The Lord Commands Joshua—Joshua 1:1–18
Topics: Advice, Affirmation, Challenge, Change, Courage, Discouragement, Endurance, Faithfulness, Fear, Guidance, Leadership, Obedience, Opportunities, Perseverance, Promises, Protection, Success, Worry
Open It
1. How would you feel if you had to move to a different country?
2. When have you experienced a major change in your life?
3. *Why do you think change makes people feel uncomfortable?
Explore It
1. *What prepared Joshua to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land? (1:1)
2. For what major change did the Lord want Joshua to get the Israelites prepared? (1:2)
3. What promise did the Lord give to Joshua? (1:5)
4. Why was it important for Joshua to “be strong and courageous”? (1:6)
5. Who had been promised to inherit the land, according to the Lord? (1:6)
6. *What specific steps did the Lord instruct Joshua to take in order to be successful? (1:7)
7. *What did God say meditation on the Book of the Law would accomplish? (1:8)
8. What assurance did Joshua give the Israelites that they could “take possession of the land”? (1:11)
9. Why were certain tribes given special instructions by Joshua? (1:12–15)
10. How long were the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh instructed to help the other tribes of Israel? (1:15)
11. How did the Israelite leaders respond to Joshua’s instruction? (1:16)
12. What did the leaders of Israel say to encourage Joshua in his new role? (1:17–18)
13. How did the Israelites’ relationship with Moses affect Joshua’s effectiveness as a leader? (1:17)
14. What would happen to a person who disobeyed Joshua, according to the Israelite leaders? (1:18)
Get It
1. How do you think Joshua felt when God commanded him to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land?
2. *How does Joshua’s response to God and, in turn, the Israelites’ response to Joshua motivate you to respond to overwhelming responsibilities in your own life?
3. What causes you to feel discouraged or inadequate?
4. *What does this passage teach you about how to deal with negative emotions, such as fear, self-doubt, and discouragement?
5. Why do you think God reminded Joshua of the relationship the Lord had with Moses?
6. What events in your past remind you of God’s faithfulness and help you to trust Him today?
7. How do you feel about the changes that are taking place in your life now?
8. In order to claim for yourself God’s promise for success, what command in this passage do you need to obey?
9. Why do you think it is important to meditate on God’s Word?
Apply It
1. What specific steps can you take today to demonstrate your trust in the Lord?
2. *What concrete action can you take in the next few days to get over fear or discouragement?
3. How could you encourage a friend or family member who is feeling burned-out or discouraged?
Rahab and the Spies—Joshua 2:1–24
Topics: Acceptance, Advice, Bargaining, Believe, Choices, Courage, Danger, Enemies, Escape, Fear, Hiding, Hospitality, Kindness, Promises, Protection, Risk, Silence
Open It
1. Why do you think children enjoy the game “Hide and Seek”?
2. What emotions do you associate with hiding?
3. *Under what circumstances do people usually try to make a deal with God?
Explore It
1. *Why did Joshua send spies to Canaan? (2:1)
2. What does this passage reveal about Rahab? (2:1)
3. How did the king of Jericho respond to the message that there were spies in his city? (2:3)
4. How did Rahab respond to the king’s message? (2:4–5)
5. How did Rahab protect the spies from the king’s messengers? (2:4–6)
6. What reassurance did Rahab give to the spies? (2:8–9)
7. How did Rahab know that the Lord had given the land over to the Israelites? (2:9)
8. What instilled fear in the hearts of the Canaanites? (2:10–11)
9. *What were Rahab’s beliefs about the God of Israel? (2:11)
10. What deal did the spies make with Rahab? (2:14)
11. What were the conditions of the deal between Rahab and the spies? (2:17–20)
12. What was the nature of the spies’ report to Joshua? (2:24)
13. *Who received the credit for the Canaanites’ fear of the Israelites? (2:24)
Get It
1. How do you imagine the spies felt about sneaking into Canaan?
2. When have you ever been scared to do something that you knew was right?
3. In what specific ways do Christian values today differ from the standards of our modern culture?
4. *What is one Christian value that you feel you need to take a stand on to be a more effective witness for Christ?
5. What does this passage teach us about the kind of people God uses to accomplish His purposes?
6. What do you think inspired Rahab’s belief in the God of Israel?
7. What are some specific ways you think Rahab had to sacrifice by giving refuge to the Israelite spies?
8. What did Rahab gain through her brave actions in this passage?
9. What have you lost or gained because of your Christian beliefs?
10. *What does the conclusion of this passage teach us about God’s faithfulness to believers who take risks because of their faith?
Apply It
1. How could you demonstrate thankfulness to God today for His faithfulness in your life?
2. *What is one small risk you think God might want you to take in sharing your faith or standing up for what is right?
