Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) wcg chap. 13.
Analysis of Chapter 13. Joshua: He followed strange instructions
What would I say?
In what ways did Joshua demonstrate courage?
Joshua showed courage by obeying Jehovah’s instructions without hesitation, even though, from a military standpoint, they seemed to make no sense. He led the Israelites to march around Jericho for seven days, trusting that Jehovah would keep his promise.
Although the city was fortified and there was a risk that other nations would be emboldened if Israel lost, Joshua did not let fear stop him. Rather, he recalled the proofs that Jehovah was with them, such as the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fear that Jehovah had instilled in the Canaanites toward Israel.
Investigate a little more
1. What inspired writings did Joshua likely have at his disposal? (w09 12/1 17 par. 4, footnote)
Among the writings that Joshua likely had access to were the books of the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These writings, compiled by Moses, were known as the Law or the Book of the Law. Joshua also likely had the Book of Job, whose narrative was written by Moses. These writings helped him to know Jehovah better, understand His sovereignty, and strengthen his loyalty even in the face of trials.
2. What did Jehovah ask of Joshua before the Israelites marched around Jericho? And why did those instructions seem illogical? (Josh. 5:2-8; w18.10 23 pars. 5-7)
Jehovah asked Joshua to circumcise all the Israelite males who had been born during the 40 years they were in the desert, because the previous generation had not circumcised them.
These instructions seemed illogical from a human point of view because they left the army of Israel physically incapacitated for several days, just when they were encamped near a powerful city like Jericho.
This made them vulnerable to a possible enemy attack. However, Joshua obeyed in faith, demonstrating that he trusted in Jehovah's protection and not in Israel's military strength.
3. What evidence is there that the Israelites besieged Jericho for a short time before conquering it? (w15 11/15 13)
One piece of evidence is that archaeological excavations at the ruins of Jericho revealed jars filled with charred grain in the destroyed houses. The presence of such large food stores indicates that the siege was very brief, because if it had lasted many months or years, the inhabitants would have consumed all the food reserves. This agrees with the biblical account, which states that the Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days before conquering it.
4. How was the prophecy of Joshua 6:26 about Jericho fulfilled? (w98 9/15 21 par. 8)
The prophecy of Joshua 6:26 was fulfilled some 500 years later, during the reign of King Ahab. Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho and lost his eldest son, Abiram, when he laid the foundation, and his youngest son, Segub, when he set up the gates, just as Jehovah had announced through Joshua. This shows that Jehovah's word always comes true.
Think about the lessons
Why did Joshua trust in Jehovah's promises? (Josh. 23:14) How can we have such confidence?
Joshua trusted in Jehovah’s promises because, throughout his life, he had seen that God had never failed to keep his word. He witnessed the miracles Jehovah performed in Egypt, the protection he provided for his people in the wilderness, and the victories he granted them in Canaan. Therefore, as Joshua 23:14 says, he was convinced that all of Jehovah’s good promises had been fulfilled.
We can have confidence like his if we read and meditate on the Bible daily. By studying the Scriptures and remembering how Jehovah has kept his promises in the past, our faith is strengthened, and we become more convinced that he will fulfill all that he has promised for the future.
How does Joshua's example help us to follow the instructions we receive from Jehovah's organization?
Joshua's example teaches us to obey immediately and humbly the instructions we receive from Jehovah's organization, even when they seem illogical from a human point of view.
Joshua fully trusted Jehovah when he circumcised the army before the battle and when he marched around the walls of Jericho following his instructions. Likewise, we should trust in the organization's guidelines, convinced that Jehovah's wisdom is superior to our own.
In what ways can you emulate Joshua's example of courage?
I can copy Joshua's example of value in two ways.
First, by taking on spiritual responsibilities without hesitation. For example, by accepting new assignments or privileges of service in the congregation, such as coordinating the preaching work, assisting with construction projects, or caring for Jehovah's sheep, and trusting that he will give me the necessary strength.
Second, by remaining steadfast in pure worship despite external pressures. For example, by resolutely rejecting immoral influences, unbiblical celebrations, and worldly lifestyles, and by ensuring that, like Joshua, my family and I will serve Jehovah.
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What does this account teach me about Jehovah?
This account teaches me that Jehovah always keeps his promises and that none of his words fail. Just as he miraculously parted the Jordan River and brought down the walls of Jericho, he demonstrates his power and faithfulness. Therefore, I can fully trust him, knowing that he will always fulfill what he has promised and that he never abandons those who trust in him.
How does this account relate to Jehovah's purpose and the main theme of the Bible?
This account is related to Jehovah’s purpose because, through Joshua’s victories, Israel took possession of the Promised Land, where the nation from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born would be established. Thus, Jehovah was preparing the circumstances to fulfill the promise of Genesis 3:15.
All of this contributes to the fulfillment of the Bible's main theme: the sanctification of Jehovah's name and the vindication of his sovereignty through his Kingdom, ruled by Jesus Christ, the promised Seed.
What would I like to ask Joshua when he is resurrected?
I would like to ask Joshua how he felt when Jehovah gave him the responsibility of leading Israel after the death of Moses, and how he managed to trust Jehovah completely when he received instructions that seemed illogical from a human point of view, such as circumcising the males before battle and marching around Jericho.
I would like to know what thoughts and prayers helped you to obey with courage and faith. Your answer would surely encourage me to trust in Jehovah more, even when I don't fully understand his instructions.
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