches us not about the weakness of the Law, but about the inability of men to worship God in all purity. How does Law help, but ultimately fail, to lead us into God s presence? 5. How does viewing Joshua as a book about the purity of worship (instead of a book of war) impact your approach to it? LORD S ARMY 17

18 THE WARRIOR & THE WAR Scripture: Joshua Week 2 The Man Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua Joshua was not always a General, but he was always a leader. Unlike his predecessor Moses, we do not have a complete record of Joshua s life from birth to burial. Nevertheless, the Scriptures do give us some history into the young man who became a General. We re first introduced to Joshua in the book of Exodus where he is chosen by Moses to lead Israel s first battle in what seems like days after crossing the Red Sea. Joshua does as Moses instructs and immediately establishes himself as Moses right hand man. It was Joshua who walked up the mountain with Moses. It was Joshua who comes down to see Israel worshipping a golden calf with Moses. It is Joshua who sat at the tent of meeting when Moses spoke with God. Before sending Joshua in to spy out the land with 11 other guys, Moses changes his name from Hoshea (salvation) to Joshua (the Lord is salvation). It is here that begins the transition from Moses assistant to the man of God who would replace his pastor, mentor, and friend. Through the wanderings of a faithless people, Joshua remains faithful a man s whose faith was defined by action, not simply words. Now, Joshua has big shoes to fill. And as despairing nation mourns the passing of their great leader, the promises of God are all but forgotten by Israel. While God uses men to lead his people on mission, the success of his mission is never dependent upon men. Just as He exalted Moses, God promises to exalt Joshua. Joshua s success is not predicated on his experience, odds, or position but on his faithfulness to God s Word. God says that IF he is faithful, he will succeed. At the same time, Joshua is told to be strong and courageous because what he knows in his heart and soul about God s faithfulness will be tested by what he sees with his eyes. 1. Read Numbers What are your impressions of Caleb? 2. What request does Caleb make? Why does the LORD bless Caleb? 2. Consider Caleb s example in Numbers Why is it so tempting to seek the approval of men? What is so dangerous about this? 3. Often times we put faith in having enough faith and not in the word of God. What does Caleb appeal to as he makes a request to Joshua? How might using God s Word this way change how we act or pray? 4. Do you have a relative or good friend who set an example of faithfulness for your family in the past? Share who it is with your group? How do you feel about your legacy of faithfulness? 5. Does the mission of God have an age limit? Are you still on mission? How has or will your mission change but continue? LORD S ARMY 18 LORD S ARMY 51

19 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 18 The Lone Soldier Scripture: Joshua my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God. Joshua This chapter focuses on an 85 year old man of faith named Caleb. When Caleb was a young sprite of 40, Moses sent him along with 12 other men to spy out the land of Canaan (Numbers 13-14). When the group returned, a faithless majority reported that Canaan was full of giant men (Sons of Anak) who were too big and powerful for them to conquer. Two spies, of which Caleb was one (Joshua was the other), took the minority position. Caleb expressed a trust in the power and faithfulness of God to take the land. His refusal to appeal to the approval of men led to both isolation and blessing. Because the people grumbled against Caleb s faithful report, God curses an entire generation. Yet, God promises that Caleb and his family will possess the land he spied out because has a different spirit and has followed me fully (Numbers ). 45 years later, Caleb approaches his friend, and leader, Joshua to make claim on the promises of God. Caleb requests the land that had been promised him, referencing the word of God spoken to him five different times. His faith is not based on feelings or a sense of entitlement; it is rooted in the Word of God. As he speaks God s own words to Joshua concerning his promised blessing, he also recognizes with all gratitude, the blessings that have kept him a vigorous 85 year old. Confident in the strength the LORD has given him, he declares his intention to lead the charge in driving out the Giant Anakim that had melted the hearts of Israel 45 years earlier. Joshua blesses him and grants him his inheritance and Caleb gives Israel an example of unbreakable faith in the sovereignty of God, and an uncompromising commitment to mission, to which all other tribes will be compared (Joshua ) 1. Read the following Scriptures. What kind of man was Joshua? What experiences uniquely prepared Joshua for leadership? - Exodus Exodus Exodus Exodus Numbers Numbers Numbers Numbers Why does God warn Joshua to Be Strong and Courageous three different times in the first nine verses? How can we understand this in light of verse 5? 3. Why do you think that Scripture does not provide a back story for Joshua like it does for Moses? What might this tell us about our own back stories? 4. Compare Joshua Chapter 1 with Psalm 1. What does a successful life pleasing to God look like? How does this conflict with the world s definitions? How might it challenge your own? 5. Why is it dangerous to polarize the mission of God s people around one leader? How can churches work against this tendency? LORD S ARMY 50 LORD S ARMY 19

