As the successor to Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, faithfully carrying out God's command to conquer it. By this point, much of southern Canaan had been subdued. But now, the kings and armies of northern Canaan, led by Jabin, King of Hazor, united against Israel—a formidable coalition described as vast as "the sand on the seashore" (Joshua 11:4). Yet, even as their enemies gathered in overwhelming strength, God’s power and faithfulness were about to shine through.
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
When faced with opposition that feels insurmountable, we often respond with fear or discouragement. Joshua, too, could have focused on the massive armies before him. Instead, God spoke directly into his fears:
"Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel" (Joshua 11:6).
God assured Joshua of the outcome before the battle even began, and Joshua responded with obedience.
1. Regard His Word
Joshua trusted God’s Word and acted upon it immediately, leading Israel into battle. He didn’t sit back and wait for circumstances to change; instead, he moved forward in faith.
In our lives, the temptation is to shrink back when faced with challenges. We may focus on the size of the problem rather than the promises of God. But Joshua teaches us to fix our eyes on God’s Word and act in obedience, even when the odds seem overwhelming.
- Obedience is key: Joshua didn’t just listen to God’s command; he followed through completely. Time and time again in this passage, we see his obedience highlighted:
- “And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him” (Joshua 11:9).
- “As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua” (Joshua 11:15).
This reminds us that God’s promises don’t expire. The commands and promises given to Moses were just as valid in Joshua’s time. God’s Word remains steadfast through every generation.
- Trust God’s timing: The battles in Canaan were not won overnight. Verse 18 tells us, “Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.” Likewise, our spiritual battles may not be resolved quickly, but we can stand firm, knowing God’s promises will be fulfilled.
2. Rest in His Victory
After the battles were fought, Joshua 11:23 declares:
"So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war."
This rest wasn’t just about the cessation of physical battles. It pointed to the deep peace that comes from trusting in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus echoes this promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-30, inviting us to lay our burdens on Him and find peace for our souls. Resting in God’s victory means trusting that He is in control, even when we’re still in the midst of the struggle. It’s not about denying life’s challenges but acknowledging them in light of God’s power and faithfulness.
3. Remember His Faithfulness
Chapter 12 of Joshua lists the 31 kings conquered by Israel—a testament to God’s faithfulness. Each name is a reminder of God’s promises fulfilled and a reason to praise Him.
In our own lives, we must be intentional about remembering God’s faithfulness. Create your own "list of kings"—the victories God has won for you. Write them down, share them, and revisit them often. As Psalm 103:2 says:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Recounting God’s faithfulness strengthens our faith for future battles and fuels our worship.
Conclusion: Facing Your Giants
Like Joshua and the Israelites, we face battles that can feel overwhelming—whether they’re health issues, family struggles, or societal pressures. But the God who gave Joshua victory is the same God we serve today.
- Regard His Word: Trust in His promises and obey His commands.
- Rest in His Victory: Find peace in His sovereignty, knowing He’s in control.
- Remember His Faithfulness: Rehearse His past victories to build your faith for the future.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, take heart. The battle belongs to the Lord, and His promises never fail.
