Sunday Morning Bible Study 2/21/2010

First Things First

Joshua 5:1-15
I. Observation
A. Context
1. Who are the people in this passage? What do we know about them?
a. Joshua: _________________________________________________________________
b. Nation of Israel: __________________________________________________________
c. Commander of the Lord’s Army: ____________________________________________
2. When does this passage take place? Is there anything significant about when this passage occurs?
a. Between the 10th day (4:19) and the 15th day (5:10-12) of the first month. (Passover time)
b. After the Israelites have crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land (Ch.4)
3. Where do the events of this passage take place? What do we know about these places?
a. Gilgal: area to the east of Jericho where the Nation of Israel camped after crossing the
Jordan River into the Promised Land.
B. Summary of Events
1. The Amorite and Canaanite kings were afraid because of the Jordan being held back (5:1)
2. The Lord told Joshua to circumcise the Israelites again, so he did (5:2)
3. Explanation of why it was necessary to circumcise the Israelites again (5:4-7)
4. Israel celebrates their first Passover in the Promised Land (5:10)
5. Israel enjoys food from the Promised Land and the manna stopped (5:11-12)
6. Joshua meets the Commander of the Lord’s Army (5:13-15)
C. Observation Questions
1. Why was it necessary to circumcise the Israelites again? (v. 4-7)
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the two physical markers of the covenant listed here? What transition does each mark?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. What is communicated to Joshua in the meeting with the Commander of the Lord’s Army?
______________________________________________________________________________

II. Interpretation
1. Logically, when would have been the opportune time to attack the nations of Canaan? (v. 1)
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What principle is the Lord and Joshua demonstrating by doing these things (circumcision &
Passover) before beginning the conquest of Canaan? ____________________________________
3. What did circumcision symbolize? (hint: Gen 17) Why do you think it was important to
circumcise the Israelites now? _____________________________________________________
4. What did manna represent to the people? What was the purpose of God’s providing manna?
______________________________________________________________________________
5. How were manna and the fruit of Canaan different? How might they be similar?
______________________________________________________________________________

III. Application
1. The theme of this passage might be summarized as “first things first.” How might this principle
play out in life today? What are the “first things” in your life? Do they take proper priority?
2. In what areas of life are you neglecting the “first things” in favor of what’s logical, difficult or
urgent? _______________________________________________________________________
3. Part of what we see in this part of Israel’s history is reconciliation. God has been brining them
back into a proper relationship with himself through the purification of the sin in the desert.
4. Sometimes God has to lead us through the desert to get our attention and to bring our focus back
on him. Even thought we may not enjoy the desert, Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake us.
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Teacher: Johnny Hughes (living2serve@gmail.com) MYA 2.0 is a ministry of Metropolitan Baptist Church, OKC, OK (http://www.mbcokc.org)