What can we learn from Joshua's leadership in facing multiple adversaries? Setting the Scene—A Surprise Alliance “Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph” (Joshua 11:1). • Joshua has just defeated the southern coalition (Joshua 10). Word spreads, and a vast northern alliance forms—multiple kings, countless horses and chariots. • Scripture presents this as a literal, historical moment: one obedient man leading Israel is about to face the largest military threat yet. Joshua’s Response—Immediate Obedience • God speaks first (Joshua 11:6): “Do not be afraid of them, for at this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel.” • Joshua acts “suddenly” (Joshua 11:7). No delay, no committee. • Lesson: decisive obedience flows from trust. Compare John 2:5, “Do whatever He tells you,” and James 1:22, “Be doers of the word.” Total Reliance on God’s Promise • The coalition’s strength? “As numerous as the sand on the seashore” (Joshua 11:4). • God’s promise trumps the head count. Recall Deuteronomy 31:6: “The LORD your God is the One who goes with you.” • Joshua refuses intimidation; fear would question God’s accuracy. Strategic Faithfulness • God instructs: hamstring the horses, burn the chariots (Joshua 11:6, 9). • This removes enemy resources and keeps Israel from adopting pagan military pride. • Joshua combines faith with strategy: – He marches all night (Joshua 11:7). – He attacks at the water’s edge, neutralizing chariots. – He follows through completely—no partial obedience. Perseverance Until Complete Victory • Joshua 11:15: “Joshua left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” • The campaign spans years (Joshua 11:18). Faith-filled leadership is marathon, not sprint. • Echoes Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” Leading Others Into Rest • Joshua brings the nation to a place of “rest” from war (Joshua 11:23). • The leader’s obedience secures blessing for the people he serves. See Hebrews 4:8, where Joshua’s rest foreshadows the fuller rest believers receive in Christ. Personal Takeaways for Modern Battles • Face overwhelming odds with God’s exact promises in hand—His Word remains flawless (Psalm 18:30). • Obedience today prepares victory tomorrow; delayed obedience is disobedience. • Eliminate whatever would pull us into worldly dependence—our “horses and chariots.” • Keep advancing until the task is fully finished; partial victories can leave hidden strongholds. • Lead so others can enter God’s rest: family, church, community all benefit from steadfast faith. Joshua’s confidence in the Lord’s literal promises turns an impossible battlefield into a testimony of God’s unfailing power. |
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