O SUN, STAND STILL!

Joshua 9:1-12:24

Key Verse 10:12

1. Read vs. 1-13. V. 4 says that the Gibeonites resorted to a "ruse" to get the Israelites to sign a treaty with them. What does this show us about the Gibeonites (Jn 8:44)? 

2. Read vs. 14-15 and describe the basis on which the "men of Israel" decided to enter into a lasting relationship with the Gibeonites. What warnings are there for us to heed in getting into a binding relationship with unbelievers (2Co 6:14; Eph 6:10-18)?

3. Read vs. 16-27. What can we learn from "the leaders" who decided to honor the treaty even if it was based on the Gibeonites' deception (Eph 4:25; 2Co 1:20)? 

4. Skim through 10:1-11 and compare this passage with Genesis 15:16. The leader of the five Amorite kings is called "Adoni-Zedek" which means "the lord is righteous." What does this show us about these kings (2Co 11:15)?  

5. Read v. 12-15. It was "on the day" the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel that Joshua offered this unusual prayer topic. What can we learn here from Joshua (2Ki 19:31; Pro 23:17; Rom 12:11)? 

6. Read vs. 16-28. What is the importance of one's "neck"? What did Joshua ask the army commanders to do with the necks of the enemy kings? Why? What can we learn here from Joshua (2Ti 1:7; 2:3)? 

7. Skim through 10:29-12:24 and describe the way in which the Lord helped Joshua and his army to capture and defeat: a) Southern cities (10:42); and b) Northern kings especially the Anakites (11:6,20). What lesson(s) is there for us to learn in waging the Lord's battle? 

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