Read Joshua 11
Highlights:
Defeat of many kings within Canaan; much land still to be possessed; inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh; Balaam slain.
And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. . . . And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them. . . . So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses (Josh. 11:5,8,23).
In the battle of Beth-horon where the sun stood still, Joshua defeated the kings of the south. As word of Israel's victories spread, the soldiers of the Canaanite cities of the north banded together against Israel, forming the largest army the Israelites had ever faced, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many (11:4). For the first time, the Israelites fought against horsemen and war chariots.
And Joshua took the whole land (11:23). He had established unquestioned military control over all of Palestine without the help of one horse or one chariot, and we believe he would say, with the Psalmist: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7).
This league of armies uniting together to destroy the people of God is typical of Satan's attack against Christians. But the defeat of Jabin's gigantic armies clearly demonstrates that there is not the remotest possibility of any success for anyone who is fighting against God.
The fierce battle against the Canaanites of the north did not take place when the children of Israel first entered Canaan. But they had fought many battles before they encountered this vast united army.
God deals with us in the same manner. As we trust Him for the little things, our faith gradually becomes stronger and we trust Him for the greater things.
God arranges our circumstances in such a way that we may, through Him, become more than victors. The promises of God have been standing a long time! It is man's unwillingness to accept what is promised that causes the wandering in the wilderness.
No matter how strong the enemy is, how cunningly his plans are laid, or how he may come upon us with a host to terrify, if we are right with the Lord, we shall be more than conquerors. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ( I John 5:4).
Thought for Today:
Faith grows as we trust Him through our trails.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant of the Lord (Josh. 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:18).
Word Studies:
11:4 hosts, army; 11:5 were met together, joined forces; 11:6 hough, hamstring; 12:3 Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of Galilee; Sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea, Dead Sea; 13:22 soothsayer, diviner, fortune-teller.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you boldness and opportunities to share the Gospel with others (Col. 4:3-4).
Optional Reading: John 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14
