Joshua 12 "Defeated Kings"

Chapter 12 is a review of all the kings and kingdoms defeated under the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Later, in chapter 13:7 it will become clear what makes this military conquest different than any other, for Israel wasn't just taking the land, they were inheriting it!  

Scripture tells us that the land Joshua and Israel occupied was the result of a promise from God to Abraham, the father of the entire nation of Israel. His descendants inherited, not by force but by faith, a peaceful existence in perhaps the most desirable land on the face of the earth. God had set apart the land and prepared it for Israel. All Joshua had to do was help the nation claim it.

Likewise, the battle for our spiritual inheritance has already been fought and won by Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is, have we claimed it? The Bible tells us that, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life" (Johne 3:16). It's that easy, believe on His name and you become a child of God, and as such hire to His heavenly kingdom. 

The Truth: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Psalm 116 "A Life Rescued"

 “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (v. 12)

This “halal, or praise psalm was written by one who was celebrating the deliverance of a severe physical affliction. Many Jewish commentators attribute it to Hezekiah, who was told to get his house in order because he was about to die (2 Kings 20:1). But, after much prayer the LORD healed him and gave him 15 more years on earth (2 Kings 20:5-6). Upon reflection of all that God had done for him in his lifetime, Hezekiah asks the question here in our text, “What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?"  

What a legitimate question. We could all ask the same thing. What can we give to the LORD?, the creator of the universe who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, for all He has done for us. In the material sense there is nothing that God really needs. For "the earth is the LORD’s and all that is within it.” And anything we give to Him in that sense, is already His. So what can we give Him?

When my children were growing up they would bring me pictures they had drawn in sunday school, crafts they had made for “fathers day,” bookmarks they had made with their pictures on them, cards expressing their love. To this day I still have many of those tokens of their love and affection that I can look at and enjoy at any time. Priceless! Now as they are grown and have great responsibilities of their own, a quick text or phone call, an unexpected visit, coffee, an occasional outing, all speak to me of their love, their desire to stay in touch, that I am on their mind and in their hearts. These expressions of love, no matter how simple, still mean the most and are priceless.

What then can we give to God for all His benefits toward us, that He might consider us priceless? Our time, our hearts, and our love. Our time, by staying connected to our heavenly Father, in His Word, in prayer, in praise and thanksgiving for delivering us from sin and death. Our hearts and love, by recognizing all He has done for us through His love and grace, and by giving Him the glory and honor due His name.

And, in so doing, we will as the psalmist wrote, “offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving” - our love, priceless to Him, for His deliverance in and of our lives.

The Truth: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Joshua 11 "Battle Against The Northern Kings"

“So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.” (vv.4-5)

After Jabin king of Hazor heard of Israel’s total conquest of the southern kings, the northern kings came together to defeat Israel. The huge army assembled together reflects an attitude that they believe they must stop Israel now or never. All this was prompted by what the northern kings heard regarding Israel’s success and victory. Walking in victory means that we become targets – when we are awakened, so is the devil.

Israel was about to face challenges they had never faced before. First, the size of the enemy army: as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude. Second, the technological superiority of the Canaanites: with very many horses and chariots (vv.4-5). Here a massive army gathered in the valley of Megiddo to come against Joshua. Because this attack was new, and more severe than previous challenges, Joshua needed a fresh confirmation of God’s promise for his life. And the LORD was faithful to bring it, "Tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel" (v.6). 

The historian Josephus tells us this coalition numbered 300,000 infantrymen, 10,000 cavalrymen, and 20,00 chariots - being like tanks in those days, a formidable arm to say the least. Israel again is outnumbered and seemingly no match for its enemy. Sound familiar? This event pictures the prophecies of Revelation, when a massive army will one day come against Jesus Christ and His reign here on earth in the “Battle of Armageddon” (Rev.16:16). And, like the five kings of the north (with their overwhelming numbers) who came against Joshua and were utterly destroyed (v.18), so too shall this future army who comes against Jesus be totally destroyed (Rev.19:19-21).

We too can have victory against overwhelming odds in our lives as well. Remember, He who is in us is greater that he who is in this world. God Bless you all.

The Truth: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Joshua 10 "Do Not Fear Them"

 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.” (v.8)

Do not fear them: This was a command, not a suggestion. And, the command was joined to a promise, "I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." 

Fear takes away our ability to fight God’s battles. Even in the face of strong enemies, Joshua was commanded to not fear. For Joshua, fear was unbelief – being unwilling to believe what God promised. Though Joshua had reason to fear because Israel faced a confederation of five kings, God commanded him to not fear his enemies.

The most dangerous kind of soldier is one who does not fear death - one who believes he is invincible, and is fighting for the greater good. In our text, the LORD assures Joshua that He has already delivered the enemy into his hands and that not a man will stand before him. All Joshua needs to do is believe and take action, for the battle has already been won.

So it is with us when stepping into any area God has called us on His behalf. Being human we tend to say to ourselves, “I can’t do this or I’m not the right person for the job.” When in reality, we are afraid, afraid of failure. The truth is, where God guides, God provides and He will give us the boldness to believe and take the necessary action.

If we are in His perfect will, like Joshua, nothing can stand against us.