20 THE WARRIOR & THE WAR Week 3 The People Scripture: Joshua Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses! Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous. Joshua God begins his mission by calling a man to lead other men on mission. Immediately after God commissions Joshua, the newly appointed leader immediately begins to lead God s people. He commands the officers to prepare to cross the Jordan and take possession of the land. For 39 years, the only moving these people have done is to run circles in the wilderness. Now, they are preparing to see God fulfill his promise of a land to Abraham. Numbers 32 records how several of Israelite s tribes already received their portion of the land East of the Jordan. It would be tempting for them to remain in the safety of their possession while their brothers enter the war zone. Joshua speaks directly to these tribes reminding them of their responsibility to participate in the fight for the whole of the land. These men of war will fight with all of Israel until God gives them rest and only then shall they return to their families. It is here that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of unity among God s people on fighting beside one another against a common enemy with a common leadership and a common purpose. The people declare their allegiance to Joshua s command with one voice. Though Moses has died, the response of the people demonstrates their faith that God s mission continues, that God s presence will go with them, that God s Word will guide them if their leadership is strong and courageous. 1. Why does God ask Joshua to divide the inheritance at this time? 2. What comforting promises does God give to the tribes in verse 6? 3. Why do you think the people did not drive out some of the evil in their midst? (See verse 13). 2. Even though you are part of a church with a stated mission, do you have a sense of your own personal mission? What is it? 3. Verse 13 indicates some waning of vigilance in Israel s fight against sin and for God? When does our fight end? How can we maintain this attitude? 4. Read Psalm 73.26; In what ways do we often prize the LORD S gifts more than the LORD himself? How can we work to avoid this? LORD S ARMY 20 LORD S ARMY 49

21 THE SPOILS OF WAR Week 17 The Inheritance Scripture: Joshua Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.i myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua 13.1, 6b-7 With the closure of the northern campaign, chapter 13 begins the third major section of the record of Joshua division of the land. As the bloody record of brutality and warfare comes to a close, we enter the ever-exciting section on land surveys. If not approached with the attitude of an Israelite, we can easily run through these chapters and learn nothing. These verses describe his inheritance. Practically, Joshua records how the spoils of war are divided among the 9 ½ tribes who did not receive an inheritance on the East of the Jordan. The LORD tells Joshua that he is getting old and that there are many more lands to occupy in order to completely possess it. The LORD would continue to lead each individual tribe as they cleaned out their respective allotments and fully occupied them. Still led by God, the tribes would assume smaller missions, in their own unique parts of the land, as part of the same overall mission of conquest. As the possession east of the Jordan is described, the first signs of Israel s failure to fulfill their mission surfaces (v.13). It seems that, the receipt of their inheritances make them less vigilant and more comfortable. Though they were faithful in the crisis of war, their complete obedience has been threatened in peace and prosperity. Nevertheless, as the inheritances are detailed for the various tribes, the record is full of historical allusions, reminding Israel of the past victories that made their possession possible. Ironically, the passage ends (v.33) by reminding Israel and all who would read this record, that land itself is little more than dirt. While it does represent a promise kept by God, it is the LORD himself, apart from the land, which represents the true prize. 1. Read Joshua 1.9 from the previous section. Where does Joshua s immediate sense of confidence to command come from? 2. Read Numbers 32. What were the names of the tribes whose inheritance was east of the Jordan? 3. Why does Joshua address them directly apart from the rest of the tribes? What excuses might they be tempted to use? 2. Though God has made a promise, fulfillment of that promise requires action on the part of the Israelites. How is this a picture of our own relationship with God and his promises to us? 3. Do you feel a sense of unity with the people of Damascus Road Church? Do you feel a sense of shared mission? Why or why not? 4. What excuses do you use most often to justify your refusal to fight for another member of your community? LORD S ARMY 48 LORD S ARMY 21

