What lessons can we learn from the defeat of the kings in Joshua 12? A Quick Look at Joshua 12:11 “the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one” (Joshua 12:11) Why a List of Fallen Kings Matters • It documents the literal, historical victories God gave Israel. • It proves that every promise made in Deuteronomy 7:1–2 came to pass. • It reminds us that each enemy, no matter how intimidating, was counted, confronted, and conquered. Lesson 1: God Keeps Every Promise • Genesis 12:7—God pledged the land to Abraham’s offspring. • Joshua 21:45—“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed.” Application: When God speaks, time cannot erode His word; obstacles cannot nullify it. Lesson 2: No Power Can Resist Divine Judgment • Jarmuth and Lachish were fortified cities (Joshua 10:3–5), yet their kings fell in a single verse. • Psalm 2:2–6 shows how earthly rulers who oppose the LORD are swiftly overruled. Application: Human strength, strategy, or status offers zero immunity against God’s righteous verdict. Lesson 3: Obedient Faith Wins Battles • Joshua followed God’s battle plan precisely (Joshua 10:40), and each victory is evidence of trust translated into action. • Hebrews 11:30—“By faith the walls of Jericho fell.” Application: Faith is expressed in obedience; obedience releases God’s power. Lesson 4: Sin Has Corporate Consequences • The Canaanite kings represented cultures steeped in idolatry and violence (Leviticus 18:24–25). • Their defeat fulfilled divine justice, not personal vendetta. Application: Societal sin invites societal judgment; repentance is the only remedy. Lesson 5: God Fights for His People • Joshua 10:42—“Joshua captured all these kings and their lands in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Application: Victory is the Lord’s gift, not our achievement, yet we are called to step onto the battlefield. Lesson 6: A Foreshadowing of the Ultimate King • Joshua’s conquests anticipate Christ’s ultimate victory over every ruler and authority (Colossians 2:15). • Revelation 19:16—He is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Application: The fall of earthly kings points forward to the day every knee bows to Jesus. Putting It All Together The terse record, “the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one,” proclaims volumes: God’s promises stand, His judgment is sure, obedient faith triumphs, and every lesser throne must give way to the reign of the true King. |
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