Jericho
What city did Israel march around before conquering it?
They marched around Jeriocho.
What did Achan secretly take from Jericho?
He took items that God had commanded Israel not to take, including a beautiful cloak, silver, and gold.
What happened during Israel's first attempt to attack Ai?
Ai defeated Israel.
What was sackcloth?
It was a rough, uncomfortable cloth that people wore as a sign of mourning, grief, or repentance.
What did Joshua do when God gave him specific instructions for defeating Ai?
Joshua followed God's instructions.
What happened on the seventh day that made Israel's marching different from the previous six days?
Israel marched around Jericho seven times, and the people shouted.
Who suffered because of Achan's disobedience?
The entire nation of Israel suffered, especially when Israel was defeated at Ai.
Who gave Joshua the strategy for Israel's second attack against Ai?
God gave him the strategy.
What did ashes commonly symbolize in Old Testament times?
It symbolized mourning, grief, humility, or repentance.
What does Joshua's obedience reveal about his leadership?
He trusted God's direction and was willing to follow God's commands.
Why was Jericho completely closed so that no one could enter or leave?
The people of Jericho were afraid because of the Israelites and what God had already done for Israel.
Why did God say Israel could not stand against its enemies?
Because Israel had sinned by taking what God had devoted to destruction.
What strategy did Joshua use to defeat Ai?
Joshua set an ambush behind the city while another group approached Ai and drew its soldiers away from the city.
Why did people sometimes put on sackcloth and ashes?
They were publicly demonstrating deep sorrow, mourning, humility, or repentance before God.
What does God's detailed plan for Ai demonstrate about God?
God was actively directing Israel and giving Joshua the instructions needed for the battle.
What were the Israelites commanded to save for the LORD's treasure?
They were to devote gold, silver, bronze and iron to the LORD.
What happened after Achan's sin was exposed?
Achan and what he had taken were dealt with according to God's judgment, and Israel's relationship with God was restored.
Why was Israel's second attack on Ai successful when the first attack had failed?
Israel had dealt with the sin in the camp, and Joshua followed God's specific instructions.
Name a biblical story outside of Joshua in which sackcloth and ashes were used.
Jonah and Nineveh, Mordecai in Esther, etc.
Why did Joshua lead Israel in building an altar and reading the Law at Mount Ebal?
Israel was to worship God, renew its commitment to Him, and hear the blessings and curses of the Law.
Name one piece of archaeological evidence from Jericho that can be connected with the biblical account of its destruction.
Evidence commonly discussed includes collapsed walls and signs of destruction by fire or pottery that matches the predicted time period.
What does Achan's story teach about the effects one person's sin can have on others?
Sin can have consequences that affect an entire family, community, or group—not just the individual who commits it.
What does the story of Ai teach about depending on God rather than simply trusting human strength or plans?
Israel needed God's direction and obedience; victory ultimately depended on following God's instructions.
The story of the sons of Korah teaches important lessons about sin and responsibility. Explain how these stories show that sin can affect others while individuals are still responsible for their own choices.
The sons of Korah provide an example of descendants who were not automatically condemned because of their family's sin; individuals were responsible for how they responded to God.
Why might God have wanted Israel to hear the Law shortly after Achan's sin?
It reinforced the importance of obedience, reminded Israel of God's commands, and showed the serious consequences of disobedience.