Where did the five kings hide?

What did Joshua tell his men to do to guard the cave?

What did he tell his army to do? Where were the enemies not allowed to enter?

What did Joshua and the Israelites do? Where did those who escaped return to?

Where did the Israelite army return to after they were finished with the war? How many of them returned? How was the peace described?

What did Joshua order to be done with the five kings?

Who did Joshua tell to put their feet on the necks of the kings?

Who was Joshua talking to? What did he tell them?

Who killed the kings? What did he do to their bodies?

At what time did Joshua command their bodies to be taken down? Where did he put them?

What were the next three cities Joshua conquered? What happened to them?

Who came to help Lachish? What happened to him?

What three cities did Joshua conquer after Lachish?

Describe the region Joshua had conquered in the events of this chapter. Who had commanded Joshua to utterly destroy it?

Where did Joshua and his troops return once these cities had been destroyed?

Thought Questions

Was it just luck that all five kings hid together in one cave, and were found by their enemies? 

Why do you think some of the enemies were able to escape back to to their cities, as Joshua he specifically told them not to (verses 19-20)? Were all of the Amorites destroyed? What was the result? See 1 Kings 9:20-21 and 21:26.

Could that measure of peace happen in our day? What was their secret? 

Contemplate why the Israelite army had to kill everyone in all of those cities in the entire region. Was it just? What was God’s reason for it? Why doesn’t He command all the “bad guys” to be killed today?

Using the destruction of the surrounding heathen nations as a symbol, can you think of any influences surrounding your life that you need to remove completely?

My prayer is:

That I would use the illustration of the destruction of the heathen kings as a symbol of removing  the evil influences in my life;

That I would acknowledge that God’s way is just even though I don’t understand everything about it;

And that I would find joy in the belief that God is working His way in my life to give me His peace.

Who was the king of Jerusalem? What had he heard that made him afraid?

How was Gibeon described?

What were the names of the four other kings and their territories which Adoni-Zedek wanted to ally with?

What message did Adoni-Zedek give to them?

Generally, what people group did these five kingdoms belong to?

What message did the Gibeonites send to Joshua?

So, where did Joshua come from? Who did he take with him?

What was the Lord’s message to Joshua?

Who routed the five kings?

Where did the Lord chase the armies of the Amorites?

As the Amorite armies were fleeing, what did the Lord bring to the battle? How did this devastation compare to the number of people the Israelites had killed with the sword?

Who did Joshua speak to on that day?

What was his command?

When was the sun and moon to stop until?

How long did the sun and moon stay?

Why did the Lord heed the voice of a man that day?

How much of Israel did Joshua return to Gilgal with?

Thought Questions

Why do you think Adoni-Zedek wanted to attack Gibeon? Why did he feel threatened by them? Why didn’t he just attack Joshua and the Israelites?

Why do you think Adoni-Zedek felt the need to ally with four other kings against Gibeon? Was that a good move for him?

In Deuteronomy 7:2 says that the Israelites were not to make a covenant with any of the inhabitants, but to drive them out and conquer them. Do you think Joshua was right to come to the aid of the Gibeonites, whom he had made a covenant with? Why do you think God helped them so much?

Again, who (according to verse 10) routed the five kings? Was it Joshua and his men? What should that clearly tell us about who wins the battles in our life? 

Do you think Joshua and his army would have been able to defeat five strong, established Amorite kingdoms on their own?

Are there any battles in your life that look like they are absolutely impossible? Read verse 10 again. Are you willing to place these battles in the Lord’s hands and trust Him to do mighty things to win them?

Do you believe that God was able to rearrange the entire solar system for one day to make the day longer? What does that tell you about the length God will go to to help fight your battles? Are you willing to allow Him to work?

My prayer is:

That I would understand, to the best of my abilities, the strength of God, and praise Him for His power;

That I would have faith in all the amazing and mighty things God is able to do, and is willing to do to help fight the battles of those that love and serve Him;

And that I would neither fear nor try to take on the battles by myself, but confidently rest in the knowledge of God’s mighty power.

Name the people groups that were on “this side of the Jordan” and had heard about the Israelites. Where were their territories?

What did the kings of those groups do together?

