What lessons can we learn from Joshua's obedience in Joshua 11:10? Setting the Scene Joshua 11 records Israel’s northern campaign. After routing a confederation of kings, Joshua “turned back, captured Hazor, and put its king to the sword, because Hazor had formerly been the head of all these kingdoms” (Joshua 11:10). God had ordered total destruction of the Canaanite strongholds (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Joshua’s action shows immediate, thorough obedience. Snapshot of Obedience • Turned back—no delay, no detour • Captured Hazor—took the fight to the heart of enemy territory • Executed the king—removed leadership that opposed God • Followed divine command—did not substitute his own ideas for God’s clear word Key Lessons for Today 1. Complete obedience matters • God’s instructions were specific; Joshua followed them precisely. • Partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). 2. Obedience is decisive and timely • Joshua “turned back” immediately after victory elsewhere, refusing to leave a stronghold untouched. • Delay breeds compromise; swift action preserves purity (Psalm 119:60). 3. Confront head-on the “head” of opposition • Removing Hazor’s king crippled future resistance. • Sin’s root must be severed, not decorated (Romans 6:12-13). 4. Trust God’s judgment over personal sentiment • Hazor was influential and impressive, yet condemned. • God alone defines right and wrong; believers submit even when culture esteems otherwise (Proverbs 3:5-6). 5. Victory belongs to those who finish the assignment • Israel secured lasting peace in the north because Joshua completed the task (Joshua 11:23). • Endurance in obedience brings fullness of God’s promise (Galatians 6:9). 6. Leadership influences national faithfulness • Joshua’s personal obedience set the standard for the nation. • Faithful leaders cultivate collective courage (Hebrews 13:7). Companion Scriptures • Deuteronomy 20:16-18 – original command to destroy fortified Canaanite cities • Joshua 1:7 – “Be strong and very courageous… do according to all the law.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Living It Out • Act promptly on every clear teaching of Scripture—no procrastination. • Identify and eliminate root sins rather than trimming surface habits. • Let God’s Word, not human logic, determine boundaries and strategies. • Finish what God assigns, trusting that lasting peace follows full obedience. |
    |