Joshua 11
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
Hollywood, in all its imagination, has not produced an original story that rivals what’s happening. But we have to be wise about what we’re focusing on…we have to look beyond what is happening in the moment and learn what there is to learn. And here it is in simple terms: God is in control, which means His followers don’t have to be.
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
More enemies than ever have assembled against God’s followers.
Read Joshua 11: 1-5
Hazor, the ringleader, was the strongest, most prominent1 and imposing city in Canaan.2 And notice the geographical references on the other kingdoms coming to fight (north, south, east, and west…from the hill country and low lands). This was everybody vs. God.
Chariots were the most advanced military technology and the principal element of military strategy when available.3 Israel had none.
Is it easier to ask God for help when the odds are overwhelming…or is is just as difficult no matter the odds?
Read Joshua 11: 6-15
Notice Hazor, the instigator, was burned while the other kingdoms were not. So at God’s instruction, Hazor was singled out.
God’s plan included revenge for the instigator. Does him taking revenge make you feel better about him being in control?
Read Joshua 11: 16-20
Joshua makes it clear that the people of Israel were isolated in this fight. It’s almost as if God had purposefully isolated them.
Have you ever felt like you were doing something God wanted you to do but felt really isolated while doing it?
Read Joshua 11: 21-23
From everything we’ve learned so far in Joshua about how God operates, what’s been the most surprising to you?
Note to leader: Have the group read chapters 12-19 on their own. There are not separate discussion guides set up for these chapters. 12-19 lists the kingdoms that were fought and the land allotments that were given to the specific tribes of Israel. The next discussion will be on Joshua 20.