3. What specific step can you take in the next few days to encourage another believer who is trying to stand up for what is right?
Crossing the Jordan—Joshua 3:1–4:24
Topics: Direction, Evidence, Guidance, Impossible, Leadership, Miracles, Nature, Obedience, Power, Protection, Remembering, Traditions
Open It
1. What are some specific events or reasons for which we build or establish memorials today?
2. Why do you think family traditions are important to many people?
3. *What are some of your special family traditions?
Explore It
1. What is the setting of this story? (3:1)
2. What specific instructions did the officers give to the people regarding their journey? (3:3–4)
3. Why was it necessary for the Israelite people to consecrate themselves? (3:5)
4. For what reason did God choose to praise Joshua in the eyes of the Israelites? (3:7)
5. *How were the Israelites to know that God was with them and would drive out their enemies from the land of Canaan? (3:10–13)
6. In what season do the events of this story take place, and why is this significant? (3:15)
7. What happened when the priests who were carrying the ark reached the Jordan River? (3:15–16)
8. Why did the Lord tell Joshua to choose twelve men from among the Israelites? (4:2–3)
9. Why were stones taken from the Jordan riverbed? (4:6–7)
10. *How did the people of Israel respond to the miracle God performed on their behalf? (4:14)
11. What specific tradition did Joshua instruct the Israelites to initiate? (4:21–22)
12. *According to Joshua, for what two reasons did God perform this miracle? (4:24)
Get It
1. What is important about this story?
2. Why did God make Joshua great in the eyes of Israel?
3. *What does this passage teach you about the reason God works through believers?
4. How do you think the Israelites felt when they saw the waters of the Jordan stop flowing?
5. In what ways do you see God’s hand at work in nature today?
6. What should be our response to the power we see in nature every day?
7. How does God show us today that He is with us?
8. What is one amazing thing that God has done for you recently?
9. Why do you think God instructed Joshua to set up a physical reminder of the miracle He performed?
10. *What are some tangible things that remind you of what God means to you or what He has done for you?
Apply It
1. What steps can you take to demonstrate thankfulness to the Lord for His presence with you?
2. *What memorial or sign could you set up to remind yourself of God’s work in your life?
3. What is one specific way God has used you or helped you recently that you could share with a friend to encourage him or her?
Circumcision at Gilgal—Joshua 5:1–12
Topics: Celebration, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Guilt, Healing, Obedience, Promises, Reconciliation, Submission
Open It
1. For what reasons have you lost touch with some of your good friends from high school or college?
2. How does it feel to be separated from a close friend or loved one?
3. *How does it feel to be reunited with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time?
Explore It
1. What did the Amorite and Canaanite kings hear about the God of Israel? (5:1)
2. What reaction did the foreign kings have toward the news about Israel and their God? (5:1)
3. What was the last thing the Israelites had to do before they could enter the Promised Land? (5:2)
4. *How did Joshua respond to the Lord’s command to circumcise the Israelites? (5:2–3)
5. For what reasons was it necessary to circumcise the Israelites again? (5:4–7)
6. Why did the Israelites wander in the desert for forty years? (5:6)
7. To whom had the Lord promised the land of Canaan? (5:6)
8. What does this passage reveal about the expectations the Israelites had about the Promised Land? (5:6)
9. *How did the Lord respond to the Israelites’ obedience to His command to be circumcised? (5:9)
10. *What issue was reconciled through the circumcision of the Israelites? (5:9)
11. How did the Israelites demonstrate their renewed commitment to the Lord after they were circumcised? (5:10)
12. How was the Israelites’ celebration significant in light of what they had just done? (5:10)
13. For what reason had the manna stopped appearing for the Israelites? (5:12)
Get It
1. What do the actions of Joshua in this passage teach us about submission and obedience?
2. *What does this passage show us about the reliability of God’s promises?
3. How do you think the Israelites felt about their relationship with the Lord while they were wandering in the desert?
4. What emotions do you think the Israelites felt when they knew they were fully reconciled with the Lord and on their way to the Promised Land?
5. How does it feel to know you are forgiven and accepted by God?
6. When have you ever felt separated from God?
7. What do we need to do if our relationship with the Lord becomes severed?
8. *In what creative ways can we celebrate our reconciliation with the Lord?
9. What is one area of your spiritual life that you have had difficulty fully committing to the Lord?
10. What does this passage teach us about God’s forgiveness?
Apply It
1. What step could you take today to accept God’s forgiveness for all your sin?
2. What specific steps can you take this week to commit to the Lord one area in your life that you have withheld from Him?
3. *Keeping in mind a specific promise from the Lord, how can you remind yourself to claim this promise when you need it most during the week?
