Who sent out the spies? How many were there?
What were they to look at?
Where did the spies stay?
Who was told that spies from Israel had arrived?
What did Rahab do when the king sent to look for the spies?
What was her story?
How had she hidden the spies?
Where did the pursuers go?
What were the things that Rahab’s people had heard about the Israelites? How did it make them feel?
What did Rahab ask of the spies?
What condition did the spies give for sparing Rahab’s family?
How did she let the spies down?
What did Rahab tell the spies to do next, to evade their pursuers?
What did the spies tell Rahab to do as a signal to the Israelite army to keep them safe?
What would free the Israelite army from keeping their promise to save Rahab’s family?
Where did the spies go for three days?
Who did the spies return to report to?
What was Joshua’s response?

Thought Questions

What are the similarities and differences between the story of the spies in this chapter and the one in Numbers 13?
Do you think Rahab was wrong to lie about the spies? What was her motive? What would you have done?
How did Rahab know so much about the God of the Israelites (vs. 9)? Do you think she acted out of faith in God, or some other reason?
What have you observed in the world that, like Rahab, has led you believe that “the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and the earth beneath”? What could even people from other cultures who are not educated about God observe that might lead them to that conclusion?
Read James 2:25. Why was Rahab commended for her act by James so many thousands of years later? Why was she, alongside Abraham, an example of faith “wrought with works”?
Why did the spies give conditions their promise of safety to Rahab’s family? Was it practical and fair? Can we be expected to follow conditions for our practical safety in certain situations, despite our faith and our kindness to others?

My prayer is:
That the Lord would lead me to knowledge of the right choices when faced with an “ethical dilemma;”
That I would understand the role of works in faith;
And that I would be willing to act on my faith in times of need.

Who did Joshua give commands to?
How were the officers to disseminate the information from Joshua?
What were the people supposed to do before they crossed over the Jordan?
How many days’ warning did Joshua give the people?
Why were they crossing over the Jordan? Who gave the land to them?
What three tribes, then, did Joshua specifically speak to?
Whose message did Joshua remind those three tribes of?
What land was the three tribes going to settle in?
Who was to stay in the land on that side of the Jordan? What were the men supposed to do?
At what point could the men from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh return to their families and their new land?
How did Joshua describe the location of the three tribes’ land?
Did the men of those tribes agree to what Joshua told them?
Who else did they say they had obeyed?
What did the tribesmen say should happen to those who did not obey Joshua?
What encouragement did they finish with?

Thought Questions

Was the administration of the Israelite camp organized, or was it just a group of disorganized wanderers?
What comfort does it give you to read about the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise? What have you been waiting for God to accomplish in your life? Do you believe God keeps His promises?
Although God was fulfilling His part of the promise, what action did He require of His people? What action might God be asking you to fulfill on your part in His promises to you?
What would the three tribes who were settling east of the Jordan River get out of the deal to help their brothers? What are some situations where we might be required to help others around us for their sake? At what risk?
Was Joshua asking a lot? How did they respond?
Were the people completely truthful in their response to Joshua in verse 17? (See for example Deuteronomy 1:26-28, 34-40)
How can we sincerely respond to God’s commands to us? How about to His chosen leaders on earth? Do we?
What do you think of the people’s response in verse 18?

My prayer is:
That I would remember the fulfillment of the promises God had given to His people the Israelites, and be encouraged that He is able to fulfill His promises in my life as well;
To understand that many times the fulfillment of God’s promises may require sacrifice on my part, possibly even as a benefit to others rather to myself;
And to truly, sincerely be able to say to God and His chosen leaders on earth, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.”

Whose death does the book of Joshua start with?
What was Moses’ title?
Whose son was Joshua? What was Joshua’s title?
Where did the Lord tell Joshua to do? Who was he to take?
What designated the land the Lord had given them?
What were its borders?
What words of comfort did the Lord give Joshua?
What promise was the Lord fulfilling?
What reason did the Lord give Joshua for being strong and courageous in verse 6?
What reason did the Lord give Joshua why he should be strong and courageous in verse 7?
What would cause the people to prosper wherever they go?
What should not depart from Joshua’s mouth? Why should he meditate on the Book of the Law?
What does the Lord command Joshua, again?

Thought Questions

For a little background on Joshua and Moses, read Numbers 14:6-9, 30, and Exodus 33:11. What does it tell you about Joshua? What are the important qualities in a leader that you see here?
What do you see to be the theme of the passage in Joshua 1:1-9?
How can you clearly see God’s promises being fulfilled here? As we look back, it was very obvious that His promises were fulfilled, but was it so obvious to the Israelites in the wilderness? What hope does that give you for your life?
How many times, in this passage, does the Lord tell Joshua to be strong and courageous? Does He just tell him to do it, or does He give His personal support for it? How?
Why does observing God’s law require strength and courage? Have you found this to be true in your life? Where does that strength and courage come from?
How many times does the Lord say that following His Law will give prosperity? How do you believe this to be true? Does “prosperity” automatically mean riches or worldly fame? What would prosperity and success mean in your life?
Do you think we should keep God’s Law? Is “prosperity and success” your main motive for keeping God’s Law? How does prosperity tie in with lawfulness?
What path to prosperity and courage have you chosen–following the ways of the world, or keeping God’s Law?

My prayer is:
That I would see how the Lord has fulfilled His promises in the past as proof that He will continue to fulfill his promises in the future;
That I would be strong and courageous with the Lord’s guidance;
And that I may keep all the words of God’s Law as my path to prosperity.