Message Notes

24 August 2014

Text: Joshua 7

“ISRAEL HAS SINNED AND THEY HAVE TRANSGRESSED MY COVENANT”

(I) SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN

1. Context: The Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6)

2. Commands to be obeyed explicitly

a) Rahab and her household would be spared (Joshua 6:17)

b) There was to be no looting (Joshua 6:17)

c) All the metals (gold, silver, bronze iron) will be consecrated (Joshua 6:17)

(II) THE DEFEAT OF ISRAEL BY AI

1. Ai was a much smaller city than Jericho

2. But Israel was defeated

3. Great humiliation felt (Joshua 7:6)

4. Joshua sought the Lord for the reason(s) why Israel suffered a humiliating defeat

(III) GOD’S ANSWER TO JOSHUA

1. Israel had sinned (Joshua 7:11)

2. God’s covenant had been transgressed (Joshua 7:11)

3. The sin must be addressed

4. The Presence and Power of God could be withdrawn (Joshua 7:12)

5. Challenge to be sanctified before God

a) Sin must be confessed

b) Forgiveness must be sought

c) Reconciliation with God

(IV) JOSHUA’S TASK

1. To discover if anyone had disobeyed

2. Achan finally confessed his wrong-doing (Joshua 7:20)

a) He looted

b) He coveted the spoils of war (Joshua 7:21)

3. Punishment of Achan

a) He was found guilty

b) He was stoned to death (Joshua 7:25-26)

(V) ISRAEL DEFEATS AI

1. Next encounter with Ai

2. Israel defeats the small city state

3. God’s Presence was with His people again (Joshua 8)