Connect Joshua 23:5 with God's faithfulness in Deuteronomy 7:1-2. setting the stage • Israel stands on the threshold of Canaan in Deuteronomy; four decades later, Joshua addresses a settled but still vigilant nation. • Two moments, one God, one promise: He will drive out the nations and give Israel the land. the promise given: Deuteronomy 7:1-2 “When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations…seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.” (Deuteronomy 7:1-2) Key observations • God Himself initiates the conquest (“brings,” “drives out,” “delivered”). • Israel’s role is responsive obedience—no treaties, no compromise. • The command flows from covenant holiness (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6-9). the promise echoed: Joshua 23:5 “The LORD your God will drive them out before you and push them out of your sight, and you will take possession of their land, just as the LORD your God promised you.” (Joshua 23:5) Key observations • Joshua is nearing the end of his life (Joshua 23:1). What God promised through Moses still stands. • “Will drive” shows unfinished but guaranteed victory; God’s faithfulness spans generations. • Israel’s continued possession depends on clinging to the Lord (Joshua 23:8). threads of god’s faithfulness 1. Consistency of His word – Same verbs: “drive out,” “deliver,” “possess.” – God does not revise His promises (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 119:89). 2. Power over impossibilities – Seven nations “larger and stronger” (Deuteronomy 7:1) fall before a nomadic people because the battle is the Lord’s (Exodus 14:14; 1 Samuel 17:47). 3. Completion of what He begins – From the patriarchal promise (Genesis 15:18-21) to Joshua’s day, every step advances God’s covenant plan. – Paul later writes, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6), echoing this same faithfulness. personal takeaways • Trust God’s unchanging promises; time does not erode His word. • Obedience is the fitting response to divine faithfulness—no compromise with sin (Romans 6:12-14). • Remember victories to fuel present courage; yesterday’s deliverances prove tomorrow’s triumphs (1 Samuel 7:12). • Holiness safeguards inheritance; as Israel preserved purity by removing Canaanite influence, believers guard their walk by rejecting entangling sin (Hebrews 12:1-2). |
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