This week, we will continue in the book of Joshua, chapters 7-11. Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.


Discussion Questions:

• Why was Israel initially unable to defeat the small city of Ai? (Josh. 7:3-4, 10-12)

• Why was Israel allowed to take plunder from Ai (Josh. 8:26-27) but not from Jericho? (6:17-19) This is not explicitly stated, so your answers may vary.

• What was Israel’s failure in the incident with Gibeon? (Josh. 9:14-15)

• Did the earth actually stop rotating for a full day? Or is there another way to understand Joshua 10:12-14?

• What was the key to Joshua’s success in leading the conquest of Canaan? (Josh. 11:15)



Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• Why did Rahab help the spies that came to Jericho? (Josh. 2:8-14) – She knew that their God had given Canaan to them. And she wanted to be on the winning team.

• What was the significance of crossing the Jordan River on dry land? This is not mentioned directly in Joshua 3, but it mirrors an earlier event. – It mirrors the crossing of the sea when Israel left Egypt. The two events bookend the time spent in the wilderness.

• What value does a memorial offer? (Josh. 4:4-7) – It can serve as a learning opportunity. When someone asks about why it was set up, you can respond with a history lesson. That can help to explain why we are the way we are and how we got here.

• Who was the man who met Joshua in Joshua 5:13-15? – He was the commander of the Lord’s army. This could have been the angel of the Lord found elsewhere, the archangel Michael (Dan. 12:1, Rev. 12:7), or some other representative from God.

• Why did God give such strange instructions to Joshua concerning Jericho? (Josh. 6:2-5) – It was likely a test of obedience. Would they do it God’s way, even if it seemed foolish? Or go their own way.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to seek You before I move, decide, or assume I know what is best. When I am tempted to rely on my own wisdom, remind me that true strength is found in trusting and obeying You. Give me a heart that listens carefully to Your voice and the courage to follow You even when Your way doesn’t make sense to me. And when I fail, help me learn, help me to always return to You, and help me to keep moving forward in faith. Keep me dependent on You, obedient to You, and faithful wherever You lead me. Amen.


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 


• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos 

• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps

• A Clay Jar Devotionals