Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Possessing the Promise: Inheritance, Faith, and Obedience

Section 1: Joshua 16 – The Allotment for Ephraim

Overview:
Joshua 16 records the territorial inheritance given to the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. The boundaries are described in detail, showing the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and to Joseph’s descendants. However, the chapter closes with a concerning note: the Canaanites living in Gezer were not fully driven out but were allowed to remain as forced labor. This incomplete obedience foreshadows future struggles and highlights the importance of fully carrying out God’s commands.

Theological Themes:

• God’s faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises.
• The responsibility of God’s people to obey completely.
• The danger of partial obedience.

Key Verse:
Joshua 16:10 – “However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the detailed boundary description show about God’s promises?
   Answer: It demonstrates that God keeps His promises specifically and faithfully, down to the details.
2. Why is the failure to drive out the Canaanites significant?
   Answer: Partial obedience leaves room for future compromise and spiritual decline.
3. How does this apply to believers today?
   Answer: We are called to wholehearted obedience, not selective surrender in areas of our lives.

Section 2: Joshua 17 – The Inheritance of Manasseh and the Daughters of Zelophehad

Overview:
Joshua 17 outlines the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, including the faithful daughters of Zelophehad, who receive their portion according to the Lord’s earlier command. Yet Manasseh also fails to fully drive out the Canaanites from several cities. Later, the descendants of Joseph complain that their territory is too small. Joshua challenges them to clear the forest and trust God’s strength against the iron chariots of the Canaanites. The chapter emphasizes faith, courage, and taking initiative in claiming God’s promises.

Theological Themes:

• God’s justice and inclusion (Zelophehad’s daughters).
• Courage and initiative in claiming God’s promises.
• Trust in God over fear of opposition.

Key Verse:
Joshua 17:18 – “The hill country shall be yours… for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the inclusion of Zelophehad’s daughters teach us?
   Answer: God is just and faithful to honor His promises, ensuring inheritance even for those overlooked by cultural norms.
2. Why did Joshua challenge the tribe’s complaint?
   Answer: Because the issue was not lack of land but lack of faith and effort to claim what God had already provided.
3. What are “iron chariots” in our lives today?
   Answer: Obstacles or fears that seem strong, but which can be overcome through faith in God’s power.

Section 3: Joshua 18:1–10 – The Remaining Tribes and the Call to Action

Overview:
The whole congregation assembles at Shiloh, where the tent of meeting is set up, marking a central place of worship in the land. Yet seven tribes have not yet taken possession of their inheritance. Joshua rebukes their delay, asking how long they will hesitate to take the land the Lord has given them. He commissions men to survey the remaining territory so it may be distributed. This passage stresses responsibility and initiative in receiving God’s promises.

Theological Themes:

• The centrality of worship (Shiloh and the tabernacle).
• Spiritual complacency versus active faith.
• The necessity of intentional action in obedience.

Key Verse:
Joshua 18:3 – “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why had the seven tribes delayed taking their inheritance?
   Answer: Likely due to fear, complacency, or lack of initiative despite God’s promise.
2. What role did Shiloh play at this point in Israel’s history?
   Answer: It became the spiritual center where God’s presence dwelt among His people.
3. How does this passage challenge believers today?
   Answer: It warns against spiritual passivity and calls us to actively pursue the blessings God has provided.

Section 4: Joshua 18:11–28 – The Allotment for Benjamin

Overview:
The final section describes the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, whose territory lies between Judah and Ephraim. This placement would later prove strategically and historically significant, including cities such as Jerusalem. The detailed description reinforces the certainty of God’s covenant promises. The land is being distributed exactly as the Lord had commanded, completing another stage of Israel’s settlement.

Theological Themes:

• The precision of God’s covenant faithfulness.
• Strategic placement within God’s sovereign plan.
• The importance of each tribe’s role in the larger community.

Key Verse:
Joshua 18:20 – “The Jordan forms its boundary on this side. This is the inheritance of the people of Benjamin, according to its clans.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why are these detailed allotments important in Scripture?
   Answer: They show that God fulfills His promises in real history and specific places.
2. What is significant about Benjamin’s location?
   Answer: It positioned the tribe in a central and strategic area, later important in Israel’s history.
3. What broader lesson can we learn from these inheritance accounts?
   Answer: God assigns each believer a role and responsibility within His greater redemptive plan.