The sin of one man, Achan, results in defeat and death for the Israelites at Ai. Guilty Achan is caught by the Lord, confesses before Joshua, and is stoned at the Valley of Achor. After the sin of Achan has been punished, Joshua does all that the Lord commands of him and Israel successfully destroys the city of Ai using a unique strategy given him by the Lord.

In this study, the Lord exalts Joshua and shows that He is with Joshua, just as He was with Moses. The Lord assures Israel that He is among them and shows His resolve to drive out the enemies of Israel. This study begins with the miracle crossing of the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land and ends with the destruction of the unrepentant city of Jericho.

The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt took place in 1446BC. The book of Joshua records the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land, forty years after the exodus and describes this first six year period from 1406 to 1400BC in the Promised Land. Recognize that the full conquest of the Promised Land is not complete until 1025BC during King David's reign. The book of Joshua describes six military engagements in which the Lord gives Joshua assurances of success and promises His presence through His empowering Word. Encouraged by the Lord's Word, Joshua assumes command and encourages the people. Joshua first sends two spies to Jericho, a walled city where they find a people filled with fear, but they also find a person shares their faith: Rahab the prostitute. This first lesson describes these beginning events in greater detail.

Sinners are unable to keep God's holy commands perfectly. This was true for the Israelites and is true now. Here, in the middle of the listing worship provisions of the covenant, God renews the covenant, His solution for sinners -- redemption through sacrifice (34:20). Why does Moses veil himself? What is the Sabbath rest? What are God's commands for building of His Tabernacle? Learn the answers to these questions, and also what it means when we say, "God has left the building".

In Exodus 33:12-17, we �listen in� to a conversation between Moses and God. Moses is interceding for the people, and God is listening and choosing to give mercy. Moses asks to see God�s glory. God says to Moses, �No one can see Me and live.� Instead God shows Moses His mercy. Luther states God�s mercy is Jesus and His Word and Sacraments. God�s goodness, mercy and grace are described. This lesson concludes with God promising to have new tablets written. They are created again in verse 34:28.