Joshua 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Joshua 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The kings of the Amorites and Canaanites were afraid when they heard that Yahweh dried up the Jordan River (v. 1). Yahweh told Joshua to make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again (vv.

Key verse

“The prince of Yahweh’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your shoes; for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so.”
Joshua 5:15 (WEB)

Outline

Joshua 5:1 Fear of the Canaanite Kings
Joshua 5:2–3 Command to Circumcise the Israelites
Joshua 5:4–7 Reason for Circumcision
Joshua 5:8–9 Healing and Reproach Removed
Joshua 5:10–12 Celebration of the Passover
Joshua 5:13–15 Encounter with the Divine Commander

Discussion questions

In v1, how do the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites respond to Israel's crossing of the Jordan?
What does Joshua do with the flint knives in v2?
The command to circumcise in v2: what does this indicate about the identity of the Israelites?
In v14, why does the commander of Yahweh's army tell Joshua to remove his shoes?
What does it mean for you to 'take off your shoes' in a situation where you sense God's presence?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 5: Exodus 3, Genesis 17, Numbers 14.

Before next time: read Joshua 6.