What does Joshua 11:12 teach about God's sovereignty in fulfilling His plans? Verse at a Glance “Joshua captured all these kings and their cities and struck them with the sword. He devoted them to destruction, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded.” — Joshua 11:12 Tracing God’s Plan Behind the Battle - Long before Joshua fought these battles, God had announced His intent to give Canaan to Israel (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 23:23). - Moses relayed God’s specific instructions about destroying the Canaanite strongholds (Deuteronomy 7:2). - Joshua 11:12 records the exact fulfillment of that earlier word: Joshua “did as Moses…had commanded,” and Moses had spoken exactly what the LORD had revealed to him (Joshua 11:15). How Sovereignty Shines Through • God originated the plan – The conquest was not Joshua’s idea; it was God’s covenant promise (Genesis 15:18-21). • God guided every step – Each military move followed commandments given through Moses (Joshua 1:7-8). • God guaranteed the outcome – “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). • God employed obedient servants – Joshua becomes a living example that human faithfulness is the means God often uses to accomplish His predetermined ends (Philippians 2:13). Supporting Scriptures - Isaiah 14:24 “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be, and as I have purposed, so will it stand.” - Proverbs 19:21 “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” - Ephesians 1:11 “…according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” Implications for Us Today • God’s Word is certain; every promise He makes is as good as done. • Obedient faith partners with divine sovereignty rather than competing with it. • The same God who directed Joshua still orchestrates history, ensuring that nothing can derail His redemptive purposes (Romans 8:28). |
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