Christ-Light Connections: God Gives Israel the Promised Land & The Israelites Turn Away from God

These two stories conclude Israel’s journey from slavery in a foreign land to freedom in the promised land. God has revealed his great love, faithfulness, and commitment to his people. All of his good promises were fulfilled.

As we enter into the book of Judges, we see Israel facing new temptations and forsaking the LORD. Yet, God calls Israel back to him again and again.

The Christ-Light theme this week is God blesses his people and wants them to stay faithful to him. How grateful we are for his unwavering faithfulness to us!

OT2 10A

God Gives Israel the Promised Land — Joshua 9:3,6,15; 10:1-15; 21:43-45

Context

Moses has died, and Joshua is the newly established leader of the Israelites. Through the battle of Jericho, the Israelites learned that the war for the promised land belonged to the LORD. They only needed to watch, wait, and obey. At Ai and because of Achen, Israel experienced failure as a result of disobedience. God made it clear that obedience and trust in him were mandatory.

Please check out The Bible Project video about the book of Joshua. It gives a helpful summary and also answers difficult questions about the genocide of the Canaanites.

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Big Ideas

Treaty by Trickery (Joshua 9:1-17)

The Israelites created for themselves quite a predicament. When they negotiated the treaty with Gibeon, they chose to rely only on the power of human reasoning and neglected to consult the LORD. Thus they made an oath before the LORD that contradicted his command to wipe out the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 20:17).

The power of the oath is striking to modern Americans. Most of us would consider the oath to be invalid since it was formed with false information, and our consciences would not be bothered by the breaking of it. But for Israel, an oath made in the name of the LORD was binding and unbreakable regardless of the circumstances. So later on, when Gibeon asked for rescue, Joshua was compelled to come to their aid and defend them.

Conversation Starters:

• Check out 2 Samuel 21. King Saul tried to violate the treaty with Gibeon. How did God react? How does God view an oath made under his name?
• Compare and contrast oaths made today and made then.

Surely the LORD was Fighting for Israel (Joshua 10:1-15)

In verse 8, God reassured Joshua of victory. Consider all that the LORD did for Israel to give them the victory. He cast the enemies into confusion, sent a hail storm, and extended the natural day. The Israelites’ victory was certainly a gift.

Conversation Starters:

• God could have wiped out Israel’s enemies without their participation. Why do you think he still asked the Israelites to go into battle?
• God could expand his Kingdom on earth without our help. Why do you think he asks us to participate?

Not One Good Promise Failed (Joshua 21:43-45)

The previous chapters describe various battles with the Canaanites and the land allotment for each of Israel’s tribes. The author concludes this section by giving all of the credit to the LORD, a theme that has been sung throughout the book of Joshua.

Conversation Starters:

• Verse 44 says, “The Lord gave them rest.” From what are the Israelites resting?
• In Matthew 11:28 Jesus invites us to find rest in him. Describe the rest he gives us.
• Make connections between the promised land of the Israelites and the promised land of heaven.

Digging Deeper

This Seeds of Faith lesson provides additional discussion questions.

40 Minutes in the Old Testament Podcast

• Episode 189: Israel’s neighbors trick them into making a covenant with them in a strange way.
• Episode 190: Five kings rise up against Gibeon, and Israel rises to their defense. God gets all the credit for what happens in the battle.
• Episode 196: God doesn’t let his promises “fall” but fulfills them all for everyone. 

OT2 10B

The Israelites Turn Away from God — Joshua 24:1-27; Judges 2:6-19

Context

The book and life of Joshua are about to conclude. As Moses did, Joshua addresses the nation with reminders of the LORD’s grace and gives instructions to obey. How odd it seems that Joshua would tell Israel that she could not keep her covenant with God.

Big Ideas

Joshua’s Farewell Address (Joshua 24:1-13)

I think Joshua’s address is confusing for many Christians. It seems like it is going to be a great motivational “choose the LORD” speech, but right in the middle of it, Joshua douses the flames of faithful enthusiasm by saying, “You are NOT able to serve the LORD.”

Why would Joshua say that to Israel? Because it was true. In only one generation, Israel would forget. In just a few years, they would adopt the Canaanite religions and practices.

I wish I could hang a plaque on my door with Joshua’s phrase, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” But thinking about me and what I will do tempts me to rely on my own power and strength to cling to Christ. The reality is, like Israel, I often turn away and look to the idols around me to give me purpose and hope. I cannot hold Christ with my own willpower.

Christ, hold onto me.

Conversation Starters:

• Naming Israel’s idols always seems so obvious to us. Naming our own can be more difficult. What is worshiped by the culture around you? How do Christians adopt those practices?
• How would you define a mature Christian? One who is obedient or one who is deeply aware of his/her need for forgiveness?

The Beginning of Judges (2:6-19)

As we begin a new book of the Bible, there a shift in themes. The exodus and journey to the promised land focused on Israel’s deliverance from slavery and her enemies. Israel learned who the LORD was and was adopted into his family. Now, in freedom, Israel faced new temptations. Again and again, she would turn to idols and forsake the LORD. Now Israel would need to be rescued from herself.

Conversation Starter:

• In what ways do we Christians need to be rescued from ourselves?

The Bible Project has another great video that summarizes the book of Judges. This can serve as an introduction to this lesson and the stories to come.

Digging Deeper

40 Minutes in the Old Testament

• Episode 198: An introduction to the book of Judges, and an exploration of the first chapter.
• Episode 199: The children of Israel are on the fast-track to bondage. What is so tempting about foreign gods, and why do the people turn to them so quickly?