How did the inhabitants of Gibeon think differently? What tactics did they use?

Where did the Gibeonites say that they were from? What did they request from Joshua?

What was Joshua suspicious of?

Why did the Gibeonites say they had come from their “far country?”

What evidence did they present that they had come on a long journey?

What did the men of Israel fail to do in this situation?

What did Joshua and the men of Israel agree to do?

What did they learn after three days?

Where did the children of Israel journey to? How long did it take them to get there? What were the names of their neighbors’ four cities?

Why didn’t the Israelites attack them? What was the reaction of the Israelite congregation?

What did the rulers decide that the Gibeonites would do for them as a result of their oath?

What reason did the Gibeonites give for their deceptive plan?

Where, specifically, were the Gibeonites to serve as woodcutters and water carriers?

Thought Questions

What do you think is the key verse that this story hinges on (particularly regarding how the Israelite rulers dealt with the Gibeonites)?

What is your response to the mighty acts of God that you have personally witnessed? Fear? Retaliation? Or would you prefer to find a way to get “on the good side?”

Have you ever thought it was possible to fight against God? Even if you made a league with multiple other powerful parties? Why do you think the Canaanite kings believed they could fight against the power of the Israelites? Are there any ways in which you might be fighting against God, in less obvious ways?

Why do you think the Gibeonites resorted to such sneaky measures, rather than surrendering themselves honestly to the Israelites and their God?

Do you think the Gibeonites were right or wrong in what they did? What do you think they did right? What do you think they did wrong? What could they have done differently, and what might have been the outcome if they had?

Why do you think Joshua and the elders, after everything they witnessed God do and what they knew about Him, still failed to ask counsel of Him?

Are you in the habit of asking counsel of the Lord? Have you ever been guilty of not asking counsel of the Lord, and have suffered the consequences? Has there ever been a situation that seemed obvious to you (by human wisdom), yet turned out entirely different from what you expected?

My prayer is:

That I would seek to make peace with God and His people, instead of fighting futility against Him;

That I would be honest and trusting of God, not inventing crafty ways to avoid trouble but surrendering my heart to Him;

And that I would seek counsel of God on everything, and not rely on human wisdom.

Where did Joshua build an altar?

What were Moses’ specifications for the altar? What type of offerings did they offer on it?

What did Joshua write a copy of the law of Moses on?

How much of Israel joined him? 

What other item took center stage there? Who was gathered around it?

What were all the groups of people mentioned?

What group of people bore the ark of the covenant?

Were the only people invited to the ceremony natural-born Israelites?

What were the names of the two mountains that the people stood on, half and half?

Who had commanded them to do this?

What did Joshua read?

Who did Joshua read them to?

Thought Questions

Read and compare the account of Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 27:1-10 where he outlines exactly what the Israelites are to do at this place. Does Joshua do a good job at following his directions?

Read all of Deuteronomy 28. What do you think about Deuteronomy 28:1? Do you think the “you” refers to the collective people of Israel or individuals, or does it matter? What are your thoughts on people who have served the Lord diligently, but have not always received these blessings?

Do you think the Old Testament supports the “prosperity gospel” idea that if you follow God’s laws He will make you rich and healthy, but if you disobey He will make you poor and sick? How do you resolve the conflict of Jesus’ statements in the New Testament, such as Matt. 5:3, Matt. 6:19, and Matt. 19:21-24, among other places?

What are your thoughts on the violent threats for disobedience (in Deuteronomy 28:15-68)? 

Were these laws, written down by Moses and read by Joshua, intended only for the Jews? (Joshua 8:35) Why were the “strangers” to partake of the ceremony as well?

If you spent some time reviewing what God expects of you, along with the results of obedience and disobedience, what result would it have in your life? Would you feel threatened, or would you be inspired to follow God more fully with the understanding of His requirements? Do you love His law (Psalm 119:20 and 47)?

My prayer is:

That I would take time to reflect on God’s laws, understand the consequences of obedience and disobedience—and to love them;

To seek understanding of God’s character, and why we suffer certain consequences—and the grace to accept that we can’t fully have all the answers.

What words of comfort did the Lord’s message to Joshua start with?

How many of the people of war did the Lord ask Joshua to take with him to Ai? What had He given to Joshua from Ai?

