Joshua conquers all the land

Joshua Chapter 10 verses 16-43

After the great battle, the five kings escaped and hid in a cave at Makkedah, but when Joshua heard of this, he ordered the caves sealed and guards placed near the entrances to keep the kings inside. Meanwhile the Israelite army continued to slaughter and wipe out the five armies except for a tiny remnant who reached their fortified cities.

Joshua told the guards to remove the rocks covering the caves and bring the five kings to him. Joshua had the captains of his army put their feet on the kings' necks and they did. "Don't ever be afraid or discouraged," he told his men, "Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies." And he killed each of the five kings and hung them until sundown and then had the bodies thrown into the cave and covered the opening.

Joshua's army destroyed the city of Makkedah, killing everyone including the king. Then his army attacked Libnah and did the same, leaving no survivors. From there his army went to Lachish and did the same even though King Horam of Gezer tried to save it, he was destroyed also. Then Joshua's army went to Eglon and captured it and destroyed everyone in the city and next the town of Hebron and all the surrounding towns, destroying the populations as they went. Then they killed everyone in the town of Debir and conquered the whole region, the kings and all the people of the hill country of Negev, the western foothills and mountain slopes, leaving no survivors, just as the Lord God of Israel had commanded. Joshua slaughtered them from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to Gibeon, and then he and his army returned to their camp in Gilgal.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Placing a foot on the neck of a captive was a common military practice in ancient times. It symbolized the victor's domination over his captives. With God's help, Israel won the battles over the Amorite armies, and Joshua reminded his warriors that it was God who protected them and won victories for them. Notice in all the text, it is the Lord who is given credit for the victories.

When God commanded Joshua to take the leadership in ridding the land of sin so his people could occupy it, Joshua did his part thoroughly.

How does this chapter relate to us today? The same God who empowered Joshua will help us today with our needs. We must be reminded that he gives us hope for the struggles that lie ahead for us. God alone gives us victories and we should praise him for his goodness.

When God orders us to stop sinning, we can't pause and think about it or negotiate. Our response must be swift, like Joshua. We must be ruthless in avoiding relationships and activities that can lead us into sin. We must be careful in our choices. Praise be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.