For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace. On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness, from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.
Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy & Love. It is all about God glory, and this is part of the back story… We celebrate the Advent of Glory, God’s ultimate glory: JESUS CHRIST!
The story of this glory is full of revelation about God and about US! The Biblical narrative is about the preparation that went into the preparation for the advent of our Lord! This greatest of all stories has quite a back story, we refer to it as the Hebrew Scriptures or The Old Testament. The back story has lessons for us if we desire to be used by God for HIS glory. Part of our celebration of Advent and Christmas is learning about God and about ourselves. The back story of God’s ultimate glory is all about humble people who believed God was who HE says HE is. That is who Zach and Beth were…
Luke 1:5-25 & 39-45
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
- They were righteous in God’s sight yet childless
- The culture at that time saw children as a blessing from God
- Since they had no child their neighbors would view them as disobedient to God
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
- Priests lived all over Israel and would travel to Jerusalem to serve a period
- A group would serve for a week and some would get to do special things
- Worship and prayer took place durning the ceremony of burning incense
- Incense symbolized the prayers and praise going up to God (pleasing aroma)
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
- We can’t comprehend what it is like to see an Angel (it always causes fear)
- There is a difference between feeling afraid and BEING afraid
- More than 200 times in scripture God says: ‘Do not be afraid’
- A child, and specifically a son, must have been a focus of Zach’s prayer life
- The answered prayer will be a great joy for Zach & Beth that many will share in
- The child that the Angel is foretelling will be great in the sight of the Lord
- Notice the distinction between being great to people & being great to God
- Jesus confirms his cousin John’s status in Luke 7:28
- “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
- Aspects of the Nazarite Vow regarding alcoholic beverages
- Filled with the Holy Spirit even while still in the womb (must be a person)
- We will explore this term ‘Filled with The Holy Spirit’ later in the text
- He will lead Jews to reconnect with God (lots of disconnection is present)
- He is to set the stage for the coming of the Lord
- How to find God: Gratitude for what HE gives & desiring HIS wisdom
- These 2 PRACTICES (giving God gratitude & seeking God’s wisdom) Biblical paths to God
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
- Zacheriah asks the question we all ask: ‘How can I be sure of this’
- This is an expression of our desire for control
- Even those who are righteous in God’s sight can doubt revelation from God
- Gabe says: Look I am an Archangel, I hang with God and do HIS business
- You can be sure of what I tell you because I am a projection of God’s will
- As a lesson, Zach is struck speechless until the birth of the child
- My guess is that he never doubted God again…or maybe he did (only human)
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
- The people gather at the temple for these daily sacrifices.
- The incense burning only took a couple minutes, what was the hold up?
- He was able to communicate that something had happened with gestures
- Why is Zach disciplined and yet Mary will not be?
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
- Once he is reunited with Beth they conceive
- Perhaps she thinks she is pregnant but waits to be sure (no ultrasound)
- It is a good practice to be sure of what God is doing before we declare it
- Beth recognizes that God has in this act declared HIS favor for Zach & Beth
- Since the disgrace was removed that means it must have been there
- People had judged what God thought of Zach & Beth based on circumstances
- People who serve God suffer; it is part of the deal
- Their years of suffering through childlessness prepared them for this
Then Gabriel visits Mary (Luke 26-38)
Guess what Mary, you are going to give birth to God!!!
You will have a child even though you are a virgin, even your relative Beth (cousin or aunt) who was thought to be barren has conceived, because God can do anything!
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Right away (at that time) Mary goes to see the one person who will understand
- Once Mary (and Jesus) were in Beth’s (and John’s) presence sparks fly!
- John in her womb was already ‘Filled with The Holy Spirit’; now Beth is also
- What does ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ mean?
- Luke uses this term ‘Filled’ here and in the book of Acts
42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
- When ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit she speaks with His voice
- The filling of the Holy Spirit always results in God being glorified (Acts 4 & 13)
SUMMARY:
God’s favor is not equal to earthly prosperity. In Scripture, God’s eternal grace is not always displayed in earthly circumstances. This ‘long-suffering’ couple is used to birth the greatest human ever…God’s blessings are not denoted by worldly success.
Zach & Beth are model servants, observing God’s Word blamelessly for decades, even though their dreams of a family go unrealized. God will refine willing vessels by hardship and faithful obedience, and then use them for HIS glory!
As spiritually mature as Zach was, he still doubted God’s messenger; all of us humans doubt. Obedience over time lays the groundwork to overcome doubt. This season is given by God to encourage us, even when we doubt. It is hard to doubt when you rejoice!
God fills HIS people with HIS Spirit creating focus and connection to participate in what HE is doing.
This text is just a chapter of the story of how God HIMSELF came to earth without comfort, acceptance or accolades. HE was unappreciated, un-thanked and to many, HE seemed cursed not blessed! The ONE who appeared to this world as most despised is in fact, the definition of blessing, the definition of love, the definition of Grace and Mercy and Forgiveness!
