What scriptural connections can be made between Joshua 17:16 and Ephesians 6:10-18? Setting the Scene in Joshua 17 “ ‘The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.’ ” (Joshua 17:16) Facing “Iron Chariots”: A Picture of Insurmountable Odds • Joseph’s descendants look at their inheritance and immediately focus on the enemy’s superior technology—iron chariots. • They feel boxed in: the hills seem too small, the valleys too dangerous. • The obstacle is physical, intimidating, and, from a human viewpoint, unbeatable. The Armor of God: New-Testament Parallel “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power… put on the full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:10-18—complete passage quoted below) 10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” Common Threads Between Joshua 17:16 and Ephesians 6:10-18 • Same God, same call to courage – Joshua 1:9 echoes through both passages: “Be strong and courageous.” • Visible vs. invisible warfare – Iron chariots represent overwhelming physical might. – Spiritual forces in Ephesians represent overwhelming unseen might. • Human inadequacy met by divine provision – Joseph’s tribes underestimate their allotted land; God sees capacity. – Believers today feel inadequate; God supplies full armor. • Required response: take what God provides – Joshua 17:18: “You shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and are strong.” – Ephesians 6:13: “Take up the full armor… so that you will be able to stand.” • Weapons beyond metallurgy – Israel’s confidence rests in the Lord’s promise (Deuteronomy 20:1). – Church’s confidence rests in the Lord’s power and armor (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Walking Out the Connection Today • Identify your “iron chariots” – Habitual sins, cultural pressures, health crises, relational conflicts. • Refuse to downsize God’s inheritance – Like Joseph’s tribes, we are tempted to say, “Not enough room; too many obstacles.” • Suit up, step out – Belt of truth counters lies that the enemy is unbeatable. – Breastplate of righteousness reminds us we stand approved, not condemned. – Shield of faith deflects “iron chariot” intimidation. – Sword of the Spirit directly confronts the enemy’s strongholds. • Trust the promise more than the problem – Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” – Romans 13:12: “Put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” God’s people have always faced “iron chariots,” whether rolling across a battlefield or prowling in the unseen realm. The strategy remains unchanged: rely on His Word, seize the equipment He supplies, and advance into the inheritance He has already promised. |
    |