Ideas and questions for teaching Joshua 1:1–18
First, break the group into pairs.
Second, use the following icebreaker: In his book Transformed Temperaments, Tim LaHaye identifies four major temperament/personality groups:
- Sanguine-outgoing, warm, friendly, carefree
- Phlegmatic-calm, dependable, practical, humorous
- Choleric-strong willed, decisive, confident
- Melancholy-sensitive, gifted, loyal, analytical
He says that Joshua’s mentor Moses was D-melancholy. Based on these descriptions, which of the four are you most like? Remember that no one category is better. Have fun getting to know each other better.
Joshua 1:1–5
- What is the background for the book of Joshua? Moses was able to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, but they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years unable to enter the Promised Land. Joshua is called to replace Moses after his death.
- Why was Moses not able or allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land? See Deuteronomy 32:51. In anger and unbelief, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as the Lord had instructed him.
- Is the book of Joshua just a book of military history and tactics? While that is part of it, there are numerous parallels and applications for Christians to enter into the “Promised land” and not wander in the wilderness of sin and unbelief. The Saving Life of Christ by Major Ian Thomas is an excellent book on this subject.
- What qualified Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan? According to Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.
- Would the Israelites be willing to listen to Joshua since people are often prone not to follow a great leader’s successor? We will discover that as we walk through the book.
- Why are big shoes sometimes hard to fill, whether it be a political leader, coach or staff minister? Often these leaders have endeared themselves to the people because of their outstanding character and leadership. People are sometimes reluctant to place their trust in new leaders who have no proven track record.
- Do you think Joshua could have been somewhat discouraged as he also had to wander in the desert all those years? He wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t. As the Lord spoke to Joshua in the opening chapter, do you think he had in mind that he was discouraged? Certainly.
- What was the big deal about crossing the Jordan? On the other side was the land that the Lord had promised to the Israelites, but also it was the land occupied by people that would fight to keep their land.
- What is the significance of the tense of the verb in 1:4 when the Lord said “I have given it to you”? Had the Lord really given it to them yet? He had promised it, but they had to take possession of it.
- Why did the Lord mention the land belonging to the Hittites and none of the other groups? Some commentators believe that the reference to them was a reference to all groups. Another angle is that they had a reputation as being the fiercest of all the inhabitants. They occupied the northern part of Canaan now known as Syria.
- What three promises did the Lord give to Joshua in 1:5? A. No man would be able to stand against him. B. He would be with him just as he had with Moses. C. He would not forsake or fail him.
Joshua 1:6–11
- Why did the Lord tell Joshua to be strong and courageous? The taking of the land would not be easy. It would require warfare.
- Is the remainder of 1:6 a promise or prophecy? Both. Who were the “fathers” he is referring to? Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.
- What is the law that Moses gave him? This is either a reference to the ten commandments or parts or all of Deuteronomy.
- Based on 1:8, do you get the idea that God’s Word is very important? Oh yes. How is this verse commonly used today? To stress the importance of memorizing and meditating on Scripture Is that a valid application of this verse? Yes.
- In what sense would keeping this command make Joshua’s way “prosperous and successful”? Certainly not in the sense of the health and wealth teaching some promote today. It was used in the sense that Joshua would be able to carry out his mission of taking possession of the land.
- Is it not normal for anyone about to go into battle to “tremble or be dismayed”? Very normal. Again, the Lord is reassuring Joshua of his presence wherever he goes.
- Were the promises to Joshua conditional? They were all conditional upon his obedience.
- As believers, are there battles we face? Most definitely. We are involved in spiritual warfare as we live the Christian life and share the Gospel. Read Ephesians 6:12 for further insight into the spiritual warfare.
Joshua 1:16–18
- According to 1:12-15, who was Joshua addressing? The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half of Manasseh that had settled east of the Jordan.
- What was the response of these tribes to Joshua’s challenge? That they would follow and obey. Did they follow through with that promise? As we journey through the study of Joshua, we will find that they did not.
- Does the promise of death to those who rebel and disobey Joshua seem somewhat severe? Let’s answer that question with another question, “Is God a moral monster?” This will be answered in further studies.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Chip Warren has led groups of all ages, as well as trained group leaders, through the local church for over forty years. He’s a graduate of Southwestern Seminary and lives in Albertville, Alabama. Warren provides teaching resources such as these questions related to specific passages of Scripture at chipwarren.org.
