Fool Me Once
The Gibeonite deception teaches us that not every spiritual challenge comes in the form of open opposition; sometimes it comes through this subtle tactic
What is subtle deception / compromise?
During the dramatic battle to defend Gibeon, God throws the enemy into confusion and kills more soldiers using this weather phenomenon than Israel does with the sword
What are large hailstones (or a hailstorm)?
Faced with an overwhelming northern coalition, Joshua reminds us that following God isn't just about isolated moments of courage, but having this long-term attribute
What is faithfulness over time?
Joshua calls the leaders together to give them a final challenge because he has reached this stage of his life
What is old age (or nearing the end of his life)?
Joshua ends the book in Chapter 24 by retelling this to all the tribes
What is the story/history/journey of Israel?
The fatal mistake made by Israel's leaders when analyzing the Gibeonites' moldy bread and worn sandals was their failure to do this
What is seek counsel from the Lord?
In answer to Joshua’s bold prayer during the battle, this celestial object famously stands still in the sky for about a full day
What is the sun?
Joshua 11 points out that no matter the true scale and size of the opposition we face this is always greater
What is God's power / presence?
DAILY DOUBLE
When Joshua gathers the leaders one last time, he warns them that their greatest future danger is no longer enemy armies, but this internal compromise
What is drifting away from God (or intermarrying/worshiping other gods)?
Joshua tells the people to throw away this and instead serve God with wholehearted devotion
What are false idols?
DAILY DOUBLE
Because an oath was sworn in the Lord’s name, Joshua does not destroy the tricksters but instead assigns them to do this
What is cut firewood and carry water?
While God calls His people to step out and act courageously, the narrative makes it clear this is who the ultimate victory belongs to
What is the Lord?
The northern battles took a very long time, showing us that growing in faith is often found in enduring a long this
What is process/campaign?
In Chapter 23, Joshua says that not a single one of God's good promises has ever done this
What is failed?
When Joshua says, "Choose this day whom you will serve," it reminds us that choosing to follow God is a decision we must make this often
What is daily?
Because Joshua swore an oath in the Lord's name, he honors it despite being tricked—teaching us that God's people must value this three word personal trait over convenience
What is keeping our word?
Joshua rolls large rocks over the mouth of a cave in order to defeat this many kings, hiding inside
What is 5?
Joshua is commanded by God to completely disable the enemy's horses and chariots to ensure that Israel would learn never to rely on this
What is human military might?
In Week 9 we learned that this six letter word fuels faith, meaning that looking back at how God helped us before helps us trust Him right now
What is memory?
At the very end of the book, Israel lays to rest the bones of this ancestral patriarch, which they had carried all the way out of Egypt
Who is Joseph?
The deceptive plot was hatched by the Gibeonites specifically after they heard what Joshua had done to these two previous cities
What is dependence / reliance on God?
In Chapter 10, Joshua encourages the leaders of Israel with these familiar words, seen many times throughout the bible
What is “Do not be afraid”?
Chapter 11 ends by noting that Joshua left nothing undone of what God commanded, highlighting that mature faith values complete this
What is obedience?
Joshua’s final speech to the leaders proves that following God isn’t just a personal matter, it is also a ____________ matter that affects families for years to come
What is generational?
By placing a large stone under the oak tree as a physical witness, Joshua teaches the community that we need intentional, visible reminders to keep us true to these
What are our commitments / covenants to God?