HE did not strive for a successful career or family or empire or office or travel or the accumulation of things …. He was born into lowliness and died in lowliness… for you and I. Born in a cave! Killed on a cross! That you and I might be united with God! Might we surrender our lives more fully to HIM today!
And THIS SEASON we get to celebrate this REALITY, God with us! Not just today but for weeks!
APPLICATION:
What circumstances in your life keep you from fully obeying and serving the Lord?
When you have doubts about God how do you go about alleviating them?
What are the eternal blessings that you count on to get you through tough times?
VISION & PRACTICE:
When we focus on what God has done and what He is doing, HE will lead us to belief in HIS favor for us. Let us intentionally celebrate HIM this Christmas and rejoice in our belief in God’s grace to us in Christ.
Advent Scripture
Prepare
Isiah 40:3-5 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Hope
Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Peace
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Joy
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.”
Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Love
John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 15:13 ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
1 John 4: 7-10 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
ADVENT PRAYERS
Preparation:
Father, just as You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus, help me to clear the path in my heart, too. Show me the distractions in my life that block me from all-out worship of You this Advent. Lord, I await Your coming! As I celebrate the first Advent––the first coming––I look toward the day where I will see You face to face. I imagine what it will be like. Give me a heart, Lord, that looks for Your coming on a daily basis. Help me to live my life where I’m constantly seeking Your presence. My offering to You today is my righteous life for I know I am only clean because of Jesus. Show me today how I need to be refined, purified, forgiven. Give me the strength to ask for forgiveness and to then change my ways. Amen
Hope
God, as I head into December, I want pause and remember all that You’ve done in my life, my family, and community. I praise You because You are the God who saves. You are Immanuel, God with us. I thank You that my hope is in You, not in circumstances or people. Because I hope in You, I am confident that You will fulfill Your promises to Me. Remind me today of what truly matters. Fix my hearts on You. Help me to see how You are working in the middle of my waiting. Draw me closer to You this Christmas season, and prepare My hearts for the fulfillment of Your promises. Amen.
Peace
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Thank You for you caring, and thank You for promising to give me your peace. Please guard my hearts and mind with Your peace. You know the things that have been weighing me down with worry, anxiety, or fear. Lord, please help me fix my mind on You instead, and on Your Spirit. Thank You for promising to bring me life and peace. Amen
Joy
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the joy that entered the world when Jesus was born. You have given us pure joy by becoming God with us. Lord, sometimes it’s difficult to live joyfully, especially in difficult or busy seasons. Please purify my heart this Christmas season and remind me that You’re in control. Help me to consider it joy when I experience trials of any kind because I know You’re creating something beautiful and eternal. Enable me to fix my eyes and heart on You, fill my soul with renewed strength, courage, and hope. Lord, you are always worthy of being praised – and I want to joyfully worship You! Amen
Love:
Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your Son for me, even before I loved You. Thank You for inviting me into Your family. Thank you for the sacrificial display of your love for me on the cross. Thank you for enabling me to surrender my life to you love. Help me to live a life that sacrificially display the love you have placed in me by your Spirit. Please help me to love others as You have loved me Father, please help me to see every person the same way that You see them. Help me love them the way that You love them — even when that love is not returned. Please show me how to walk continually in Your love, that perfect love which casts out fear. Amen.
Prayer Points
Pray for openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Pray for attentiveness to what truly matters, without being distracted by trivial things.
Pray for opportunities to learn something new.
Pray for discernment of how God would like you to set your priorities.
Pray for the ability to focus on biblical priorities consistently to fulfill His purposes in your life.
Pray for the grace to be able to rest, become aware of God’s presence, and enjoy it.
Pray for strong relationships with other people in the bond of a loving community.
Pray for peace in all situations, no matter what the circumstances.
Pray for freedom from all that burdens you – past mistakes, fears, destructive habits, hurts and more.
Pray for joy and a sense of humor.
Pray for confidence in God’s love for you and trust in His power to work things out for the best in your life.
Pray for a clear mind and the ability to clearly communicate what you value to others.
Pray for purity so you can grow as a person and encounter God more fully.
Pray for a genuine awareness of God’s grace in your life and the humility to extend grace to others.
How does history become ‘accepted’? What has been the process of consensus building around event to the point where we call it ‘historical fact’? History is recorded in various ways over time, with the dominant narrative of events undergoing periods of fluidity…until consensus is reached and affirmed, and reaffirmed.
