Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The speaker highlights that victory returned when sin was judged, plans were obeyed, and God was “with” them again—yet God also allowed Israel to plunder AI (unlike Jericho); what does this difference teach about obedience not being a mechanical formula, and how should it shape the way you discern God’s commands instead of assuming grace means outcomes won’t be affected by disobedience?
Another way to ask: God let Israel take plunder from Ai but not from Jericho, and victory came back when they dealt with sin and obeyed. What does that show about obedience not being a simple formula, and how should it shape how you listen for God’s commands instead of assuming disobedience won’t change the outcome?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript indicates obedience is not a one-size-fits-all technique: God’s commands can differ by situation (Jericho: no plunder; AI: plunder allowed), and outcomes truly change when God is “with” or “not with” His people depending on whether sin is removed and His word is followed.
- Jericho’s command was strict: “be very careful… keep yourself from what is accursed,” and they were to “burn it all down,” with only treasury metals kept.
- AI’s instruction differs: “You will plunder for yourself the spoil of its cattle,” a “privilege” God allowed “for whatever reason.”
- The defeat shows outcomes are affected by disobedience: “I will not be with you until you remove the accursed thing,” and “you shall not be able to stand against your enemies.”
- Victory returns after judgment of sin: “All right, we got that taken care of… The sins dealt with… We’re ready to start over.”
- He stresses success came when God provided the plan and Israel cooperated: “He gives Joshua a plan… the army does what they’re supposed to do, and it works wonderfully.”