Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 9

JOSHUA 9     Review: In Chapters 7 & 8, we learned about Achan and the city of Ai. Achan was an Israelite who chose to disobey God’s very clear instructions. He kept valuable things from Jericho even though he was told not to go near these things. Achan’s sin caused his death and the destruction of his family. When Joshua chose to OBEY God, God was no longer angry with His people, and once again, God blessed them. In Chapter 8, we saw that God led them to fight Ai again, and this time, as Captain of Hosts, He was with them, and they won the battle, hung the king, and had another great victory in the Name of their Lord. The kings of the area have heard of all the victories. In Chapter 9, they gather together "in one accord" to fight Joshua and Israel. One group from among the Hivites from Gibeon decide rather than die in a war they cannot win, they would deceive Israel and become their servants. How were Joshua and the Israelites deceived by them? Once again, by not asking the counsel of the Lord. We can all be so hard of learning our lessons, can't we? The kings of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites gathered together "in one accord" to fight with Joshua and Israel. (vs.1,2)  Rather than "fight" Israel, what did the inhabitants of Gibeon (from the Hivites) decide to do? vs.3-5 What was the reason they decided to do this? vs. 3 How did they deceive Joshua and the Israelites? vs. 4-5 What did they tell Joshua (who was camped at Gilgal still) concerning where they were from? vs. 6 What did they ask Joshua to do for them? vs. 6 Although the men of Israel suspected that possibly they were living within the land that was supposed to be possessed by them and thought before making a covenant (vs.7) they allowed being "flattered" about their victories and their God to relax them. (vs.8-13). What did the men of Israel do WITHOUT getting counsel from the Lord? vs. 14 What did Joshua do in the same way? vs. 15 What had the Lord told Israel 'not' to do concerning the people of the land? Comment on the following verse: Exodus 23:23-24 Deuteronomy 7:2  Note: The problem was they had been deceived to believe they were "not" from the promised land, but from a land far away. Israel was allowed to make covenants of peace with others; just not those that God was driving away from the promised land; these seven nations. If they had sought the counsel of the Lord, He would have shown them, but they went on reasoning rather than prayer. How easy is it for us to do that? As believers, what are we literally told to do to be able to walk in the wisdom of the Lord at all times? 2 Corinthians 10:5 Philippians 1:9 Philippians 4:6,7 Ephesians 6:8 Colossians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Are we at danger of being deceived? Comment on the following verses: Colossians 2:8 Matthew 7:15 Matthew 24:11 Matthew 24:24 2 Corinthians 11:13 2 Thessalonians 2:9 2 Peter 2:1 1 John 4:1 Back to Joshua 9 ... What happened 3 days after they had made the covenant with them? vs. 16 When the sons of Israel realized they had been deceived by the Hivites from Gibeon, they went to all of their cities to confront them. What cities did they go to? vs. 17 Name 4 Why did Israel not strike them for deceiving them? vs. 18 How did the congregation feel toward their leaders because of this? vs. 18 Because the leaders had sworn to them by the name of the Lord, what were they not able to do to them? vs. 19 If Israel did not keep their covenant to the Gibeonites, what would come upon them because they had sworn by God's Name? vs. 20 What did the Law of Moses state about making a vow to another person, whether it was good or bad? Comment on the verse below: Leviticus 5:4 We are to be people of our word. Have you ever wondered what it meant to "swear to your own hurt"? No matter what the reason, we are to honor our word to one another out of fear for our Lord. Comment on the verses below: Psalm 15:1-5 Back to Joshua 9 ... The Gibeonites were allowed to live, but they became servants to Israel. What two things did they do for their service? vs. 31 What did Joshua say the Gibeonites would "always" be for the house of God because of the deception they had done to Israel? vs.22,23 The Gibeonites were pleased to serve in the house of the Lord because they feared the Lord for their lives. (vs.24,25) ... Joshua did not allow Israel to kill them, but he made them "hewers of wood" and "drawers of water" for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord from that day on in the place that the Lord would choose for His name to dwell. This was a good place to be. What did David say about being in the "courts of the Lord"? Comment on the verse below: Psalm 84:10 God expected that this covenant made with the Gibeonites always be honored. Later in the history of Israel, what was the reason for the famine given in 2 Samuel 21:1-9? Summarize and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 8

