Joshua 8: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Joshua 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Joshua not to fear and assures him of victory over Ai. Joshua gathers thirty thousand warriors and prepares an ambush behind the city (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“There was not a man left in Ai or Beth El who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.”
Joshua 8:17 (WEB)

Outline

Joshua 8:1–2 God's Command to Joshua
Joshua 8:3–9 Joshua Prepares the Ambush
Joshua 8:10–14 The Approach to Ai
Joshua 8:15–22 The Battle Strategy
Joshua 8:23–29 Victory at Ai
Joshua 8:30–35 Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal

Discussion questions

In v2, what does God instruct Joshua to do with the goods and livestock of Ai?
What action does Joshua take in v18 with the javelin toward Ai?
The command to burn Ai in v28: what does this say about Israel's approach to conquered cities?
In v34, why is it significant that Joshua reads 'all the words of the law' before the assembly?
When have you been tempted to pursue something based on a past victory, like in v15?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 8: Judges 20, Joshua 10, Deuteronomy 27.

Before next time: read Joshua 9.