The Fall of Jericho—Joshua 5:13–6:27
Topics: Abundance, Actions, Advice, Angels, Appearance, Determination, Enemies, Enthusiasm, Escape, Guidance, Heroes, Initiative, Leadership, Miracles, Obedience, Persistence, Possessions, Power, Wealth
Open It
1. Why do you think many teenagers bow to peer pressure and do things they wouldn’t otherwise do?
2. When has peer pressure motivated you to do something good?
3. *What are some Christian traditions or practices that you think might seem unusual to someone who has never been inside a church?
Explore It
1. Whom did Joshua meet outside of Jericho? (5:13–14)
2. How did Joshua respond when the man who appeared said he was “commander of the army of the Lord”? (5:14)
3. *What instructions did the Lord give to Joshua about defeating Jericho? (6:2–5)
4. How did the Israelites treat the ark of the Lord? (6:6–7)
5. What did the Israelites do differently on the seventh day of their siege of Jericho? (6:15)
6. According to Joshua, who gave the city of Jericho over to the Israelites? (6:16)
7. *Why did Joshua instruct the Israelites to keep away from the devoted things in Jericho? (6:18)
8. What were the Israelites supposed to do with all of the wealth of Jericho? (6:19)
9. How were Rahab and her family treated by the Israelites? (6:22–23, 25)
10. *For what reason was Rahab’s life spared? (6:25)
11. What did Joshua say would happen to the man who tried to rebuild Jericho? (6:26)
12. How did the fall of Jericho affect Joshua’s reputation? (6:27)
Get It
1. Why do you think God chose this method for the Israelites to win the battle against the people of Jericho?
2. *What does this story teach us about the attitude God wants us to have whenever we succeed?
3. How do you imagine Joshua felt explaining to the Israelites the battle plans for their war against Jericho?
4. How do you feel when God tells you to do something that you don’t think your friends will understand or approve of?
5. What temptation faced the Israelites?
6. What is our culture’s attitude toward wealth?
7. What should be our attitude toward wealth?
8. Why was it important for the Israelites to devote Jericho and all of its wealth to the Lord?
9. *What does it mean to you to be devoted to the Lord?
10. What does this story teach us about the type of person God uses to accomplish His plans?
Apply It
1. What concrete action can you take to arm yourself against a temptation you expect to face in the next week?
2. What practical step can you take this week to have a loose hold on money and possessions?
3. *What is one change you can make in your life this week to move closer to being completely devoted to the Lord?
Achan’s Sin—Joshua 7:1–26
Topics: Abundance, Accountability, Accusation, Atonement, Compromise, Correction, Deceit, Devotion, Discipline, Dishonesty, Disobedience, Failure, Forgiveness, Greed, Grief, Lying, Materialism, Possessions, Punishment, Reconciliation, Repentance, Reputation, Selfishness, Shame, Sorrow, War
Open It
1. What do you think of when you hear the word materialism?
2. *How would you describe our culture’s attitude toward money?
Explore It
1. How did the Israelites act unfaithfully? (7:1)
2. How did the Lord respond to the Israelites’ unfaithfulness? (7:1)
3. For what reason did Joshua send men from Jericho to Ai? (7:2)
4. What report did the spies give to Joshua regarding their mission? (7:3)
5. Why were the spies confident of their ability to overcome the city of Ai? (7:3)
6. What was the outcome of the Israelites’ battle with the men of Ai? (7:4–5)
7. How did the nation of Israel react to their loss? (7:5)
8. How did the leaders of Israel demonstrate their shock and remorse over losing the war with Ai? (7:6)
9. *What most concerned Joshua about the ramifications of Israel’s loss? (7:9)
10. *Why had the Lord allowed Israel to lose the battle with Ai? (7:10–12)
11. How did the Lord reveal to the Israelites who had taken the devoted things from Jericho? (7:14–15)
12. According to Joshua, for what reason was Achan asked to confess his sin? (7:19)
13. Why did Achan take the devoted things from Jericho? (7:21)
14. *How did the Israelites repent of their sin before the Lord? (7:22–26)
15. What was the Lord’s response to the Israelites’ repentance? (7:26)
Get It
1. What does this story tell us about the power of greed?
2. *How would you describe a good attitude toward wealth?
3. What can we learn from Israel’s response to their sin?
4. Why do you think it was necessary for Israel to kill Achan and his family and destroy everything that belonged to them?
5. How does God’s response to Israel’s repentance encourage you?
6. For what reasons do you think it is important to remind ourselves of God’s forgiveness, as the Israelites did in this instance?
7. How does our turning away from sin give glory to God?
8. In what specific ways do you think people allow greed to creep into their lives?
9. *How can you guard yourself against the sin of greed?
Apply It
1. What is one step you can take to restore or renew your commitment to obey the Lord?
2. *How can you protect yourself from being greedy?