22 THE WARRIOR & THE WAR Week 4 The Reconnaissance Scripture: Joshua ,, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kinds of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heart it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Joshua The 2 nd chapter of Joshua centers on the helpful actions of a Canaanite harlot named Rahab living in the city of Jericho. In preparing for battle, Joshua sends two men to spy out the land and the city itself. As it is not unusual to see foreign men enter the home of the town whore, the two spies decide to lodge with Rahab for the night. It is only a matter of time before the King hears of the spies, so he sends men to Rahab s house to investigate. Rahab protects the enemy spies by lying about the identify of her visitors, and sending the King s men on a wild goose chase in pursuit of the men who are hiding on her roof. When the danger subsides, Rahab speaks with the men about what she has heard concerning the God of Israel. She explains how the news of their Exodus from Egypt and their victories on the East side of the Jordan melted the hearts of all of the people. In the heart of this young broken woman, however, a spirit of faith had been born at report of God s mighty works. Sadly, it is common for people to get preoccupied with the lie this pagan prostitute tells to the King s men as opposed to the truth about God she declares to God s men. The conversion of this shady lady, her confession of God s character, her expressed desire to take refuge in Him from the coming wrath is at the heart of genuine faith. The placement of chapter two is strange. It is inserted between chapters one where Joshua receives the command to cross the Jordan and chapter three where he actually does. Through this awkward but deliberate pause in the narrative, the writer reveals a God who is not only powerful enough to melt hearts by his wrath, but one powerful enough to redeem the most broken of hearts in order to save (Matt 1.5). 1. Read Numbers Why did Moses battle against Sihon and Og? 2. What two tribes received the inheritance on the East side of the Jordan? 3. What do you think are some different reasons to include a list of all of the conquered kings? 2. Are there groups within Christianity that you lack a sense of kinship with? Arminians? Charismatics? Fundamentalists? How can we avoid letting the Jordan divide different people within our one church? 3. Why is it often easier to make supplication versus express gratitude to God? Why is it important to avoid vague non-specific prayers like, Thank you for your many blessings,? How does this passage teach us to pray/praise? 4. Who or what is on your list of defeated enemies? Make a written record of the specific blessings, particular moments of grace, and clear-cut victories that you have experienced in the past then express thankfulness to God. Do this as a group or as an individual. LORD S ARMY 22 LORD S ARMY 47

23 THE NORTHERN WAR Week 16 The Conquered Scripture: Joshua Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, with all Arabah eastward And these are the kings of the land who Joshua and the people of Israel defeated on the west side of the Jordan. Joshua 12.1, 7 Chapter 12 summarizes the entire conquest of both Moses and Joshua on both sides of the Jordan. The first six verses review the lands conquered East of the Jordan under Moses the lands once possessed by Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan (Numbers ). The last 18 verses record the 31 kings conquered under the leadership of Joshua. Passages with lists, like genealogies, are often ignored by readers of the Old Testament. The tedious structure of the passages makes it difficult to find devotional value. Before skimming through these verses, we must consider why the Holy Spirit felt it necessary to include this information. Remembering the conquest of Moses, prior to the entrance into the Promised Land, helps to preserve unity in identity and mission among God s people. Moreover, the tribes on the Eastern side of the Jordan will, at some point, return home. When they do, they mustn t be considered less or different, but members of the same family. The second half of the chapter, listing 31 kings in detail, demonstrates God s faithfulness to his promise. Reformer John Calvin notes: But though each of those now summarily mentioned was previous given more detail, there is a good reason for placing before our eyes as it were a living picture of the goodness of God, proving there had been a complete ratification and performance of the covenant made with Abraham as given in the words, Unto thy seed I will give this land. (Genesis 12.7; 13.15; 20.18). In essence, the list of kings is an expression of gratitude for grace. Expressing our thankfulness for specific blessings, particular moments of grace, and definite acts of mercy, will always build our faith. 1. Read the beginnings of chapter one and chapter three. Why do you think chapter two is placed here? 2. What have you ever heard of Rahab? Read Hebrews and James 2.25, what does the New Testament appear to emphasize about Rahab? 3. Read Matthew 1.5. What role did Rahab play in the history of our faith? Does this surprise you? Why or why not? 2. According to Joshua 2.10 what is the basis of Rahab s faith? Why is it important that our faith remains focused here? What is the danger if it doesn t? 3. Compare Hebrews 11.1 and Joshua 2.14, the men say WHEN not IF the LORD gives us the land. Where are you struggling to have this kind of attitude in your life right now? 4. What does the conversion of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, teach us about the salvation of God? How does this story bring you comfort OR challenge you? LORD S ARMY 46 LORD S ARMY 23

