Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 19

JOSHUA 19      Review: We saw in Chapter 18 that seven tribes had not sent anyone to walk the land and bring back a description to Joshua so that he could cast lots for them to give them their appointed land. They do this and bring back description to him at the camp that is now set up in Shiloh where they have erected the tent of meeting for worship and sacrifices. The rest of the chapter was devoted to the land description and cities given to the tribe of Benjamin. As Chapter 19 opens, we see the second lot falling to Simeon; then the others follow - Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Lastly, Joshua took the city of his choosing in the land of the tribe of Ephraim of whom he belonged.  The men had walked the land and had given a full description of it to Joshua in a book divided into seven portions. We saw the 1st lot fell to Benjamin in Chapter 18. Who did the 2nd lot fall to according to 19:1? Where was Simeon's inheritance located within? vs. 1 Why was Simeon's share taken from the portion given to Judah originally? vs. 9 The inheritance including the cities and the villages given to Simeon are described. (vs.2-9).  What can we learn from this example of those with more giving to those who had less? Simeon was also the smallest of all the tribes at that time and did not need as much land as the others and yet Judah had been given more than enough for their needs. 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 Who did the 3rd lot come up for according to 19:10? The description of the tribe of Zebulun's inheritance is given (vs.10-16). How many cities with villages belonged to Zebulun? vs. 15 Note: The city of Bethlehem that is mentioned (vs.15) is not the one that the Christ child was born in. He was born in Bethleham of Judah. (Micah 5:2) What is significant about the territories of Zebulun & Naphtali in the New Testament? Matthew 4:12-17 Who did the 4th lot come up for according to 19:17? The description of the tribe of Issachar's inheritance is given (vs.17-23).  How many cities with villages belonged to Issahar? vs. 22 Who did the 5th lot come up for according to 19:24? What does the name Asher mean? Use a concordance to find out. How should the meaning of his name apply to every Christian? Comment on the verses below: Deuteronomy 33:29 Psalm 1:1-3 Psalm 32:1,2 Psalm 119:1,2 Ephesians 1:3 The description of the tribe of Asher's inheritance is given (vs.24-31). How many cities with villages belonged to Asher? vs. 30 Who did the 6th lot come up for according to 19:32? The description of the tribe of Naphtali's inheritance is given (vs.32-39). How many cities with villages belonged to Naphtali? vs. 38? Again, what was significant about the location of Zebulun & Naphtali in the New Testament? Matthew 4:12-17 Who did the 7th lot come up for according to 19:40? How many cities do you find that they inherited from vs.41-46? What did they name the city of Leshem after they fought it and captured it? vs. 47 After the land was distributed to all the tribes of Israel, what did Israel give to Joshua as an inheritance? vs.49,50 Who built the city? vs. 50 Who distributed the inherited lands to the tribes by the doorway of the tent of meeting in the land of Shiloh? vs. 51 - Name 3 groups: Applications As Christians, we are "blessed" people. As Asher's name means "blessed" or "happy", we saw the Scriptures that show we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The apostle Paul spoke about rejoicing as he wrote a letter to the church from his prison cell. What did he say we should always do? Comment on the verses below and choose to rejoice in the Lord today. Philippians 4:4 Joshua was the last one to get his inheritance. He made sure that everyone else got theirs first. This is a sign of a godly leader. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He did not come to be served, but to be a ransom for all. He set the example of servanthood for us. What kind of an example of a servant are we to those who look to us for spiritual guidance, whether our own children or others in life? Comment on the following verses: Matthew 20:28 Luke 22:26 Philippians 2:7 1 Corinthians 3:5 2 Corinthians 4:5 It is exciting to look ahead and see what the lands of Zebulun & Naphtali would represent to the Gentile nations one day. We saw that Jesus would be there by the Sea of Galilee, ministering for three years. What did He bring to the people? What are we to bring to people? Comment on the verses below and decide to be "like Jesus" in His servanthood and message of hope and light. Amen? Matthew 4:12-17 Matthew 5:14 Romans 13:12 Ephesians 5:8 Philippians 2:15 Summarize the lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 18