JOSHUA 8     Review: In Chapter 7, Israel was defeated by Ai, and Joshua could not understand on the heels of such a victory over Jericho. When he prayed about it, the Lord revealed to him that there was "sin in the camp" that had to be dealt with. Achan had stolen some of the spoil that was suppose to all be the Lord's and had hidden the items in his tent. When his sin "found him out", the Lord required that he and all that he owned be destroyed and that the others would fear Him and know that His commandments must be obeyed. In Chapter 8, we will see that when all is done properly and with God as the Captain of Hosts, there is victory in Ai this time. What a difference doing things under the Lord's leading instead of our own. Amen.  The Lord told Joshua not to fear or be dismayed. What was the Lord giving to him at this time? vs. 1 In Chapter 7, we saw that Israel tried to take Ai and were unable to. What has happened between then and now that made the difference? (Review 7:4-5; 6-8; 10-12; 25-26) Back to Joshua 8. What would the victory at Ai be comparable to?  What were they allowed to take for plunder for themselves?  How were they to attack the city as instructed by the Lord? vs. 2 How many valiant warriors did Joshua choose for this battle?  When were the warriors sent out? vs. 3 Joshua and the people would approach the city while the warriors were behind it hidden. When the city of Ai would come out to meet Israel, Israel would flee from them, causing the people to pursue them, leaving the city unguarded, going after Joshua and the people. (vs.4-6)  What were the warriors to do from behind the city and what would the result be? vs. 7 Once they had seized the city, what were they to do to the city? vs. 8 Where did Joshua send the warriors to?  Where did Joshua stay? vs. 9 According to verse 12, how many men were sent to this ambush site on the west side of the city of Ai? vs. 12 The people of war that were still with Joshua drew near to the front of the city. Which side of Ai did they camp on? vs. 10,11 There was a valley between him and Ai. (vs.11)  He stationed the people, all the army on the north side of the city, and the rear guard on the west side of the city. (vs.13)  Where did Joshua spend the night? vs. 13 When the king of Ai saw Israel's people, the men of the city hurried out to meet them for battle, he and all his people at the appointed place before the desert plain. What did the king of Ai not know about? vs. 14 What did Joshua and all of Israel "pretend" to be as they fled into the wilderness? vs. 15 What did the people of the city of Ai do? vs. 16 Who was left in the cities of Ai and Bethel? Where had they gone? Was the city guarded by anyone? vs. 17 What did the Lord have Joshua do to claim the city of Ai for Him? vs. 18 Have you ever stretched out your hand toward something or someone you were praying for? Does this action by Joshua help you see where that comes from? It is directing the Lord's power to a certain place. ((kind of neat, huh)) ? What did the men in the ambush rise up and do as Joshua had his hand stretched out with the javelin in it?  What was the result?  What was the final thing they did to destroy the city of Ai? vs.19 What did the men of Ai realize when they turned back to look and saw the smoke of their city ascending to the sky? Where could they run to for safety? vs. 20 What did Joshua and all of Israel do when they realized the men in ambush had captured the city of Ai when they saw the smoke ascending? vs. 21 Who was left of all the people of Ai at the end of this battle? vs. 22 What happened to the king of Ai? vs. 23 What was the number that fell in Ai that day, both men and women? vs.24,25 What did Joshua do the entire time until the last person was destroyed? vs. 26 What did Israel do with the cattle and the spoil of the city of Ai?  How did they know it was okay to do this ... "this time" ... ? vs. 27 Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever. (vs.28) .... What did Joshua do to the king of Ai? vs. 29 What did they do with the king's body at sunset? vs. 29 What did Joshua do after that? Where was this done at? vs. 30 Whose command were they following and what did they make the altar from accordingly? vs. 31 What kind of offerings were made to the Lord there? vs. 31 Name 2 types What did Joshua take the time to "write" on these stones?  Who was present to watch him write these? vs. 32 All of Israel (including elders, officers, judges, strangers, and natives) were standing on both sides of the ark of the Covenant before the Levitical priests who carried it. Name the two mountains that they stood on; half on each one. vs. 33 This was done in accordance to what Moses had commanded them to do when they came into the promised land. Read about these instructions from the references below and state any interesting facts that you would like to remember about this: Deuteronomy 11:22-32 Deuteronomy 27:1-13 Back to Joshua 8.  