Joshua 11:1-23


The nations of the north united to try to join forces and defeat Israel.  They realized that as individual nations they could not defeat this nation led and protected by God.  Together they thought they could mount an army so large that by sheer numbers they would be able to overwhelm the nation of Israel.  They were wrong.  God had given the land to Israel and no matter how big the army or difficult the task, He would give the victory.  God is faithful to do His will and to keep His promises.  When things look like they are impossible to us, that is when God is at His best.

GOD HARDENED THE HEARTS OF THE NATIONS BEFORE ISRAEL: Besides the Gibeonites, none of the other nations sought to make a peace treaty with the nation of Israel.  Even though they saw that God was fighting on their behalf to the point of making the sun shine for a full day and hail drop from the sky.  Even so, in their minds they thought that they could amass a huge army that would be able to defeat Israel.  It is encouraging to know that God will accomplish His will in this world and that He is in control of what happens; not only in our lives, but also the lives of those who would do us harm.  God wanted these nations destroyed and so their hearts were hardened and they refused to submit to the Lord and repent.  They represented a physical but mostly a spiritual danger to the children of Israel and God was going to protect His people.

GOD HANDED THE HOMES OF THE NATIONS TO ISRAEL: It may have been easy for Joshua and the children of Israel to become fearful before this mass army that had joined forces against them.  However, God came to Joshua and assured him that the horses and chariots of these nations were no match for His power.  Israel simply went out and began to destroy these nations and defeat the army.  The massive coalition of forces ran before Israel but to no avail, they were all killed by the Lord and His army.  Once the battles were over, the now empty cities were available for the children of Israel to occupy.  They would be able to leave their tents and live in the homes that their enemies had once occupied.  We need not fear what Satan may try to scheme as he tries to defeat us.  God is able to give us the victory in Christ and bring us to a place or resting in Him in our walk with Him. 

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