3. What is one practical way you could remind yourself of God’s forgiveness?
Victory at Ai—Joshua 8:1–35
Topics: Affirmation, Blessing, Challenge, Courage, Dedication, Enemies, Follow-through, Guidance, Instructions, Leadership, Obedience, Plans, Preparation, Remembering, Success, Teamwork, Traditions, Victory, War
Open It
1. What characteristics do you look for in a leader?
2. *To what extent do you consider yourself more of a leader or a follower? Why?
3. Why is it important for an army strictly to obey its commanders during wartime?
Explore It
1. Why did Joshua need special encouragement when the Lord told him to attack the city of Ai? (8:1)
2. How would the Israelites’ battle with Ai compare to their war with Jericho? (8:2)
3. In what way did the battle with Ai differ from the Israelites’ war with Jericho? (8:2)
4. What was Israel’s strategy of war to overtake the city of Ai? (8:4–7)
5. Who was the leader of the army of Israel? (8:8)
6. *What role did Joshua play before and during the war with Ai? (8:9, 13, 18, 26)
7. How did the king of Ai respond to Israel’s second advance against his city? (8:14)
8. What specific instructions did the Lord give to Joshua during this war? (8:18)
9. *What was the outcome of Israel’s war with Ai? (8:20–23)
10. Why did the Israelites take the livestock and plunder of Ai? (8:27)
11. *What did Joshua do following Israel’s victory over the city of Ai? (8:30–35)
Get It
1. What does this passage teach us about the Lord’s view of obedience?
2. How do you think Joshua felt when the Lord told him to go to battle against the city of Ai when they had already lost a battle against them?
3. What happened that last time you did something for the Lord that you had thought was impossible?
4. Why did God give Israel the victory over Ai?
5. Why was it important for all of the Israelites to offer burnt offerings to the Lord and review the Book of the Law?
6. *Following the Israelites’ example, how should we respond when the Lord gives us victory over a sin or weakness?
7. In what circumstances is it important for us to review the written instructions God has given us?
8. What can we learn from this story about “second chances”?
9. *In what area of your life do you need a second chance?
Apply It
1. What first step can you take to renew your commitment to obey God?
2. *How can you remind yourself this week of God’s promise of victory over the struggles in your own life?
3. What concrete action could you take this week to encourage a friend who needs a “second chance”?
The Gibeonite Deception—Joshua 9:1–27
Topics: Acceptance, Appearance, Assumptions, Compromise, Consequences, Deceit, Discernment, Dishonesty, Enemies, Escape, Evidence, Impulsiveness, Judging Others, Leadership, Lying, Neighbor, Obligation, Partnerships, Promises, Reputation
Open It
1. In what ways do people sometimes pretend to be who they are not?
2. *What does it feel like to be deceived by a friend?
3. How do your friends and coworkers view people who are dishonest?
Explore It
1. What was the reaction of Israel’s neighbors when they heard about the battles Israel had won? (9:1–2)
2. What kind of reputation had the Israelites established? (9:1–3)
3. How did the people of Gibeon respond differently to Israel from the rest of their neighbors? (9:3–4)
4. Under what false pretenses did the Gibeonites present themselves to the Israelites? (9:3–6)
5. *Why did the Gibeonites go to such lengths to make a treaty with Israel? (9:6, 24)
6. What lies did the Gibeonites tell Joshua? (9:6–13)
7. How did Joshua respond to the Gibeonites’ request to establish a treaty? (9:7–8)
8. *What mistake did the leaders of Israel make in dealing with the Gibeonites? (9:14)
9. What did the Israelites do when they discovered that the Gibeonites had deceived them? (9:16–18)
10. Why did the Israelites not attack the Gibeonites when they discovered they were their neighbors? (9:18)
11. *What compromise were the Israelite leaders forced to make with the Gibeonites? (9:20–21)
Get It
1. Why do you think the Gibeonites’ ruse worked?
2. How would you describe Joshua’s attitude in dealing with the Gibeonites?
3. How do you think Joshua felt when he discovered his mistake?
4. What does this story teach us about the consequences of sin?
5. What does it mean to “inquire of the Lord”?
6. *In what circumstances do we tend to rely on ourselves instead of seeking God’s wisdom?
7. Why is it dangerous to rely on appearances when making important decisions?
8. Why do you think God sometimes allows the plans of deceitful people to succeed?
9. *What do the actions of Joshua in this story teach you about how to deal with your own mistakes?
10. In what area of your life have you relied more on your own strength than God’s wisdom?
Apply It
1. What do you want to remember the next time you make an unwise decision?
2. *How can you “inquire of the Lord” the next time you have an important decision to make?
