“Sukkot!!” (Joshua 13 & 14)

Published 6 October 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

1️⃣ Letting festival joy dull spiritual alertness—evil often strikes in moments of celebration (Sukkot context).
2️⃣ Assuming long service means the mission is finished—“you are very old, and there is still land to take” (Josh. 13:1).
3️⃣ Treating hostile strongholds as permanent fixtures instead of faith assignments (Gaza–Ashdod–Ashkelon–Gath–Ekron).
4️⃣ Opting for the easy side—choosing inheritance east of the Jordan rather than stepping into promise (Num. 32; Josh. 13).
5️⃣ Confusing conviction with fear—ten spies had convictions too, but not faith-filled ones (recall Num. 13–14).

1️⃣ Failure to finish—leaving “large areas” unconquered undermines future generations (Josh. 13:1–6).
2️⃣ Failure to read the times—ignoring spiritual warfare even during holy seasons (Sukkot tragedy reference).
3️⃣ Failure of unity—tribes settling away from the core community weakens national resolve (Josh. 13; Num. 32).
4️⃣ Failure to remember past deliverances—fear resurfaces when memory fades (contrast with Caleb).
5️⃣ Failure to celebrate with holiness—festivals must point to God’s faithfulness, not just tradition.

1️⃣ Rebellion—refusing to trust God’s leading into the land then or now (Num. 13–14 remembered at Sukkot).
2️⃣ Violence against innocents—terror that mocks the image of God (Sukkot massacre reference).
3️⃣ Idolatry—exalting rival powers like Philistine cities that defy the LORD (historical pattern).
4️⃣ Half-heartedness—moving with God outwardly while hearts remain divided (east-bank request).
5️⃣ Pride—resting on past victories rather than seeking God for today’s battles.

1️⃣ Honest assessment—God tells Joshua the unfinished task (Josh. 13:1).
2️⃣ Clear identification of strongholds—naming Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron clarifies mission (Josh. 13:2–5).
3️⃣ Preserving community order—documenting tribal inheritances under God’s authority (Josh. 13).
4️⃣ Caleb’s constancy—“I followed the LORD… wholeheartedly” sustained across decades (Josh. 14:8–9).
5️⃣ Reward of faith—Hebron granted to Caleb; promise kept (Josh. 14:13–14).

1️⃣ Keep holy days holy—use Sukkot to remember God’s past faithfulness and present mission.
2️⃣ Finish your assignment—ask God what “still remains” in your life and calling (Josh. 13:1).
3️⃣ Cultivate whole-heartedness—Caleb shows convictions anchored in the LORD, not in crowds.
4️⃣ Choose courage at any age—Caleb at 85 still asks for the hill country (Josh. 14:10–12).
5️⃣ Pray and intercede—stand with Israel’s suffering, and seek Jesus to be revealed to all (Sukkot prayer call).

1️⃣ Face reality with God—name unfinished ground, then advance by promise (Josh. 13:1).
2️⃣ Map the mission—identify strategic strongholds and assign clear responsibility (Philistine cities list).
3️⃣ Guard unity—decisions like east-bank settlements carry long-term community impact.
4️⃣ Elevate character over age—Caleb’s integrity and stamina outweigh the calendar (Josh. 14:10–12).
5️⃣ Bless faithful courage—leaders affirm and release “Calebs” to claim difficult territory (Josh. 14:13).