Handing Out the Inheritance
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Joshua 15
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The Conquest of Canaan
This lesson from Joshua 10:29–14:15 highlights God’s faithfulness and the importance of faithful obedience. Israel’s victories over southern and northern Canaan demonstrate God’s just judgment on wicked nations and His fulfillment of promises to His people. The conquest of Canaan wasn’t ruthless conquest but divine justice against long-standing cruelty and sin. The lesson also celebrates Caleb’s remarkable faith—though 85 years old, he remains strong, hopeful, and eager to claim his inheritance. He asks for the land of Hebron, still inhabited by giants, because he trusts in God’s power. The lesson reminds believers that faithfulness doesn’t remove battles but strengthens us through them, shaping deeper trust and dependence on God.
Manipulation and Miracles
This lesson from Joshua 9:1–10:28, titled “Manipulation and Miracles,” explores how Israel was deceived by the Gibeonites because they failed to seek God’s counsel. Trusting only in what they saw—moldy bread and worn-out sandals—Joshua and the leaders made a covenant without asking the Lord. Though their decision was a mistake, Joshua honored the covenant, showing integrity even when it was costly. In response, God miraculously defended Israel, stopping the sun and moon to give them victory. The lesson highlights the importance of daily dependence on God’s wisdom and reminds believers that God can turn even our missteps into testimonies of His grace and power.
Secret Sins
This lesson from Joshua 7–8, titled “Secret Sins,” explores Israel’s surprising defeat at Ai following their great victory at Jericho. The root cause was Achan’s hidden sin—taking forbidden items God had devoted to destruction. Because Israel failed to seek God’s guidance, they underestimated the enemy and overestimated their own strength. Achan’s private rebellion affected the entire nation, revealing that personal sin has communal consequences. God exposed the sin through a public process, offering time for confession, but Achan delayed until judgment was unavoidable. After dealing with the sin, Israel experienced restoration and victory. The lesson warns against spiritual complacency and challenges believers to pursue humility, confession, and obedience to avoid future defeat.
The Battle of Jericho
This lesson from Joshua 5:13–6:27 recounts the miraculous fall of Jericho and reveals vital spiritual truths for believers. As Israel faces their first major obstacle in Canaan, Joshua encounters the Commander of the Lord’s army—a preincarnate appearance of Christ—who teaches Joshua that the battle belongs to God, not man. The unusual strategy of marching silently for six days and shouting on the seventh day highlights that victory comes through obedience, humility, and reliance on God's power—not human effort. The Israelites’ silence symbolized trust, and the repeated marching emphasized dependence. When the walls fell, only Rahab’s family was spared, fulfilling God’s promise. The lesson reminds us that every spiritual victory requires surrender, patience, and a clear recognition that God alone brings the triumph.
Crossing the Jordan
This lesson from Joshua 3:1–5:12 focuses on Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and their spiritual preparation for entering the Promised Land. Joshua commands the people to consecrate themselves, emphasizing that God uses clean, not clever, vessels. As the priests step into the flooded Jordan carrying the ark, the water stops—demonstrating God’s power and requiring bold faith. Twelve memorial stones are gathered to remind future generations of God's provision. Before advancing to Jericho, Israel pauses for circumcision and celebrates the Passover, renewing their covenant identity and remembering God's past deliverance. The lesson teaches that spiritual preparation, remembrance, and obedience are essential steps to experiencing God’s power and promises.
A Surprising Conversion
This lesson from Joshua 2 highlights the surprising faith of Rahab and key principles for spiritual preparation and hope. As Israel prepares to conquer Jericho, Joshua sends spies who encounter Rahab—a Canaanite prostitute whose heart had already turned in fear and faith toward Israel’s God. Though her past was sinful, her faith in God’s power and mercy secured her rescue. The scarlet cord she hangs in her window becomes a symbol of hope and redemption. The lesson teaches that God uses unlikely people, past sin doesn’t cancel future blessing, and believers must prepare for spiritual battles even when victory is promised.
Defining Success
This lesson from Joshua 1 launches the book of Joshua and introduces God's charge to Joshua as the new leader of Israel. Though the land was promised, Joshua had to lead the people to conquer it, relying not on military strategy alone but on divine guidance. God repeatedly calls Joshua to “be strong and courageous,” promising His constant presence. True success, God says, will come not from status or wealth but from obeying, communicating, and meditating on His Word. The lesson encourages believers to redefine success biblically and walk daily in the strength and assurance of God’s presence and promises.
A Final Blessing
This lesson from Deuteronomy 32:48–34:12 brings the life of Moses to a close with a powerful display of grace, reflection, and blessing. As Moses prepares to die, God allows him to view the Promised Land from Mount Nebo—a bittersweet moment since he cannot enter it due to a past failure. Before ascending the mountain, Moses blesses each tribe of Israel, offering prayers for their future success, safety, and fruitfulness. His final act is not a complaint, but a song of hope and faith. Deuteronomy ends with a tribute to Moses, declaring him unmatched in prophetic intimacy and power. The lesson reminds believers that while human leaders are limited, God’s promises and presence remain constant—His everlasting arms are always beneath His people.
The Song of Moses
This lesson from Deuteronomy 31–32:47 highlights Moses’ final act of leadership: writing a song to help Israel remember God’s truth. As Moses prepares to pass leadership to Joshua, he charges the people to be strong and courageous, reminding them that the Lord will never forsake them. Instead of preaching one last sermon, Moses composes a song—the “Song of Moses”—to be sung by all Israel as a witness to God’s greatness, faithfulness, and justice. This song also confronts Israel’s future disobedience, reminding them of their sin and calling them back to repentance. It ends with a hopeful reminder of God’s compassion and ultimate reign. The lesson teaches that music rooted in Scripture helps believers remember God's character and stay anchored in His promises.
Choosing Life Today
This lesson from Deuteronomy 29–30 features Moses’ heartfelt final message to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of God’s faithfulness and the devastating consequences of sin, warning them not to ignore the dangers of rebellion. Yet he also offers hope: God’s grace is greater than any failure, and restoration is always possible for those who return to Him. Moses calls Israel—and us—to daily choose life by loving and obeying God. The lesson encourages believers to remain spiritually alert, trust in God’s mercy, and walk with Him wholeheartedly every day.