VICTORIES OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF JOSHUA
LESSON EIGHT
Day One
Read Joshua 7:16–26.
1. In verse 16 we again find that Joshua rose up early in the morning to do what the Lord
instructed him. What example, is found in Psalm 119:60, we try to emulate?
2. The Scripture here does not specifically state how Joshua was able to discern the culprit
through this process of elimination. Whatever the case, it was obviously extremely accurate.
Joshua was able to narrow down the problem to…
…which tribe?
…which family?
…which household?
…which man?
3. What did Joshua say to Achan, how did Achan respond and what had Achan taken,
specifically?
4 After verifying Achan’s account by digging up the accursed things, what did Joshua, and
all of Israel, do (verses 24–25)?
5. In verse 26 we see another “time to gather stones together” (Ecclesiastes 3:5). This
heap of stones became a monument, and indeed was something that was worth
remembering for the children of Israel. What does verse 26 say about the Lord?
Note: Both the Valley of Achor and the name Achan are derived from the Hebrew word
for “trouble.” Hence Joshua’s use of the word trouble in verse 25.
Scripture Memory: This week’s Scripture Memory Passage continues from last week’s
verse. It is James 1:14–15. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own
desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when
it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:14–15
Day Two
1. Sin is serious business, and must be dealt with immediately. It is like cancer. No matter
the amount, it must be eradicated so that it does not spread. The earlier it is dealt with, the
better. What did Jesus say regarding the seriousness of sin, in Matthew 18:9?
2. The destruction of Achan is an Old Testament picture of the truth we find in Colossians
3:5. What does that verse say?
3. When we read that Achan’s sons and daughters, livestock and possessions were all
stoned and burned along with Achan, it seems a bit harsh and excessive. As we learned
last week, sin rarely affects only the sinner; its ramifications touch the lives of many
others. Just as every trace of Achan’s life and possessions were to be eradicated, so
should we deal with the sin in our own lives. We must remove not only the sin, but
anything that would entice us to sin. What does Romans 13:14 say?
4. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). Leaven, or yeast, is an
Old Testament metaphor for sin. Even a little sin is dangerous. When the Israelites
celebrated the Passover, what were they to do (Exodus 12:15)?
How did Paul bring this metaphor into the New Testament? See 1 Corinthians 5:7–8.
Scripture Memory: Fill in the missing words from memory. “But each one is tempted
when he is drawn away by his own ___________ and enticed. Then, when desire has
____________, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth
________.” James 1:___–___
Day Three
Now Joshua said to Achan, "My son, I beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and
make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me."
(Joshua 7:19)
1. It is interesting that Achan could give glory to God by simply confessing his sin. Do
you realize that when we tell the truth, God is glorified? This is because God is truth.
Jesus said, in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When we proclaim the
truth, we proclaim Jesus, and God is glorified. The words glory and truth can both be
found in the following verses. What do they say?
Psalm 115:1
Jeremiah 4:2
John 1:14
Scripture Memory: “But each one is ____________ when he is drawn away by his
own ___________ and ______________. Then, when desire has ____________, it
gives birth to _____; and ______, when it is full-grown, brings forth ________.” James
__:___–___
Day Four
1. Sometimes, when we read about God exacting justice with severe punishment, like the
stoning of Achan and his family, and we contrast it with the themes of forgiveness and
mercy that abound in the teachings of Jesus, we are tempted to wonder, “Is the God of the
Old Testament really the same God that we read about in the New Testament?” What do
Malachi 3:6a and Hebrews 13:8 assure us?
2. The God of the New Testament is not a kinder, gentler version of the Old Testament
God. The difference lies in the fact that God’s righteous wrath and punishment have
been redirected onto Jesus. The penalty for sin is still death, but Jesus has taken that
penalty on himself. What do these verses say?
Isaiah 53:5
1 Peter 3:18
Romans 5:9–10
3. Jesus bears the penalty and punishment for our sins, but only if we receive Him as Lord
and Savior of our lives. What does Romans 1:18 tell us about those who reject the
righteousness of Jesus?
4. A New Testament example of this is found in Acts 5:1–10. How is the account of
Ananias and Sapphira similar to that of Achan?
Scripture Memory: “But each one is ____________ when he is drawn away by his own
___________ and ______________. Then, when __________ has ____________, it
gives birth to _____; and ______, when it is _________________, brings forth
________.” _________ __:___–___
Day Five: Personal Application
1. We read that Joshua rose early in the morning in order to do what God told him. Do you
ever rise early in the morning to obey His commands? Do you ever give your early
morning hours to the Lord in praise and adoration? In the study of His word? In quiet
listening? Write down your thoughts about this.
2. Achan stole silver, gold, and a fine garment. These are things that many people are still
coveting today. Do you struggle with materialism? In today’s society, it is easy to get
caught up in the hype for bigger, better, and more. While some things are both useful and
necessary, there are many things which we acquire that are not. Many of these
possessions can sap our time, energy, money, and attention, all of which could be better
spent pursuing godliness. Jesus did not spend His time on earth accumulating worldly
goods, but instead gathered lost people to Himself. Ask the Spirit to search you and
convict you in this area, and write those convictions below, if applicable.
3. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump,” (Galatians 5:9). In other words, small sins
quickly grow into big ones. Do you know someone who has been playing with a “small
sin?” Write their initials below and go to the Lord in intercession on their behalf. Feel free
to write out the main points of your prayer, if you wish.
Scripture Memory: Write the Scripture Memory verse completely from memory.
Day Six (Optional)
Today we will compare the covetous sins of three people in the Bible: Eve, Achan, and
David. Read through all three accounts, found in Genesis 3, Joshua 7 and 2 Samuel 11–12.
Fill out the chart with the information you read there.
The prohibition
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 6:18
Genesis 2:17
Leviticus 18:20
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:21a
Genesis 3:3
2 Samuel 11:3
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:21b
Genesis 3:6a
2 Samuel 11:2
The forbidden thing
The desire
The action
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:21b
Genesis 3:6b
2 Samuel 11:4
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:12
Genesis 3:6c
2 Samuel 11:17
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:20
Genesis 3:13
2 Samuel 12:13
The impact on others
The confession
The penalty
Achan
Eve
David
Joshua 7:25
Genesis 3:16
2 Samuel 12:10
Scripture Memory: Write this week’s Scripture Memory passage from memory.