What does Joshua 11:22 teach about the importance of complete obedience to God? Setting the Scene - God commissioned Israel to conquer Canaan and “destroy them totally” (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). - Joshua 11 describes a decisive northern campaign that broke the power of Canaan’s kings. - Verses 21-22 focus on the Anakim, a race of formidable giants who had intimidated Israel forty years earlier (Numbers 13:28-33). The Text “Joshua 11:22: ‘No Anakites were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.’” Key Observations - Israel followed God’s command with great thoroughness, removing the Anakim from their own territory. - Three Philistine cities—Gaza, Gath, Ashdod—remained outside Israel’s immediate control, and Anakim survived there. - The verse is a historical note, but it also functions as a spiritual marker: obedience was impressive, yet not absolutely complete. Lessons on Complete Obedience - God’s instructions are specific; partial fulfillment leaves spiritual footholds for future trouble. - Obedience must reach every area God identifies, not merely the convenient ones. - The standard is not “almost” but “all.” James 2:10 reminds us, “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” Consequences of Partial Obedience - Goliath of Gath emerged generations later (1 Samuel 17:4), a direct link to the Anakim left in Gath. - The Philistines became Israel’s chronic adversaries (Judges 13:1; 1 Samuel 13:19-22). - God had warned that sparing the inhabitants would cause Israel to “teach you all the detestable practices they do” (Deuteronomy 20:18). Judges 2:1-3 shows the fulfillment of that warning. New Testament Echoes - Jesus: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - Paul: “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). Joshua’s leftover enclaves illustrate how footholds grow into strongholds. - Peter: “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14). Personal Application - Identify any “Gaza, Gath, or Ashdod” in life—areas not fully surrendered. - Obey promptly; delayed obedience invites lingering giants. - Trust God’s wisdom even when His commands seem severe or unreasonable; He sees long-range consequences we cannot. - Celebrate victories without settling for them. Press on until every Anakim—every trace of rebellion—is gone. |
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