Joshua 1

Last week we looked at the background of Joshua and the land. As you work through this lesson, remember the things that you learned. Remember how long the children of Israel have been waiting for God to give them the land.

Observation:
Remember in observation we are asking what does the text say. We aren't looking to add our thoughts, but looking for what is obviously written in the text.

• Read Joshua 1 looking for key people and places
• Read Joshua 1 this time mark every reference to Joshua and the land (I'm going to mark Joshua with a blue circle and the land with a green double underline).
• Get out your journal and make a list of everything you learn about Joshua and everything you learn about the land. 
• Did you see any other key words that we should mark? (Remember key words are repeated words that help unlock the meaning of the text) Go back through and mark references to: strong and courageous, possess, the Lord commanded (or any phrases like it).

Interpretation:

Interpretation is when we ask ourselves what does the text mean. This step is when we dig a little deeper into the text. 

• using Blue Letter Bible look up the following words:
• strong
• courageous
• dismayed
• Look up the following verses and write down what you learn about being strong and courageous:
• Hebrews 13:5-6
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• John 16:33
• Ephesians 6:10-11
• 1 Corinthians 16:13

Application:

Joshua and the people were going to experience some scary things in the land. Some of the people they were being called to remove from the land were very big and scary. Are there things in your life that seem like they are bigger than you can handle? Are there things God is calling you to that feel giant? Spend some time talking to the Lord about these things and write down what you learned from Joshua 1 that would help you in this situation.