DIVINE VISION: JOSHUA’S CHARGE

Week 2: Hearing Comes First

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Joshua 4-5

Pilot text

Josh 5:13-15 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
14 So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”
And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”
15 Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Discussion Points

Looking beyond just the content of the chapter, what can we infer about the intention behind this narration?

1. Consider the events of 5:11-12. What is the significance of this passage?
2. Look at the exchange between Joshua and the man in the pilot text. What does this tell us about God’s perspective in men’s affairs?
3. What can we learn from Joshua’s response?
4. From this passage, what is the posture we must take in order to hear God? What does this mean for our everyday lives?

Closing thoughts: In this passage we see Joshua’s encounter with the divine as he prepared to enter into Jericho. They key message here is that Joshua, on recognising the divine identity of the person he was speaking to, immediately positioned himself to hear and obey. His response was to bow in worship (to God) and then ask for God’s instructions. In order to have the right vision we must first encounter God, and then hear what He has to say. This can often be sideways to what we had in mind – the Commander was neither for nor against Joshua’s perceived adversaries; but instead was there to enforce God’s will. It is not for God to align to our will and plan, but for us to align with God’s plan and purpose. And the only way to achieve that is to worship (that is, submit to God’s leadership, sovereignty and authority); and ask Him “Lord, what are you saying to me in this moment and for this occasion”?

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. A family member approaches you and tells you of a prophet who communicates God’s mind. She says that she has no need to hear God directly (and doesn’t even believe that’s possible) because this prophet is very accurate. She gives you an example of how the prophet has helped her family avert several catastrophes by very accurate prophecies / words of knowledge. Finally, she suggests that you should come with her to visit this prophet, who will tell you how to obtain all of your heart’s desires. How would you respond?
2. A friend tells you that she has been approached by a Christian brother who is interested in a relationship with her. She tells you she doesn’t like this person and just cannot see herself with him; but that she has told him that she will pray about it. She asks you to join her in prayer. What would you say to her?