Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Victories Over the Canaanites Under Joshua

◄ God: Preserver: Victories Over the Canaanites Under Joshua ►

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The narrative of God's preservation and the victories over the Canaanites under Joshua is a profound testament to divine faithfulness and the fulfillment of promises made to the patriarchs. The conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, illustrates God's role as the preserver of Israel, guiding and empowering them to claim the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Divine Commission and Assurance

Joshua's leadership begins with a divine commission following the death of Moses. God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, assuring him of His unyielding presence and support. In Joshua 1:5, God declares, "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" . This promise underscores God's role as the preserver, ensuring victory and continuity for His people.

The Fall of Jericho

One of the most iconic victories is the fall of Jericho, a fortified city that stood as a formidable obstacle. The strategy given to Joshua was unconventional, involving the Israelites marching around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, after the priests blew the trumpets, the walls of Jericho collapsed (Joshua 6:20). This miraculous event highlights God's direct intervention and power, preserving Israel through divine means rather than human might.

The Southern and Northern Campaigns

Following Jericho, Joshua led the Israelites in a series of campaigns against the southern and northern Canaanite kings. In the southern campaign, God delivered the Amorite kings into Israel's hands, even halting the sun in the sky to ensure complete victory (Joshua 10:12-14). This extraordinary event further emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation and His commitment to preserving His people.

In the northern campaign, Joshua faced a coalition of kings led by Jabin of Hazor. Despite the formidable alliance, God reassured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel" (Joshua 11:6). The subsequent triumph over these forces demonstrated God's continued preservation and the fulfillment of His promises.

The Allotment of the Land

After the military victories, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel, as detailed in Joshua 13-21. This allotment was not merely a distribution of territory but a tangible manifestation of God's covenantal faithfulness. Each tribe received its inheritance, signifying the realization of God's promise to preserve and establish Israel in the land of Canaan.

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

The victories culminated in a covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, where Joshua reminded the people of God's mighty acts and called them to serve the Lord faithfully. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua famously declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" . This renewal underscored the importance of Israel's continued faithfulness to God, who had preserved them through numerous trials and triumphs.

The victories over the Canaanites under Joshua are a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people. Through divine guidance, miraculous interventions, and the fulfillment of His promises, God preserved Israel, establishing them in the land He had sworn to give their ancestors.

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Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was straightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
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Joshua 7:1
But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
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Joshua 8:1
And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be you dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
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Joshua 9:1
And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
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Joshua 10:1
Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
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Joshua 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
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Joshua 24:11-13
And you went over Jordan, and came to Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.
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