JOSHUA 18      Review: In Chapters 15-17, we have seen the tribe of Judah, the person Caleb, and the tribes of Ephraim & Manesseh receive their inheritance in the Promised Land. As we continue in Chapter 18 of Joshua, we see that seven tribes had not sent anyone to walk the land and bring back a description to Joshua so that he could cast lots for them to give them their appointed land. They do this and bring back description to him at the camp that is now set up in Shiloh where they have erected the tent of meeting for worship and sacrifices. The rest of the chapter is devoted to the land description and cities given to the tribe of Benjamin.  Where did the whole congregation of Israel assemble at? vs. 1 What did they set up there? vs. 1 Note: Remember that they set up the camp and tent of meeting and took it down again each time the cloud lifted during their 40 years in the wilderness? They had camped in Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River. Do you recall how the tribes camped around the tent of meeting where the Ark of the Covenant was located and the worship continued by the Levitical priests? Now that several tribes have moved into their places of inheritance, they are not strategically camping around it now. With the land subdued and peaceful, now is the time to set the tabernacle up in a city of God's choosing. Did He say that He would show them where to do this? Genesis 49:10 Deuteronomy 12:8-11 What tribe had the city of Shiloh within its' borders where the tabernacle was set up? Did you find Shiloh in Ephraim's Inheritance? Looking at the map, what is notable about it's location? Note: Shiloh was about 15 miles from Jerusalem and in the inherited land of Ephraim. Joshua himself was from this tribe and therefore his inheritance was close to the tent of meeting where the worship took place for all the tribes. Notice from the map given that Shiloh was in a central location with tribal inheritance all around it. This gave safety to the tent of meeting and also made it more convenient for all tribes to come for the required feasts and the sacrifical offerings. All of Israel gathered together at Shiloh. (vs.1) Note: The ark of the covenant remained at Shiloh for approximately 300 years. Eventually the worship of other gods and the disobedience of the nation of Israel brought judgment to them as we will see in the book of Judges. Eventually God will choose a young shepherd named David to be King of Israel and his throne and the temple will be built in Jerusalem. (See Jermiah 7:12-14 to see how God refers back to His judgment at Shiloh; See Psalm 78:60-72 to see how God brought them back to worship Him in Jerusalem under David as He remembered His covenant promises to them.) How many tribes had not yet claimed their inheritance? vs. 2 What did Joshua ask them concerning this? vs. 3 God had "given" them the land; all they needed to do was to "claim" it. What promises have we been given in the Christian life that we need to claim by faith? Peace through Prayer - Philippians 4:6,7 Wisdom for Asking - James 1:5 Open Doors For Knocking - Matthew 7:7,8 Can you think of others? Why is it so easy to "put off" walking in the promises of God? Comment on the following verses: Ecclesiastes 11:4 2 Corinthians 9:6 Galatians 6:7-9 Hebrews 12:3 Rather than "put off" things, what should we "put on" each and every day? Comment on the following verses: Romans 13:14 Ephesians 4:24 Ephesians 6:11 Colossians 3:12-14 1 Thessalonians 5:8 How many men were they to send out from each tribe to walk the land and bring back a description to Joshua? vs. 4 When the three men of the seven tribes left (which would have been 21 men) brought back the description of the land that was left for their inheritance, how many portions were they to divide it into? vs. 5 Joshua reminded them that Judah would stay in the territory of the south and the house of Joseph (Manasseh) would be to the north (vs.5).  They were to bring the description of the seven divisions they had walked and portioned out. What would Joshua do to decide on the portions for each one? vs. 6 Which tribe did not receive a portion among them and why not? vs. 7 Note: The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance.  