In the victory over the city of Jericho, what did God ask the people to do? What did God’s instructions to them tell us about God’s nature?
Wk3: Joshua through 2 Samuel
While watching the following (linked) videos, write your answers to the questions.
- In the victory over the city of Jericho, what did God ask the people to do?
- What did God’s instructions to them tell us about God’s nature?
- Other than Gideon, what are some examples of God at least briefly “empowering” bad judges in this book?
- What does it reveal about God that he would use bad people to get some things accomplished?
- How would you explain the elements and the meaning of the “Cycle of Sin” in Judges?
- Although God is rarely mentioned in the Book of Ruth, it points to how God works in the background of our lives. What are three events from the Book of Ruth that point to God’s activity in the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz?
- In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah’s Song describes how God opposes the proud and exalts the humble. How is that characteristic of God demonstrated in the lives of Saul and David?
- Nathan confronted David about his relationship with Bathsheba. What lessons can we learn about dealing with our own moral failures from how David responded?
- As you read about the behavior of kings and nations in the biblical books called 1 and 2 Kings, what characteristics seem connected to nations thriving and what characteristics seem connected to nations failing? Do you believe those same criteria apply today? Why or why not?
- How is the word “compassion” defined in Hebrew and Greek?
- How is Jesus the embodiment of compassion?
Based on the videos you watched, and your own experience, answer two or three questions below:
- In what way did Joshua, Samuel, and David demonstrate good leadership of the people of Israel? Have you ever had a leader who treated you in such a way that you wanted to follow them? Describe them.
- The battle of Jericho was very unconventional. God told the Israelites to simply march around the city and blow on trumpets to win the battle. How do you think they felt as they were walking around Jericho? Why do you think God asked them to do it this way? How do you think they felt when the walls fell down? As you reflect on this, have you ever experienced a time when you were asked to do something requiring you to act in faith? Describe.
- What characteristics of Rahab, Samson, and David might seem to make them unlikely heroes of the Bible? What does it suggest about God’s attitude toward imperfect people? Reflecting on your life, or the lives of people you know, where do you see God using flawed people today to accomplish his will?
- David committed adultery and murder and tried to make himself out as honorable and compassionate (you can read about this in 2 Samuel 11-12). David is eventually confronted with his sin and in response David writes/prays Psalm 51. David asks God to create within him a pure heart. David’s actions revealed a dark and chaotic heart. Why should David, or anyone, think that God could or would be willing to make a heart like that pure? What does David offer to God and is that enough for God to be able to answer David’s prayer for a God-created pure heart?
- On page 1989 in the LASB, you will find the Mega Themes of Philippians. The second mega theme is self-sacrifice. Read the explanation and importance of the theme listed on that page. How has Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice helped you to make sacrifices?
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
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