24 FROM WANDERERS TO WARRIORS Scripture: Joshua Week 5 The Crossing And Joshua said, Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan. Joshua Following Joshua s command from chapter 1, after three days, the officers go through the camp and prepare the people to move. The Ark of the Covenant plays a central role throughout the crossing into the land. Over the next two chapters, the Ark is mentioned seventeen times, reminding the reader of God s active presence throughout the narrative. The LORD commands that the crossing be led by the Ark of the Covenant, carried by the Levitical priests, walking over a half of a mile ahead of the people. Before Israel begins moving, they consecrate themselves with what were likely some sort of physical washings that symbolized holiness. They are preparing to see God do wonders, the same verbiage used to describe the plagues poured out on Egypt. The command echoes a similar one given by God before the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai in Exodus 19. As God begins to exalt Joshua before the people, just as He did with Moses, a series of events patterned after the Exodus experience emerges. Carried by the Levitical priests, the Ark of the Covenant leads the way into the Jordan. At this time, the Jordan River is as large as it ever is with banks overflowing. This seasonal river is most likely at least a mile wide and a raging torrent this time of the year. God s timing is never ideal in the eyes of men, but always perfectly suited to maximize His glory. Miraculously, as soon as the soles of the Levitical priests carrying the Ark are dipped in the water, the river stops and dry land is exposed. The people cross over on dry land before the presence of God which stands in the midst of the Jordan. 1. Why does the writer spend a significant amount of time (vs. 1-5) detailing the size and scope of the enemy? How does this impact your view of the battle? 2. Was the surprise attack in verses 6-9 Joshua s idea or God s? Why do you think he acted this way? 3. What commands did Joshua follow perfectly? (Read Ex ; Numbers ; Deut ). 2. What does Joshua s surprise attack suggest about man s ingenuity in relationship to God s sovereignty? In other words, how does God s sovereignty empower and not paralyze human effort? 3. Apart from God s grace, how do/did we behave like the King of Hazor in our response to God and his people? What changes us? Read Romans How does the brutality of this chapter make you feel? What might you say to someone who rejects such a barbaric God? (See Romans ). LORD S ARMY 24 LORD S ARMY 45

25 THE NORTHERN WAR Week 15 Final Combat Scripture: Joshua So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war. Joshua The northern military campaign begins the same as the southern did, in response to an attack. When the King of Hazor hears news of Israel s Southern Conquest, like the king of Jerusalem before him, he sends to the other kings in the land. The kings agree to join forces and amass their state-of-the-art equipped troops together to attack Israel at the waters of Merom, just north of Palestine. As soon as this massive force is gathered against Israel, the LORD reassures Joshua. God desires for Israel to be secure in Him alone, not in their strength or the apparent strength of their enemy. The very thing that the enemy might boast in, and they might fear, He promises to destroy. He guarantees that the horses of their enemies will have their tendons cut and the chariots they pull will be burned. Having received divine assurance, Joshua acts immediately in faith and springs a surprise attack routing the enemy and laying waste to all of their people,.every man they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed. Hazor, like Jericho, is burned to the ground. Joshua then proceeds to take all of the land once held by these northern kings. Following God s command, he kills all of them, making war a long time. Though it is not graphic, this section of Joshua represents one of the most violent passages in Scripture. Throughout the battles, the writer focuses on Joshua s role as God s servant, faithfully following God s commands (v. 15). The emphasis is not on his brutality, but his obedience. His success is not measured by the size of his army, the cleverness of his strategies, or the record of victories. Joshua s record is one that evidences his faithfulness to God s Word, especially in chaotic situations when disobedience may appear to be a justifiable alternative. 1. What is the Ark of the Covenant and what do ALL of its different names tell us about it? (1Sa 3:3; 2Ch 6:41; Ps 132:8; Nu 10:33. Ex 30:6; Nu 7:89.) 2. How far behind the Ark does God command the people to stay? Why? 3. Compare Exodus 19 to Joshua 3.5. Why do the people consecrate themselves? 2. Read Joshua 3.4. Why do you think God instructs the Levitical priests to stay so far ahead? How does this play out in our Christian life? 3. How do you prepare yourself for the practice of public worship? If we are not in awe of coming into the presence of the living God (esp. in public worship), is it because we have not prepared ourselves to see him as such? (Also, do we only look to him for the BIG miracles and ignore the daily ones?) 4. According to the parenthetical in Joshua 3.15, the river conditions of the Jordan are terrible. Why do you think God chooses to cross the river at this time? What might that reveal about our God and his ways? LORD S ARMY 44 LORD S ARMY 25

26 FROM WANDERERS TO WARRIORS Week 6 The Memorial Scripture: Joshua And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, When your children ask their fathers in time to come, What do these stones mean? then you shall let your children know, Israel passed over the Jordan on dry ground. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over Joshua Chapter four focuses on memorializing the grace and goodness of God. After the nation of Israel has finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD instructs Joshua to select 12 men, one from each tribe, who will select 12 stones from the bottom of the Jordan River. Joshua follows God s command and the men, once again, walk before the presence of God into the Jordan. There, they each take a stone and carry it with them to Gilgal where all Israel will camp. Before the priests carry the Ark completely from the midst of the Jordan, Joshua himself sets up 12 different stones where the feet of the priests had stood. When finished, the priests step out of the Jordan and once again, pass over the people to lead them deeper into the land. When the priests feet walked onto dry ground outside the river, the Jordan immediately became a raging river overflowing its banks again. The people had crossed the Jordan on the same day that they had been commanded to choose the Passover Lamb while in Egypt (Exodus 12.3). It was a day remembered as the first day of their new identify as the redeemed people of God. The crossing of the Jordan is the first act in the completion of that same redemption. The men who carried the stones from the Jordan to Gilgal, set them up in a pile as a permanent memorial of God s goodness. The stones will forever be a monument to teach the future generations, especially in times of trial, about the fear of the LORD. 1. What happens to the five rebellious kings during the battle? Why do you think Joshua does this? 2. After wiping out the bulk of the enemy, Joshua brings out the kings to be executed. What does he command all men of Israel to do? Why? 3. Read Deuteronomy Why does Joshua kill the five kings and hang them on a tree for a day? 2. Where has God given you victory over an attacking enemy (sin) to the extent that it is powerless with your foot on its neck? Share how this victory reassured your faith, making you stronger for other battles. 3. Read verse 42. As we battle triumphantly, what is the danger of forgetting this truth? 4. How is communion like this ancient symbol performed by Israel? Beyond the representation of an event, how should this act inform our future battles? LORD S ARMY 26 LORD S ARMY 43

