Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 1: Choosing Joshua
Week 2: Crossing the Jordan
Week 3: The Destruction of Jericho
Week 4: Ai
Week 5: The War Against Five Kings
Week 6: The Conquest
Week 7: The Division of the Land
Week 8: Cities of Refuge
Week 9: The Altar by the Jordan
Week 10: Joshua's Farewell and Death

Week 1: Choosing Joshua

Introduction:

Author: Joshua, whose name means "salvation"

Date: Initially written after entering Canaan (6th century BC)

Major Theme:

God is faithful in fulfilling His promises to the children of Israel.
The Israelites will inherit the Promised Land through:
- Obedience to God’s law and commandments
- Joshua’s leadership and God’s interventions

Outline:

Conquest of the Promised Land (Chapters 1-12)
Division of the Promised Land among the Israelites (Chapters 13-22)
Conclusion of Joshua’s Ministry (Chapters 23-24)

Book of Joshua Chapters 1-2

Objective:

God's instructions to Joshua
Rahab and the spies

Resources:

Reading:

Chapter 1&2

Key verse(s):

"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua 1:7

Comments:

Chapter 1 explains the role of God in achieving salvation and the role of the servant and the people in it.

The role of God (verses 6-1)
- God is the one who initiates and encourages us on our path to salvation through support, encouragement, and companionship. Therefore, we should not fear failure or retreat but continue on the path with His strength.
The role of the servant (verses 9-7):
- Focus on reading God's word, meditating on it, memorizing it, and repeating it throughout your day in the form of a verse or a psalm. This will help you feel God's presence, rely on Him, and delight in His fellowship. As a result, you will find joy even in difficult circumstances and navigate through them with assurance, knowing that God is with you.
The role of the people (verses 10-18)
- Do everything you can to show your love for God by committing to your prayers, readings, and serving others. On the other hand, avoid sources of evil and stay away from all sin, and God will support you and make you successful in all your ways.

Chapter 2

Joshua sent two men to spy the land of Jericho
Rahab hides the spies (Verses 1-7)
- God's love is marvelous in His protection of the two spies, not through their friends, but through a foreign woman known for her wickedness. Do not be troubled, for you are in the safe hands of God, who protects you wherever you go and grants you favor in the eyes of those from whom you would least expect it.
Rahab confessed her faith in the one God, the King of heaven and earth. (Verses 8-13)
The sign and the condition (verses 14-24):
- Scarlet cord, The red color symbolizes the blood of Christ, which is the condition for obtaining salvation. Rahab's house represents the Church, where believers find refuge. Without the Church and its sacraments and means of grace, we cannot attain salvation.
- The first condition is the commitment to remain inside the house, as there is no salvation outside the Church, and those who leave will be responsible for their own destruction.
- The second condition is to keep the matter secret from the king, symbolizing the need for our loyalty to Christ. We must not betray Him until we are granted the enjoyment of His salvation.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Chapter 1

Who took over after the death of Moses?
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” Who made this statement? To
who was the statement made?
What did the Lord ask Joshua to do?
What was the Lord’s promise to His people?
What recommendations did God gave Joshua concerning the Book of the Law. How does this apply to us
today?

Chapter 2

Why did Joshua send men to Jericho?
Where did the spies hide?
Mention a verse that shows that Rahab believed in God.
What are the sign and the condition given by the spies to Rahab?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Have not I commanded you? Be ________ and of good __________.
How many men did Joshua sent to spy in Jericho?
For the Lord your God he is God in _________ above, and on __________ beneath.
Scarlet cord, The red color symbolizes ________ and Rahab's house represents _______.

Week 2: Crossing the Jordan

Book of Joshua Chapters 3 & 4

Objective:

Crossing the Jordan

Resources:

Reading:

Chapters 3 & 4

Key verse(s):

"Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan." Joshua 3:11

Comments:

Chapter 3

The Ark of the covenant of the Lord first: (Verses 1-6)
- May God be your guide in the journey of your life, so that you remember Him at the beginning of each day as your sole goal and seek Him before any task, asking Him to guide you in all your steps.
The miracle of crossing the Jordan (verses 12-17):
- God is able to remove all obstacles from your path, just as He stopped the waters of the Jordan River for His people to cross. Do not be troubled by hindrances, no matter how great they may be. Continue steadfastly in prayer and do everything within your power with integrity. God is capable of removing all obstacles, even if they have persisted for a long time, and will lead you to the salvation of your soul.