What city did the Lord compare Ai to, in the experience of its destruction by Joshua’s forces? What was the difference between the two?

How many “mighty men of valor” did Joshua give specific instructions to as he sent them out?

What were their instructions?

When the people of Ai came out against the Israelites, what tactic were they going to use?

What were the soldiers lying in ambush supposed to do to the city?

Where did the soldiers who were ambushing station themselves? Where did Joshua stay that night?

What did Joshua do early the next morning?

Where did the people of war move to then?

Where did the 5,000 in ambush move to?

When the king of Ai saw the Israelite army, what did he do? What didn’t he know? 

What did Joshua and his section of the army act as though they were doing?

How many men were left in Ai and Bethel to defend it, after they chased the Israelite army?

What symbol did the Lord give to Joshua to do, to show that they would win the battle?

What did the soldiers do when Joshua raised his spear?

What did the army of Ai turn to see? What was their reaction? What did the Israelite army do in response?

What did the Israelite army do with the king of Ai?

What did the Israelite army do after they had slain the soldiers in the battlefields?

How many people from Ai were killed?

What was Joshua doing during the whole time?

What did the Israelites take as spoil?

What happened to the king of Ai? The city?

Thought Questions

Does this story strike you as vicious and violent? Or a display of God’s judgment? Glory? 

Who is judgment bad for? Who is judgment good for? Do you think the the destruction of Ai was deserved?

Why did God give the Israelites success in battle this time? Do you think you could have better success in any areas of your life if you were willing to give up a cherished sin or desire?

What do you think was the cause of the Israelite victory? The valiant fighting of the army? The weakness of Ai?  A well-planned ingenious battle tactic? Joshua’s raised spear? Or something else?

What did Joshua’s raised spear mean? 

Can you think of any instances in your life when you have been sure that God has won your battles? Or when you could have used more faith to “raise your spear” during that time?

How does the “raising the spear” concept help you to remember Who is actually responsible for the victory? (See also Exodus 17:11-13.)

Why do you think God allowed the Israelites to take the spoils this time?

My prayer is:

That I would understand the character of God; sometimes difficult when violence toward people is involved, but understanding an even greater picture in the battle between good and evil;

That I would be willing to give up personal selfishness and greed in order to promote that larger victory over evil;

And that I would “raise my spear” in the battles in which God has given me victory, remembering that it is His victory alone.

How did the children of Israel trespass? Who took the accursed thing? What was the result?
Where did Joshua send men to? Where was it? What did he command them to do there?
What report did they return with? How many people did they suggest to send to fight? Why?
What was the result?
How did Joshua respond?
What was his complaint?
What was the Lord’s response to Joshua’s complaint? What did He tell Joshua that had happened? How did this tie in with their defeat?
What were the people supposed to do to the next day to prepare themselves for what was about to happen?
What was the procedure to be used to find the guilty party?
What were they supposed to do with the person who was found with the accursed thing? Why?
Who was finally found guilty?
What were the things Joshua asked him to do?
What was Achan’s response? What exactly had he taken? What was the reason he gave for it?
What did Joshua do with the items he had found in Achan’s tent?
What did they do to Achan?

Thought Questions

Why do you think God blamed “the children of Israel” for a trespass, when it was Achan that took the thing?
Why do you think the spies suggested a smaller army? Was this a good move?
Do you think Joshua’s response to the defeat of Ai was fair? Do you think God was pleased with his complaint? How do you respond when you face defeat in your life? Do you complain, or do you consider that there might be “more to the story” that needs to be discovered—and corrected—before victory can be achieved?
Why do you think the “accursed thing” was such a big deal to God?
Why is “Thou shalt not covet” one of the Ten Commandments? Why does it matter what we desire? Does this story help clarify that concept?
Do you think the punishment for the guilty person was too harsh? Why would a loving God ask for that? How important is the covenant of the Lord? (If human covenants are important, how much more so is a covenant with God?)
Did the fact that Joshua had to go through the divinely-inspired selection process to find Achan, rather than Achan stepping forward to confess, make a difference in the story? Do you think Achan was still holding out hope that he wouldn’t be discovered?
Did Achan give glory to God, as Joshua told him to? Do you think he was truly remorseful, or just forced to confess because he got caught? Do you think the outcome might have been different if he had a different attitude? (See Jonah chapter 3, Genesis 18:20-33)
Is confession the same as repentance?