27 THE SOUTHERN WAR Week 14 Battles, Part 2 Scripture: Joshua So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded. And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, as far as Gibeon. And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. Joshua Once the battle appears hopelessly lost for the enemy, the five cowardly kings retreat and hide in a cave together. Joshua seals the cave with large stones and sets men to guard it. Israel s men of war then proceed to pursue their remaining enemies, preventing them from returning to their cities, until the bulk of their people were completely wiped out. Upon Israel s safe return to their camp, Joshua called for the five kings to be brought out from the cave. Joshua commands that the five kings be brought before him to be executed by hanging. Before he does this, he also summons all of the men of Israel and the military leaders who had battled with him. In an ancient and symbolic sign of victory, the men are commanded to place their feet on the necks of the prostrate kings. This is not some barbaric expression of manhood it is a reminder of God s faithfulness. For as they do this, Joshua repeats the same Words that God had first spoken to Him AND that the people had once spoken to Joshua himself Be strong and courageous. If they will remain steadfast and courageously follow the commands of the LORD, then the LORD will put all enemies under the same humiliating subjection as He did with these five kings. Joshua then executes the kings as criminals, and hangs their bodies on a tree in accordance with the Law (Deut ). The bodies of the five kings hang all day. At sunset, Joshua commanded that the bodies be taken down and thrown into the same cave in which they once hid. Again, they set large stones in front of the cave, creating yet another memorial to the LORD. The defeat of the five kings and their armies sealed the doom of southern Canaan. After the repeated exaltation of Joshua s leadership and Israel s might, the passage ends reminding us why Israel is victorious at all because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. 1. What does God instruct Joshua to do to memorialize the crossing of the Jordan? What do you think is the significance of the number of stones? 2. What 2 nd memorial does Joshua construct? Why? 3. According to Joshua and , who and what is the memorial at Gilgal for? 2. Notice how many times the Ark, the very presence of God, passes over (4.11) and through the people throughout the experience. How can you practice actively living in the presence of God like this? How might these benefit your daily life in both good and bad times? 3. Sometimes we remember amazing emotionally charged events but we often ignore the amazing God who made them possible. Do you have any monumental stories you can share about God s amazing goodness in your life? 4. What monuments have you set up to memorialize God s grace and power for you and your family and all the earth? If you haven t yet, how might you memorialize these events as a witness to others? LORD S ARMY 42 LORD S ARMY 27

28 FROM WANDERERS TO WARRIORS Scripture: Joshua Week 7 The Boot Camp At that time the LORD said to Joshua, Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time. So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth While the people of Israel were camped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. Joshua 5.2, 10 The book of Numbers was a time of great unbelief and judgment (Numbers 14). Because of their rebellion, God patiently waited 40 years for the original Exodus generation to die in the wilderness. The subsequent generation, for one reason or another, did not experience all of the sacraments that identified them as God s people. Whether these sacraments were withdrawn by God or ignored by Israel is not clear. What is clear is that, the generation that came out of Egypt had all of the observable marks of the faithful but lacked the proper heart response. By grace then, God raises up a new generation in their place their children led by Joshua. The writer makes a clear distinction between the old and new generation, between the shame of parents who failed to persevere in their faith and the hope of their children who would persevere. As a mark of God s faithfulness to his Promises, Joshua is commanded to circumcise the males some of whom would be around 40 years old. The pain of circumcision not only identifies the Israelites as God s chosen, but as they have entered the land, it symbolizes a completion of the redemption from Egypt (Ex. 3.8). God kept His promise. As they heal from their backwoods surgical procedure, the Israelites celebrate the Passover. Only the circumcised could participate in the Passover (Ex.12.48), a celebration of God s provision. The feast marks the beginning of a new age where food no longer flows directly from heaven, but still as a result of God s gift. 1. Who is Adoni-zedek? Why is he so upset? (See Map) 2. Why is Gibeon attacked? Why does Joshua agree to help the Gibeonites? 3. In what ways does the LORD fight for Israel? 4. What does Joshua pray during the battle? What do you think is meant by stood still? 2. How does seeing God as a warrior or a fighter make you feel? What role does God play and what role do we play in our fight against sin? 3. According to verses 12-14, God, the LORD of the universe, Creator of all things, listens to the voice of a man who comes to him in need. How does this view of prayer rebuke our flippancy and monotony with which we often approach the Great King? (See Psalm 50.15; Psalm ) LORD S ARMY 28 LORD S ARMY 41