Chapter 4

The twelve stones (verses 1-13):
- To commemorate the miracle of crossing the Jordan River, to serve as a testament to the miracle and would be taught by the parents to their children to reinforce their faith in God.
Joshua said that placing the stones in Gilgal serves two purposes:
1. It will remind surrounding nations of God's power, causing them to fear Him and not harm Israel.
2. It will help the Israelites remember the miracle of crossing the Jordan, encouraging them to avoid sin and idol worship.

Here’s the chronological order of events from the beginning of the book until now:

God commanded Joshua to prepare for the departure to cross the Jordan on the third day of Nisan or a few days earlier (Joshua 1:11).
Joshua sent the spies on the third day of Nisan, and they stayed that night at Rahab's house (Joshua 2:1).
The spies hid in the mountains for three days: the 4th, 5th, and 6th of Nisan (Joshua 2:22).
The spies returned to Joshua on the 6th of Nisan (Joshua 2:23).
The leaders of the people were instructed to gather supplies on the 7th of Nisan and were informed that they would cross the Jordan in three days (Joshua 1:10-11).
They moved from Shittim to the Jordan River on the 9th of Nisan and camped there (Joshua 3:1).
They crossed the Jordan River on the 10th of Nisan (Joshua 4:19).

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Which river did the people Israel cross?
Why did Joshua ask his people to sanctify themselves?
How many men prepared for war, crossed the Jordan?
What did the twelve men take from the Jordan River?
What were the Israelites to teach their children when they ask them about the stones?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Where did the Israelites camp before crossing over Jordan?
And they commanded the people, saying, when you see the _________of the Lord our God, and the priests the
Levites bearing it, then you shall set out from your place, and go _________
Who were the last ones to cross the River Jordan?
- a) The people
- b) the twelve carrying the stones
- c) the priests carrying the Ark
- d) the Levites
And Joshua said to them cross over before the _________ of the Lord your God into the midst of the _________,
and each one of you take up a _________on his shoulder.

Week 3: The Destruction of Jericho

Book of Joshua Chapters 5 & 6

Objective:

The Destruction of Jericho

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua Chapters 5 & 6

Key verse(s):

"And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! . Joshua 6:16

Comments:

Chapter 5

Circumcision (verses 1-9)
The Passover and the cessation of manna (verses 10-12)
Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's Army (verses 13-15)
- God reveals Himself through the events of our life to encourage us. You can feel Him if you seek Him from your heart, believe in His existence, and are willing to obey Him. He will make Himself known to you and guide you to live with Him.

Chapter 6

The marching around the city (verses 1-14):
- The benefits of the people marching around the city include:
  1. Encouraging the people and instilling confidence and strength in their hearts to take Jericho.
  2. Testing the people’s obedience to God's commands, leading to their victory.
  3. Creating fear among the inhabitants of Jericho, who see the Israelites from the walls. Their fear could make their defeat easier and might even lead some to repentance and faith in God.
  4. Teaching the Israelites discipline and precision in warfare and in all aspects of their lives.
The fall of the city and its destruction (verses 15-21):
- God intended to destroy the inhabitants of Jericho because of their wickedness, as well as the animals, since they were used as sacrifices to idols or were worshiped themselves. This was to remove evil and everything associated with it, and to ensure that His people remain diligent in avoiding all forms of wickedness.
Rahab's preservation (verses 22-27)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Why the Lord ordered Joshua to circumcise his people?
What did the Israelites eat on the day after the Passover?
What were the items allowed to be taken from Jericho to be consecrated to the Lord?
"Go and bring out the woman and all that she has” Who said this verse? To whom? What was the name of that
woman?
Why do you think Joshua burned Jericho?
The number seven is mentioned several times in this chapter. What is its importance?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Now the children of Israel camped in ________, and kept the Passover on the _________ day of the month at
twilight on the plains of ___________.
The commander of the army of the Lord had _________ in his hand.
How many days did the Israelites people march around the city?
a) 40 b) 7 c) 8 d) 3
What happened when the priests blew the trumpets and the people shouted on the seventh day?
a) The walls of Jericho fell down b) Rahab escaped c) the spies ran away

