How does Joshua 10:1 demonstrate God's faithfulness to Israel's covenant with Him? Setting the Scene in Joshua 10:1 “Now Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai and devoted it to destruction—just as he had done to Jericho and its king—and that the people of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them.” Echoes of Covenant Promises in One Verse • God’s pledge to bring Israel into Canaan (Genesis 15:18–21) is visibly advancing: Jericho and Ai are already fallen. • The terror of the Lord goes before Israel, exactly as promised: – “I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter” (Exodus 23:27). – “This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples under the whole heaven” (Deuteronomy 2:25). • Gibeon’s treaty shows nations seeking mercy under Israel’s banner, hinting at the broader blessing foretold to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). • Each fulfilled word underscores the unbreakable nature of the covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9). Three Evidences of Faithfulness Highlighted 1. Victories at Jericho and Ai – God had said, “Every place where the sole of your foot treads, I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). – The fall of two fortified cities proves the promise is literal, not symbolic. 2. Fear Among Canaanite Kings – Adoni-zedek’s alarm fulfills Deuteronomy 11:25: “No man shall be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land.” – This divine fear is a covenant weapon, softening the land for Israel’s advance. 3. A Surprising Ally in Gibeon – While Israel moves in judgment, God also draws a remnant from the nations. – The covenant originally aimed to bless “all families of the earth” through Abraham; Gibeon becomes an early sign of that mercy. Promises Fulfilled, Promises in Motion • Past faithfulness (Jericho, Ai) becomes the guarantee of future deliverance (the coming battle of Gibeon where the sun stands still, Joshua 10:12-14). • Each new step verifies God’s earlier words: “Not one of the good promises the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45). The Ripple Effect for Today’s Believer • God’s record of literal fulfillment invites unshakeable confidence in every remaining promise of Scripture. • When circumstances look daunting, Joshua 10:1 reminds us that God is already working behind the scenes, spreading His influence far beyond our sight. • The Lord’s covenant loyalty is not sporadic; it is woven into every headline of history—then and now. |
    |