Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
When the Canaanite nations unite for war, Joshua responds by building an altar, reading the Law publicly (blessings and curses), and reaffirming covenant; what does this reveal about what God considers “best preparation” for conflict, and what does it expose about the church’s usual preparation methods (strategy, platforms, political power, etc.)?
Another way to ask: When enemies gather to fight, Joshua reads God’s Law and renews the covenant instead of focusing on battle plans. What does this say God sees as the best way to prepare for conflict, and how does that challenge the church’s usual methods like strategy or political power?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript presents “best preparation” as spiritual: reaffirming covenant, publicly hearing God’s Word, and committing to obedience—rather than panic, strategy, or worldly strength. It exposes that the church can be tempted to prepare for conflict mainly through human methods instead of re-centering on being God’s people.
- While nations gather to “*war against Joshua and Israel,*” Joshua instead builds an altar and leads covenant renewal (Mount Ebal/Gerizim scene).
- The speaker notes Israel seems “*oblivious*” to the threat, yet Joshua chooses to “*build an altar and reaffirm their covenant with the Lord*.”
- He calls this “*the best preparation for battle that Joshua and the people could do.*”
- Why? “*Understanding and obedience to God’s law and a commitment to His covenant resulted in them being the people of God.*”
- He says conquest depends on identity: “*It was about being the people of God… It wasn’t about becoming a strong army or… smart methods.*”
- He applies it to Christians: even if “*the world may be conspiring against us,*” we focus on “*being the church… being the people that we’re meant to be.*”