The hebrews Scriptures (Holy Writings) were preserved, copied with supernatural care and circulated throughout the Mediterranean in paleo-Hebrew 1000 B.C. – 500B.C. Around 500 BC. the Aramaic alphabet was adopted for the Hebrew language in the time of Nehemiah and Ezra, returning exiles from Babylon. This enabled literate people in that area of the world to read the Hebrew scriptures. Around 300 B.C. The first five books of the O.T. were translated into Greek and less than 100 years later the Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures began circulating throughout the Greek speaking world. From there they were translated into many languages for the last 2000 yrs. These events in Joshua happened around 1400 B.C. For about 3400 years, the historical information of the Hebrews scriptures was known in agreement with other historical sources to be undisputed, universally accepted as historical fact.
Through out Scripture, the listing of people and places is how God embeds verifiable historical information into HIS Holy Writings. The significance of Chapter 12 is the documenting of God’s work through HIS people as to how God could conquer an entire region.
Joshua Chapter 12
1 These are the kings east of the Jordan River who had been defeated by the Israelites and whose land was taken. Their territory extended from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon and included all ‘The Land’ east of the Jordan Valley.
- This is the conquest of the portion of the promised land led by Moses
- These conquests are described at the end of the book of Numbers, chapter 21
2 King Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, was defeated. His kingdom included Aroer, on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, and extended from the middle of the Arnon Gorge to the Jabbok River, which serves as a border for the Ammonites. This territory included the southern half of the territory of Gilead. 3 Sihon also controlled the Jordan Valley and regions to the east—from as far north as the Sea of Galilee to as far south as the Dead Sea, including the road to Beth-jeshimoth and southward to the slopes of Pisgah.
- Arnon George is east of the southernmost part of the Dead Sea
- The Jabbok River meets the Jordan river where the city of Succoth is
4 King Og of Bashan, the last of the Rephaites, lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei. 5 He ruled a territory stretching from Mount Hermon to Salecah in the north and to all of Bashan in the east, and westward to the borders of the kingdoms of Geshur and Maacah. This territory included the northern half of Gilead, as far as the boundary of King Sihon of Heshbon.
- Raphaites: Giants like Anakites, (11:21-22) & Goliath. Og had 6 fingers & toes
- Bashan was a region that was called that in 1400 B.C. (Bible & other sources)
- 732 BC city of Ashtaroth in region known as Bashan conquered by Assyrians
- Then Assyrians made the Northern kingdom of Israel pay tribute (2nd Kings 15)
- Then they conquered & deported population (2nd Kings 16 & 1st Chronicles 5)
- Scripture is grounded in verified history (Accounts were verified for centuries)
- History was a oral record alongside the written (99% of people illiterate)
6 Moses, the servant of the Lord, and the Israelites had destroyed the people of King Sihon and King Og. And Moses gave their land as a possession to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
- Reuben, Gad and Manasseh ASKED FOR THE LAND
- Good land for livestock…
- They would be the 1st of the tribes to be exiled (1 Chronicles Ch. 5)
7 The following is a list of the kings that Joshua and the Israelite armies defeated on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which leads up to Seir. Joshua gave this land to the tribes of Israel as their possession, 8 including the hill country, the western foothills, the Jordan Valley, the mountain slopes, the Judean wilderness, and the Negev. The people who lived in this region were the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
- Geographic look at the territory conquered
- Listing of people groups that were largely destroyed (remnants on coast & hills)
These are the kings Israel defeated: 9 The king of Jericho. The king of Ai, near Bethel. 10 The king of Jerusalem. The king of Hebron. 11 The king of Jarmuth. The king of Lachish. 12 The king of Eglon. The king of Gezer. 13 The king of Debir. The king of Geder. 14 The king of Hormah. The king of Arad. 15 The king of Libnah. The king of Adullam. 16 The king of Makkedah. The king of Bethel.
- The listing of the kings is a social / political look at what was conquered
- Not all the cities conquered were initially occupied
- Not all of these Kings were previously mentioned
17 The king of Tappuah. The king of Hepher. 18 The king of Aphek. The king of Lasharon. 19 The king of Madon. The king of Hazor. 20 The king of Shimron. The king of Acshaph. 21 The king of Taanach. The king of Megiddo. 22 The king of Kedesh. The king of Jokneam in Carmel. 23 The king of Dor. The king of Goyim in Gilgal 24 The king of Tirzah. In all, thirty-one kings were defeated.
- Kings not mentioned before may have been defeated in Ch. 11:16-18
- 33 kings in all…The KING of 33 kings…the KING of all kings: Yahweh!
SUMMARY:
The land promised to Abram by God had people occupying it. God had HIS people devote these people to destruction in order to fulfill HIS promise. It happened and God wanted us to know it happened. For centuries this information was attested to as historically accurate. (not necessarily complete)
Moses and Joshua were commanded by God to devote these kingdoms according to to HIS plan. The listing of physical territory and each ‘king’ is a display of historical verifiability for generations to come with specific geographic and political information. This victorious God-Given conquest is part of the identity of HIS people, then and now.
At this point God’s people begin to occupy The Promised Land, but it is not a completed conquest of all the territory promised to Abram. Up to this point there has been unified obedience under Joshua (except 1st battle of Ai).