Week 4: Ai

Book of Joshua Chapters 7-8

Objective:

The Fall of Ai

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 7& 8

Key verse(s):

"Get up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” Joshua 7:13

Comments:

Chapter 7

Defeat at Ai (verses 1-5)
- Make sure to seek refuge in God in every aspect of your life, both big and small, so that you learn humility, find peace, and protect yourself from all deviation.
God's guidance for His people (Verses 6-15)
The sin of Achan (verses 16-26)

Chapter 8

A detailed plan (verses 1-8):
- Although Satan attacks us with many schemes, we should trust that God is able to defeat him and guide us on how to overcome him. We simply need to obey God's commandments and the teachings of the Church.
Implementing the military strategy (verses 9-17)
Victory over Ai (verses 18-29):
- If God is the leader of your life, trust that you can overcome all the battles against demons. He will guide and support you, so do not be troubled by their movements and schemes, for your God is with you. Hold on to Him and seek Him continually, and He will lead your life always.
Joshua renews the covenant (Verses 30-35)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was Achan’s sin?
What was Achan’s punishment?
Why did the Lord ask Joshua to burn not only Achan but also his family and all he had?
Why do you think the Israelites were not able to enter Ai?
What did the Israelites do to the city of Ai?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What did Achan take that he was not allowed to?
a) a Babylonian garment b) gold c) silver d) all of these
What did the Israelites do to Achan?
a) threw him out of the camp b) stoned him c) burned him d) b and c
The Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, take all the ________ of war with you, and arise, go
up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand, ________ his people, his city, and his land.
What happened to the king of Ai when Joshua took it?
a) he was stoned b) was hanged c) was forgiven d) was burned

Week 5: The War Against Five Kings

Book of Joshua chapters 9-10

Objective:

The war against five kings

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 9-10

Key verse(s):

"And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." Joshua 10:8

Comments:

Chapter 9

Alliance of Kings (verses 1-2)
- Do not be disturbed if the wicked agree against you, no matter how strong or numerous they seem. They are nothing compared to the power of God that is with us. Present your needs before God and supplicate to Him, so you remain steadfast and no one will be able to overcome you.
The Deception of the Gibeonites (verses 3-13)
- Carefully assess whether the idea or situation presented to you brings you closer to God and provides comfort and peace. Verify this through prayer. If it aligns with these qualities, it is from God. If it contradicts them, it is from Satan, regardless of how logical it may seem. This is because Satan uses deceptive thoughts to mislead you and draw you away from God."
The Gibeonites as Servants to the Israelites (verses 14-27)

Chapter 10

The Battle of the Five Kings Against Gibeon (verses1-7)
- The five kings intended to defeat Joshua, but God turned their alliance into a blessing for Joshua, leading to his victory. This illustrates that God can turn evil plans into opportunities for good and triumph
The Victory of Joshua and the Heavenly Assistance (Verses 8-14)
- "Sun, Stand still over Gibeon; and moon, in the valley of Aijalon. so the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the people had revenge upon their enemies." Joshua 10:12-13
- God supports you in unexpected ways. Trust Him fully, follow His commandments, and do not be afraid of the enemy’s strength.
Pursuit of the Enemies and Killing Their Kings (verses 15-27)
Conquest of the southland (verses 28-43)
The Lord is a man of war vs the Lord is king of peace
- God dealt with the people in the Old Testament based on their level of righteousness. In the Old
  Testament, people were not satisfied by simply responding to violence with the same
  degree of violence, but their revenge was brutal. However, in the New Testament,
  people were ready to understand and accept the commandment of forgiving.
- God created us in His image and because He is righteous, we also ought to be righteous.
  God dealt with people gradually to make them reach that level of righteousness.
- Based on this, God doesn’t change, but the people do, and the Old Testament
  commandment doesn’t contradict the New Testament commandment.
- In Old Testament, wars were common between nations due to lack of political systems
  and God used these wars as a way of judgements. God allowed and commanded war to
  happen as a judgement on the Canaanites due to their sins.
  