3. What concrete action can you take to protect yourself from others who want to deceive or take advantage of you?
The Sun Stands Still—Joshua 10:1–15
Topics: Ambition, Challenge, Conflict, Enemies, Miracles, Nature, Neighbor, Obligation, Opposition, Surprises, Teamwork, Victory, War
Open It
1. When have you had to depend on a friend, and how did it make you feel to admit your need?
2. What is the most significant request you have ever asked of God?
3. *What is the most exciting answer to prayer you have ever seen or heard about?
Explore It
1. What did the king of Jerusalem hear about Joshua? (10:1)
2. Why were the people of Jerusalem alarmed to hear about Joshua’s treaty with the Gibeonites? (10:2)
3. Of what significance was the city of Gibeon to the king of Jerusalem? (10:2–4)
4. Why did the king of Jerusalem want to attack Gibeon? (10:4)
5. Why did the five kings of the Amorites join forces? (10:5)
6. How did the Gibeonites respond to the attack of the Amorites? (10:6)
7. How did Joshua respond to the plea for help from the Gibeonites? (10:7)
8. What specific promise did the Lord give to Joshua? (10:8)
9. *What three miracles did the Lord perform to ensure the Israelites’ defeat of the Amorites? (10:9–13)
10. Why did Joshua ask the Lord to make the sun and moon stand still? (10:12)
11. *How did God answer Joshua’s unusual request? (10:13)
12. *According to the writer of this passage, what did the delay of the sun and moon demonstrate? (10:14)
Get It
1. What does Joshua’s unusual request in this story reveal about his character?
2. How do you think the people of Israel felt when the Lord stopped the setting of the sun for them?
3. What does this story teach us about faith?
4. What role does faith play in your life?
5. *How can we cultivate and increase our faith in God?
6. When do you think it is appropriate to ask God to do miracles?
7. What can we learn from the actions of the Gibeonites in this story?
8. Why do you think it is difficult for many Christians to admit that they need the help of others?
9. *What does this story tell us about God’s nature?
10. What does this story reveal about the kind of relationship God wants to have with us?
Apply It
1. *What specific step do you think you could take this week to increase your faith in God?
2. To whom can you go for help and support the next time you face a problem too difficult to handle alone?
3. How could you support a friend who is going through a difficult time right now?
Five Amorite Kings Killed—Joshua 10:16–43
Topics: Accomplishments, Achievements, Ambition, Courage, Danger, Determination, Enemies, Fear, Hiding, Humiliation, Initiative, Obedience, Perseverance, Success, Victory, War
Open It
1. What to you is a good example of ambition, or whom do you know who exemplifies it?
2. *What will motivate you to go beyond the call of duty?
3. What would you say is the most significant accomplishment in your life so far?
Explore It
1. What is the opening scene of this story? (10:16)
2. Why were some of the most powerful kings in the region hiding in caves? (10:16)
3. What did Joshua do when he heard that the five Amorite kings were hiding from him? (10:18–19)
4. *Why was Joshua so determined to pursue the Amorites? (10:19)
5. Why were all of the Israelites’ enemies terrified even to “utter a word” against them? (10:21)
6. What did Joshua do to humiliate the Amorite kings? (10:24)
7. *What lesson did Joshua teach the Israelites through his actions toward the Amorite kings? (10:25)
8. Where did Joshua go after he had defeated the city of Makkedah? (10:29–39)
9. Who gets the credit for all of the Israelites’ victories? (10:30)
10. What command did Joshua obey? (10:40)
11. *Why was Joshua able to conquer the whole region in one campaign? (10:42)
Get It
1. Why was it necessary for the Israelites to defeat all of the cities in the region?
2. Why do you think God commanded Joshua to destroy everything when he conquered cities?
3. What does this passage show us about obedience?
4. What motivated Joshua to persevere despite the fierce opposition he faced?
5. *What obstacle or opposition do you now face or expect to face soon?
6. What should motivate us to persevere in our struggle against sin?
7. In what ways can we give God credit when we experience success in our lives?
8. *What is one battle that you need the Lord to fight for you?
Apply It
1. What step can you take this week to ensure victory over the obstacles you face?
2. What is one command of the Lord that you need to concentrate more on obeying?
3. *How can you remember to “be strong and courageous” because of God’s presence with you?
Northern Kings Defeated—Joshua 11:1–12:24
Topics: Achievements, Affirmation, Challenge, Encouragement, Enemies, Hardheartedness, History, Instructions, Obedience, Perseverance, Problems, Success, Victory, War
Open It
1. What words or comparisons would you use to describe something very, very big?
2. *What emotions do you feel when you face an overwhelming problem?