BIG Themes of the Book of Joshua:
- Obedience fuels the miraculous
- God’s People can possess what God promises them
- God’s People are strong & courageous when they trust HIM
- The value of our faith in God is found in our acting on it
- Disobedience leads to disaster
- Leadership matters to all of us
- God always fulfills His Promises
APPLICATION:
Why is it important for a follower of Christ to embrace the Historicity of the Hebrew Scriptures?
How does YOUR historical understanding of all Scripture influence your life as a disciple of Christ?
Which ones of the seven themes listed above do you fully resonate with? Which ones do you not fully agree with?
VISION & PRACTICE:
God has embedded history into Scripture and The Scripture contains verifiable history for us to see HIM at work in HIS Story. Might we grow in our practice of applying historical context to our understanding of God’s Word.
Practice: praying before during and after Biblical preaching; asking God to use what is being said to convict, educate and inspire you. Ask God to keep you from thinking about other people’s need to hear what is being preached, ask HIM to focus you on your need.
There is really no application in this text for those who have not Biblically converted to Christ Following…and the message is a bit redundant…That is odd because God should realize we are smart enough to get it right if we are told once… seriously!
Big Picture: God provided a way for HIS people to quickly and definitively conquer the peoples HE decided to destroy. Joshua leads the united Israel to accept what God provides and do as HE commands. That is what we sign up for when we give our life to Jesus Christ…it is not ours anymore. As God provides whatever our job is to obey.
The conquest of the land promised to Abraham by His descendants has been fully orchestrated and accomplished by God…just like the rest of all human history! As His people we are to use the documented record of these events to learn, to gain insight, to mature spiritually…Why do we mature spiritually? To REPRODUCE! How is spiritual maturity measured? Those who are mature reproduce healthy, maturing disciples.
At the core of spiritual maturity is obedience to what God commands. It is the map, the road, the vehicle, the journey and the destination: Obedience! This passage shows God bringing about the destruction of thousands using the obedience of HIS people. As HIS people there are lesson for us if we yield to God’s Spirit and obey.
Joshua 11
When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Akshaph, 2 and to the northern kings who were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Chinnereth, in the western foothills and in Naphoth Dor on the west; 3 to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites below Mt. Hermon in the region of Mizpah. 4 They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
- Jabin is singled out as the initiator, he gathers 8 groups against Israel; 160 sq. mi.
- God gathers them, they don’t gather themselves
- One large battle: faster, more efficient, greater display of God’s power
6 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.” 7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them, 8 and the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to them as the Lord had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots.
- The ultimate confidence builder: when God says don’t be afraid we can obey!
- God says how it is going to happen and that is how it happens
- Joshua led them and they followed in doing exactly what God commanded
10 At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword. (Hazor had been the head of all these kingdoms.) 11 Everyone in it they put to the sword. They totally devoted them, not sparing anyone that breathed, and he burned Hazor itself. 12 Joshua took all these royal cities and their kings and put them to the sword. He totally devoted them, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. 13 Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds—except Hazor, which Joshua burned.
- Hazor is burned, the other cities are left standing…they will be inhabited
- We can Assume God told Joshua to burn the city of Hazor but not any others
14 The Israelites carried off for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but all the people they put to the sword until they completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone that breathed. 15 As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.
- These cites are taken in an efficient way to enrich the Israelites
- God wrote Scripture… God must be satisfied with the level of obedience
- God says the obedience was total
16 So Joshua took this entire land: the hill country, all the Negev, the whole region of Goshen, the western foothills, the Arabah and the mountains of Israel with their foothills, 17 from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, to Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and put them to death. 18 Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time.
- This entire land: The northern & southern parts of the promised land
- The detail of the conquest seems quick, but it was a longer time then southern
19 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. 20 For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that Joshua might devote them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
- All the other cities were inflamed with the desire to destroy the Israelites
- God willed it and did it!
21 At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakites from the hill country: from Hebron, Debir and Anab, from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua totally destroyed them and their towns. 22 No Anakites were left in Israelite territory; only in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod did any survive.
- When the northern end of the promised land was secured Joshua went south
- Mop up campaign of ‘Giants’ who were hiding in small groups in the hills
- They didn’t join the original souther battle
23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
- This is the completion of the initial conquest
- The ‘Land’ had peace
- Only when God’s will is obeyed is there peace
- Salvation is ‘Peace with God’
SUMMARY:
God moves the northern kings to assemble, then gives HIS people the assurance of HIS intention to go before them and destroy their foes. God gives HIS people what they need, our challenge is to move forward with confidence in HIM..
The city that leads the attack on Israel is made an example of. Except the Gibeonites, not one other group tries to make peace. Actively working against God is a place without peace.
