This chapter describes the final part of Joshua’s Canaan campaign, where he leads Israel to defeat a large number of the remaining inhabitants in one giant conflict (for the nations all rallied together against Israel). After defeating the armies who were “a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore”, there is finally a period of rest.
“And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the people of Israel took for their plunder. But every person they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed. Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.” (v14-15,23)
Joshua’s campaign against Canaan lasted 6-7 years, after which some of the Canaanites still remained (mainly the Philistine nations). This campaign was designed to be multi-generational – God told them from the outset it would take a long time (see Ex 23:29-33). Keep in mind Moses led the defeat of the first few kings, and David is still fighting the Philistines 400 years later (remember Goliath?).
Have you ever faced a large trial of any kind? Perhaps there was fallout between friends/family, a financial crisis, a medical crisis, or an exam week that seemed to last forever. Perhaps you are in the middle of a trial right now.
Yet, no matter how difficult or large our past or present trials are, God is with us in the midst of them, and He will bring us out stronger on the other side. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pt 5:10) “Count it all joy, my [brothers and sisters], when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (Jas 1:2-4)
If God gave Joshua and Israel a time of peace and rest after a brutal 7-year trial, He will do the same for us. My encouragement for today is to never give up, and never surrender to the difficulties in life, for they are temporary in God’s greater plan. God has reserved the crown of life for those who persevere and love Him, so let’s press on toward that prize in by following in the footsteps of Jesus and obeying God’s commands. (Jas 1:12, Php 3:14 par). “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom 8:18)
Father God, O Holy One of Israel, we praise Your mighty name. Thank you for being a patient and perseverant God, who stands by our side every moment of every day. Father we confess we often forget You are there, and ask that You would give us gentle reminders. We especially ask for these reminders in the times of rest, lest we become complacent and forget You in the times of trial as well. Thank you in advance for walking with us through our current and future trials, for we know they are allowed so that we may be strengthened in our relationship with You, and glorify Your name in the presence of those who don’t yet call You Father. In the name of Jesus our Savior, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training