What other biblical examples show God driving out nations before His people? Joshua 23:9 in Context “The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.” Joshua is reminding Israel that what they have just witnessed in Canaan is part of a long, unbroken pattern: God Himself clears the way for His covenant people. Earlier Deliverance — Egypt Swept Away • Exodus 14:30-31 — “That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians… the people feared the LORD and believed in Him.” • Plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army show God personally dismantling the mightiest nation on earth so His people can walk out free. Victories in the Wilderness • Sihon of Heshbon — Numbers 21:24: Israel “took possession of his land,” exactly as God promised. • Og of Bashan — Numbers 21:34: “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand.” • Amalek at Rephidim — Exodus 17:8-13: As Moses’ hands were raised, “Joshua overwhelmed Amalek.” The battle’s outcome turned on the LORD’s involvement, not Israel’s muscle. Conquest of Canaan under Joshua • Jericho — Joshua 6:20: walls fall without a siege; God topples the city Himself. • Ai and the Southern Coalition — Joshua 10:42: “because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” • Northern Kings — Joshua 11:6: “Tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel.” From Judges to Kings — Ongoing Expulsion of Enemies • Gideon vs. Midian — Judges 6:16: “Surely I will be with you… you will strike down the Midianites as one man.” • Samson vs. Philistines — Judges 15:14-15: “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him,” and 1,000 fall. • David vs. Philistines — 2 Samuel 5:24: “the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the camp.” • Jehoshaphat vs. Moab & Ammon — 2 Chronicles 20:17: “You need not fight in this battle… see the salvation of the LORD.” • Hezekiah vs. Assyria — 2 Kings 19:35: the angel of the LORD wipes out 185,000 overnight. Prophetic Assurance • Exodus 23:28: “I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites.” • Deuteronomy 9:3: “the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire… you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly.” Why These Stories Matter Today • They confirm God’s unwavering faithfulness—He literally performs what He promises. • They highlight His unmatched power—nations rise and fall at His word. • They assure believers that the same God who went before Israel still goes before His people, accomplishing His purposes and keeping His covenant. |
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