What did Joshua read from the Book of the Law written by Moses to all the people as they stood on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal? vs. 34,35 Was everyone present when every word was read of the law by Joshua to them? Who did it include? vs. 35 How important is it that we have the Word of God read to us in public settings? Comment on the following verses: Romans 10:17 Hebrews 4:12 1 Timothy 4:13 2 Timothy 3:14-17 2 Peter 1:19-21 Application: Have you had "Ai" battle experiences? Truly, we all have. When we leave the Lord out of our plans and proceed on our own understanding, we finally come to the end of ourselves and our well intended plans. The Lord wants us to come to Him first, and after a time of prayer and confession of sin, get His directions. God has a plan of victory already marked out for us. We simply get up each day and say, “Captain of Hosts, here I am reporting for duty!  What are my orders today?” When He tells you, you snap to attention and follow His marching orders. Comment on the following verses: Proverbs 3:5-8 Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 18:10 Proverbs 18:12 Proverbs 21:31 Psalm 108:12 James 4:6 James 4:10 1 Peter 5:6  Joshua followed the Captains plan "this time" to a "T". They laid the ambush out, and at the time appointed he held out the javelin banner, signaling the other men to burn the city. Joshua kept the javelin raised high, until the inhabitants were slain, the victory assured. In Man’s plan, they suffered a horrible defeat by a tiny foe the first time out. In God’s Victory, they not only had a glorious victory, but got a bonus city-Bethel. When God is allowed to work He always does more than we even expect or imagine. That is the Power of God when we follow His plan! The Lord had a plan for Peter and the disciples that they did not understand. Read the accounts below and see how the Lord helped Peter see that it was not by his own might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, that these things would come about in his life. The Calling "Our Works vs. His Work" Luke 5:1-11 The Pride of Service "We think we can" Mark 14:17-31 Weakness of Peter's Flesh "We hope we can" Mark 14:32-42 Prayers for Peter "Jesus knows we can't" Luke 22:31-34 The Falling "I failed my Lord" Mark 14:53-72 The Forgiveness "Turn & Strengthen Others"  Luke 22:32 John 21:1-14 John 21:15-17 The Following "No matter what, Follow Me" John 21:22 The Fight & The Fire  "His wounds My healing" 1 Peter 2:21-25 "Humility & Strength" 1 Peter 5:6-11 What will following the Captain of the Hosts bring to us every day? John 10:10 John 15:11 John 17:3 Galatians 5:22,23 1 Peter 1:8 Jude 1:24 Matthew 6:33 Ephesians 3:20,21 Jude 1:24 Battle of the Mind - how can we follow the Captain of Hosts? Get dressed right each day. Ephesians 6:10-13 Avoid wrong counsel. Colossians 2:8-12 Go to the Word...renew your mind....seek His will. Romans 12:1,2 Pray this way Philippians 4:6-7 Stand Firm Ephesians 6:13,14 Fight Good Fight 1 Timothy 6:12 Keep Praising Him (as Joshua held high the javelin in battle) Philippians 4:8 Hebrews 13:15 Remember - Apart from Him - we can do nothing. John 15:5 Have we allowed pride and presumption to lead us into a prayerless powerless defeated life?  Is God the most important thing in our daily life?  Are we following the Captain of Hosts even in the mundane decisions of life or do we sometimes think we’ve got it handled?  If so, we are setting ourselves up for defeat. We will encounter defeat at Ai.  However, The Captain of the Host stands at the door of our lives. He promises us abundant living and a faith that will overcome all the obstacles thrown at us. We just need to remember these duo battles at "Ai" each and every day.  Why were thy defeated in the first one?  What brought the victory in the second one?  Let's remember to communicate with the Lord of Hosts, Pray to Him, Worship Him, and live a life of peace and victory over sin. "We shall know the truth and the truth will set us free!" (John 8:32). P.S. While writing the application portion of this lesson, the Lord put the following song on my heart, so I posted it in our Christian Video forum. You can click the button and it should open for you to listen to. Enjoy as I did! Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 7

