How does Joshua 13:21 illustrate God's justice against wickedness? Scripture Focus “all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses had defeated, together with the chiefs of Midian — Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba — the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.” (Joshua 13:21) Historical Backdrop • Joshua is recounting the territory already conquered under Moses on the east side of the Jordan (Joshua 13:1–8). • Sihon, king of the Amorites, had earlier refused Israel peaceful passage and attacked them (Numbers 21:21-24). • Midianite leaders allied themselves with Sihon and later enticed Israel into idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 31:8, 16). Tracing the Wickedness • Amorite culture was steeped in idolatry and child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21, 24-25). • Sihon’s belligerence was not a single outburst but the climax of generations of sin; God waited until “the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16) before acting. • The Midianite chiefs—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, Reba—used sexual seduction and Baal worship to corrupt Israel (Numbers 25:1-3). God’s Justice Displayed • Measured justice: centuries of patience show God’s restraint (2 Peter 3:9). • Certain justice: when repentance was absent, judgment fell swiftly—“The LORD your God delivered him over to you” (Deuteronomy 2:31). • Comprehensive justice: both political power (Sihon) and religious corrupters (Midianite princes) were removed, protecting Israel from further moral decay. • Righteous justice: “The LORD is righteous; He has cut off the cords of the wicked” (Psalm 129:4). Lessons for Today • God’s patience has limits; persistent rebellion will meet His righteous wrath (Romans 2:5). • He defends His covenant people from influences that seek to drag them into sin (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). • Justice and mercy meet at the cross; believers rest in Christ, who bore judgment for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Living in holiness is both a response to His mercy and a safeguard against the destructive pull of sin (1 Peter 1:14-16). |
    |