Session 6

Application of War: Conquest of Canaan and Judges

Beginning of War:

  • God instituted the law that required men to be killed if they have murdered another human because mankind is created in the image of God.
  • God will use war to punish a nation once the wickedness of that nation has reached a point requiring judgement.

Regulating War: Soldiers

  • God institutes requirements that require the nation of Israel to depend on Him for success.
  • Only soldiers that meet certain qualifications are allowed to fight
  • Soldiers that are scared to fight are allowed to not fight
  • Required to kill combatants and non-combatants in the tribes set aside for destruction
  • Required to offer peace to cities not belonging to the tribes set aside for destruction
  • Only kill combatants in the cities that do not accept peace

Regulating War: Kings

  • God institutes requirements to keep the king from being militaristic
    1. Cannot acquire horses
    2. Cannot form alliances through marriage
    3. Cannot build a large treasury
  • Like soldiers, the king has to depend on the Lord for victory.
  • Kings are required to review the law throughout all their days as a king

Regulating War: Priests

  • Priests are not numbered with the military for combat
  • Priests do have a part in war with the blowing of trumpets

 Discussion Questions

Review: Joshua 5:13-15

1.  Every military command wants God on their side. According to verse 14, how does God make His position clear to Joshua?

Review: Joshua 6

2.  What was the role of the priests during the attack on Jericho?

3.  How did Joshua not fulfill the command to kill all combatants and non-combatants?

4.  According to Hebrews 11:31, how was Rahab different from the others at Jericho?

5.  What does this reveal about the command to kill everyone?

6.  How was this battle different than the way other nations wage war?

Review: Judges 7:1-8

7.  Which command from Deuteronomy 20 did God have Gideon give to his commands?

8.  What reason did God give for the command?

Review: Judges 7:9-14

9.  How does change the course of a war?

10.  How does Joshua 6 and Judges 7 show the principles learned from Deuteronomy 17, 20, and Number 1?

Summary

Joshua 11:19-20

Looking ahead: We will examine the consequences of war in the Old Testament. 1 Samuel 17:45-47, 2 Samuel 24:1-14, 1 Chronicles 22:6-10, 2 Kings 21:7-16,

Exercises

  1. Pray to be open to whatever the Lord may reveal through His scriptures no matter the social, political, or economic cost.
  2. Review other stories in Joshua and Judges. Note how the children of Israel apply the regulations of war and its impact on the enemy nations.
  3. What happens when the nation chooses not to implement God’s plan?
  4. Continue to update your worldview on war and peace.