3. What problem-solving techniques do you practice at work or at home?
Explore It
1. Who initiated the plan for the northern kings to join forces and attack Israel? (11:1)
2. How is the combined army of the northern kings described? (11:4)
3. Why was it necessary for all of the northern cities to combine their armies? (11:4–5)
4. *What encouragement did the Lord give to Joshua when he faced this immense army? (11:6)
5. What specific instructions did the Lord include in His promise of victory to Joshua? (11:6)
6. What strategy did Joshua use against the armies of the northern cities? (11:7)
7. *What was the outcome of the battle between Israel and the northern cities? (11:8)
8. Who is given credit for Israel’s victory? (11:8)
9. *In what specific way did Joshua obey the Lord? (11:9)
10. In addition to the Lord, whom was Joshua obeying by destroying the royal cities? (11:12)
11. How long did Israel’s war with the northern cities continue? (11:18)
12. Why did the northern kings decide not to make treaties of peace with Israel? (11:20)
13. Why did the Lord harden the hearts of the northern kings against Israel? (11:20)
14. How was the land divided after Israel had won it through battle? (11:23)
Get It
1. How do you think Joshua felt when he saw a huge army ready to fight Israel?
2. What do the Lord’s actions in this story reveal about His sovereign control over history?
3. Why is the land that the Israelites won referred to as an “inheritance”?
4. How did Joshua deal with problems that seemed too big to solve?
5. *What do Joshua’s actions teach us about obedience?
6. What do God’s actions in this situation reveal about the relationship He wants us to have with Him?
7. How has the Lord encouraged you recently to deal with a difficult issue in your life?
8. In what ways can we give God praise for victories we experience in our lives?
9. *What is the one problem you are facing that seems too difficult to handle?
Apply It
1. *What steps of obedience do you need to take in resolving a problem you are now facing?
2. What concrete action can you take to entrust your “impossible” circumstances to the Lord?
3. How could you encourage a friend who is facing a difficult situation in the next few days?
Hebron Given to Caleb—Joshua 13:1–17:18
Topics: Accomplishments, Disagreements, Enemies, Faithfulness, History, Instructions, Obedience, Patience, Peer Pressure, Rewards, Victory, War
Open It
1. Why do you think peer pressure is so powerful?
2. How long are you usually able to wait for an answer to prayer before feeling impatient about it?
3. *What are some of the ways you’ve seen advertisers use “instant gratification” to sell products?
Explore It
1. At what point in Joshua’s life did the events in this passage take place? (13:1)
2. *What specific instructions and promise did the Lord give to Joshua about the land that remained to be conquered? (13:6–7)
3. Why did the tribe of Levi not inherit a portion of the land? (13:14, 33)
4. How did Joshua know how to divide the land between the tribes of Israel? (14:2, 5)
5. Why did Caleb approach Joshua at Gilgal? (14:6–12)
6. What role did Caleb play in Israel’s history before they conquered the Promised Land? (14:7–8)
7. In what way did Caleb stand firm to his convictions when his peers did not? (14:7–8)
8. *What did Moses promise Caleb because of his obedience? (14:9)
9. How had the Lord kept His promise to Caleb? (14:10)
10. *How long did Caleb have to wait before God fulfilled His promise to him? (14:10)
11. Where did Caleb place his confidence? (14:12)
12. How did Joshua respond to Caleb’s request? (14:13)
13. What reason did the author of this passage give to explain why Hebron was given to Caleb? (14:14)
14. Why did the people of Joseph complain to Joshua? (17:14)
15. What was Joshua’s response to the tribe of Joseph’s request for more land? (17:17–18)
Get It
1. What do these chapters reveal about the reliability of God’s promises?
2. What character traits of Caleb make him a good role model for us today?
3. *What is one character trait of Caleb that you would want to develop in your own life?
4. Why was it significant that Caleb brought back a good report about the Promised Land?
5. What do Caleb’s actions teach us about standing firm in our convictions?
6. In what circumstances has it been difficult for you to do what you knew was right?
7. In what ways did God show His faithfulness to Caleb?
8. How have you experienced God’s faithfulness?
9. *What does it mean to follow the Lord wholeheartedly?
Apply It
1. What is one promise of God that you want to claim and trust God to fulfill for you?
2. *In what area of your life do you need to stand up against the pressure of others and do what is right?
3. What concrete step could you take to say thank You to God for His faithfulness to you?
Division of the Rest of the Land—Joshua 18:1–19:51
Topics: Apathy, Example, Follow-through, Guidance, Humility, Initiative, Obedience, Serving
Open It
1. *How would you describe a good leader?