29 THE SOUTHERN WAR Week 13 Battles, Part 1 Scripture: Joshua So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword. Joshua , 11b Joshua chapter 10 records the southern military campaign in the Promised Land. In this passage, the first conflict in the southern campaign, resides one of the most familiar miracles of the entire conquest. By defeating Jericho and Ai, Joshua had cut a path dividing the North and the South. In the South, we read about Adonizedek, the king of Jerusalem. The news that Gibeon, a great city of warriors, made peace with Israel, fills him with fear. He calls for four other kings to combine forces and attack Gibeon, now an ally (though an enslaved one) with Israel. It is noteworthy that throughout the conquest, it is Joshua s enemies that consistently make the first move. Unlike Rahab and even the Gibeonites to some extent, their movement is not to plea for mercy, rather, to rebel against the God of Israel. As soon as the five kings encamp against Gibeon, the Gibeonites send for Joshua for help. Joshua responds and all the men of war travel to fight for Gibeon. From an earthly perspective, the odds are stacked against Joshua as he is most likely outnumbered and under-equipped. But, as the LORD had done in the beginning, He turns Joshua s eyes towards His sovereignty and assures Joshua of total victory. Verses 10 and 11 then picture the LORD as a warrior who commands his people to enter the battlefield, and then leads the charge. Like something out of a Hollywood disaster film, the LORD throws down hailstones from heaven killing more people than those who fall by Israel s own swords. The emphasis of this passage, however, is not on this miracle of the weapons of war, but on the prayer that God answers causing the Sun and Moon to stand still. He obeyed the voice of a man, Scriptures say, in a way He would never do again. In the end, the passage declares men are fighting, but we see it is the LORD who is the warrior. Both the battle and the victory is the LORD S. 1. Read Genesis What is Circumcision and where did it originate? 2. Why does God command Joshua to circumcise Israel, again? 3. Read Exodus 12. What is the Passover Feast and where did it originate? 2. As evidenced by the original Exodus generation, it is possible to receive the symbols of religion, but have not have a faith that leads to obedience (v.5-7). How is the gospel different than religion or irreligion? 3. Read Joshua 5.9 and Colossians How is circumcision a meaningful way to describe our relationship to our sin? (See also 2Cor 5.17). 4. It is easier to see, enjoy, and even believe in God when he directly blesses us in miraculous ways. But what happens when the Manna stops? Where can you still see and enjoy the providence of God in daily life? LORD S ARMY 40 LORD S ARMY 29

30 FIRST CONQUEST, FIRST DEFEAT Scripture: Joshua Week 8 First Conquest And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said the people, Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. Joshua The conquest of Jericho is one of the strangest and well known stories in the Bible. The narrative begins with a brief encounter with what appears to be a warrior. Joshua asks whether the warrior is on his or his enemy s side. The warrior answers No, explaining that He is the Commander of the Lord s Army and He is on God s side. At that, Joshua wisely falls on his face and worships Him, echoing the same experience Moses had with a burning shrubbery. Under the direction of the LORD, Joshua moves to attack Jericho. Chapter 6 begins with a sense of hopelessness as the city is protected by huge walls that are seemingly impenetrable, especially for a people unskilled in the necessary kind of warfare. Despite the impossibility of the task, God promises victory if Joshua will follow his unorthodox method of fighting. God s method included lining up the soldiers, the band (seven priests with ram s horns), the Ark, and the security guards. In this order, they would circle the closed up city once every day for six days. And, with the exception of the band blowing horns, they are to do this while remaining silent. On the seventh day, General Joshua led this procession around the city seven times. After the seventh time, Joshua commanded Israel to open their mouths and SHOUT. And the walls fell. As commanded by the LORD (Lev ; Deut ; ), the entire city was devoted to destruction including men, women, young, human and animal. They burned the entire city with fire and cursed its rebuilding. Only God-fearing Rahab, and all who were in her home, were saved from the wrath of the LORD S army. 1. Why does God begin by instructing Joshua and all of Israel not to fear or to be dismayed? 2. How is this battle distinctively different than the battle against Jericho? Why do you think God fought this way at Ai? Compare this passage with Exodus Read Deuteronomy How does this passage help inform your understanding of hanging of the King of Ai? 2. Joshua asked the right questions so as not to be deceived, but he was. Often times our problem is NOT that we don t think, it is that we don t pray. How quick are you to depend on God s wisdom when making difficult decisions? Why? 3. Read Psalm 15.4 and Matt Discuss how culture s view of giving your word compares with the view of Scripture. 4. We all use excuses to justify breaking our promises. Do you think that Israel was obligated to keep their word knowing that they have been tricked into giving it? What might this be teaching us about how we are to live faithfully within twisted situations? LORD S ARMY 30 LORD S ARMY 39

