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Learning to Walk in God’s Will

Joshua 7-9

In Joshua 7, after the victory at Jericho, Israel faced an unexpected defeat at Ai. The reason? Achan had taken forbidden spoils from Jericho, disobeying God’s command and bringing sin into the camp. His hidden sin had consequences not just for himself but for the entire nation. This chapter reminds us that sin affects more than just the individual—it impacts the whole community. It also teaches that God desires holiness from His people, and unconfessed sin can hinder His blessings. True restoration requires repentance and removing what dishonors God from our lives.

In Joshua 8, after dealing with Achan’s sin, God gave Joshua a renewed strategy to defeat Ai. This time, Israel followed His instructions completely and gained victory. At the end of the battle, Joshua built an altar and read the Law before all Israel, reaffirming their commitment to God. This chapter highlights God's grace and restoration—though sin has consequences, repentance restores our relationship with Him. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience; when we follow God's ways, He leads us to victory.

In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, fearing Israel, deceived them by pretending to be from a distant land. Without seeking God's guidance, Joshua and the leaders made a covenant with them. When the truth was revealed, Israel had to honor their oath, but their failure to consult God led to unnecessary complications. This chapter warns us against making decisions based on appearances and human reasoning rather than seeking God's wisdom. When we fail to pray and seek His counsel, we risk being led astray.

These three chapters teach critical lessons about sin, restoration, and discernment. Achan’s sin shows that disobedience affects more than just the individual. Joshua 8 reveals that God restores when we repent and obey. Joshua 9 warns us about the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance. Together, these chapters remind us that walking in God’s will requires holiness, obedience, and constant dependence on His wisdom.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Achan’s story challenge us to examine hidden sins in our own lives?
  • What does God’s restoration of Israel after their repentance teach us about His grace?
  • How can we learn to seek God’s wisdom rather than relying on our own understanding, as seen in Joshua 9?
  • What steps can we take to ensure that sin does not hinder our relationship with God and His blessings?
  • How do these chapters point to Jesus, who bore the ultimate consequence of sin so that we could be restored to God?