Year 7, Day 195: Joshua 10

Theological Commentary: Click Here

In Joshua 10 we hear about the subduing of the southern kingdom.  The first thing that we can say about this chapter is regarding the obedience of Joshua.  The chapter ends by stating that Joshua did as the Lord commanded him.  Because of his obedience, the southern land is subdued rather easily.

Of course, there is the manner in which the and is subdued.  Joshua comes to the aid of Gibeon.  He does many things right in this particular part of the story.  Notice that he honors his word and comes to the aid of the Gibeonites.  He has signed a treaty with them and is treating them as servants.  He should come to their aid.

Furthermore, do you notice that he goes before God and makes sure that he is doing the right thing?  God tells him that he should go forth and act because God has blessed the activity.  Joshua doesn’t just do the honorable thing, he humbles himself and pauses to make sure that what he considers the honorable thing actually is the honorable thing.

As we move on in the story, notice what Joshua does when the kings are routed and they hide in the cave.  It would make much sense to stop and deal with the kings.  After all, if you cut off the head of the snake t dies, right?  Joshua could have stopped and killed the kings, figuring that it would signify his victory.  However, Joshua doesn’t do that.  He knows that the opposing military is on the move.  He seals the cave, preserving his moment over the kings.  He pursues the army, ensuring his victory.  He does everything right here.

Last, and certainly not least, is God’s part in this story.  Naturally, we’ve already seen God offer His verbal affirmation of Joshua’s action.  However, it doesn’t stop with God simply being an advocate.  God participates in the battle.  Listen to how God destroys the enemy by throwing down heavy stones in the midst of their retreat.  In fact, more died from God’s hail than from the battle itself!  God is not merely guiding Joshua.  God is actively fighting for the Hebrew people as He promised.

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