We have already seen that the priests and Levites had the sacrifices, oblations tithes, first-fruits, redemption-money of the firstborn, etc., for their inheritance; they had no landed possessions in Israel; the Lord was their portion. Which tribes had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan when Moses was still alive? vs. 7 The men arose and went out to walk the land and describe it by cities in seven divisions in a book. (vs.8,9) Where did they bring the book to? vs. 9 Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD and divided the land according to their divisions. (vs.10) The lot of the tribe of Benjamin is described.(vs.11-20).  What tribes did it lie between? vs. 11 What was on the east side of the inheritance of Benjamin? vs. 20 Twenty-six cities are named that were part of the inheritance of Benjamin. (vs.21-28 ).  Among them are some familiar places such as Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, and even the Jebusite which came to be known as the city of Jerusalem. What is so special about the city of Jerusalem?   Comment on the verses below: 1 Kings 11:36 2 Kings 19:31 1 Chronicles 23:25 Psalm 116:19 Psalm 122:6 Psalm 135:21 Isaiah 2:3 Isaiah 40:9 Isaiah 62:1 Applications: We saw that Joshua was part of the tribe of Ephriam. The apostle Paul of the New Testament was an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin. Comment on the verses below: Romans 11:1 Philippians 3:4,5 They assembled at Shiloh to worship at the tent of meeting. Do you have a tent of meeting (so to speak) ? Where is your place of worship? How about at home; do you have a place set apart to meet with God? Share your meeting places. Each day, we need to claim the promises of God. Sometimes, we need to walk the land of our inheritance; the Bible ... find the promises of God, and lay claim to them. What promises are you needing to claim today? Find the verses that you can claim and present them before the Lord. Share them with us if you would like. Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 16 & 17

JOSHUA 16      Review: In Chapter 15, we saw the first inheritance given out to the tribe of Judah. Caleb came forward and received the land that he was promised 45 years prior.   We will continue to see the distribution of the promised land handed out to the tribes. In Chapter 16 & 17, we see the land allotments for the sons of Joseph, referred to as the 1/2 tribe of Ephraim and the 1/2 tribe of Manesseh. These chapters are combined for our lesson content. The lot was cast for the sons of Joseph. The land of their inheritance is described. (vs.1-3) and shown on the map below. Who were the 2 sons of Joseph? vs. 4 In this chapter, the territory that was given to the sons of Ephraim are described. (vs.5-9) ... This included the cities that were set apart for the sons of Ephraim. Where was their inheritance in the "midst" of ... or rather "combined with"? vs. 9 Who were the unable to drive out that lived in the city of Gezer? vs. 10 Rather than drive them out, what did they do with them? vs. 10 JOSHUA 17        Who was Joseph's firstborn? vs. 1 What blessing did Jacob give to Manasseh? Genesis 48:20 What blessing did Moses give to Manasseh? Deuteronomy 33:17 Back to Joshua 17.  Who was Manasseh's firstborn? vs. 1 What two cities were given to Machir, the firstborn of Manesseh, and why were they given to him? vs. 1 What were the names of the other families of Manesseh that received their appointed inheritance? vs. 2 Name 6  Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, did not have sons; only daughters. What were their names? vs. 3 Name 5 These daughters had previously asked Moses for an inheritance from their father and they were told that they would receive it. They reminded Elezar the priest and Joshua at this time. What were they given? vs. 4 How many portions fell to Manasseh and why? vs. 5,6 What lands belonged to Manasseh? vs. 5,6 Name 2  The borders for the land appointed to Manasseh is given in vs.7-11.  Who did the land of Tappuah belong to? vs. 8  What part belonged to the sons of Ephraim? vs. 8 Note: As the first born of Joseph, Manasseh received the double portion of the inheritance, despite Ephraim's greater blessing of influence and prosperity. The tribe of Manasseh received a double portion of land upon Israel's conquest. Manasseh received land in the Transjordan, east of the Jordan, and a large portion of land on the west of the Jordan. The tribe of Manasseh, thus, was the only of the 12 tribes of Israel to receive an inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. Why couldn't Manasseh take possession of some of the cities in the land? vs. 12 When the sons of Israel became strong, what did they do with the Canaanites that remained in the land? vs. 13 What did the sons of Joseph ask Joshua concerning the portion they were given? vs. 14 Where did