JOSHUA 7     Review: In Chapter 6, we saw the glorious victory of the Israelites taking the city of Jericho through praise and a shout by obeying the Captain of the Hosts; the Lord gave them the orders and things went well. The city was put under the "ban" which meant that they were not to take anything for themselves as plunder or spoil; it all belonged to the Lord. The Lord was very specific in Joshua 6:17-19 that if anyone coveted and took anything under the "ban", the entire camp of Israel will become accursed and have trouble upon it. As soon as we begin Chapter 7, we read of someone who did take something; Achan. He thought he could outsmart God and hide his sin. We see that our sin will find us out; there is no hiding from God, and the consequences of sin are always in play as well. Let us learn from this man what we need to avoid and how we can escape the judgments of the Lord. What did the Lord tell all of Israel to be careful not to do after their victory in Jericho? Joshua 6:16-19 As we begin Chapter 7, how has this command been disobeyed and by whom? vs. 1 How did the Lord react to this unfaithfulness after He had given them such a miracle in bringing down the walls of Jericho? vs. 1 Joshua and Israel do not realize that someone has taken something under the "ban", and so they continue with plans to conquer another city. Where did Joshua send some spies to check out? vs. 2 What was the report from the spies to Joshua concerning the city of Ai? vs. 3 How many men did Joshua send up for the battle? vs. 4 Why did they run back from the battle? vs.4,5 How many men of Israel died there? vs. 5 They continue to pursue Israel as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent. What did this cause the people of Israel's hearts to be like? vs. 5 Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes, fell on their faces before the ark of the Lord and put dust on their heads. How long did they stay in that position of prayer? vs. 6 Joshua's prayer is to question God and really blame God for not doing as "He" had promised. He said "Why did You ever bring us over the Jordan just to deliver us to the Amorites?"  He wishes that they had just stayed over on the other side. (vs. 7)  He is upset that Israel turned their back to their enemies because others in the land would "hear" about their "defeat", surround them, and cut their name from the earth (vs.8,9) and then, what does he ask God? vs. 9 What is God's response to Joshua's prayer? vs. 10 What does God reveal to Joshua about "why" they had faced "defeat" against Ai? What sins were they guilty of ? vs. 11 Israel would not be able to stand against their enemies any longer. They had become accursed because of the sin that was in the camp. What would happen if they did not destroy the things that had been taken from "under the ban" ? vs. 12 Again, God says to Joshua "Rise up!"  He is to consecrate the people and tell them that there are things under the ban in their midst. What will happen to them if they do not confess and remove the things taken under the ban? vs. 13 Obviously, Achan has not come forward with his sin. If he had, things might have turned out differently. They have to go through the process tribe by tribe, family by family, and finally person by person to discover where the sin is. (vs.14) What would happen to the person who had taken the things under the ban and why? vs. 15 What tribe did the sin come from?  What family did the sin come from?  What person did the sin come from? vs.17-18 Joshua confronted Achan and asked him to give glory and praise to the Lord by confessing to what he had done. (vs.19)  At that time, did Achan confess? vs. 20 What did Achan see among the spoil that he longed to have? vs. 21a What did he confess to coveting when he saw them? vs. 22b After confessing that he took the mantle (robe) and the silver & gold, what did he confess to doing as well? vs. 22c Joshua sent messengers to Achan's tent to find the things that had been buried. They brought the items out to Joshua and poured them out before the Lord and the people of Israel to see. (vs.22, 23)  Achan was taken along with his family and his animals and all that belonged to him along with the things he had stolen. Where did they take them to? vs. 24 Joshua asked Achan "Why have you troubled us?" and then told him that the Lord would trouble him that day; the day of his judgment. What was the way that they executed people at that time? vs. 25 They raised a great heap of stones over Achan and the Lord's anger subsided. What did they name that place from that day on? vs. 26 Application When Achan makes his confession after being 'found out through God', what steps does he say he took in the process of giving birth to sin? vs. 21 His confession of how sin "overcame him" is similar to how the apostles James describes it. Comment on the verses below, explaining how these are similar to one another. James 1:13-16 Two ways we are deceived by sin are apparent.  "No one will find out". "It's not hurting anyone but myself".  Both are lies that Satan deceives us with. Comment on the verses below: Numbers 32:23 Psalm 139:1-4 Hebrews 4:12-13 1 Corinthians 5:6 1 Corinthians 15:33 Basically, Achan's sin was coveting which led to stealing. We are commanded in the ten commandments not to covet. What does it mean? It means to be envious of another's "stuff"; to want something that we do not have. If we don't stop the sin of "coveting" through confession and repentance, it will lead to other sins. Comment on the following verses: Romans 7:7-8 James 4:1-4 1 John 2:15-17 Rather than covet, we need to be content. What does Paul teach about this? 