Lesson 6 Joshua: Lessons from the Promised Land "The Gibeonite Deception"

Lesson 6: The Gibeonite Deception (13:40) plus (3:40)!

In lesson 6, we study two key events that occur before the next series of battles begin! The first is the amazing event in which all of Israel travels to Shechem for the setting up of the stones of the law, and reciting the blessings and curses from the Word of God as Moses had directed. The other event is a more sinister one, a visit from the Gibeonites. Have you ever encountered a Gibeonite? Patti and John relate this story to their own life as they tell the story of their experience teaching school in the US Virgin Islands—and as a bonus, John relays their experience of encountering an angel!(3:40)

Scriptures:

Joshua 8:30-35, Joshua 9, Deut. 27: 1-8, Exodus 23:32

Questions:

1. What part of this story could you most relate to?

2. Have you ever been deceived by someone pretending to be someone they were not? What happened? What did you learn from the experience?

3. Why do you think it was important that the Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites, even though it was entered into with deception?

4. How does this story illustrate the mercy of God?

5. What error did Joshua make for the second time? How can we learn from his mistake?

Watch this 10 minute video to see photos of Mt. Ebal, and the altar of Joshua today.