Connect Deuteronomy 9:1 with Joshua's conquest. How does it demonstrate God's faithfulness? Setting the Stage: Deuteronomy 9:1 “Hear, O Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.” • God describes the enemy as “greater and stronger,” making victory humanly impossible. • The “cities fortified to the heavens” recall the fearful reports of the spies (Numbers 13:28; Deuteronomy 1:28). • The promise is clear: Israel will “dispossess” them—remove them completely. Promises That Sound Impossible • Exodus 23:27-28—God pledges to send terror ahead of Israel and drive out the nations. • Deuteronomy 7:1-2—He repeats that He Himself will deliver seven nations “larger and stronger” into Israel’s hand. • These statements hinge entirely on God’s faithfulness; Israel has no natural advantage. Joshua Steps into the Promise 1. Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3-4) – The river parts at flood stage, proving God’s presence. 2. Jericho’s Walls Fall (Joshua 6:20) – “The wall collapsed,” matching Deuteronomy 9:1’s mention of “fortified” cities. 3. Victory at Ai (Joshua 8) after dealing with sin in the camp—reminding Israel that obedience keeps the promise on track. 4. Southern Campaign (Joshua 10) – Five-king coalition routed; the sun stands still, underscoring divine intervention. 5. Northern Campaign (Joshua 11:4-6, 8-12) – Armies “as numerous as the sand” and iron chariots defeated when God says, “Tomorrow at this time I will deliver them all slain before Israel.” 6. Giants Eliminated (Joshua 11:21-22) – “Joshua cut off the Anakim,” the very people Israel once feared (cf. Deuteronomy 9:2). 7. Summary of Fulfillment (Joshua 21:43-45) – “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises… failed; everything was fulfilled.” God’s Faithfulness on Display • He overcame overwhelming odds (“greater and stronger”). • He toppled impregnable defenses (“cities fortified to the heavens”). • He kept His covenant oath first given to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). • He removed the formidable Anakim, silencing decades-old fears. • He sustained Israel’s army through years of war without a single promise failing. What This Reveals About God’s Character • Covenant-keeping—He never forgets what He has spoken. • Sovereign power—Natural barriers, giant warriors, and military coalitions cannot resist Him. • Patient grace—Despite Israel’s failures (e.g., Achan’s sin), He restores and continues the mission. • Complete reliability—Joshua 23:14 echoes Moses: “Not one word has failed of all the good things the LORD your God promised concerning you.” Living in the Assurance Today • The same God who conquered “fortified cities” keeps every word He has spoken in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Past victories build present confidence: if He fulfilled Deuteronomy 9:1 through Joshua, He will fulfill His promises to guide, provide, and preserve His people now. |
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