What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Joshua 12:5? Context Snapshot • Joshua 12 lists the defeated kings east and west of the Jordan, underscoring how completely the LORD delivered the land to Israel. • Verse 5 zeroes in on Og, king of Bashan, and details the vast region he once controlled: “He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah, all Bashan up to the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, as well as half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.” Reading the Verse • The verse is not mere geography; it is a record of God carving out Israel’s inheritance. • Every mountain, city, and border mentioned had been under pagan rule. Now they stand as evidence that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). Sovereignty on Display • God determines borders – Deuteronomy 32:8: “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples…” – Acts 17:26 affirms the same truth for all history. • God removes and installs rulers – Daniel 2:21: “He removes kings and establishes them.” – Og’s downfall shows that no throne is secure against God’s plan. • God governs the timing – Israel did not stumble upon Bashan; the conquest happened exactly when God decreed (Genesis 15:16). • God keeps His covenant word – Genesis 15:18 promised land “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.” Joshua 12 confirms step-by-step fulfillment. • God showcases His might through human weakness – Og’s territory was fortified and Og himself a giant (Deuteronomy 3:11). Israel’s victory highlights that success rests on divine power, not military odds (Psalm 33:16-17). • God’s sovereignty reaches down to local details – Mount Hermon to Salecah—named places prove God’s rule is not abstract but concrete and traceable. Living It Out • Trust God with your “territory.” If He orders mountain ranges and international borders, He can handle career moves, family situations, and health crises (Matthew 6:31-33). • Stand firm when culture appears formidable. Og looked invincible; God was greater (Psalm 46:10). • Remember victories. Just as Israel recited defeated kings, rehearse answered prayers and past deliverances to feed present faith (Psalm 77:11-12). • Submit cheerfully. Resisting His rule is futile; resting in it brings peace (Proverbs 19:21). |
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