The Truth: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) 

Joshua 9 "The Gibeonite Deception"

Joshua Makes Them Slaves To The LORD

Then Joshua called for the Gibeonites, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves; woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the LORD your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. (vv.22-27)

Joshua could not kill the Gibeonites (because he and the leaders of Israel had accepted the deception of the Gibeonites, and made a covenant with them to let them live;), but he could control them by making them perpetual workmen for the tabernacle service. They would serve in menial ways such as cutting wood for the sacrificial fires of the tabernacle and carrying water used in its service. 

What is interesting here is that there seems to be no complaint from the Gibeonites. They simply say, “here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” Essentially, they were happy with the prospect of being incorporated into Israel, and being made servants of the LORD, even if it was in menial service. In this, the Gibeonites express the same heart David did in Psalm 84:10: For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

It is essential to see that they did this out of a love for the God of Israel, not out of weakness. Indeed, it was said of Gibeon that all its men were mighty (Joshua 10:2). The Gibeonites were not thrilled so much at being woodcutters and water carriers, but in knowing they could be those things for the LORD – and in knowing where they would be if they were not serving the LORD. Interesting. Do we have the same heart? Can we rejoice in any kind of service, if we see we are in the presence of the LORD as we do it?

Later, Gibeon becomes a priestly city; the ark of the covenant stayed at Gibeon often in the days of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40 and 21:29). At least one of David’s mighty men was a Gibeonite (1 Chronicles 12:4). God appeared and spoke to Solomon at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4-5). The Gibeonites were among those who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:7 and 7:25). And finally prophets such as Hananiah the son of Azur came from Gibeon (Jeremiah 28:1).

The Truth: These are examples of the great things God can do with people who are sinners but come to Him in humility and love.

Joshua 8 “Israel Defeats Ai”

“And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be you dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: And you shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall you take for a prey to yourselves: lay you an ambush for the city behind it.” (v.1-2)

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” (Maya Angelon) These words seem to fit perfectly in the wake of Israel’s tragic defeat and judgment by Ai back in chapter 7, as they get ready to face them again here in chapter 8. 

It would have been easy for Joshua to be discouraged or afraid after the setback at Ai and the judgment of Achan, but God doesn't afford Joshua that opportunity. Instead, He directs him boldly to prepare for the next battle and in so doing, He reinforces the truth that He is the supreme leader of His people. 

Joshua’s leadership was effective the second time against Ai because he obeyed God. If you hold any kind of position of leadership or influence—remember this lesson. God has authority over all, and any success we enjoy is to God's glory. 

The Truth: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.” (Psalm 115:1)

Joshua 7 "Defeat At Ai"

 The Sin of Achan

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” (v.1)

Joshua commanded the nation in Joshua 6:18 that they should not take of any of the accursed things, those things that were associated with the demonic and debasing worship and practices of the Canaanites. The wars fought by Israel in Canaan were not to be plundering wars of personal gain; they were an unusual, sacred instrument in God’s hand, used for judgment against a society ripe for judgment. Israel could not be defeated by the Canaanites, but they could defeat themselves by alienating themselves from God’s plan and power. The sin of Achan was not only disobedience, but that he valued silver and gold more than God. As the consequences of sin never stop with just us, many died as a result of his greed and lust for riches (v.5). 

Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.  And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them (the stolen articles) with fire after they had stoned them with stones. Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, the ripple effect of our sin goes out and affects those around us as well (vv.22-26).

Achan’s sons and daughters had specific knowledge of the sin because it is unlikely that he could bury so much under their tent without their knowledge. At the same time, they were not necessarily stoned with Achan. Instead of being killed with their father, Achan’s children were probably brought forward to witness the judgment against their father. Notice the use of the singular in Joshua 7:25 and 7:26 (you…. you…. him…. him), in reference to a person being stoned. The use of the plural in Joshua 7:24-25 (them…. them…them) probably has reference to Achan’s possessions, not his children. Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, the ripple effect of our sin goes out and affects those around us as well. Even though Achan's family was not killed, they suffered. A sobering thought for all of us.

However, thanks to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, we no longer live under the condemnation of law but under grace. Thus, through repentance, we can be washed by His blood and do not pay with our own. This does not stop the ripple effect of sin but does cleanse us from it.  

The Truth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Joshua 6 "Joshua Obeys God's Plan"

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (vv.1-6)

Jericho itself was on full alert; from a human perspective, this would be a hard, if not impossible, battle. Yet from God’s perspective, the battle was already over, because He can say to Joshua I have (in the past tense) given Jericho into your hand. The method of warfare given to Joshua by God was one that made absolutely no sense according to military intelligence. It required total dependence on God. It required great faith from Joshua because he had to explain and lead the nation in this plan. And, it required great faith from the elders and the nation because they had to follow Joshua in this plan. Obviously, this was something that God could have done without Israel’s help at all, but He wanted them to be a part of His work – as He wants us to be a part of His work today.

Joshua does not hesitate to do what the LORD has told him to do. And it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner as the other six days. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city," that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword (vv.20-21). 

Today, we should apply the same pattern when facing obstacles in our lives. Listen for that still small voice in His word, obey His instruction, trust He will bring us victory (as He did here with Joshua), and have the patience to wait on God as He brings His perfect will to completion in our lives. 

The Truth: “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)