Chapter Summary

Conquest of Ai. The blessings and cursing of Ebal.

Discussion Questions for Joshua, Chapter 8

1. In verse 2, God specifies that the Israelites may take the plunder and livestock with them. Why do you think that differed from the previous chapters of Joshua?
2. God often offers a warning to cities before destroying them (consider Nineveh or Sodom and Gomorrah). Why do you think that this is not the case in Joshua 8?
3. What other time in the bible was a leader asked to hold up his arms (as Joshua does with the javelin) to ensure victory? Are there any other parallels that you see?
4. The conquest of the land is bloody. Why do you think it was necessary? Why or why not? What can we learn from this section that applies to how we treat our "enemies?"
5. Why do you think Joshua reread the law of Moses in front of the whole assembly after this conquest?
6. What example does setting up the altar and reading the law set for the Israelite children?
7. It is sometimes difficult to understand why God does not save the people in the cities. Do you struggle with this? Why or why not?
8. If all the people of Ai were killed, why do you think Joshua displayed the kings body? Who was meant to learn from it? Do you think this was necessary? Why or why not?
9. Who were the foreigners mentioned in verse 33? Do you think that they were included in the people of God? Justify your answer with other biblical accounts of foreigners within the Israelite population.
10. What was meant by "the blessings and the curses?" What are they and do any of them apply today? If so, how can you apply them to your life? Be specific in your response.

Key Words/Phrase

Victory (took the city), v. 19.

Characters

God, Joshua, king of Ai.

Strong Verse(s)

26, 35.