"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)

The Grand Narrative: “Lessons in Obedience” (Joshua 7&8)

“Lessons in Obedience” (Joshua 7&8)

Published 2 October 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

⚠️ Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  • 1️⃣ Letting a win make you vulnerable to pride and self-reliance (00:00:04–00:00:22).
  • 2️⃣ Assuming Ai would be easy because scouts said it was small (00:02:21–00:02:36).
  • 3️⃣ Acting without seeking God—“did not inquire of God” (00:02:44–00:02:54).
  • 4️⃣ Confusing popularity or apparent success with God’s blessing (00:05:03–00:05:12).
  • 5️⃣ Making assumptions about God’s methods—“Don’t ever assume upon God” (00:05:43–00:05:46).

💥 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Failures

  • 1️⃣ Achan taking what was forbidden—“nothing should be taken” (00:01:24; 00:01:39–00:01:52).
  • 2️⃣ Joshua affirming a “no-contest victory” plan without God (00:02:36–00:02:44).
  • 3️⃣ The loss of thirty-six men due to hasty leadership (Josh. 7:4–5; 00:02:54–00:03:02).
  • 4️⃣ Fear spreading through the camp, stalling momentum (00:03:02–00:03:12).
  • 5️⃣ National integrity breach—sin in the people and failure in leadership (00:04:27–00:04:41).

🚫 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Sins

  • 1️⃣ Theft and deceit—Achan hiding devoted things under his tent (00:01:39–00:01:52).
  • 2️⃣ Violation of covenant—“Israel has sinned… They have violated My covenant” (00:04:16–00:04:20).
  • 3️⃣ Prideful self-reliance after victory (00:00:11–00:00:22).
  • 4️⃣ Willful rebellion and lack of repentance—“God cannot bless sin” (00:04:41–00:04:58).
  • 5️⃣ Presumption—moving ahead without God’s guidance (00:02:44–00:02:54; 00:05:43–00:05:46).

🏆 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Successes

  • 1️⃣ Leadership realigned—Joshua restored to God’s guidance and Ai is defeated (00:05:21–00:05:30).
  • 2️⃣ Obedience institutionalized—altar built on Mount Ebal “as written” (00:06:09–00:06:24).
  • 3️⃣ Core lesson embraced—“OBEDIENCE to GOD always” (00:06:24–00:06:33).
  • 4️⃣ Word central—“There was not a WORD… that Joshua did not read” (00:07:32–00:07:36).
  • 5️⃣ All-inclusive discipleship—women, children, and foreigners included (00:07:36–00:07:46).

🌱 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Spiritual Growth Lessons

  • 1️⃣ Guard your heart after wins—victory can expose new vulnerabilities (00:00:04–00:00:22).
  • 2️⃣ Seek God before decisions—avoid “no-contest” assumptions (00:02:44–00:02:54).
  • 3️⃣ Discern blessing vs optics—don’t mistake success for God’s favor (00:05:03–00:05:12).
  • 4️⃣ Submit to God’s changing strategies—Jericho ≠ Ai (00:05:30–00:05:38).
  • 5️⃣ Lead your home to hear Scripture—mentor integrity and obedience (00:08:04–00:08:26).

🧭 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Leadership Principles

  • 1️⃣ Seek God between battles—“Don’t ever assume upon God” (00:05:43–00:05:46; 00:02:44).
  • 2️⃣ Own failures quickly—“Get up off your face” and address sin (00:04:16).
  • 3️⃣ Guard corporate integrity—one person’s sin can shake the nation (00:00:52–00:01:12; 00:04:27–00:04:41).
  • 4️⃣ Align plans to Scripture—altar built “according to… the Book of the Law” (00:06:09–00:06:24).
  • 5️⃣ Teach publicly and inclusively—read all the Word to all the people (00:07:32–00:07:46).