31 THE SOUTHERN WAR Week 12 The Bad Treaty Scripture: Joshua But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them. Joshua 9,3-4a, It didn t take long for the word to get out about what Israel had done to Jericho and Ai. The Southern Kings quickly gathered together to defeat their common enemy. Just as the Exodus is a record of a sinful man s rebellion against God (not Moses), so Joshua is a record of a group of sinful men and their rebellion against the One True God. Fresh from a powerful renewal of their relationship with God, their faithfulness is immediately tested by the inhabitants of Gibeon. God had clearly outlined the rules of warfare in the Law (Deut ). These rules allowed for Israel to make treaties with peaceful cities outside the Promised Land, but they forbid Israel from making any treaties with those within. Though the Gibeonites were powerful warriors (Joshua 10.2), the report of Israel s conquests caused them to fear. Apparently they had some working knowledge of God s rules of war, so they sought to deceive Joshua and the elders into signing a peace treaty. Their ruse is so cleverly devised that they only mention the battles east of the Jordan, and not the most recent ones that travelers from far away lands wouldn t have heard about yet. And, even though a suspicious Joshua and the elders ask many questions of the Gibeonites, they fail to ask God even one. Within three days of making a covenant with them, they realize they are neighbors. The people of Israel wanted to attack them immediately, but the leaders refused to break their word to the GIbeonites. All of Israel grumbled against their own leaders. Nevertheless, the leaders of Israel remained true to their oath to not destroy the cities of the Gibeonites. They let them live but forced them to become laboring servants to the congregation and for the altar of the LORD. 1. What do you think is the significance of the brief appearance of the Commander of the LORD s Army in Joshua ? How does this set the stage for the conquest? (Who is this guy? Angel? Jesus? How do you know?) 2. Re-read pg. 13 of the introduction, Warfare in Joshua. 3. The old children s song, Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho isn t exactly biblical is it? Explain the strange method God uses to bring down the walls of Jericho? 2. Why does God often place his people in what appear to be impossible and unwinnable situations? Where was your Jericho? Share with your group a time when you experienced that kind of trial? 3. What, if any of God s commands and promises, feel like Him asking you to march around Jericho? In other words, what might appear like an unorthodox fighting method in the eyes of the world today? 4. How does the commanded brutality of v. 21 and 24 make you feel? What might you say to the individual who complains about an Old Testament God who is wrathful and barbaric, while claiming to love the way of Jesus? LORD S ARMY 38 LORD S ARMY 31

32 FIRST CONQUEST, FIRST DEFEAT Scripture: Joshua Week 9 First Defeat The LORD said to Joshua, Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. Joshua Israel s first conquest is followed immediately by their first defeat. The first verse of chapter seven gives the reason why God is angry about one man s sin. Following the victory at Jericho, Joshua immediately moves on to the city of Ai. As he had with Jericho, he sends spies ahead who tell Joshua to send fewer men as it looks to be an easier victory. The men of Israel are routed. While it s tempting to believe that overconfidence or a lack of prayer caused the defeat, the reason is clear. In utter disbelief, Joshua and the elders fall on their face before God, pleading with him to defend his own name. God responds by telling them to get up, clean themselves, and get the sin out of their family. We learn much from this narrative about God, sin, and the purity of worship. God is holy and cannot tolerate the smallest of sins. Moreover, the smallest of individual s sins will impact an entire community bringing all kinds of trouble and hindering the mission of God. Private sin never remains hidden, it always has public consequences that infect and destroy all kinds of relationships. Joshua s response teaches us what good leadership does when they find sin in their camp. The leaders of God s people are charged to preserve the purity of worship. So, at the command of God, Joshua has all of Israel draw lots from tribes, to clans, to families, to individuals, until a man named Achan confesses to coveting and breaking God s commands. Even though Achan confesses his sin, there are still punitive consequences for him and his family. Joshua brings Achan, his family, the items he stole and all he owns into a valley. There, representing the LORD S justice, all of Israel justly stones, burns, and buries everything. As the purity of worship is restored, the LORD S anger subsides. 1. Why does Joshua build an altar on Mt. Ebal? 2. Read Deuteronomy Why is obedience to the law so important? 3. The first five books of the Old Testament are considered, the books of the Law. How much of the law did Joshua read? Who is present? 2. In light of the gospel, what role does God s Law play in our lives today? 3. How do remembering BOTH God s blessings AND cursings, his promises AND his warnings, help build our faith differently? What happens if you focus on only one aspect of God s Law? 4. In your personal struggle with submission to God s authority in daily decisions, are you tempted to concern yourself with what is most emotionally, physically, or intellectually satisfying? LORD S ARMY 32 LORD S ARMY 37