Joshua follows the example of Moses: complete obedience, leaving nothing of all that the Lord commanded. Partial obedience is disobedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Every moment is exactly as God wills it to happen and it is recorded specifically as HE desires. God’s control of every aspect of our world is redundantly taught in Scripture for HIS people’s benefit.
In response to God providing, HIS people are careful to do all that HE commands.
APPLICATION:
Is there an area where you have not obeyed God because you don’t think HE has provided the right situation? What needs to happen for you to obey?
Do you have a lack of peace in your life? Is there way you are working against what God has clearly commanded? (relationships / your role in the church / money) What is your response?
Have you fully embraced a Biblical Theology of God’s control? How is this embrace connected to your spiritual maturity?
VISION & PRACTICE:
As His people we get insight into what God wants us to do, generally and specifically, throught he continued study of scripture. Then we build a lifestyle of obedience; practicing humility and teachability so we can humbly teach others as we mature.
Today’s passage is easily dismissed and overlooked as just more conquest. But it is just as important as any part of God’s Word. Do we have the humility before the ‘All-Everything God’ to trust HE knows best? Do you believe that whatever your idea of best is, God’s idea of best is better?
Previously on Joshua: The Longest Day:
29 Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it. 30 The Lord also gave that city and its king into Israel’s hand. The city and everyone in it Joshua put to the sword. He left no survivors there. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho.
- The battle had begun as a defense of Gibeon (they made a treaty)
- The 5 Kings (led by the King of Jerusalem) were surprised and routed
- The armies in retreat before Israel were killed by massive hailstones
- Kings hid in a cave while God extended the daylight for and extra day
- They stood on the necks of the kings, the sun finally set now the 2nd day
31 Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libnah to Lachish; he took up positions against it and attacked it. 32 The Lord gave Lachish into Israel’s hands, and Joshua took it on the second day. The city and everyone in it he put to the sword, just as he had done to Libnah. 33 Meanwhile, Horam king of Gezer had come up to help Lachish, but Joshua defeated him and his army—until no survivors were left.
- Approached as the sun set, they surrounded them, and then attacked in the am
- ‘Took up positions’ can also be translated as ‘laid siege to’
- The second day of the campaign will be a normal length day so they get busy
34 Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon; they took up positions against it and attacked it. 35 They captured it that same day and put it to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish. 36 Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. 37 They took the city and put it to the sword, together with its king, its villages and everyone in it. They left no survivors. Just as at Eglon, they totally destroyed it and everyone in it.
- Again they took up positions, the armies are not coming out fo the cities
- Hebron is a bit bigger, a city with villages surrounding it
- So at this point it seems like an unnecessary amount of carnage
- We look at this and say, ‘maybe he can just kill soldiers…’
- This is what obedience can look like sometimes…
38 Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned around and attacked Debir. 39 They took the city, its king and its villages, and put them to the sword. Everyone in it they totally destroyed. They left no survivors. They did to Debir and its king as they had done to Libnah and its king and to Hebron.
- Repetition is to show the continued obedience
- Just like you and I they might begin to say, (‘Do we have to kill them all?’)
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon.
- They did as God commanded, no shortcuts, no editing of the command
- It may not have been made explicit earlier in chapter, this summation does
- Every life God put before them they devoted to HIM, that was HIS Plan
42 All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. 43 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
- One campaign 2 days; a double length day and a single length day
- How could this all be accomplished in such a short period of time?
- Why didn’t they attack Jerusalem on their way back to Gilgal?
- Why did God have the Israelites kill everyone?
SUMMARY:
City after city is attacked and utterly destroyed as an act of obedience to what God had commanded HIS people to do. (Deut. 20:16-18) Every life was ‘Devoted’ to the Lord.
The army trusted Joshua’s leadership to the point where they trusted God’s plan even if they could not fully understand it.
In God’s Judgement HE used the Israelites to devote to HIM earthly lives, but ultimately God is in charge of the eternal lives of all the humans everywhere. We are born & die according to HIS Plan.
This is an extreme example of the Biblical Principal: God’s people are called to obey without complete information, because HE made us HIS people.
APPLICATION:
Is there something God has led you to do that you can’t understand why you should do it? Will you do it anyway? What would a Biblical Practice of that process look like?
Why does God allow seemingly innocent people to die? Do you require an answer you agree with? What standards do you use to judge if God is fair or not?
If God Judged these people, can you trust they deserved to be Judged?
If God Saved these people, can you trust God’s decision to give them eternal life?
VISION & PRACTICE
What we can see of God’s plan is fundamentally limited. Biblically following Christ is about developing a relationship with God where we humbly trust in HIS character; then we can trust HIS Plan!
What is your view of God? Where are you as far as having a solid Biblical Theology? How we view God is the most important thing in this world. We cannot be rightly related to someone who we do not know and understand. Getting to know God is no small deal…there is a lot to learn!
