What can we learn about obedience from Israel's actions in Joshua 11:14? Verse in Focus “The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put every person to the sword until they had destroyed them; they left no survivors.” (Joshua 11:14) Historical Snapshot - This battle concludes Israel’s northern campaign under Joshua. - God had earlier commanded total destruction of the Canaanite peoples (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). - Unlike at Jericho—where everything was placed under the ban (Joshua 6:17-19)—here God permitted Israel to keep livestock and goods. Israel’s Specific Obedience - Complete execution of God’s instructions: “they left no survivors.” - Selective freedom within obedience: they kept only what God allowed—“plunder and livestock.” - No personal reinterpretation or softening of God’s directive. Key Lessons on Obedience • Obedience is exact, not approximate – Partial compliance cost Saul his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:1-23). Israel’s full compliance under Joshua secured victory. • Obedience is responsive to God’s specific word – In Jericho, obedience meant burning everything (Joshua 6:24). In Hazor, obedience meant sparing goods. God defines the terms; His people follow. • Obedience may defy natural sentiment – Human compassion could suggest leniency, yet Israel trusted God’s wisdom over emotion (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Obedience clears the way for blessing – The decisive removal of pagan influence protected Israel from idolatry and secured the land promise (Joshua 21:43-45). New Testament Echoes - John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” - 2 Corinthians 10:6: obedience is “ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” - Hebrews 11:30: faith and obedience are inseparable—“By faith the walls of Jericho fell.” Putting It Into Practice - Seek God’s precise will in Scripture before acting. - Resist the urge to modify clear commands for convenience or sentiment. - Trust that wholehearted obedience, however difficult, positions us for God’s protection and provision. |
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