Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem
The English writer George Orwell (1903–1950) points out a recurring trend among generations: “Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” The quote highlights how each generation often overlooks lessons from the past and is short-sighted regarding the future. A pattern of forgetting also affects generations of God’s people throughout the Old Testament.
Nomadic Tribes to Settled People
After Moses’ death, the Lord establishes Joshua as Israel’s leader and assures assures Joshua of his presence (Joshua 1:2–9; see Lesson 1). As the Israelites enter the promised land, Joshua encourages them to remember God’s provision. Joshua compares their Jordan River crossing with the previous generation’s crossing of the Red Sea (4:19–24; see Lesson 2).
Much of the book of Joshua records the destruction of various nations by the Israelites. While modern readers might find these passages problematic, Lesson 3 offers an opportunity to reexamine one of these violent narratives. The battles described are not an endorsement of violence and destruction. Instead, the accounts reveal a holy God fulfilling his promises in and through human history.
However, the book of Joshua also emphasizes hospitality and divine provision. The account of Rahab illustrates how God can use an unexpected person to accomplish his will and expand his people (Joshua 2:8–13; 6:16–17; see Lesson 4).
As Joshua nears death, the Israelites have transitioned from nomadic wanderers to a settled population. He urges them to remember the covenant commitments of previous generations and to claim them as their own (Joshua 24:18–27; see Lesson 5).
Settled People to Judges
Following Joshua’s death, a new generation arises, one that “[knows] neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10; see Lesson 6). They fall into apostasy, seemingly forgetting Joshua’s warning. The book of Judges records a cycle of infidelity to God that plagues the Israelites for generations. Recognition of their sinful ways happens periodically and includes repentance. The people call on God when trouble ensues. However, after God intervenes to rescue them, they turn away from him and return to pagan gods.
Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, raising judges like Ehud—a left-handed warrior who liberates Israel (Judges 3:15–23, 30; see Lesson 7). However, peace does not last. The people repeatedly fall back into the cycle of apostasy and lawlessness; everyone does what is right in their own eyes (17:6; see Lesson 8). Chaos ensues, leading this generation to demand a king.
Judges to Kings
For years, the Israelites struggle against neighboring people groups to control the land God promised them. The Philistines’ capture of the ark of the covenant reveals spiritual and political failures within Israelite leadership (1 Samuel 4:12–22; see Lesson 10). God responds by supplying Samuel as a transitional leader—he connects the generation of the Judges with that of the monarchy. Samuel is introduced as the first of Israel’s prophets, receiving God’s call at an early age (3:8–20; see Lesson 9).
One of Samuel’s most significant displays of leadership occurs when the Israelites recover the ark (1 Samuel 7; see Lesson 11). He serves as God’s prophet and judge, calling Israel to spiritual renewal. Samuel’s leadership is further highlighted during a pivotal moment when he anoints David as God’s chosen king (16:4–13; see Lesson 12), resulting in a unified kingdom and a center for both governance and worship (2 Samuel 5:1–12; see Lesson 13).
Each generation experiences God’s provision and guidance. Some obey; others stray. Despite their inconsistency, God remains faithful, consistently raising leaders to guide his people.
by Editorial Staff
Unit 1: From Nomadic Tribes to Settled People
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| September 6 | Joshua Leads Courageously | Joshua 1:1–11 |
| September 13 | Israel Remembers God’s Deeds | Joshua 4:14–24 |
| September 20 | Joshua Fights for God | Joshua 11:6–9, 16–23 |
| September 27 | Rahab Welcomes Spies | Joshua 2:8–13; 6:16–17 |
Unit 2: From Settled People to Judges
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| October 4 | A Renewed Covenant | Joshua 24:18–27 |
| October 11 | A Faithless Generation | Judges 2:6–15 |
| October 18 | An Unlikely Deliverer | Judges 3:15–23, 30 |
| October 25 | A Lack of Instruction | Judges 17:1–6; 18:18–19, 27 |
Unit 3: From Judges to Kings
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| November 1 | The Prophet Is Called | 1 Samuel 3:8–20 |
| November 8 | The Ark Is Lost | 1 Samuel 4:12–22 |
| November 15 | Israel Recommits to God | 1 Samuel 7:3–11, 15–17 |
| November 22 | David Is Anointed King | 1 Samuel 16:4–13 |
| November 29 | The City of David | 2 Samuel 5:1–12 |