Joshua 10:16-28 "Not Israel's War, But God's War"

Joshua 10:16-28 "Not Israel's War, But God's War"

"Joshua said to them, 'Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.'" (v.25)

Unlike Gibeon, the five allied kings who waged war against Israel were defeated and hid in a cave. Joshua had the cave entrance sealed with stones while pursuing and destroying the remaining forces. He then brought out the five kings before his commanders and had them place their feet on the kings' necks. Afterward, the kings were executed and hung on trees until sunset, when their bodies were thrown into the cave and sealed with stones.

As Joshua had his commanders place their feet on the kings' necks, he encouraged them: "Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."

Even for warriors, stepping on kings' necks and executing them must have been daunting. Joshua reminds them this is God's battle, not their own. Because this is God's war, it must be conducted strictly according to His commands. In God's war - His war for the people of Israel - God is the commander, and absolute obedience is required.

Our lives as Christians are like a war for God's kingdom - a battle against forces that oppose God's will and order. We are God's soldiers in this war. As His soldiers, shouldn't we demonstrate complete obedience to His commands?

Prayer: Righteous and just God, help us obey You completely as Your faithful soldiers. Holy Spirit, free us from fear and fill us with strength and courage. Amen.