How does Joshua 10:26 connect to God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:6? Setting the Scene • Israel is in the midst of the southern campaign of Canaan (Joshua 10). • Five Amorite kings unite against Gibeon and, by extension, against Israel. • God intervenes miraculously—hailstones and an extended day (Joshua 10:11–13). • The captured kings are brought before Joshua for a decisive, public judgment. Joshua 10:26—An Act of Faith “After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening.” • A literal execution demonstrating total defeat of Israel’s enemies. • Public display of the bodies until evening underscored God’s victory. • Joshua’s actions fulfilled God’s earlier command to remove wicked rulers and encouraged Israel’s troops (cf. Deuteronomy 21:22–23 on same-day burial). • Courage and obedience drive Joshua’s firmness; he is not paralyzed by fear of reprisal. Deuteronomy 31:6—A Steadfast Promise “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Spoken by Moses to all Israel just before his death and before the nation crossed the Jordan. • Assurance of God’s abiding presence and unfailing support in military conflict. • Basis for fearless leadership and national confidence. Connecting the Two Passages • Same promise, new setting: What Moses declared in Deuteronomy 31:6 is visually confirmed in Joshua 10:26. • From word to deed: – Deuteronomy gives the pledge—God will be with you. – Joshua lives it out—God has been with us; here are the defeated kings. • Courage anchored in certainty: – Deuteronomy 31:6 commands, “Be strong and courageous.” – Joshua demonstrates that strength and courage in striking down the kings. • God’s faithfulness on display: – Promise of never-forsaking presence (Deuteronomy 31:6). – Tangible evidence of divine aid—hailstones, sun standing still, enemy kings subdued (Joshua 10). • Continuity of leadership: – Moses spoke the promise; Joshua embodies it (cf. Joshua 1:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”). – God’s consistency reassures each new generation. Living Lessons for Today • God’s promises are meant to be acted on, not merely admired. • Victory over opposition—spiritual or otherwise—flows from trusting the Lord’s unbroken presence. • Public testimony matters: Joshua’s display of the kings encouraged the people; our visible obedience encourages fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24). • The God who stood with Israel still stands with His people, keeping every word He has spoken (Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20). |
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