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Philippians 4:11-13 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Hebrews 13:5 We cannot become overconfident in our abilities. Joshua's spies led him to believe that only a few could take Ai; no need to send them all. In our spiritual battles, we cannot resist the devil without first submitting to God. There is no record of them seeking the Lord about where to attack next, etc. Where does pride always take us? 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 Galatians 6:1-7 James 4:5-7 1 Peter 5:6-11 As Christian soldiers, do we stay down? No, we get up!  Many Christians live with hopelessness and in a spirit of defeat.  Do they have to be that way? We have the world watching how we will react to our trials and defeats, and we have the Lord's Name to proclaim in this dark world. Comment on the following verses: 1 Peter 2:11-12 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 Philippians 2:14-15 1 Peter 1:13 1 Peter 5:8 Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 6

JOSHUA 6     Review: In Chapter 5, the men that had been born during the 40 years of wilderness traveling had to be circumcised to confirm the covenant with the Lord that had been established with Abraham in Genesis 17. They did not circumcise during the wilderness days and they had not celebrated the Passover in 38 years. They celebrated now in Gilgal, the place they had camped after crossing over the Jordan River. After the men had healed, the Lord appeared to Joshua as the "Captain of the Hosts". He is in fact, Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. Amen ! In Chapter 6, it is time to possess the city of Jericho. It is an unusual way to fight a battle, but a significant one for us as believers - tearing down the walls through praise!! Amen. Why was Jericho tightly shut with no one able to come in or go out of it? vs. 1 What did the Lord tell Joshua concerning Jericho? vs. 2 What were the men of war to do for six days? vs. 3 The Lord said for him to have seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the covenant. What were they to do on the 7th day? vs. 4 What were the priests to do after the seven times on the seventh day? vs. 4 When the priests made the long blast with the ram's horn, what were the people to do when they heard that final trumpet? vs. 5 What would happen when the people did this? vs. 5 What were the people to do when this happened? vs. 5 Who went before the ark of the Lord and the priests with seven of them carrying seven trumpets? vs.6,7 The armed men, then the seven priests with seven trumpets; then the ark of the covenant; then the rear guard came after them, while the trumpets conintued to blow. (vs.8,9).  What did Joshua command the people to be during this time of marching for seven days until they were given the charge by Joshua to shout? vs. 10 How many times was the ark of the Lord taken around the city before they camped and spent the night in the camp? vs. 11 Joshua rose early in the morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. (vs.12) ... The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them and the rear guard came after the ark of the Lord, while they continued to blow the trumpets. (vs.13).  They did this on the second day, circling one time and returning to the camp for the night. how many days did this go on like this? vs. 14 On the seventh day, they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city of Jericho in the same manner. How many times did they do it on the seventh day? vs. 15  On the seventh time around the city, when the priests blew the trumpets, what did Joshua say to the people? vs. 16 Who had given the city to them? vs. 16 The city and all that was in it was under a "ban" which meant that nothing was to be kept for themselves in booty or spoils; it all belonged to the Lord. What people were allowed to live and why? vs. 17 What would happen if any person decided to take something for themselves that had been put under the "ban" of the Lord? vs. 18 The things that could not be destroyed by fire were to be brought and put into the treasury of the Lord. What were they? vs. 19 Name 4 precious metals When the people heard the seventh trumpet on the seventh day, what did they do and what happened to the walls of Jericho? vs. 20 The people went into the city and took it, destroyed every living thing inside with the edge of the sword. (vs.20,21).  The only people that were allowed to live were Rahab, the harlot and the people that she had brought into her house as the spies had promised her (vs.22).  