From a informed Biblical Theology flows:
- How we relate to God
- How we view Christ
- How we view His bride
- How we do relationships
- How we structure our lifestyle and lifework
- How we conduct ourselves in public and private
- How we handle money & resources
- How we raise children
With a complete grasp of both Testaments, read as God’s people have always read them, we understand a lot about God…one critical thing to understand is that we cannot fully understand HIM in this life. The more we are drawn into the reality of Jesus Christ by God’s sovereign will, we see a better picture of who God is.
A key aspect of the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ, is that God loved us humans so much HE encapsulated His divinity into a human body, supernaturally impregnating a woman. He does this so we can see HIM in a relatable way. Why? Because HIS totality is beyond our ability to comprehend…But we can understand enough! Enough to trust Him, enough to walk with Him, enough to let Him Parent you, enough to surrender your life to Christ’s call to be His disciple… I hope today’s passage helps.
Our text today can seem to be a bit basic and repetitive regarding the conquest we are in the midst of. But as we view it from a perspective of the Old Testament Scripture together with the New Testament Scripture, it joins a chorus of God’s Word declaring HIS all encompassing Omni-Everything!
Singular / Self Existent / All Knowing / All Powerful / Unconstrained by time, space, matter or ANYTHING / Essentially Perfect / The Definer of Love / The Author of Grace / The Beginning and The End of EVERYTHING!
Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. ~ 10:10b
- This ends up being about 20 miles of combat, they needed the extra day!
16 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 17 When Joshua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah, 18 he said, “Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it. 19 But don’t stop; pursue your enemies! Attack them from the rear and don’t let them reach their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand.”
- The Kings hide in a cave from the hail and to evade the ‘Light’
- God demonstrates HE controls the Amorite Gods (Sun & Moon)
- Here Joshua recognizes God’s plan and uses the time wisely
20 So Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely, but a few survivors managed to reach their fortified cities. 21 The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.
- They basically destroyed FIVE armies with Zero casualties on their side
- There was no remaining unrest, or further resistance
- The civilians recognized they were under the control of the God of Israel
22 Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” 23 So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon.
- They bring them out into the extended daylight
- The repetition of who the Kings are
24 When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks.
- This is a visceral experience of the victory, a demonstration of absolute control
- God’s control is being exercised through the nation of Israel
25 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.”
- This is what God says to HIS people when they trust enough to obey
- The sin of the Amorites must be complete for now God is enacting Judgement
- In Genesis 15 God told Abram that his offspring would get this land
- When the ‘Sin of the Amorites has reached it’s full measure’ (Judgement Hour)
26 Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the poles and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.
- Public show of dominance, as God has told them HE wants it done
- The practice of taking the punished off the impaling pole carries forward
28 That day Joshua took Makkedah. He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.
- Joshua is finishing exactly as God has commanded and will continue
- Same goal: God wants the Amorites fully devoted to HIM (HIS Judgement)
SUMMARY:
The Kings hide in response to God’s power, but they mistakenly believe HE is somehow limited. Scripture teaches that HE is unlimited, our response is belief.
The God of Scripture has absolute control of both the natural and the supernatural. Confidence in The Omni-Everything God allows us to live without fear.
Joshua pays attention to what God is providing and makes the most of it. As God’s people we are given the opportunity to be stewards in meaningful ways.
Joshua keeps doing what he has been commanded by God to do until he is told otherwise. The ultimate example of finishing well is our Lord Jesus Christ
APPLICATION:
Have you been convinced by a thorough study of scripture as to whether the God of the Bible is limited or not?
If God controls all things at all times, how should we specifically live based on that?
What are some specific things you would consider ‘Good Stewardship’ of the Biblical Gospel message?
Is there something you have not finished well? What did you learn from that experience?
VISION & PRACTICE:
Scripture testifies to God’s Omni-Everything! As HIS people we can make the smallest and biggest decisions in our life based on that reality.
As followers of Christ do we need some kind of explanation for miracles like this? (Old NASA Rumor) Slowing of Earth’s rotation? Earth wobbling on it’s axis? Some form of bending light? Did we require a explanation for God parting the Jordan river… or for that matter the Red Sea? Perhaps nothing physically changed yet God made everyone in the area He divided out see the sun and moon stand still…
We’re not going to learn how this miracle happened…we will learn some other things. We will learn about sacrificial integrity, displayed by Joshua. We will learn how doing the right thing puts you into partnership with God. What that looks like is believing what God tells you SO MUCH that you ask Him to do something only HE can do. This moment of partnership between God and Joshua is unparalleled / unprecedented.
As His people we are all called to that kind of partnership, not on this scale, but in ways that can have eternal impact. Our integrity and obedience opens our eyes to what God is doing all around HIM! Then it is partnership time, true partnership with God! To HIS glory!
Joshua 10:1-15
Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters.