33 FIRST CONQUEST, FIRST DEFEAT Week 11 Covenant Scripture: Joshua And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them. Joshua What seems like an awkward transition from an execution, this passage serves as a fitting conclusion to what began in Joshua chapter 5. What began with the participation in the marks of the covenant ends with a complete reading of the covenant itself. Following the defeat of Ai, Joshua builds an altar on Mt. Ebal. His actions are the fulfillment of Mose s command east of the Jordan (Deut. 27) signifying the completion of their entrance into the land. Jericho demonstrated what faith in God would accomplish while the first defeat at Ai confirmed results of faithlessness. Their experience over the last few weeks culminates in the public writing and reading of the law. Half of Israel stands before Mt. Ebal, the other half before Mt. Gerazim, with the Ark resting between them. This all takes place at the city of Shechem, where Abraham first received the promise of the land (Gen ). God s covenant faithfulness is proclaimed to everyone as Joshua declares the cursings that accompanied disobedience and the blessings that resulted from obedience. In placing the Covenant renewal at this point in the narrative, the writer intends to show that obedience to God s Word is more important than fighting God s War. In fact, Israel s future success is dependent upon their faithfulness, not their fighting skill, their complete submission to every Word of God, not their own perceived selfrighteousness. All people, male and female, young and old, must follow all of God s Word this is their first priority. God s Word must govern our emotions, our intellects, and even our experiences not vice versa. 1. Why did Joshua send fewer men to attack the City of Ai? 2. What incorrect reasons might we give for Israel s defeat at Ai? What is the real reason why Israel got routed at the City of Ai? 3. Read Joshua How was Achan tempted and what sin did Achan commit? 2. When Israel is defeated at Ai, Joshua pleas to God. According to verse 9, what is Joshua most concerned about? How might this kind of attitude impact what decisions we make in our lives? 3. How does this passage challenge your view of individual sin? Do you see your private sin as impacting the community at Damascus Road? Why or why not? 4. Do you view the punishment of Achan as too severe? How might this speak to how serious you view the breaking of God s command? What does the punishment of Achan teach us about destroying (versus managing) sin? LORD S ARMY 36 LORD S ARMY 33

34 FIRST CONQUEST, FIRST DEFEAT Week 10 First Victory Scripture: Joshua And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it. Joshua After removing the sin from the camp, God is ready to fight for them again. Reassuring them not to fear, God instructs them on how to attack Ai a second time. Like Jericho, God promises to give the city into their hands. Unlike Jericho, God puts forward a more military-like strategy to conquer the city. Where the battle of Jericho reveals God s power, the second battle of Ai reveals his cleverness. The clever strategy, however, is not what wins the battle. The timing and necessity of God s help, as a result of the cleansing of sin, is important to remember as the key to the victory. Having set up an ambush of mighty men the night before, Joshua proceeds to coax the warriors of Ai to the battlefield. Pretending to be beaten, the main in the morning, Joshua flees to the wilderness resulting in all of the inhabitants of Ai pursuing him. God then commands Joshua to signal the men laying in ambush to burn the city with fire. When the men of Ai see smoke coming from their homes, they run home only to be struck down by Israel. Other than the King, no one survives. And when they had finished destroying all of Ai s inhabitants, Joshua returns to hang the King on a tree as a criminal (Deut ). This seemingly barbaric act is a demonstration of God s judgment on sin and rebellion. Without question, the hanging is gruesome. But the stark image should not cause us to feel empathy and cringe at its sight, as much as fear God and flee from the sin that necessitated it. 1. Why does God begin by instructing Joshua and all of Israel not to fear or to be dismayed? 2. How is this battle distinctively different than the battle against Jericho? Why do you think God fought this way at Ai? Compare this passage with Exodus Read Deuteronomy How does this passage help inform your understanding of the hanging of the King of Ai? 2. Have you, or someone you know, ever lived in the fear and despair of a past defeat? How can we overcome this? (See Romans and Philippians ) 3. How are the two battles of Jericho and Ai different? What might this second battle plan teach us about God and his ways to overcome obstacles in our life? 4. Compare Psalm 32 with Psalm 51. Both of these Psalms were written by David about his secret sin with Bathsheba. What happens when we confess our sin? What happens when we don t? LORD S ARMY 34 LORD S ARMY 35