BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

While Israel gears up for their first battle in the promised land, Joshua goes on a scouting mission and encounters a strange man with a sword blocking his path. As you’ll see in today’s video, this mysterious angel of Yahweh appears repeatedly at key moments in the biblical story.
Guarded and uncertain, Joshua asks the stranger where his allegiance lies: Are you for us or for our enemies? Neither, he answers.
This unexpected response forces Joshua to reorient his priorities. Rather than focusing on whether God will help Israel win their battles, Joshua and the people should focus on obeying God as he accomplishes his purposes in Canaan.
Israel obeys God’s surprising instructions, and Jericho’s walls crumble with a trumpet blast and a shout. But when Israel disobeys, Ai humiliates Israel’s forces. The two battles stand in contrast, just like Achan and Rahab. Achan, an Israelite man from the tribe of Judah, steals a pile of off-limits plunder instead of offering it to Yahweh. Rahab, a Canaanite woman and prostitute, risks her life to save the Israelite spies.
Achan’s actions bring curse on his family and defeat for Israel. Rahab’s actions bring salvation for her family and victory for Israel.
The author of Joshua contrasts Rahab and Jericho against Achan and Ai to illustrate a crucial point. This is not merely a war account. This is a story about different kinds of people who turn to Yahweh and follow his ways, whether Israelite or Canaanite, and receive his blessings. Those who turn away from him, whether Israelite or Canaanite, also turn away from his blessing. This means turning away from life itself.
Reflection Questions
- So far, where else in the overall biblical story have you seen a mysterious figure standing in the middle of the road with a drawn sword? (Hint: Look back at Numbers 22!) What does this hyperlink reveal about the figure’s identity?
- Compare the unconventional process by which Israel defeats Jericho to Leviticus 25. How do all these sevens and trumpet blasts help you understand the broader significance of Israel’s victory?
About this Plan

Read through the Bible in one year with BibleProject! One Story That Leads to Jesus includes daily devotional content, reflection questions, and more than 150 animated videos to bring biblical books and themes to life. Join the growing community around the globe who are learning to see the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus.
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