  Based on these, God is fair and just judge who will wait on the sinners to return back to
  him, but also will judge those who don’t repent.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was the mistake the Israelites made by making peace with the Gibeonites?
What did Joshua do with the 5 kings?
Mention a verse that shows how God changed the normal nature to give the Israelites a chance to win the war
with their enemies?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

"Israel was allowed to make treaties (covenant) with cities that were far from them.” True or false?
So the _________ stood still, and the __________ stopped, till the people had revenge upon their _________.

Week 6: The Conquest

The Conquest chapter 11-12

Objective:

The Northern conquest

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 11 & 12
Skip chapter 13

Key verse(s):

"As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses." Joshua 11:15 (This verse reflects Joshua’s obedience to God's commands)

Comments:

Chapter 11

The Alliance of the Kings (verses 1-5)
Victory Over the Kings (verses 6-9)
- As long as God reassures us, we should only obey His commandments with sincerity and precision. We should not be afraid, for everything is in God’s hands. No matter how difficult the surrounding circumstances may be, we should not be disturbed because God is stronger than everything.
The Conquest of the Land (verses 10-23)
- God gave His people the promise to possess the land of Canaan and to eradicate the wicked within it. Similarly, He grants you many blessings if you walk uprightly and inherit the kingdom of heaven. However, if you neglect His commandments and do not live righteously, you will become disturbed and have no place with Him in the kingdom.

Chapter 12

The Boundaries of the Promised Land
- Joshua was a type of Christ. Just as Joshua conquered and took possession of the Promised Land, Christ, through His death on the cross, opened the gates of heaven and the kingdom for us to inherit eternal life in the heavenly Canaan.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

How did Joshua respond to the coalition of kings?
- He follows God's command to engage in warfare against the enemies of Israel.
What role does God play in the battle against the northern kings?
What was the outcome of the battle?
What is the main purpose of Chapter 12 in the Book of Joshua?
- The main purpose is to list and summarize the kings defeated by the Israelites, documenting their conquests and providing a record of Israel’s victories and territorial gains.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What did King Jabin do in response to Joshua's conquests?

A) He made a peace treaty with Joshua.
B) He formed an alliance with other northern kings against Joshua.
C) He fled to Egypt.
D) He joined Joshua in battle.
What was the purpose of listing the defeated kings in Chapter 12?

A) To provide a historical record of Israel's military victories.
B) To suggest future conquests.
C) To highlight the need for further battles.
D) To document the alliances made with neighboring nations.

Week 7: The Division of the Land

Book of Joshua chapters 14-19

Objective:

The division of the land

Resources:

Reading:

Chapters 14-19

Read chapter 14 and 18:1-10

Key verse(s):

" Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?" Joshua 18:3

Comments:

chapter 14

The General Division of the Land (verses 1-5)
Caleb’s Request (verses 6-15)
- where Caleb asks for the hill country of Hebron, which was promised to him by God through Moses because of his faithfulness and perseverance

Chapters 15, 16, and 17 (skip)

From here begins the distribution of the inheritances for three diligent tribes: the tribe of Judah (Chapter 15), the tribe of Ephraim (Chapter 16), and half of the tribe of Manasseh (Chapter 17). This distribution was carried out at Gilgal

Chapter 18

Rebuke of the Delinquent (verses 1-10)
- Joshua's rebuke symbolizes Jesus Christ's rebuke of those who made excuses and declined the invitation to the wedding feast (Matthew 22:3).
  
  It is beneficial to begin every task with prayer, asking for God's intervention. Understand that prayer alone does not replace the need for subsequent action, but it does bless and guide it.
- skip the rest of chapter 18

Skip chapter 19

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

How was Caleb?
Who promised Caleb to get the land he asked for?
Why was Caleb given the land he asked for?
Why was Joshua impatient with the seven tribes?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who sent Caleb to spy? a) Moses b) Joshua c) Gad d) Judah
The children of Joseph were ___________ and _____________.

Week 8: Cities of Refuge

Book of Joshua chapters 20-21

Objective:

Cities of refuges

Resources:

Reading:

Chapter 20:1-7
Chapter 21 (focus on verses 43-45)

Key verse(s):

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass." Joshua 21:45

Comments:

Chapter 20

The Law of the Cities of Refuge (verses 1-6)
- "God's mercy is great, as He provides refuge for the one who has unintentionally committed manslaughter. Similarly, may you be compassionate and forgive those who wrong you, giving them a new chance to live in love with God and with you."
- The high priest in verse 6 symbolizes Christ, whose death provided us with salvation. The concept of seeking refuge from the city of refuge reflects the protection and new life that Christ offers through His sacrifice.
The Names of the Cities (verses 7-9) skip

Chapter 21

The Levitical Cities (verses 1-12)
The Cities of the Priests (verses 13-19)
- The Levites did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes because God Himself was their inheritance. Instead, God gave them cities to live in, totaling 48 cities, which was more than the portion given to most other tribes. This illustrates that God blesses His servants spiritually and provides for all their material needs.
  
