Lesson 4
BIBLE STORY SILVER, GOLD, AND A BABYLONISH GARMENT
J
oshua and the people were distraught. After God
seventh day, Joshua charged the people to shout at his
gave supernatural victory at Jericho, the Israelites
signal, then claim the city. He explicitly instructed them
planned their next attack on the small fortress of Ai.
to save only Rahab’s family. They were to destroy the
Because scouts assured Joshua the battle could be
rest of the city except for the silver, gold, and vessels
easily won, Israel confidently advanced with only a
of brass and iron. These precious items were designated
small army. To their surprise and dismay, Israel was
for the treasury of the Lord. At the great shout, the
soundly defeated! What went wrong? Why did God
towering walls fell flat and Jericho lay devastated!
remove His protection when Israel was going forth to
When they invaded the city, did the people obey God’s
claim the land He had given them? Earlier at Jericho, God had given the Israelites quick success. Although it
directions, knowing that He sees everything? What would the people be horrified to discover following
had seemed impossible to conquer that fortified city,
their crushing defeat at Ai?
Joshua and the people had followed God’s directions
Let’s read the Bible story in Joshua 7:2–26 and then
to march around Jericho for seven days. On the
discuss the following questions.
1. After the disastrous defeat at Ai, how did Joshua and the elders respond? (See Joshua 7:6–8.) When tragic circumstances occur, how should you respond? Why should you seek the Lord and ask Him to search your heart? (See Psalm 139:23–24.) 2. What concerned Joshua even more than the lives of the people? (See Joshua 7:9.) When you face a difficulty, do you consider how God may see the situation? How might your response affect His reputation? 3. What was God’s answer to Joshua? Was the sin a secret from God? What command had Israel disobeyed? (See Joshua 7:10–12, 6:17–19.) Why can you keep no secrets from Him? (See Psalm 44:21, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14.) 4. How seriously did God view this sin? What consequences would the guilty person face? (See Joshua 7:13–15.)
Why does God not ignore your sin? (See Proverbs 3:11–12.) 5. How did Joshua learn who had committed the sin? (See Joshua 7:16–18.) Why does God often allow your authorities to find out about your sin? (See I Peter 2:14.) What happens when you try to hide your sin? (See Proverbs 28:13.) 6. Who confronted Achan? Did confessing remove the consequences of his sin? (See Joshua 7:19–25.) When you sin, to whom should you confess? (See Psalm 32:5, James 5:16.) Why may you still face consequences, even though you are forgiven? (See Hebrews 12:11.) 7. What items had Achan taken? How did their value compare with what Achan lost? (See Joshua 7:21–26.) What is the cost of disobedience, which is sin? (See Romans 6:21–23, Jeremiah 7:23–24.) Why should you remember that God is watching? (See Proverbs 16:6.)
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