What can we learn about obedience from Joshua's actions in Joshua 10:35? The Verse at a Glance “ That same day they captured it and put it to the sword. He devoted everyone in the city to destruction, just as he had done to Lachish.” (Joshua 10:35) Key Observations on Joshua’s Obedience • Immediate action—“That same day” shows no delay once God’s marching orders were clear (cf. Joshua 10:8). • Complete follow-through—Joshua carried out the Lord’s command fully, leaving nothing undone (Joshua 11:15). • Consistency—he treated Libnah exactly “as he had done to Lachish,” revealing a pattern, not a one-time burst of zeal. • Costly commitment—the destruction of everything and everyone was a hard assignment, yet Joshua did not soften God’s directive (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • God-centered motivation—each victory was credited to the Lord’s promise (Joshua 10:42), so obedience flowed from trust, not personal ambition. Lessons for Our Walk • Obedience is measured in timing—delayed compliance can be practical disobedience. • God values completeness—partial obedience leaves footholds for future defeat (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Faith fuels perseverance—believing God’s word empowers consistent obedience through repeated battles. • True surrender may feel costly—yet the Lord’s commands are always for our good and His glory (John 14:15). • Momentum matters—each step of faith builds courage for the next assignment (Philippians 3:16). Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 7:2 – “And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, you must devote them to complete destruction.” • Hebrews 11:30 – “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 2 Corinthians 10:6 – “Being ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” Putting It into Practice • Act promptly when Scripture speaks. • Refuse half-measures; finish what God assigns. • Lean on God’s past faithfulness to obey in new challenges. |
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