  Therefore, offer your love to God and serve Him faithfully, trusting in His provision which distinguishes you from others. Your gratitude and service will lead to His continued care, which will meet all your needs."
Completion of the Land Distribution (verses 43-45)
- "God fulfilled His promise to His children by giving them the land of Canaan as He had promised, and by granting them victory over all their enemies. This serves as an example of Christ’s victory on the cross, where He defeated Satan and put him under our feet.
  
  Trust in God’s power to support and grant you victory over your spiritual enemies, no matter your own weakness or the strength of the adversaries. God loves you and will protect you from all harm as long as you hold fast to Him."

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was a city of refuge?
Did God keep His promise?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who can have refuge in the cities of refuge?
a) one who killed unintentionally b) a blood avenger c) one who killed intentionally
The Lord keeps His promises. True or false?

Week 9: The Altar by the Jordan

Book of Joshua Chapter 22

Objective:

The Altar by the Jordan

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapter 22

Key verse(s):

"But take a careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

Comments:

Return of the Tribes (verses 1-9)
- The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan River after helping the other tribes conquer the land of Canaan.
An alter by the Jordan (verses 10-34)
- This altar is considered new and unusual because it was built on the western side of the river, which raised concerns among the other tribes that it might indicate a rebellion or a deviation from worshiping at the central sanctuary in Shiloh. The chapter addresses the misunderstanding and clarifies the purpose of the altar.
- The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh explain the purpose of the altar they built, which was intended as a witness to future generations of their shared heritage with the tribes on the western side of the Jordan River.
- Avoid rushing to judgment about others. Instead, seek to understand and address them with patience to clarify the truth. Overcome all the devil's schemes with love.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Why were the Israelites so quick to go to war over an altar?
What reason did the Reubenites, the Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh give for building the altar?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

The children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh built an ________ by the Jordan
The altar was called ________ for it is a _________ between us that the Lord is ____________.

Week 10: Joshua's Farewell and Death

Book of Joshua chapter 23-24

Objective:

Joshua's Farewell and Death

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua 23-24

Key verse(s):

"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed." Joshua 23:14

Comments:

These chapters represent Joshua's last speech to the people, where he hands over his responsibilities to them and bids them farewell, offering final guidance and counsel."

Chapter 23

Gathering the Leaders for the Address (verses 1-4)
Encouragement and Hope (verses 5-11)
- Joshua offers words of encouragement and hope to the Israelites. He reassures them of God's promises and encourages them to remain steadfast and obedient in their faith.
Warning (verses 12-16)
- Everyone has the role of encouraging the weak and, at the same time, a necessary role in warning the careless to adhere to God's commandments and love. It is crucial to present the truth in a suitable manner to those you are responsible for, ensuring that you guide everyone towards God and away from evil."

Chapter 24

God's Care for His People (verses 1-15)
- Joshua recounts God's faithfulness and care for the Israelites throughout their history. He reminds them of how God has guided, protected, and provided for them, and calls them to respond with faithfulness and obedience.
The Covenant of the People to Worship God (verses 16-28)
- The Israelites renew their covenant with God.
- Joshua wanted to make it clear that commitment to worshiping the Lord must be complete, because God is holy and zealous for His name. He does not forgive those who betray Him and turn away from His worship to worship other gods. Instead, He punishes and destroys them."
The Death of Joshua (verses 29-33)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was the message that Joshua delivered to Israel?
What did Joshua do to remind the people of their commitment to the Lord?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Joshua warned Israel from serving other ________.
Who brought the Israelites out of the Land of Egypt?
a) Pharaoh b) Joseph c) the Egyptians d) the Lord
How old was Joshua when he died?

A) 90 years old
B) 100 years old
C) 110 years old
D) 120 years old