My prayer is:

To understand and obey the tenth commandment;
To truly repent from my sin, not waiting until I’m caught by man—or God, and understand that confession needs to be followed by repentance and a true hatred for my sin;
To truly give glory to God, despite the difficulties of understanding all of His ways that may seem harsh to me, but trusting that His way is right.

Why were the entrances and exits to Jericho shut?
Who and what did the Lord tell Joshua He had given him?
What was Joshua supposed to do? For how many days?
What were the priests supposed to carry?
What three things were supposed to be done on the seventh day of the march? What would be the result?
What did Joshua tell the priests to carry?
What did Joshua tell the people to do? Who was to advance before the ark?
What was the order of people in the procession?
What were the people not allowed to do up until the time they were instructed to shout?
How many days did the solemn procession continue?
On the seventh day of marching, what did they do? Who gave them the city?
What was the one family that was to be spared? Why?
What were the people,to abstain from taking? Why?
What were they allowed to take, but to consecrate to the Lord? Where was it to go?
What happened to the walls when the people shouted?
Who did they destroy with the sword?
What were they supposed to do with Rahab and her family?
What happened to the rest of the city?
Where was Rahab living at the time when this account was written?
What was to happen to the place where Jericho was? What was the curse?

Thought Questions

In verse 2, did the Lord say that He was going to give Joshua the city and its king? Had it happened yet? Why did He use past tense?
What caused the walls of Jericho to fall? Was it the sound of the trumpets, the shouting, or something else?
What was the significance of carrying the ark of the Covenant into battle? How was it misused at other times? (See 1 Samuel 4) How do we treat the holy things of God—and for what reason?
Would you be able to be quiet for a time if God told you to?
Did Joshua and the Israelite army follow God’s directions exactly? (verses 3-5 and verses 6-16) What was the result? Can you think of other Bible stories where God gave very specific instructions and the people did not follow them? What was the result? Can you conclude that it’s worth it to follow God’s instructions exactly? Even if they seem rather strange?
What are some “accursed things” that surround you (verse 18)? Do you abstain from them?
Are the best things in your life consecrated to the Lord? What, from your treasures, have you put into the Lord’s treasury?
Why do you think they needed to utterly destroy all that was in the city (except Rahab and her family)?
Was the account of this story originally written a long time after it happened, or fairly soon after? How can you tell from verse 25?
What happened to Jericho? Was God’s curse fulfilled? See 1 Kings 16:34.
What is the central lesson of the unusual story of Jericho to you?

My prayer is:
To believe that the Lord has already fulfilled His promises to me according to His ways;
That I would learn to fully trust His designs and follow His instructions exactly, however strange they may appear to me;
And that I would abstain from, and fully destroy, all of the “accursed things” in my life but give of my best treasures to the Lord’s treasury.

Which kings, from what regions, heard about the Jordan crossing? How did they feel about it?
What did the Lord tell Joshua to do? What kind of knives were to be made?
What was the place called where the Israelites were to be circumcised?
What was the reason for the circumcision? Who had not yet been circumcised?
How long did the Israelites walk in the wilderness? Who died there? Why?
How was the land that the Lord swore He would give them described?
Why did they stay at the camp for a while?
Why was the place called Gilgal?
Which day did they celebrate the Passover on?
What food did they eat the day after Passover?
Why did they stop receiving manna that day?
Where was Joshua when he saw the man with the sword? What did he ask him?
Who did the man say he was? What did Joshua do in response?
What did Joshua ask the man? How did he address him?
What did he tell Joshua to do? Why?

Thought Questions

Why were the leaders of the Amorites and Canaanites so afraid? Did it cause them to turn and follow the Lord? Do miracles always cause conversion? How about fear of punishment?
What was the purpose of circumcision? What did it represent? Why is it not a commonly used rite in the Christian Church?
What are some ways that we worship God now that are different from how they did in Old Testament times? What is the same? Why? Read Hebrews 9 and 10.
Read Acts 15. Why and how was the issue of circumcision sorted out in the time of the apostles?
Why did God stop dropping manna on the Israelites? Do you ever ask God to give you earthly things that you are asked to work for yourself?
Who was the “Commander of the armies of the Lord?” How do you know? Compare verse 14-15 to Revelation 22:8-9.

