Joshua14

Joshua 10:1-11

Defending Gibeon

1.  If you have access to a map of Canaan during the time of Joshua, observe the relative locations of Gibeon, Jerusalem and the other cities mentioned here in Chapter 10.

            Discuss what was likely going through the minds of the kings of these cities.

2.  In verse 6, the Gibeonites sent word requesting Joshua’s help.  Look carefully at the pleading of the Gibeonites. 

            a)  How does this confirm what we have been told about the relationship of the Gibeonites to the Israelites?

            b)  Last week we discussed the parallel of the Gibeonites being accepted into the nation of Israel to the Gentiles being accepted in Jesus’ time.  What does this verse add to that concept?

3.  The Israelites response to the Gibeonites plea was a serious test of the covenant Joshua made with them in the previous chapter.  It was one thing to not destroy the Gibeonites for their deceit,  but it was quite another to go to battle to defend them.

            a)  Why were the Israelites willing to go to battle for the Gibeonites?

            b)  From this account, what had the Israelites learned from their previous battles?

            c)  Compare the Lord’s words to the Israelites in verse 8 to His promises to them prior to the battle of Jericho and the second battle at Ai.

            d)  What does verse 11 confirm about the Lord’s covenant with the Israelites?

4.  Many times in our lives we enter a battle or a challenge with great strength and a clever strategy - the formula for what appears to be a sure victory.  Other times, based on our own meager resources, victory seems hopeless.  In either situation, when victory comes, by faith we will see the hailstones the Lord has provided.  Give an example of a victory in your life, where, no matter how strong or prepared you may have felt, you clearly saw the hailstones the Lord provided.