Read Joshua 11
Highlights:
Defeat of many kings within Canaan; much land still to be possessed; inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and Manas-seh; Balaam slain.
And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley and in the borders of Dor on the west, (Josh. 11:1-2).
Everyone in Jericho knew the reputation of Israel’s God, just as did Rahab who confessed: As soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, for He is God in heaven above, and in ewarth beneath (2:11). Rahab alone put her faith in the God of the Hebrews and was not only saved but was included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The Canaanite kings had known what the Gibeonites knew, but they still decided to defend their heathen gods against the true God.
News of Joshua’s invasion quickly spread throughout Canaan. Jabin, King of Hazor in the north, enlisted the kings and their soldiers from far into the northern mountains (Joshua 11:1-2,8).
Joshua’s comparatively small army received a crucial report that they were facing much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And when all these kings were met together. . . . the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel. . . . So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly. . . . they smote them, until they left them none remaining (11:4-8).
So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses. . . . And the land rested from war (11:23). Thirty-one kings (12:24) had been defeated. Joshua established military control over the promised land. However, the individual tribes were still charged with completing the destruction of the Canaanites (Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22).
The judgment of the Canaanites foreshadows the final judgment of all who continue in their sins. Throughout His word the Lord continues to warn the people that disobedience has a high price.
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Thought for Today:
No matter how strong our temptations may seem, God's grace is sufficient to help us overcome them.
Word Studies:
11:9 houghed, hamstrung, crippled; 11:13 stood still in their strength, were fortified on hills; 12:3 Chinneroth, Sea of Galilee; Salt sea, Dead sea; 12:4 coast, territorial border; 13:22 soothsayer, diviner, fortune-teller.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant of the LORD (Joshua 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matthew 12:18).
Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Haggai 1:4)?
Optional Reading: John 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 14:11