My prayer is:
That my faith in God would not be based on fear or miraculous signs alone;
That I would understand my role in God’s work and not rely completely on “handouts” when He has given me a job to do;
And that I would understand the right way to worship Him and the reasons for it.

The Lord spoke to Joshua after what event had happened?
What were the twelve men, one from each tribe, supposed to do?
Where exactly were the men supposed to take the stones from? Where were they supposed to take them?
What was the purpose of the stones? How were the people supposed to answer when their children asked what the stones meant?
Where did the priests who carried the ark stand? How long?
Who came after the people, when they had all crossed over?
Who else joined those who were settling across the Jordan? Why? How many of them?
Who exalted Joshua on that day? How did the people feel about Joshua? Who was he compared to?
What did the Lord tell Joshua to tell the priests?
What happened as soon as the priests with the ark left the riverbank?
What was the date that they arrived? Where did they camp then?
Where did they set up the twelve stones?
Again, what were they to tell their children about these stones?
Why was this miracle performed?

Thought Questions

Can you think of any instances in more recent history when God clearly and powerfully led His people? Did the people involved in that situation set up any type of historical monument to commemorate it? What have you learned about God from those stories?
Have you ever experienced God’s guidance in a powerful way in your own life, and (at least metaphorically) “set up a monument” to remember that time? At least, do you keep a journal of the ways God has answered your prayers, guided, and blessed you and your loved ones? How has this taught you about God and strengthened your faith? Could it teach others, as well?
What stories would you choose to tell a child about what God has done for His people in history? How about in your own experience?
Do we usually think of God being in the business of exalting humans? Why would God exalt Joshua (vs. 14)? Was it because Joshua was a great guy and God admired him, or some other reason?
Would you rather be exalted by humans, or God?
Contemplate verse 24. How does that verse sum up the whole story? Can God work in such mighty ways again in our day?

My prayer is:
That I would look for all the ways God has led His people through history, and learn of His glory from them;
That I would be in the habit of personally commemorating the ways He has blessed and led me and my loved ones, and remember those situations;
And that I would learn more about God’s ways and have faith in Him and in His power to lead and guide in our day as well.

How quickly after the spies returned did Joshua prepare to go to the Jordan River? Who came with him?
How long did they camp by the river?
Who was to bear the ark of the covenant? What were the people supposed to do when they saw the ark?
How much space were they supposed to leave between the ark and themselves? Why?
What were the people supposed to do to prepare for the Lord’s wonders that He was going to do for them?
What did the Lord say he was going to do for Joshua? Why?
What did the Lord say to command the priests who were carrying the ark?
What was the purpose of the miracles they were about to see?
What was going to happen when the priests stepped into the water?
Where did the waters stand still?
How did all the people get across the Jordan River?

Thought Questions

Did Joshua waste any time in claiming God’s promises for His people? After 40 years of tarrying in the desert, how did he know the time was right to move so quickly? Have you had an experience where you have known that it’s time to move? Or have delayed your response to God’s call?
Why was there to be a space between the people and the ark? How do you treat holy things? Why are holy things holy?
What was in the Ark of the Covenant that made it holy? Are the same things holy for us today?
What are some things that you think the Israelites were to do to sanctify themselves? See also Exodus 19:14-15. Is sanctification primarily an external thing (washing, etc.) or involving our hearts and minds? What would you do if you wanted to sanctify yourself?
When God exalts a ruler, is it for his own sake or for the sake of the people? In verse 7, who was really being glorified?
Why did God recreate the same miracle for the Israelites at the Jordan as He did at the Red Sea? Was it only a way to get the people across the river, or did it have any other meaning?

My prayer is:
That I would listen to God’s call to move forward and claim His promises, and act on them, at the appropriate time;
That I would follow holy things, such as God’s Law which was in the Ark, and keep them holy;
And that I would sanctify myself in the presence of holy things at holy times.