March 25

Joshua 9-11 (biblegateway.com)

Trusting God in Battle

In Joshua 9-11, the Israelites face various challenges as they continue their conquest of Canaan.

Joshua 9 tells the story of the Gibeonite deception, where the Gibeonites, a group of Canaanite people, trick the Israelites into making a covenant of peace with them. This chapter highlights the themes of deception, the importance of seeking God’s guidance, and the consequences of not fully discerning God’s will.

As the Israelites continue their conquest of the Promised Land, the news of their victories spreads, and the surrounding nations begin to fear them. The kings of the Canaanite nations form a coalition to fight against Israel (v. 1-2). However, the Gibeonites, who live nearby, realize that they cannot defeat Israel in battle, so they decide to resort to deception. The Gibeonites send a delegation of men, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying old wineskins, to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal. They present themselves as travelers from a distant land and claim they have heard of Israel’s greatness and God’s power (v. 3-5). They ask for a peace treaty, offering to submit to Israel in exchange for a covenant of peace (v. 6-13). Joshua and the leaders of Israel, without seeking God’s counsel, are deceived by their appearance and the seemingly sincere nature of their request, and they agree to the treaty (v. 14-15).

This passage highlights a failure on the part of Israel’s leadership to seek God’s guidance. Despite clear signs of deception—the Gibeonites’ worn clothing and supplies—Israel does not inquire of God, resulting in a binding covenant they cannot break. This failure to seek God before making a decision led to unnecessary complications in their mission.

We should ask ourselves: How often do we make decisions without seeking God’s guidance? The Israelites’ mistake reminds us that even seemingly small choices should be made in light of God’s will. We must be diligent in prayerfully considering our decisions and asking for His wisdom. Reflect on your recent choices—have you sought God’s guidance in all aspects of your life, or have you relied on your own understanding? Make a commitment to pray for wisdom before making both major and minor decisions, trusting God to direct your steps.

Three days after making the covenant with the Gibeonites, the Israelites find out that the Gibeonites are actually neighbors, not distant travelers. They learn that the Gibeonites have deceived them by presenting false evidence of their distant origins (v. 16-17). The Israelites are angry, but they are bound by the oath they made in the name of the Lord and cannot break it, as it was a covenant made before God (v. 18). Although Israel is deceived, they honor the treaty and do not retaliate, acknowledging that they cannot undo the covenant they made in God’s name. The leaders of Israel feel trapped by the situation, knowing that breaking the covenant would have dire spiritual consequences. In fact, much later, the famine that afflicted Israel towards the end of King David’s reign was blamed on King Saul’s violation of this treaty when he attempted to annihilate the Gibeonites (see 2 Samuel 21:1-6).

This section serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments. Even if circumstances change, our word is to be upheld, especially when made in the presence of God. Reflect on any promises you have made in the past, particularly those made in prayer or before God. Are you honoring your commitments? Take time to renew your commitment to keeping your word, asking God to help you live with integrity and faithfulness.

Despite the deception, the leaders of Israel refuse to break the oath they made to the Gibeonites (v. 19-20). However, the Israelites still hold the Gibeonites accountable for their deceit. Joshua confronts the Gibeonites and asks them why they lied (v. 22-23). The Gibeonites confess that they feared for their lives because of the Israelites’ reputation and God’s power, and they admit to deceiving Israel to save themselves (v. 24-25). Joshua spares the Gibeonites’ lives, honoring the covenant but imposing a consequence on them: they will become woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites, serving the community in a subordinate role (v. 26-27). The Gibeonites’ punishment is one of servitude, but their lives are spared, and they are allowed to continue living among the Israelites. This outcome highlights the mercy Israel extends to them despite their deception.

Similarly, God’s mercy allows for restoration, even in situations where sin has occurred. Even when we experience the consequences of our mistakes, God’s mercy provides a way for restoration. Just as the Gibeonites were spared, we, too, can experience God’s forgiveness when we admit our mistakes and seek His mercy. Reflect on a time when you made a mistake or acted inappropriately. How did God’s mercy allow you to be restored? Consider how you can offer grace and mercy to others who may have wronged you, just as the Israelites showed mercy to the Gibeonites.