2. How highly is humility valued in your place of work?
Explore It
1. Where did the events of this story take place? (18:1)
2. What did the Israelites do at Shiloh? (18:1)
3. Why was it necessary for Joshua to give instructions to the Israelites? (18:2)
4. *Whom did Joshua credit for giving Israel the Promised Land? (18:3)
5. What were the three appointed men from each tribe supposed to do? (18:4)
6. For what purpose did Joshua want to cast lots? (18:6)
7. How did Joshua know how to divide the land? (18:6)
8. Why did the Levites not receive an inheritance of land? (18:7)
9. Who gave Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh their inheritance of land? (18:7)
10. What specific instructions did Joshua give to the men who went to map out the land? (18:8)
11. *How did Joshua distribute the land among the Israelite tribes? (18:10)
12. What inheritance did Joshua receive? (19:49)
13. *When did Joshua receive his inheritance in relation to the rest of Israel? (19:49)
Get It
1. Why do you think the Israelites were slow to divide the land they had conquered?
2. In what ways was Joshua a good leader?
3. *What is one characteristic of Joshua that you would like to have in your own life?
4. How was Joshua’s servant attitude revealed?
5. Why do you think Joshua received his inheritance last?
6. How can we follow Joshua’s example in making important decisions?
7. *What important decision do you have to make in the near future?
Apply It
1. In what specific situation could you demonstrate a servant attitude? How?
2. *What specific steps could you take this week to rely on God’s help in making an important decision?
Towns for the Levites—Joshua 20:1–21:45
Topics: Accusation, Consequences, Obedience, Promises, Protection, Punishment, Reliability
Open It
1. *How does it feel when a friend breaks a promise?
2. How important is it to you that a friend be trustworthy? Why?
Explore It
1. Why did the Lord tell the Israelites to designate cities of refuge? (20:2–3)
2. *From what did the cities of refuge offer people protection? (20:3)
3. Who would go to a city of refuge? (20:3)
4. What role did elders play in a city of refuge? (20:4)
5. How long would a person remain in a city of refuge? (20:6)
6. Why did the family heads of the Levites approach Eleazar, Joshua, and the heads of the other Israelite tribes? (21:2)
7. How did the Israelites respond to the request of the Levites? (21:3)
8. *Why did each of the Israelite tribes give up some of their land to the Levites? (21:8)
9. *What specific promise did the Lord fulfill to Israel? (21:43)
10. What was life like for the Israelites after they conquered the land the Lord had promised them? (21:44)
Get It
1. Why was it important to establish places of refuge in Israel?
2. *In what specific ways has the Lord provided protection for you?
3. How do you think the church today should be involved in protecting Christians from the stresses of life?
4. What does this passage reveal about the character of God?
5. What have you learned from this passage about the reliability of God’s promises?
6. *What is one promise you have seen the Lord fulfill in your own life?
7. What do you think we should do when it seems as if God’s promises are not fulfilled?
Apply It
1. What is one specific promise in the Bible that you would like to claim?
2. *What concrete action could you take this week to demonstrate your trust in God’s promises?
Eastern Tribes Return Home—Joshua 22:1–34
Topics: Accusation, Advice, Answers, Assumptions, Blessing, Criticism, Denial, Disagreements, Judging Others, Obedience, Rebellion, Reputation, Rewards, Unfairness
Open It
1. To the best of your knowledge, why is our legal system based on the concept of “innocent until proven guilty”?
2. *How do you think you would feel if you were falsely accused of a crime?
3. How can the average person protect himself or herself against false accusations?
Explore It
1. Why did Joshua summon the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh? (22:1)
2. How had the eastern tribes been obedient? (22:2)
3. What was the mission that the Lord had given the eastern tribes? (22:3)
4. Why did Joshua encourage the eastern tribes to return home? (22:4)
5. What did the eastern tribes receive from Joshua before he sent them on their way? (22:5–6)
6. *How had the eastern tribes been blessed by their obedience to the Lord? (22:8)
7. What did the eastern tribes build near the Jordan River? (22:10)
8. Why did the Israelites plan to go to war against the eastern tribes? (22:11–12)
9. What assumptions did the Israelites make about the eastern tribes’ behavior? (22:12)
10. *How did the Israelites resolve their dispute with the eastern tribes? (22:13–14)
11. Why did the Israelites think that the eastern tribes were rebelling against the Lord? (22:16)
12. What did the Israelites believe would be the consequences of the eastern tribes’ rebellion? (22:18)
13. How did the eastern tribes respond to the accusations of the Israelites? (22:22–23)
14. What were the intentions of the eastern tribes when they built the altar on the Jordan River? (22:24–28)
15. How did the leaders of Israel respond to the eastern tribes’ defense of their actions? (22:30)
16. *How did the Israelites react to the news that the eastern tribes were not rebellious toward the Lord? (22:33)
Get It
1. What does this story teach us about obedience?
2. Why do we need to “be very careful” to obey God, as Joshua advised Israel?
3. What does it mean to serve the Lord “with all your heart and all your soul”?
4. How do you think the eastern tribes felt when they heard the false accusations of the Israelites?
5. When have you ever been falsely accused? What happened?
6. *What lessons can this story teach us about resolving conflicts?