Joshua tell them to take a place for themselves since the hill country of Ephraim was too narrow for them? vs. 15 Why did the sons of Joseph not believe they could take the valley where the Canaanites lived? vs. 16 What did Joshua say to the house of Joseph, both Ephraim and Manesseh, concerning their ability to drive the Canaanites out of the land? vs.17,18 Note: Unfortunately, the tribe of Manasseh did not drive out these Canaanites. Joshua's charge was not realized until the time of David and Solomon, during the United Monarchy. These Canaanite strongholds, coupled with Israel's lack of faith in certain instances, prevented Israel from fulfilling the order by God, given through Moses and Joshua, to inhabit the land completely. Applications: Ephraim was not able to drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, making them slaves instead. What had God told all of Israel to do to all of the inhabitants of the land when they possessed it? Numbers 33:55 What did the Lord tell us to do about those things that made us compromise our morals and fall into sin and temptation? (Although you may not do this literally, what kind of things could you do to get radical with temptations?) Matthew 5:29-30 We cannot make sin our slave as they made the Canaanites theirs. What happens if we continue to commit sin? Who becomes the slave? How is freedom acheived? John 8:31-36 Romans 6:12-18 Younger people should not assume that the sins they battle against will be easier to deal with as they grow older. The reality is if they allow those sins to grow and take root now, they will continue to get harder to deal with throughout the Christian life. A garden is easier to weed when the weeds are young and tender and the soil has not hardened. The deceitfulness of sin hardens the heart. Comment on the verses below: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 Psalm 119:9-11 Hebrews 3:13 1 Corinthians 15:33 2 Timothy 2:22 Back to thoughts of Joshua 16 & 17.  It's not true that they "could not" drive them out, but that they "would not" do it. How do we know they had the power to do it? Joshua 23:9,10 What have we been told about the power within us to be more than conquerors over sin in our own lives? Romans 8:31-37 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 2 Corinthians 2:14 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 Ephesians 6:10-13 1 John 5:4 Note: This sort of compromise seems innocent, but it became the way that much idolatry and immoral worship came into the people of Israel. This is one reason why we see so many struggles in the days of the Judges. The Israelites did not fully conquer for two reasons. First, they wanted peace at any cost. Second, they wanted wealth. For the sake of ease and money, they disobeyed God and fell short of what He had for them - as we do today also. Summarize the lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 15

JOSHUA 15      Review:  In Chapter 14, we saw the tribe of Judah come forth first for their inheritance. Caleb asked for the land that was promised to him 45 years earlier before the wildenerness journey. We will continue to see the distribution of the promised land handed out to the tribes. More details are given of the boundaries and the cities given to the sons of Judah in Chapter 15. The first twelve verses describe the borders of the promised land that the sons of Judah would inherit, according to their families. Make note of any of the places you find as familiar to you, such as Edom, the Salt Sea, Gilgal, etc. What area was given to Caleb, son of Jephunneh from the portion allotted to the families of Judah? vs. 13 What was Hebron originally called and why? vs. 13 Who did Caleb drive out from this area? vs. 14 Name the three sons of Anak. Again, who were the Anakim? Use a concordance and give any information you find. Who did Caleb come up against after that? vs. 15 What was Debir once called? vs. 15 What did Caleb promise to the one who would attack and capture Kiriath-sepher? vs. 16 Who did this and what was given to him as the reward promised? vs. 17 Once married, what did Caleb's daughter ask for from her father? vs. 18 What was she given for her blessing, other than the land of the Negev? vs. 19 The Negev was a dry land; she wanted a land of springs as well. Not only did he grant her the upper springs, but the lower ones as well. This reminds us of how the Father longs to not only meet us with blessings, but to bless us beyond all we can ask for or imagine. Comment on the following verse: Ephesians 3:20 We can also see this as a picture of the Holy Spirit continually filling us. Remember