Joshua 6:21
At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city--man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 6:21?

2. How does Joshua 6:21 demonstrate God's judgment and mercy in our lives?

3. What lessons can we learn about obedience from Joshua 6:21's actions?

4. How does Joshua 6:21 connect with God's commands in Deuteronomy 20:16-18?

5. In what ways can we apply the principle of total devotion to God today?

6. How does the destruction in Joshua 6:21 foreshadow Christ's ultimate victory over sin?

7. How can a loving God command the destruction of an entire city in Joshua 6:21?

8. Does Joshua 6:21 justify violence in the name of religion?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Joshua 6:21?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 6?

11. How do we reconcile the mass killing commanded in this chapter with the Bible’s teachings on mercy (Joshua 6:21)?

12. Why does Jericho’s archaeology not match the biblical account of its destruction by Joshua?

13. Ezekiel 33:11 – How can God claim He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked while other Old Testament passages describe mass destruction commanded by God?

14. Did God command killings in the Old Testament?
Discussion Questions
1. How does the command to destroy everything in Jericho reflect God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Joshua 6:21 to our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Jericho connect to the broader account of God's plan for Israel and the Promised Land?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' faith and trust in God's plan, even when it seemed unconventional?

5. How can we balance the themes of judgment and mercy in our understanding of God's character, as seen in the account of Jericho?1. What does the shutting up of Jericho symbolize about the state of the city and its fear of the Israelites?

2. In the context of the story, what significance do the numbers seven and six hold?

3. How can we interpret the LORD's detailed strategy to Joshua about taking the city?

4. How does this passage illustrate the concept of obedience and trust in God, even when His commands might seem unusual or impractical?

5. How does the marching in silence until the final day reflect the discipline and obedience of the Israelites? How can this apply to us today when following God's directions?

6. What does the action of the people giving a mighty shout teach us about unity and collective faith in God's promises?

7. How does the narrative highlight the importance of God's precise instructions? How can we apply this to our lives?

8. Why did Joshua command the people not to shout or even speak until he told them to?

9. What can we learn from Rahab's situation? How did her actions of faith and loyalty impact her future?

10. How does this event reflect the belief in the holy destruction or devotion of items to God? How does this translate into today's perspective?

11. How do you interpret the heavy curse Joshua places on the rebuilding of Jericho? What do you think this says about remembering and respecting God's judgment?

12. How can the preservation of Rahab and her family amidst the destruction of Jericho be viewed as a symbol of grace and redemption?

13. What lessons can we learn from the act of sparing Rahab and her family, but destroying everything else in Jericho?

14. Why was it important for the silver, gold, bronze, and iron to be placed in the treasury of the LORD's house?

15. What significance does Joshua's fame spreading throughout the land hold in the context of the Israelites' journey and mission?

16. Why was the specific instruction given to avoid the things devoted to destruction? What implications might this hold for us today?

17. Why do you think the text emphasizes the complete destruction of Jericho, including men, women, and animals?

18. How does the fate of Jericho reflect on the concept of divine justice and judgment?

19. How can the devotion of items to the LORD's treasury be seen as a form of giving back or acknowledging God's sovereignty?

20. How can we apply the principle of obedience as seen in this passage to the modern day situations where God's instructions might not align with our understanding or expectations?

Links
Joshua 6:21 NIV
Joshua 6:21 NLT
Joshua 6:21 ESV
Joshua 6:21 NASB
Joshua 6:21 KJV

Joshua 6:21 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 6:20
Top of Page
Top of Page