- Word travels fast in the land of Canaan
- The alliance that was formed just weeks ago is called into action
- Notice that the guy who leads this fight is The King of Jerusalem
- Jerusalem is closest to Gibeon (driven by fear)
3 So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
- This King calls himself: ‘Lord of Righteousness’
- The word ‘Gibeonite’ means ‘Good Fighter’ V2 (Provide a local advantage)
- Better to eliminate them before they can help the Israelites
- They basically laid siege to the city, surrounded it
- It is to the Israelites advantage to get them all out in the open country
- This is God working… He is always at work
6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.” 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
- Joshua could have said: ‘This will take care of my Gibeonite problem’
- His honoring his oath, his integrity, was not dependent on what the others did
- Honoring His oath was not determined based on what the outcome would be
- He got the army ready to go and his integrity is rewarded with partnership
- God tells Him what HE is going to do: HE will eliminate them ALL
9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah.
- 15 miles from Gilgal to Gibeon, march at about 3 miles and hour (5 hour march)
- They show up at 3am and it is mass confusion
- The Amorites are routed and begin to retreat, they don’t retreat to Jerusalem
- They go west then south through the valley
- The route described covers about 20 miles!
11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
- All 5 Kings and their men retreat down a thoroughfare
- As they run away the Amorites are pelted with big hail (softball size?)
12 On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
- Time sequence: Joshua likely said this as the pursuit began
- The Amorites worshiped the Sun and the Moon as Gods
- Joshua (& Yahweh) wanted to display HIS power over their deities
- ‘The Ultimate Demoralizer’
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
- Gibeon is sworn ally so in essence the 5 Kings attacked Israel (avenged)
- Book of Jashar (Book of The Just Ones) Citing another source that recorded it
- If God wanted us to have this book He would have preserved it
- Net effect: another day (12 hours) of light by which to mop up the Amorites
- The Israelites were partners, not just servants. God fought for AND with them
14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel! 15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
- This is how Joshua was allowed by God to perceive the event
- Human perspective, divinely guided to communicate exactly what God wants
The Book Experiencing God: How I started living 22 years ago
Love relationship > Obedience > God Speaks > Join Him (adjustment in your life)
“Miracles rest on testimony, not on scientific analyses. While it is interesting to speculate on how God might have performed any particular Biblical miracle, including Joshua’s long day, ultimately those claiming to be disciples of Jesus Christ (who authenticated the divine record of the Bible) must accept them, by faith.” ~ Russell Grigg
SUMMARY:
Joshua is an example to us in how He honors his word displaying ‘Non-Situation Driven Integrity’: Doing the right thing no matter what!
God was at work getting the Amorite Kings to attack, Joshua’s obedience puts him in a place to work hand in hand with God, a place of joining God where He is working as His partner.
The miracles recorded here do not require an explanation for those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. The ‘Self Existent’ All-Sovereign Lord of The Universe can manipulate, create, replicate, impersonate or make anyone see, hear and think whatever HE wants…If HE is who Scripture says HE is.
There is a place of partnership with God that we can experience through our integrity and obedience where we are so in-sync with God that HIS will becomes ours: ‘Flow’.
Joshua asked God to do exactly what God want to do: ‘He listened to a human’.
APPLICATION:
Do you believe in ‘Situational Ethics’? If so how does that ‘World View’ correspond to the message of Scripture in general and today’s passage in particular?
Where might God be working around YOU? Is there something you need to change in your life in order to join HIM in that work?
How comfortable are you with the idea that miracles are left unexplained? Are you waiting on an explanation before you really believe?
VISION & PRACTICE: General
‘Practical Principles’ are found in the proper reading of Scripture. We use those to develop ‘Practical Patterns’ of lifestyle that consist of specific ‘Practical Practices’ we do, not just talk about.
VISION & PRACTICE: Today
As Christ’s Body, when we walk with God in obedience and integrity, it puts us in a position to join HIM in HIS work. This means practicing basic, daily things that Scripture clearly calls us to do and be; developing a lifestyle of doing the right thing no matter the situation.
Elisha & Resurrection Power
II Kings 4:8-37
“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a prominent woman lived…..she said to her husband, ‘behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room for him so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.'” (v.8-9)
“One day he came there, turned into the chamber and rested there…..he said, ‘you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?’….she answered, ‘I dwell among my own people’…..and he said, ‘about this time next year, you shall embrace a son’…..the woman conceived, and she bore a son, as Elisha had said to her.” (v.11-17)
“When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, ‘oh my head, my head!’ The father said to his servant, ‘carry him to his mother’….the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.” (v.18-20)
“She called her husband and said, ‘send me one of the servants, and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come again’. And he said, ‘why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon or Sabbath.’ She said, ‘all is well’….so she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.” (v.22-25a)
“When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘look, there is the Shunammite. Run at once to meet her and say to her, is all with with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘all is well.'” (v.25b-26)
“Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, ‘the child has not awakened.’ When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord….” (v.31-32)
“Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth to his mouth, his eyes to his eyes, and his hands on his hands……the flesh of the child became warm…..the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.” (v.34-35)
Summary:
– We do what we do because we are what we are.
