Lesson 5 Joshua: Lessons from the Promised Land

Lesson 5: Battle of Ai (14:22)

After the marvelous victory at Jericho, the people of Israel have a dismal defeat at Ai. Why? This lesson explores the pitfalls of what can happen to us as believers after we have a huge spiritual victory. Patti relates the lesson to her own life in working with the youth group.

Scriptures: Joshua 7, Joshua 8 1-29

Questions:

1. Why do you think God was so angry about Achan’s sin, that he did not go up with them to Ai? Were there any other reasons why he may not have gone up with them the first time?

2. What might be a good thing to do so as to be sure not to become prideful after a big spiritual victory?

3. What was it that Joshua did that allowed the army of Israel to eventually have another victory?

4. Has this same thing ever happened in your own life or someone you know? What happened?

5. What does this lesson teach you about presuming what God will do in your life?

6. What does this lesson teach you about how your behavior can affect the entire group?

Further Study:

Watch this 1 min. animation of the actual fortress of Ai.

Want more battle detail? This visual helps really understand the battle.