February 23, 2023 - Joshua 9-12

All the nations gathered together to fight against Israel (9:1-2), but what they did not realize is that, really, they were gathering to fight against Israel’s God. Not smart! At least the people of Gideon had enough sense, using a ruse, to enter into a covenant with Israel. And, so, the Lord fought for Israel (10:14) and they routed the Canaanites and took the land. The Amorites were defeated as were the five kings who fought against Israel.

And, then, there were: Jabin, king of Hazor and Jobab king of Madon and the king of Shimron and the king of Achshaph and the kings who were in the northern hill country and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth and in the lowland and in Naphoth-dor on the west and the Canaanites in the east and the west and the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. Oh, my! “And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel’” (11:1-6).

I have one thought: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

At the sign of triumph

Satan’s host doth flee;

On, then, Christian soldiers,

on to victory!

Hell’s foundations quiver

at the shout of praise;

Brothers, lift your voices,

loud your anthems raise!

Onward, Christian soldiers,

marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

going on before! -- S. Baring-Gould (1868)