– Be discerning with God’s people, supportive, encouraging, serving, and praying.
– Don’t judge the Lord based on your present, difficult circumstances. Your conclusions about Him will be wrong.
This world is full of messages and information that are deceptive and the deception is evil and destructive. In order to not be deceived by this world you must have 2 things: God’s Spirit within you AND the practice of seeking Him for EVERYTHING! God’s Presence is the only source of true discernment. Only HE knows the whole story, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
As the nation of Israel began to conquer and inhabit the promised land, they had the presence of Yahweh in their midst, God chose to inhabit their community. Now that Christ has come the 1st time…The Holy Spirit indwells believers, resulting in the presence of God inhabiting their community, OUR Community! God gives us His presence but He does not force His guidance on us, He wants us to ask for it. He is the ‘Ultimate Gentleman’.
One of the biggest problems in discerning what is really true is we have to overcome our pride, we think we know the deal…Far too often we believe we know what the truth is so we stop inquiring and processing information. The practice of remaining curious, humbly realizing that we don’t have all the information is a way we guard against pride that leads to deception.
The Nation of Israel had seen what happens when they seek God and are led by Him, and they had seen how thing go when they try it their way, in this text we see how a complacency and lack of seeking God goes.
Joshua 9
1 Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—the kings in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites) — 2 they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel.
- They heard about these things, the annihilation of Ai
- They convened a War Council, they made a pact (common enemy)
3 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5 They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy.
- Gibeon was closest to where the Israelites were
- They had the best information, and chose to try something other than fighting
- They crafted a deception…
6 Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” 7 The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” 8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?”
- They presented themselves and asked for a peace treaty
- The Israelites were suspicious and questioning
9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.”
- Claiming to be their servants because they have heard about their God
- They are careful to not include anything that has happened in the last month
11 “Our elders and all those living in our country said to us, Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, ‘We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”’ 12 “This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”
- A compelling tale that makes the Israelites think they are from a great distance
- They accept the info with further inquiry
14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
- After hearing their story they looked at the evidence the Gibeonites offered
- They perhaps tasted and smelled their foodstuffs
- BUT THEY DIDN’T ASK GOD ABOUT IT!!!!
- Joshua made peace & oaths were sworn based on a story and moldy bread
- The evidence was real but it was without true context (the context was a lie)
- Without the proper context, information can be deceiving…
16 Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them. 17 So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. 18 But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.
- It only took three day to find out they had been duped
- Perhaps they had gone on a couple of scouting missions, talked to other locals
The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, 19 but all the leaders answered, “We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. 20 This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God’s wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them.” 21 They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers in the service of the whole assembly.” So the leaders’ promise to them was kept.
- The people wanted to attack but the leaders feared God because of their oath
- Since they could not make war against them they enslaved them
- They were to cut & haul wood and carry water (constant, hard work)
- They were allowed to live but as slaves
22 Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way from you,’ while actually you live near us? 23 You are now under a curse: You will never be released from service as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
- Why would you do this and be enslaved?
- Joshua pronounces a curse on them
- They will be servants of the temple / tent of meeting / altar of sacrifice
24 They answered Joshua, “Your servants were clearly told how the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.”
- They recognized the reality of who God was & how He was leading His people
- They figured their best chance was to fool them not fight them
26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. 27 That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day.
- Joshua would not sacrifice His integrity to please the people
- He found a solution that let the Israelite honor their oath and further God’s plan
- God held the Israelites to their oath, (Saul broke it and was punished)
SUMMARY:
The inhabitants of Canaan / The Promised Land recognize the threat the Israelite represent and they reacted in two ways: some cities band together to fight and one smaller group create an elaborate deception to escape destruction.
The Gibeonites presented information and evidence to the Israelites that was not what it appeared to be. Facts out of context are in essence lies and deception. Deception is aided by pride because instead of questioning assumptions are made.
God’s people looked at what the world presented as the truth and did not consult the author of all truth to discern truth from lie. A lack of routine practice of seeking God resulted in them being deceived.
God’s people , led by Joshua, displayed integrity and feared God after being deceived by not going back on their oath and taking ownership of their foolishness.
The Gibeonites were saved from the just wrath of Yahweh because in their own way they honored Him and recognized his absolute sovereignty. Their destiny would be to serve the Israelite’s worship of God.
APPLICATION:
When faced with a hard situation do you look to fight or attempt deception to overcome obstacles?
How curious are you regarding the information you see about the world around you? What do you use as a guide to process that information?
How do you regularly inquire of God? What does your practice look like?
When you have made bad decisions who do you blame and why?
VISION & PRACTICE
God’s people should be aware of the deceptiveness of the information the world is giving them and guided by Scripture we are to practice regularly seeking God’s guidance rather than when we are unsure.