The two spies brought them out. Who did she have in the house with her? vs. 23  Name 5 things listed The city was burned with fire and all that was in it. The silver and gold along with articles of bronze and iron were put into the treasury of the house of the Lord. (vs.24).  Rahab the harlot and her father's household and all that she had was spared that day and she continued to live in the midst of Israel because she had hidden the spies when Joshua sent them to spy out Jericho (vs. 25).  What curse did Joshua say would come upon any man who would rise up and rebuild the city of Jericho? vs. 26 Name two things that man would lose in the process   Did someone rebuild Jericho? Were the words of Joshua fulfilled? Read and comment on what you learn from the verses below: 1 Kings 16:31-34 What happened to Joshua because of the Lord being with him? vs. 27 Application: There is a time to be silent (be still and know that He is God) and there is a time to shout (praise Him for the assured victory).  What season are you in with the battles you are facing?  How does praise bring down strongholds in our lives? Comment on the following verses: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 2 Chronicles 20:17-25 Psalm 56:3-4 Psalm 107:17-22 Psalm 149:5-9 Isaiah 48:9-11 Isaiah 62:6-7 Jeremiah 17:12-14 Acts 16:19-34 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Ephesians 6:10-18 Hebrews 4:12 Hebrews 13:14-15 1 Peter 1:6-9 Revelation 19:5-16 What does prayer and praise show that we have? What did the people have and what did Rahab show that she had as well? Comment on the verses from the hall of "faith" in Hebrews: Hebrews 11:30-31 What example do we have of this in the New Testament? Comment on the verses below and what happened as a result of "praising the Lord" in the darkness. Acts 16:19-34 Do you have someone in literal imprisonment or in spiritual bondage that needs to be set free today? That person could possibly be yourself. How can you begin to be still and quiet in waiting on the Lord and at the same time how could you begin to praise Him for the victory to come? Comment on the verses below: Acts 12:1-17 What is significant about the seventh trumpet combined with a "shout" in the Scriptures regarding the future and events still to come? 1 Corinthians 15:52 Revelation 1:10 Revelation 4:1 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Revelation 10:7 Revelation 11:15-19 Are we ready? Let's continue to live in the light and proclaim His light until He comes! How have these Scriptures encouraged you today? Summarize the lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 5

JOSHUA 5     Review: In Chapters 3 & 4, we have seen the miracle of God holding back the waters and Israel crossing over the dry land of the river Jordan. Twelve men were chosen from each of the tribes of Israel to bring a memorial stone to set up in memory of what God had done for them so that they could tell future generations about it. Joshua built a memorial altar of worship in the middle of the Jordan of 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel as well. In Chapter 5, it is time to begin to possess the land of promise. They are camping in Gilgal. Nations are fearful of them because of what they have heard about the Jordan River crossing. Before battles are fought and places are possessed, the new generation of men must be circumcised. They had not circumcised any of the men who had been born during the days of the wilderness for 40 years. The reproach of Egypt will be rolled away from them and the Passover will be celebrated again after all these years! Before Joshua steps on the battlefield with his men of war, the captain of the Lord of Hosts appears to him! How did the kings of the Amorites on the west side of the Jordan and the kings of the Canaanites by the sea feel in regard to Israel when they heard what the Lord had done in drying up the waters of the Jordan? vs.1 What did the Lord have Joshua do to all the men of Israel for a second time in history? vs. 2 When was circumcision instituted as the sign of the covenant with the Lord?  If this is the second time for circumcision to be performed, when was the first time? Comment on the verses below: God's command to Abraham - Genesis 17:7-14 Abraham obeys God - Genesis 17:24-27 Isaac circumcised when 8 days old - Genesis 21:4 After the command for circumcision came to Abraham as part of his covenant with God (the "cut in the flesh" sign that every male belonged to the Lord Most High) ....every baby Jewish boy would be circumcised on the 8th day after their birth. Comment on two New Testament figures who were circumcised in the Jewish tradition. Luke 2:21 Philippians 3:5 Note: Medical benefits have been shown to those who are circumcised. It has been noted that the 8th day is the very best day to have it done as well. More than the physical benefits, God was interested in the spiritual picture