Joshua 9 highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life. The Israelites’ failure to inquire of God led them into a situation where they were deceived by the Gibeonites, and although they were bound to honor their commitment, they had to live with the consequences of their decision. This chapter emphasizes the necessity of integrity and faithfulness in our promises and relationships, especially when those promises are made before God. However, it also reveals the power of mercy and restoration, as seen in the Gibeonites’ spared lives. As we reflect on this chapter, may we seek God’s guidance in our decisions, be faithful to our promises, and extend mercy to those around us, trusting in God’s forgiveness and grace.

Joshua 10 recounts the conquest of southern Canaan (see Map - Israelite Invasion of Canaan (Southern Campaign)), including the defeat of five Amorite kings and their alliance. After the Gibeonites have made peace with Israel (Joshua 9), the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—form an alliance to attack the Gibeonites because they had made a treaty with Israel (v. 1-5). The Gibeonites, realizing that they are under threat, send word to Joshua, asking for help, reminding him of the oath they had made to them (v. 6). Joshua responds by marching all night with the Israelite army to come to the aid of the Gibeonites, despite the distance and the hardship involved (v. 7).

As they approach the enemy, God tells Joshua not to fear because He has already delivered the enemy into Israel’s hands (v. 8). Joshua’s army catches the Amorite kings and their armies by surprise. Panic seizes the enemy, and after a short stand in which many were killed, they flee in wild confusion (v. 9-10). God delivers a miraculous victory to Israel, sending large hailstones that kill more of the enemy than Israel’s army does with the sword (v. 11).

This event serves as a sign of God’s active involvement in the battle and a reminder that God fights on behalf of His people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and His sovereignty ensures victory for Israel when they walk in obedience to His commands. Just as Israel relied on God’s intervention and guidance, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and seek His help in the challenges we face. Reflect on the battles you are facing. Are you trying to fight them in your own strength, or are you trusting God to fight for you? Take time to pray and surrender your challenges to God, trusting that He will intervene in your life.

As Israel pursues the fleeing Amorite army, the five kings take refuge in a cave at Makkedah (v. 16-17). Joshua orders that the cave be sealed with large stones until the battle is over (v. 18). The Israelites continue to pursue the enemy and finish the battle. As the day of the battle wore on, Joshua knew that the pursuit of the enemy would be long and arduous. Joshua needed more time if he were to realize the fulfillment of God’s promise and see the total annihilation of his foes. Joshua, therefore, takes to the Lord an unusual request: Joshua prays for a miraculous sign that would allow Israel to complete the pursuit of the Amorites. In response to Joshua’s request, God causes the sun to stand still in the sky, extending the daylight long enough for Israel to finish their victory. The sun stays still for about a whole day, and the Israelites are able to continue their pursuit and ensure that no enemy escapes (v. 12-14).

This event is one of the most famous miracles in Israel's history, demonstrating God’s control over the natural world. The day of victory is prolonged by God’s direct intervention, allowing the Israelites to achieve complete victory over their enemies. The miracle of the sun standing still demonstrates that nothing is impossible for God and that He directs the course of events in accordance with His will. When you feel that your efforts are insufficient, remember that God is sovereign over all things, including time and nature. Just as God performed a miracle to ensure victory for Israel, He can intervene in our lives in ways that go beyond what we can understand or accomplish on our own. Think of a situation where you feel overwhelmed or like time is working against you. How can you trust in God’s sovereignty to give you the time, energy, and resources needed to accomplish His purposes? Pray for God to intervene and extend His grace to you in your struggles.

Joshua commands his forces to pursue and strike down the remaining enemies, ensuring they do not retreat to their cities and regroup (v. 19). The Israelites obey, achieving a decisive victory with the Lord’s help, though a few enemies manage to escape (v. 20). Joshua’s army then returns safely to their camp at Makkedah (v. 21), and no one dares to oppose them.

Joshua orders the captured five Amorite kings to be brought out of the cave where they had been hiding (v. 22). As a symbolic act of victory, he instructs his commanders to place their feet on the necks of the defeated kings, demonstrating God’s power over Israel’s enemies (v. 24). Joshua then encourages his men, saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous, for this is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you fight” (v. 25). Then, Joshua orders that the five kings be executed (v. 26). This passage highlights God’s faithfulness in giving Israel victory and serves as a reminder that He is the one who fights for His people. The kings are publicly hanged, and their bodies are thrown into the cave where they had been hiding, which is then sealed with large stones, creating a permanent memorial to Israel’s victory (v. 27).

