Chapter Summary

The roster of the kings of Canaan.

Discussion Questions for Joshua, Chapter 12

1. This chapter recounts the conquests of the Israelites under Moses and Joshua. How were they different? How were they the same?
2. Why do you think Joshua took the time to record the defeated territory and the kings that were conquered in such detail?
3. Chapter 12 gives an overview of the entire conquest of the land that was now in the possession of the Israelites. Which of God's promises does this fulfill? What does this teach us about God's character? How can knowing who God is help us daily? Give specific examples.
4. Both Moses and Joshua gave the lands to the tribes of Israel, but it only states that Moses gave land to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Why do you think that is?
5. The first kingdom to fall was that of Jericho (v.9) . How did the Israelites defeat Jericho? How did that show their faith that God would continue to forge a way forward for them to take all of the promised land? Has there been a time in your life where you have had to fully rely on God through faith? Was your faith made stronger or weaker through that period?
6. The battle of Ai was mentioned as causing fear among the other kingdoms before Joshua and the Israelites arrived to fight them. In the list of kings, which feared God before they went into battle? What does that tell us about God's power?
7. Each tribe was provided for after the battles were all won. Why was that important for Joshua to mention?
8. Chapter 12 marks the completion of the war that fulfills the promises that God made to His people to give them a land of their own. Who was this promise first made to? What other promises did God make to us? How have you seen them fulfilled in your own life?
9. Almost all of the land promised to the Israelties were now in their possession by Joshua 12. This fulfillment had come generations after the promise was made. What does that mean for us? How does it affect how we understand the promises of God?
10. In verse 7, it says that Joshua gave the lands as an "inheritance." Why do you think it is understood as an inheritance? How is our "inheritance" through Christ understood? Are they the same thing?

Key Words/Phrase

Kings, v. 1.

Characters

God, Moses, Joshua.

Strong Verse(s)

6