------------------------------------------------------------------ Joshua E-Mail Bible Study ------------------------------------------------------------------ Lesson 3 - Joshua 3:1 - 5:12 ENTERING THE PROMISED LAND Memorial and dedication on the banks of Jordan ------------------------------------------------------------------ Moses has died and Joshua has been commissioned by God (ch 1). God has told Joshua in the face of his fears to be strong and very courageous. With the spies' encouraging report, Joshua begins the long-awaited move across Jordan into the Promised Land. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 ----------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 1: OBSERVATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.1 EXTRA CREDIT: This passage has some clues about the time of year that these events took place: 3:15 and 5:10 Data: Rainfall patterns in the Jordan's watershed are approximately: April-October: 1.3 inches; December-February: 12.3 inches; Annual: 15.9 inches. These are the harvest times: barley (April), wheat (June), and fruit (October). What time of year was the feast mentioned in 5:10? (Hint: It is at the same time as the highest holy day of Christians.) Okay, Sherlock Holmes, when did the crossing occur? TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6-7 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 2: INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2.1 (3:1) The Israelites had been encamped for some time at Shittim, perhaps 6 or 7 miles east of the Jordan. Why do you think Joshua has them camp on the east bank of the Jordan rather than crossing it on the same day? 2.2 (3:5) Assuming something similar to the consecration in Exodus 19:10, 14-15, what did the consecration of the people probably include? Why was it important at this time? What kind of consecration did Jesus go through before entering into his ministry? Why was this important to the future? (Luke 4:1-13) How was this similar and different to the Israelites' consecration in Joshua 3? THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8-9 ---------------------------- 2.3 (3:3-4) What is the significance of the ark going BEFORE the people? (See Numbers 9:15-23; 10:33-36). 2.4 (3:13ff) What was the significance to the people of Israel that the Jordan stopped flowing as they crossed? How did this event affect them at the time? How do you think it affected them in the future? MONDAY-TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12-13 ----------------------------- 2.5. (4:1-9) Why did God have Joshua set up a memorial pillar of Twelve Stones? What are the advantages of memorials? What are the dangers? 2.6 (4:14) Why do you think God exalted Joshua in the people's eyes? What is the danger of this? To what extent should people put their trust or faith in godly leaders? In what sense is this true faith? In what sense is it not true faith? WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 --------------------- 2.7 (5:2-9) What did circumcision mean to the Israelites? (Joshua 5; Genesis 17:10-14). Why were they all to be circumcised now? In what sense, do you think, did the circumcision at Gilgal "roll away the reproach of Egypt" (Joshua 5:9) NOTE: Gilgal sounds like the Hebrew word for "roll." 2.8 (5:10-11) What significance did Passover have to the Israelites? Why was it fitting to partake of it at this time? THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 3: APPLICATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3.1 (3:13-15) What kind of faith did God require from Joshua to announce the Jordan's flow stopping? When did the water actually stop? Can you share a time when God brought you through this kind of experience? What was your faith like afterwards? FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 ------------------ 2.9 (5:12) Why did the manna stop? (See Exodus 16, especially vs. 35.) Why shouldn't the manna continue? Can you think of any circumstances in your life when the supernatural manna ceased? What was God doing in this? ------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1998, Ralph F. Wilson, all rights reserved. Joyful Heart is a trademark of Joyful Heart Ministries. For reprint permission contact pastor@joyfulheart.com