7. How should we respond to false accusations?
8. *What does this passage reveal about the consequences of one person’s sin on others?
9. How do you think your own actions and attitudes affect the reputation of the church and of Christ?
Apply It
1. *What could you do to resolve the conflict peacefully the next time you have a misunderstanding with a friend or family member?
2. What is one “extra precaution” you can take to ensure your loyalty and obedience to the Lord?
Joshua’s Farewell to the Leaders—Joshua 23:1–16
Topics: Advice, Challenge, Consequences, Devotion, Disobedience, Faithfulness, Idolatry, Neighbor, Obedience, Promises, Rewards, Unbelievers
Open It
1. What is one thing you would want to do if you did not have much longer to live?
2. *How seriously would you take a dying friend’s last request? Why?
Explore It
1. When did the events of this passage take place? (23:1)
2. Why did Joshua summon the Israelites and all of their leaders? (23:2)
3. *Whom did Joshua credit for Israel’s success in subduing their enemies? (23:3)
4. Of what promise did Joshua remind the Israelites? (23:5)
5. What specific advice did Joshua give to Israel? (23:6)
6. Why was it important for Israel not to associate with the nations around them? (23:7)
7. How was Israel capable of conquering the powerful nations that occupied the Promised Land? (23:9)
8. *What did Joshua say would happen to Israel if they turned away from the Lord? (23:12–13)
9. Why was it dangerous for the Israelites to intermarry with their neighbors? (23:12–13)
10. How did Joshua describe what it would be like for Israel if they chose to associate with their neighbors? (23:13)
11. Why is it significant that Joshua gave this advice to Israel when he thought he would die soon? (23:14)
12. What did Joshua believe about the reliability of God’s promises? (23:14)
13. *What stipulation was combined with the promise of the Lord’s protection of Israel? (23:16)
Get It
1. Why do you think Joshua thought it was necessary to give Israel such a harsh warning?
2. What are some of the promises you have seen God fulfill in your life?
3. *What specific steps can we take to insure that we carefully obey the commands God has given us?
4. With whom, if anyone, do you think God would not want us to associate today?
5. What do you think can be a snare to Christians today as Israel’s neighbors were to them?
6. *In what way are the promises and stipulations God gave to Israel applicable to our relationships?
7. In what specific way does this passage encourage or challenge you?
Apply It
1. *What step could you take to protect yourself against the temptations to compromise with the world?
2. What is one promise of the Lord that you would like to remember day by day?
The Covenant Renewed at Shechem—Joshua 24:1–33
Topics: Accountability, Advice, Beliefs, Choices, Commitment, Convictions, Criticism, Devotion, Disobedience, Faithfulness, History, Idolatry, Loyalty, Obedience, Promises, Remembering, Serving
Open It
1. What would you list as the three most significant events in your life?
2. *What benefit do you see in remembering important events from your past?
3. What do you think would be the benefits of keeping a journal about your relationship with God?
Explore It
1. Why did Joshua assemble all of the tribes of Israel at Shechem? (24:1–2)
2. *Why was it necessary for Joshua to remind the Israelites what God had done for them? (24:1–14)
3. What role did Abraham play in the history of Israel? (24:3)
4. Why did the Lord save Israel from the Egyptians? (24:7)
5. What did the Lord give to Israel, and what did He ask in return? (24:13–14)
6. What choice did Joshua present before the Israelites? (24:15)
7. *What decision had Joshua made about his own faith? (24:15)
8. How did the Israelites respond to Joshua’s challenge? (24:16–18)
9. Why did Joshua say that the people of Israel were not able to serve the Lord? (24:19)
10. Why did Joshua doubt the sincerity of the people of Israel? (24:19, 23)
11. What was keeping the Israelites from fully surrendering to the Lord? (24:23)
12. *What did Joshua do to help the Israelites remember their promise to the Lord? (24:25)
13. In what way could the stone that Joshua set up be a witness for Israel? (24:27)
Get It
1. Why do you think fellowship with other believers is so important?
2. *When is it most helpful for you to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in the past?
3. What are the most significant things that you have seen the Lord do in your life?
4. When did you make the decision to serve the Lord?
5. How do you feel when you think about the time that you first came to the Lord?
6. What are some of the things that hinder you from fully surrendering to the Lord?
7. *What is helpful about setting up a “witness” to our commitment to serve the Lord?
8. How can Christians keep each other accountable?
Apply It
1. *What sort of witness could you establish to remind you of your commitment to the Lord?
2. What area of your life do you want to surrender more fully to the Lord?
3. How could you remind a friend of God’s faithfulness?
Adult Questions for LESSONmaker (2024). Bellingham, WA: Logos, p. Jos 1:1–24:33.