What can we learn about God's justice from Joshua's actions in Joshua 10:28? Context of the Campaign - Israel is advancing through Canaan in obedience to God’s command (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). - The victory at Makkedah follows the miraculous long-day battle (Joshua 10:12-14). - Joshua’s actions flow from covenant faithfulness, not personal vengeance (Joshua 1:7-9). Key Verse (Joshua 10:28) “On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword, together with its king, devoting to destruction everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.” Observations on God’s Justice - Judgment after long patience • God foretold this moment centuries earlier, saying “the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16). • He waited four generations, displaying patience before executing judgment (2 Peter 3:9). - Justice executed through ordained means • Israel serves as God’s instrument; the warfare is a divine decree, not human aggression (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • Joshua follows explicit instructions, illustrating that true justice aligns with God’s revealed will (Psalm 19:7-9). - Totality of the sentence • “Devoting to destruction” (ḥerem) signals a full, irrevocable judgment (Leviticus 27:28-29). • The completeness underscores God’s holiness: sin cannot remain partially addressed (Habakkuk 1:13). - Consistency with previous judgments • What happened at Jericho (Joshua 6:21) is mirrored at Makkedah, showing God is impartial and consistent (Romans 2:11). • Justice is not arbitrary; it operates on fixed, righteous standards (Deuteronomy 32:4). - Protection of covenant promises • Removing persistent wickedness safeguards Israel’s spiritual health and the unfolding messianic line (Deuteronomy 7:4-6). • God’s justice, therefore, advances His redemptive plan (Galatians 4:4-5). Applying These Truths Today - Trust divine timing: God may delay judgment, yet He never forgets (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13). - Submit to His standards: what He calls sin must be confronted without compromise (James 4:4). - Rest in His consistency: the God who judged Makkedah will judge all unrighteousness; believers can rely on His fairness (Acts 17:31). - Marvel at grace: the same holiness that demanded judgment also provided salvation through Christ, who bore wrath for all who believe (Romans 3:25-26). Summary Truths - God’s justice is patient, precise, total, and perfectly consistent. - Joshua’s obedience at Makkedah showcases a holy God who judges sin and preserves His redemptive purposes. - Recognizing this justice deepens reverence for God’s holiness and gratitude for the mercy offered in the gospel. |
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