What lessons can we learn from God's command to conquer "all the kingdom"? The Command in Focus “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.” (Deuteronomy 3:2) God told Israel to take not merely a portion but the whole territory—“all the kingdom.” Nothing was to be left unconquered. Why God Required Total Conquest • Absolute obedience demonstrates trust in His word (1 Samuel 15:22). • Idolatry had to be removed entirely to keep Israel holy (Deuteronomy 7:2). • Securing the whole land fulfilled His covenant promise (Joshua 21:45). • Complete victory displayed His unmatched power before the nations (Joshua 4:24). • The conquest foreshadowed Christ’s future, total triumph over every realm (Revelation 11:15). Key Lessons for Us Today • Obedience must be complete, not selective—partial surrender leaves footholds for future defeat (James 1:22). • God grants victory, but we still step forward in faith; His promise fuels courageous action (Joshua 1:9). • Holiness involves removing every competing loyalty; lingering “small sins” grow into snares (Ephesians 4:27). • Spiritual warfare is thorough: “The weapons of our warfare… demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). • The victory is for God’s glory, not ours; He alone gains the praise when the impossible is accomplished (Psalm 115:1). • The inheritance is enjoyed only after the battle—steadfast perseverance precedes rest (Hebrews 6:12). Supporting Scriptures • “Arise… begin to possess it and engage him in battle.” (Deuteronomy 2:24) • “Not one of the good promises that the LORD had made… failed; all came to pass.” (Joshua 21:45) • “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) • “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12) • “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” (Revelation 11:15) Living the Principle Today • Identify and confront every area of life not yet surrendered to Christ—thoughts, habits, relationships. • Rely on God’s promises daily, praying Scripture back to Him as Joshua marched at Jericho. • Use His weapons—truth, righteousness, faith, the word of God—to press the battle (Ephesians 6:13-17). • Celebrate each victory, large or small, giving Him thanks and moving on to the next stronghold. • Keep the long view: the God who commanded Israel still leads His people from triumph to triumph until His kingdom fills the earth. |
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