Following this event, Joshua continues the conquest of the southern cities, capturing Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir (v. 28-39). In each city, the inhabitants are utterly defeated, and their cities are destroyed. The Israelites are victorious because they have acted in obedience to God’s commands and are, therefore, able to claim the land that God promised to them (v. 40-43). God’s judgment is sure and just. The destruction of the Amorite kings and the cities of southern Canaan represents God’s righteous judgment on sin, as He had given the Canaanites opportunities to repent, but they rejected Him.

Joshua 10 highlights the faithfulness of God, the power of obedience, and the reality of God’s justice. Israel’s victory is assured because they acted in obedience to God’s plan, and God intervened to ensure their success. The miraculous prolonging of the day and the defeat of the five kings reveal that God’s sovereignty and control over all things lead to the fulfillment of His promises. As believers, we are called to trust God’s guidance, remain faithful to His commands, and recognize that God is just in all His ways. Let us remember that victory in life comes through obedience to God’s plan, and we can trust in His sovereignty to fight our battles and extend His grace.

Joshua 11 recounts the final northern campaign of the Israelite conquest of Canaan (see Map - Israelite Invasion of Canaan (Northern Campaign)). After the southern kings are defeated, the kings of the northern Canaanite cities form an alliance to oppose Israel’s progress. The northern kings, including Jabin, the king of Hazor, come together with kings from Madon, Shimron, and Achshaph, along with several other northern cities. All these kings join forces and make camp together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel. They gather a large army with numerous chariots and horsemen, and their plan is to wipe out Israel and prevent them from taking the land (v. 1-5).

However, God intervenes and speaks to Joshua, telling him not to fear the northern kings or their mighty army because God will give them into Israel’s hands. God promises that He will defeat them and allow Israel to conquer the cities (v. 6). God’s plan includes a clear victory where the northern coalition will be defeated completely.

Joshua approaches their camp at the Waters of Merom and launches a surprise attack. Just as God promised, the Israelites win a resounding victory and pursue the enemy as far as Misrephoth Maim, Sidon and the Valley of Mizpah. The enemies are crushed, their horses are hamstrung, and their chariots are burned (v. 7-9). This victory is divinely orchestrated, and it demonstrates God’s control over the nations of the earth and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Joshua and the Israelites continue to carry out God’s instructions and conquer Hazor, the headquarters of the northern coalition. They strike the city with the sword, killing its king and completely destroying the city, as they had done with Jericho and Ai ( (v. 10-11). All of the cities involved in the Northern coalition are captured and completely destroyed. Joshua follows God’s command to utterly destroy the enemies and not leave any survivors, ensuring that no idolatry or wickedness from the Canaanites will influence Israel. This thorough conquest fulfills the promise of the land made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (12-15).

The chapter ends with a summary of the conquests that Joshua led throughout the entirety of Canaan. It is stated that Joshua took the entire land as God had promised to give to Israel. The land now stretches from the south of Canaan to the north, encompassing the highlands, the plains, and the valleys (v. 16-23). Israel’s success is attributed to the Lord’s intervention and the fulfillment of His promises, as Joshua’s leadership, combined with God’s power, ensures Israel’s possession of the land. The strongholds of Canaan are defeated, and the land is secured. This marks the end of the military campaign in terms of overall conquest, though individual cities will still need to be divided among the tribes and further battles will occur.

Joshua 9-11 showcases both the successes and the challenges Israel faced as they continued to take possession of the Promised Land. The deception of the Gibeonites serves as a reminder of the necessity of seeking God’s wisdom in all decisions. The Israelites’ victory over the Canaanite kings is a powerful reminder that God fights for His people and that obedience to His commands leads to success. Just as God fulfilled His promises to Israel, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us as we trust in His plan, even in difficult circumstances.

Map - Israelite Invasion of Canaan (Southern Campaign)

Map - Israelite Invasion of Canaan (Northern Campaign)