Whose Side Are You On? (Joshua 5:13 - 6:27)

Israel’s victory over Jericho was a significant event for God’s people. God told Joshua to “Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened; neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Then, at the beginning of chapter 6, the LORD assured Joshua, saying, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand.” Even though God’s method for victory must have seemed foolish to those in Jericho, Joshua and Israel obeyed God’s instructions. They trusted in his promise to give them the land and obeyed what he commanded them to do. By their obedience they revealed that they were on the Lord’s side and as a result they sought to submit to his will. Whose side are you on? Is your allegiance to the Lord revealed in what you think, do, and say? Consider these questions as you review the sermon.

1. Before you begin to consider the book of Joshua, take a moment to reflect on the importance of Pentecost in redemptive history. In what ways is Pentecost misunderstood by some Christians today? To help you think through this, read Heidelberg Catechism Q/A 53:

What do you believe concerning “the Holy Spirit”?

First, he, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God.

Second, he has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his blessings, comforts me, and remains with me forever.

2. Read Joshua 5:13-15. What are some hints in the text that reveal that the Commander was Christ himself? What is significant about the Commander’s answer to Joshua’s question?

3. Why did God employ such a strange method for conquering Jericho? How does this connect with what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5?

4. How does Joshua 6:21-27 reveal both God’s just judgment and his grace? According to Genesis 15:16 and Leviticus 18:21-30, why were the people of Jericho judged so severely by God?

5. Why did Rahab and her household receive grace according to Hebrews 11:31?

6. In preparation for next week, read Joshua 7:1-26. What do you think God was teaching Israel through this defeat? Do you think Achan’s punishment was too severe? Why or why not?