Joshua 10:1-15
Now that they were cleansed again from the sin within their ranks, the Israelites could get on with the business of taking control of their Promised Land. They were back in God's good graces and could now carry out the next assignment. This came in the form of a combined attack with their recently formed allies, the Gibeonites, against the Amorites of southern Canaan.
Having heard of the Israelites great success against other armies, which were larger and stronger, the king of Jerusalem decided to go on the offensive; but, of course, not alone. He gathered up as many nations as he could convince to help him to attack Gibeon. So, his and the armies of the four nations he recruited set out to destroy Gibeon simply because they had learned the lesson - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Well, when Gibeon was attacked, messengers were sent to ask their new ally, Joshua, for help. What a novel idea; surely those other kings had no idea that would happen. (Hopefully, you can hear my sarcasm there.) Honestly, they must have heard about how God fought all of Israel's winning battles for them; and how he favored them against their enemies. And, as a general rule of war, when nations become allies, they assist each other when called upon. So, I wonder how, exactly, these five kings thought they were going to come out on top.
But, I digress. When the call came, Joshua and the Israelite army sprung into action, attacking the Amorite armies by surprise at night. They continued the slaughter into the day, chasing them out of the town; their efforts surpassed by a hail storm that God sent to kill even more of them. Joshua even prayed for the sun and the moon to stand still, and it they did until their enemy was soundly defeated. Look at God!
They were just allies. They were not even the chosen nation. But the Gibeonites were saved, by God, through their relationship with the Israelites. Even though the Gibeonites made peace with Israel and became their allies through deception, their motive was similar to the one that caused them to be attacked by the Amorites. They heard about Israel's success in battle and they were afraid; of course, God also told them directly that they were doomed because Israel had been promised their land. But they did the smart thing, the wise thing, and joined with Israel.
They may not have fully understood why Israel was so successful, but they certainly learned that day. Joshua prayed in front of the people, so they could see from whence this victory came; directly from God. And, I'm sure the Gibeonites were grateful for the choice they made - to align themselves with greatness, with favor, with God - as they were defended.
That reminds me of Jesus. When we make peace with him and become his ally, all we have to do is call on him and he'll step right in on our behalf. Come to think of it, once the Amorites attacked, there was no mention at all of the Gibeonite army, even though they were known as strong warriors. Israel stepped in and completely took over. That's how Jesus is with us, too. Though we may be tough and give it our best shot in life, when trouble comes and we call on the Lord, he will completely fight our battles for us; until the bitter end.
Thank you, God, for Jesus; my ally and defender. Thank you for you love, favor, grace and mercy - by proxy - through him. Thank you for allowing me to simply call on his name and be saved. God, you are so awesome! I love you, Lord. Thank you for being a provider and way-maker. Please continue to keep me in your will and on your side. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Now that they were cleansed again from the sin within their ranks, the Israelites could get on with the business of taking control of their Promised Land. They were back in God's good graces and could now carry out the next assignment. This came in the form of a combined attack with their recently formed allies, the Gibeonites, against the Amorites of southern Canaan.
Having heard of the Israelites great success against other armies, which were larger and stronger, the king of Jerusalem decided to go on the offensive; but, of course, not alone. He gathered up as many nations as he could convince to help him to attack Gibeon. So, his and the armies of the four nations he recruited set out to destroy Gibeon simply because they had learned the lesson - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Well, when Gibeon was attacked, messengers were sent to ask their new ally, Joshua, for help. What a novel idea; surely those other kings had no idea that would happen. (Hopefully, you can hear my sarcasm there.) Honestly, they must have heard about how God fought all of Israel's winning battles for them; and how he favored them against their enemies. And, as a general rule of war, when nations become allies, they assist each other when called upon. So, I wonder how, exactly, these five kings thought they were going to come out on top.
But, I digress. When the call came, Joshua and the Israelite army sprung into action, attacking the Amorite armies by surprise at night. They continued the slaughter into the day, chasing them out of the town; their efforts surpassed by a hail storm that God sent to kill even more of them. Joshua even prayed for the sun and the moon to stand still, and it they did until their enemy was soundly defeated. Look at God!
They were just allies. They were not even the chosen nation. But the Gibeonites were saved, by God, through their relationship with the Israelites. Even though the Gibeonites made peace with Israel and became their allies through deception, their motive was similar to the one that caused them to be attacked by the Amorites. They heard about Israel's success in battle and they were afraid; of course, God also told them directly that they were doomed because Israel had been promised their land. But they did the smart thing, the wise thing, and joined with Israel.
They may not have fully understood why Israel was so successful, but they certainly learned that day. Joshua prayed in front of the people, so they could see from whence this victory came; directly from God. And, I'm sure the Gibeonites were grateful for the choice they made - to align themselves with greatness, with favor, with God - as they were defended.
That reminds me of Jesus. When we make peace with him and become his ally, all we have to do is call on him and he'll step right in on our behalf. Come to think of it, once the Amorites attacked, there was no mention at all of the Gibeonite army, even though they were known as strong warriors. Israel stepped in and completely took over. That's how Jesus is with us, too. Though we may be tough and give it our best shot in life, when trouble comes and we call on the Lord, he will completely fight our battles for us; until the bitter end.
Thank you, God, for Jesus; my ally and defender. Thank you for you love, favor, grace and mercy - by proxy - through him. Thank you for allowing me to simply call on his name and be saved. God, you are so awesome! I love you, Lord. Thank you for being a provider and way-maker. Please continue to keep me in your will and on your side. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
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