that was shown here. Why was a second national circumcision needed? Were the same men getting circumcised again? vs.4-7 Why did the first generation have to die off and not see the land of promise? Comment on the following verses: Joshua 5:6 Hebrews 3:16-19 Where was this second national circumcision performed? vs. 3 What did God change the name of the place to? vs. 9  Note: Gibeath-haaraloth meant "hill of foreskins" obviously because of the circumcisions performed there. God saw this with a much deeper meaning, saying that this was a symbol of the reproach of Egypt being "rolled away". Therefore, He named the place Gilgal, meaning "rolling" or "wheel". What was the spiritual significance of the national circumcision at this time? vs.8,9 God longed for Israel to have more than an outward cutting of the flesh; He longed for the day that their hearts would be circumcised; a day when His Spirit would cut away the hardness of their heart and give them a heart of flesh to love Him and fear Him. Comment on the following verses: Deuteronomy 10:16 Deuteronomy 30:6 Jeremiah 4:4 Jeremiah 31:31 Ezekiel 11:19 Ezekiel 36:26 In Christ, we are part of the New Covenant, that does not require circumcision outwardly, but is performed inwardly by Christ in our heart when He "cuts away" the flesh and His Spirit comes to live inside of us. Comment on the verses below: Luke 22:20 Romans 2:28-29 1 Corinthians 11:25 Hebrews 9:15 Colossians 2:11-12 Galatians 6:15 God said that the circumcision was the "rolling away of the reproach of Egypt". Egypt is a picture of the world. What did Moses choose over the reproaches of Egypt? Hebrews 11: How do you see that our circumcision of the heart, made by Jesus, cuts away the reproach of the world from us? Comment on the verses below: Matthew 16:24 John 6:63 Romans 8:6 Romans 8:13 Romans 13:14 Galatians 5:16-17 1 John 2:16 James 4:4 Back to Joshua 5 ... Now that the reproach of Egypt had been rolled away, they were able to celebrate the Passover again. It had been 38 years since they had celebrated it! What did the Passover commemorate for them; what was it a celebration of? Luke 22:15 1 Corinthians 15:7-8 While the sons were camped at Gilgal, they celebrated the Passover in the desert plains of Jericho. What is the day that Passover is celebrated by the Jews and why? Joshua 5:10 Leviticus 23:5 Numbers 28:16 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land. What did they have? vs. 11 What ceased falling from heaven on that day? vs. 12 Note: They had received manna each morning during the 40 years of the wilderness. Describe it, etc. Now they are in the land of promise (Canaan) and they can once again "eat from the land" - What a blessing! The temporary bread stopped falling from heaven, but included in the New Covenant to come was Jesus, the true manna from heaven, who gave us Himself, the Bread of Life, which we eat forever into all of eternity as believers. Comment on the following verses: John 6:28-51 What did Joshua see as he was standing near Jericho? vs. 13 What was Joshua's question to him? vs. 13 Who is "for us" and not "against us"? Comment on the verses below: Romans 8:31-39 Back to Joshua 5. ... Who did the man with the drawn sword say that He was? vs. 14 How did Joshua respond to this? vs. 14 What did the Captain of the Hosts tell Joshua? vs. 15 When was Moses told this same thing? Comment on the verse below: Exoudus 3:4-6 Exodus 3:13-15 This was surely the pre-incarnate Christ that Joshua was falling down to worship. He makes the claim of Himself in the New Testament. Comment on the verse below: John 8:56-59 The fact that Joshua is worshiping Him proves that this was not an angel in any form. Angels do not receive worship and no one should ever worship an angel. Comment on the verses below: Revelation 22:8-9 Applications: When was your heart circumcised in Christ? Did the body of flesh get cut away so that you became a brand new creation? What changes have you seen since you became a child of God? Please share. How has the "reproach of Egypt" (picture of the world's shame) been rolled away from you since you met the Living Savior? How do you die to sin each day and live unto God? What are ways that you remember the Lord's passover and your salvation? Do you celebrate it each year? How about when you take communion? How often do you take it in your church and what does it mean to you when you do? The Lord is worthy of our praise. He is the "Captain of the Lord of Hosts".  What do the Lord's armies do concerning Him? Comment on these verses and praise His Name \o/ 1 Kings. 22:19 Psalm 148:2 The Name of the Lord is Jehovah Nissi "The Lord our Banner". He fought the battles for Joshua and He is fighting our battles today. What battle is the Lord of Hosts fighting for you right now in the heavenlies? Let us share with you and pray with you. Amen. Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...