Joshua 8 tells how Israel took the city of Ai after an earlier defeat, through a carefully planned ambush and a clear word from the LORD. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set can be used on its own, and the leader’s notes are written so you can guide a discussion without preparing a separate lecture.
Joshua 8 at a Glance
The chapter opens with God reassuring Joshua after the humiliation at Ai recorded in chapter 7. Joshua sends out a hidden force behind the city while he leads the main army in a feigned retreat, which draws the men of Ai out of their walls. When the signal is given, the ambush takes the city and sets it on fire, and the army turns to destroy the defenders.
The chapter then moves to Mount Ebal, where Joshua builds an altar, writes a copy of the law on stones, and reads the blessings and curses to the whole assembly. The story closes with the reminder that not one word of Moses’ command was left unread.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the text, read the relevant verses aloud, and describe what happens without interpreting it yet. Short answers work best here.
Joshua 8:1
The LORD said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed. Take all the warriors with you, and arise, go up to Ai. Behold, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, with his people, his city, and his land.
(WEB)
This verse frames the whole chapter with God’s encouragement to a leader who has just been humbled. Reading it first sets the tone of renewed hope and reminds the group that the story begins with the LORD’s own words.
Joshua 8:3-4
3 So Joshua arose, with all the warriors, to go up to Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them out by night. 4 He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.
(WEB)
These verses describe Joshua’s careful preparation for the ambush. Reading them aloud helps the group picture the plan taking shape and notice how deliberate obedience often involves patient, unseen work.
Joshua 8:18-19
18 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. 19 The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.
(WEB)
Here the LORD gives the signal and the ambush rises to take the city. The short, quick sentences in this passage carry the tension of the moment and help the group feel the turning point of the battle.
Joshua 8:30-31
30 Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 31 as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of uncut stones, on which no one had lifted up any iron. They offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings.
(WEB)
This passage shows Joshua building the altar at Ebal as Moses commanded. Reading it marks the shift from battle to worship and gives the group a clear picture of thanksgiving grounded in God’s word.
Joshua 8:34-35
34 Afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua didn’t read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who were among them.
(WEB)
These closing verses record the public reading of the whole law to every person present. Reading them together helps the group end the session on the value of hearing God’s word fully and in the company of others.
Memory Verse for Joshua 8
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you speak to people who have stumbled, and that you give them fresh courage and clear direction. Help us to listen to your word as Joshua did, to trust your instructions even when they are unexpected, and to act in faith. Teach us to read Scripture together with honest hearts, so that every one of us, whatever our age or background, hears what you are saying to us. Shape our worship to honor you, and give us the patience to obey you step by step. Amen.