what Jesus said would come out of the believer once He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us? John 7:37-39 Ephesians 5:18-21 Back to Joshua 15. ... The cities that were part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah are listed from vs.20-62 29 named (vs.21-32)  14 named (vs.33-36)  16 named (vs.38-41)  9 names (vs.42-44)  11 named (vs.48-51) 9 more named (vs.52-54)  10 more (vs.55-57) 6 named and then 2 named (vs.58-60)  6 named in the wilderness (61-62) We won't take time to list all the names of the city, but try to find some of the well known cities mentioned on a Biblical map and get a good sense of how Judah's borders were laid out and the cities that they inherited along with their villages.  What happened in regard to the city of Jerusalem. Were the inhabitants (the Jebusites) driven out? Why or why not? vs. 63 God had told them to completely destroy all the nations or else they would be a snare to them. He said they would be "thorns in their sides". This is what happens when we fail to conquer an area of the enemy's strongholds in our lives. If we decide to cohabitate with an ungodly habit or some other sin that "easily entangles" us from the race of the Christian life. We need to not grow weary in tearing down the strongholds. This war is on for the rest of our lives until we reach the Promise of our Inheritance and finally have that eternal rest of a job well done that has pleased our Father. Comment on the following verses: Numbers 33:55,56 Joshua 23:1-13 Judges 2:1-3 Ephesians 4:20-27 Philippians 3:12-14 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 1 Corinthians 10:6-14 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Hebrews 12:1-3 Application:   Please take the time to do the cross references given in the lesson and then commit the things in your heart to the Lord in prayer. How does being continually filled with God's Spirit and running the race of the Christian life have to do with one another? Caleb's daughter was not afraid to ask her father for "more". She knew the kind of man he was and she knew he loved her. Will you ask your Heavenly Father for "more" today? What will His answer be to you? Matthew 6:33,34 Matthew 7:7-11 Matthew 18:18-20 Luke 11:1-13 John 14:12-17 John 16:22-24 Philippians 4:6,7 1 John 4:15-19 Summarize the lesson today and post a prayer if you would like.  Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 14

JOSHUA 14      Review: In Chapter 13, we got details concerning the lands that were on the east of the Jordan and how they were given as inheritance by Moses to Reuben, Gad, and the 1/2 tribe of Manesseh. In Chapter 14, and for several chapters to follow, we will see the description of inheritance for the other 9-1/2 tribes west of the Jordan. In this chapter, we will see Caleb get the inheritance he was promissed because he was faithful to follow the Lord with a whole heart. Lots to glean from that!  Who are dividing the land of Canaan to the 9-1/2 tribes for an inheritance? vs. 1,2 Who gave the other 2-1/2 tribes their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan? vs. 3 What tribe did not receive an inheritance? vs. 3 Who are the 2 sons of Joseph that are referred to as 1/2 tribes? vs. 4 Although the Levites were not given land as an inheritance, what did all the tribes provide for them to live in within all of their lands? vs. 4,5 What was the first tribe to come forward to learn where their inheritance would be? vs. 6 From the tribe of Judah, who came forth to claim his "own" section of land? vs. 6 Where had the Lord given him His "word" about possessing the land in the land of Promise? vs. 6 How old was Caleb when he was given this promise of inheritance by the Lord? vs. 7 Let's look back at the situation when Caleb received this promise. Read the following Scriptures and questions that follow: Read Numbers Chapters 13. What were they to find out when they spied out the land of promise? vs. 19,20 What did they find to bring back to show Moses from the valley of Eshcol? vs. 23 When they returned after 40 days, what did they confirm the land was like? vs. 27 What negative report did 10 spies give that made the people's hearts melt like wax? vs. 28,29 What did Caleb do at that time and what did he say to Moses? vs. 30 What did the other men say? vs. 31-33 Read Numbers Chapters 14 How did all the people react to the negative reports? vs.1-4 What did Moses & Aaron do? vs. 5 What did Caleb & Joshua do? vs. 6 What did Caleb & Joshua say to the people? vs.7-9 What did the people want to do to Caleb & Joshua? vs. 10 Moses turned to the Lord to intercede for the