Taking the Land

Dear Parents,

Last week, kids learned that God fought for His people at the battle of Jericho. When Moses was the leader of Israel, God gave His people instructions about entering the promised land. Among those instructions was the command to drive out the nations living in the land of Canaan. (See Deut. 7.) These nations were corrupt, and God would judge them for their sin. (Lev. 18)

In the first battle, Israel marched around Jericho and the Lord gave them the city. As Israel moved to take the rest of the land, God pledged His presence to Joshua and reminded Israel of what He required: If you want to be successful in the land, you must obey Me. (See Josh. 1:7.) The Israelites learned from experience that disobedience to God would result in certain defeat, as Achan’s sin brought about their downfall during the battle of Ai. (Josh. 7)

During the battles the Israelites faced in Canaan, Joshua was not in charge; the Lord was. God determined whom Israel battled and how Israel would win. Joshua 10–11 describes Israel’s defeat of five kings who attacked Gibeon, an ally of Israel. Miraculously, God sent hailstones and stopped the sun. He gave Israel the victory. God was with Israel as they conquered the rest of the land. Then He gave His people years of peace and rest.

Help your kids see the bigger picture beyond Israel’s individual battles against the Canaanites. Joshua’s name means “The LORD is salvation.” God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. Sinners can look to God for victory over sin and death. God brought us salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

• Babies and Toddlers
  • God is always with us.
  • God made the sun stand still.
  • God helped His people take the promised land.
  • God always keeps His promises.

• Preschool
  • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
  • God made the sun stand still.

• Kids
  • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
  • God made the sun stand still and gave His people victory.