What can we learn from the Canaanites' fear about God's reputation? Setting the Scene: A River Stopped, Hearts Stopped “Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.” (Joshua 5:1) Fear Spreads Faster Than Footsteps • News of God’s miracle outran Israel’s army. • The reaction was universal—kings, soldiers, citizens. • Their terror was rooted not in Israel’s strength but in the Lord’s unmistakable intervention. Lessons Drawn from the Canaanites’ Fear 1. God’s reputation is missionary. • His works proclaim His name long before His people arrive. 2. Unbelievers can recognize the reality of God’s power. • Acknowledging His might is not the same as submitting to it. 3. God’s past faithfulness fuels future victories. • Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the Jordan (Joshua 3–4) bookend Israel’s wilderness; both miracles broadcast His supremacy. 4. Fear can soften or harden. • Rahab’s household sought mercy (Joshua 2:9–13). • Most Canaanite kings chose resistance and suffered judgment. 5. Divine timing matters. • While enemy courage collapsed, Israel paused for covenant renewal (Joshua 5:2–9), showing that spiritual readiness outweighs military momentum. Scripture Echoes of God’s Fearsome Reputation • Exodus 15:14–16 – “The nations will hear and tremble…” • Joshua 2:11 – “When we heard it, our hearts melted… for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” • 1 Samuel 4:7 – Philistines panic: “Woe to us! Nothing like this has happened before.” • James 2:19 – “Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” • Acts 19:17 – Fear seizes Ephesus, and “the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Living in Light of His Unstoppable Name • Speak of God’s deeds; He uses testimony to prepare hearts. • Expect resistance, but remember that unseen fear may already be weakening the opposition. • Let God’s past interventions bolster present faith—He still parts waters. • Choose Rahab’s response, not the Canaanite kings’: humble surrender rather than futile defiance. |
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