people for the Lord was so upset with them, He wanted to destroy them and start over again. God said that not one of them 20 years and upward would live to see the Promised Land, but would wander in the wilderness and die off, except for two - Joshua & Caleb - who had believed and had given the correct report to the people. (vs.30) What did God recognize about Caleb? vs. 24   Back to Joshua 14. What does Caleb say about "himself" in regard to following the Lord? vs. 8 What did Moses promise Caleb that day to him and to his children and why? vs. 9 The time had come. It had been 45 years since he had received the promise. How old was Caleb now? vs. 10 What was Caleb's physical condition at this older age? vs. 11 What did he still believe he could handle concerning the land of the giants? vs. 12 What did he still realized was the factor in having victory? vs. 12 What did Joshua bless Caleb with for an inheritance? vs. 13 Again, why did Caleb receive this inheritance? vs. 14 Was was the former name of Hebron and why was it called that? vs. 15 What blessing did the land receive after that? vs. 15 Applications: Caleb had a different spirit, and a heart that belonged fully to the Lord. He was a man of faith. He took God at His Word. Don't you long for God to say that about your life when we receive our inheritance in heaven? I know I do. Comment on the following verses: What is the Lord searching for even now? 2 Chronicles 16:9 Why did the Lord choose young David to be the king over Jerusalem? 1 Samuel 13:14 How does God appraise a man's worth? 1 Samuel 16:7 How are we suppose to love the Lord? Mark 12:30 When facing battles, what should we always remember? Zechariah 4:6,7 Caleb was willing to face the mountain put before him with the giants, the fortified cities, and all of it. What did Jesus say we could do about the mountains we face?  Matthew 17:15-20 What did Jesus teach his disciples regarding prayer and what did He wonder concerning faith? Luke 18:1-8 In reading Numbers 13, 14 - did you notice how angry the people were with Caleb for being a man of such faith? They wanted to stone him! They would rather have killed Caleb than listen to his words of exhortation that made them feel afraid and uncomfortable! Like Caleb, we as faithful followers of God must be prepared to face adversity when we stand for the truth of God’s word. There are those who will oppose us with every fiber of their being before they will submit to God’s will. Do we possess the courage of Caleb? Will we stand with God even if means standing alone? If you have time, read Acts Chapter 7 and see why Stephen was killed as the first Christian martyr after the resurrection of Jesus. Share your summary: So many times, we want to "fit in" with the world's thinking and actions. We can blend in and try to be everyone's friends. We can't be everyone's friends. We need to love them and reach out and share with them, but inevitably it will lead to division, arguments, and yes, hate from them, and we may suffer a lot of harm from them. Let's remind ourselves of how many people will react to our lives as Christians. Comment on the following verses: Matthew 5:10 Matthew 10:22 Luke 6:22 Luke 6:27 John 15:18 John 17:14 1 John 3:13 2 Timothy 3:12 But, remember that, it is well worth it, for that one person that will finally be hungry and looking and wanting what you are offering them in the Lord Jesus Christ! Luke 15:4-10 Even though Caleb was a man of faith and followed the Lord with a whole heart, he had to suffer with the majority who were being judged by the Lord with the current events. Caleb had to wander through the wilderness with the rest of them for 40 years because of their unbelief. Many times we are in a hard marriage, or have rebellious children, or whatever the situation might be. Things happen to bring about results in those we live with that might very well have effect on us. Yes, others can cause hardships, even from God, on our household. If a husband gambles away the money and the bills don't get paid, the whole family suffers. Rather than react in anger, there are instructions about how we are to display Christ-like character even in the hardest of times. I can just imagine Caleb keeping everyone's spirits up through his faith and positive outlook during those 40 years in the wilderness. Let's encourage one another through the following Scriptures. Please comment on each one. Hebrews 6:10 Malachi 3:16 Psalm 56:8 Revelation 8:3 Galatians 6:9 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Hebrews 12:3 Summarize the lesson and post a prayer if you would like.  Prayer Father God, I pray ...