Joshua 10:16-43 - Israel's Southern Campaign

Joshua 10:16-43

Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” (verse 25)

Message: Israel's Southern Campaign

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: At this point in seizing the land of Canaan or gaining what God has promised them, they have achieved about 50% of the land. 5 Amorite kings joined together to attack Gibeon, a city that had a treaty with Joshua. Gibeon summoned Joshua and they came and with God on their side, the 5 kings were conquered. They not only were slayed but they were pursued, chasing after them and their armies after they fled. 

The 5 kings fled to a cave at Makkedah (v.16-17). Joshua told the men to roll large stones in front of the cave, to keep them in there and to guard the cave (v.18). Meanwhile, the people that fled from the battle with Israel, fled to their cities, but Joshua says to the people of Israel, "pursue your enemies and attack them in the rear. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the Lord your God has delivered them into your hand. (v.19)" Most were conquered. 

Then Joshua returns to the cave at Makkedah and brings out the 5 kings (v. 22-23) and invites the commanders/chiefs of Israel's armies to "put your feet on the necks of these kings (v.24)." And Joshua assures the people of Israel "Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight (v.25)." We are not simply strong and courageous out of self motivation or a self-challenge to stand tall above the rest of people, we are strong and courageous because the Lord is on our side, because the Lord is going to conquer our enemies. This is the overriding lesson from the book of Joshua thus far - with the Lord on our side, no one has a chance against us. God will win in the end, but it may look differently on this earth, at times. It may look like others are out in front. I think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and this movie I watched recently about his life. Bonhoeffer is hanged after standing up for Jesus. He dies a martyr and I suppose that is my point, martyr's do die at times but these are people that lived their lives for principles that are eternal. 

In the Bible the imagery is present of conquering of placing one under the sole of their feet. I Kings 5:3, "You know that David my father was unable to build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet." Psalm 47:3, "He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet."

Thus Joshua was making a point to the commanders and the people of Israel that God is on our side and when this is present our enemies fall. 

Summary: The five Amorite kings end up in a cave, and Joshua has the commanders of the army put their feet on their necks of these kings showing God is on their side and they will defeat their enemies.

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We may not go into battle against other cities, but if we are complacent or neglectful, the world, the flesh, and the devil can rise up again to attack us even if we seem to have conquered them."

Prayer: God you are good. You are holy and true. Your ways are right and perfect. You are a God of order and a God that provides for your people and protects them. Thank you for holding us safe. It is sad to see so many choosing a different path and following different ways. You are to be praised and glorified and I do that. Thank you for going into battle for Israel and help me to always trust in You for everything. 

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