Joshua 9-10

The battle for the promised land begins in earnest now.  Kings and armies have heard how the Lord had given Jericho and Ai over to Israel and they gathered together to fight.  One city, Gibeon, however decided on a different course.  They sent and envoy, dressed as if they were from a far away land, and tricked Israel into making a covenant with them.  Joshua and the leaders failed to "ask for counsel of the Lord" ( v14).  When Joshua finds out he was tricked, he went to Gibeon and confronted them.  But, the covenant was made and Joshua honored the agreement.  The Gibeonites became servants of Israel, but they were allowed to live.

After this, Joshua and the army of Israel go after 5 kings that have joined together.  It is during the first of these battles that Joshua asks the Lord to stop the sun, and He does. Victory and victory is given as the Lord fights for Israel and destroys the cities of Makkedah, Libnah, Latish, Eglon, Hebron and Debir.  " And Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the Lord, the God of Israel fought for Israel." ( v42)  The southern lowlands of Palestine are now Israel's land.

Joshua is not perfect.  He made mistakes, but he learned from his mistakes and went on, trying to do all that the Lord told him to do.  We are the same, aren't we?  We forget sometimes to "ask for counsel of the Lord" and move ahead with our own plans.  We make mistakes.  We make covenants with those whom we should not have.  But, like Joshua, we need to still honor our oaths and vows.  And like Joshua, we need to learn from our mistakes and move forward, learning to lean on and trust in the Lord more and more. 


Father in Heaven,  You are our strong shelter, our Deliverer, our Shield, and our Champion.  Every battle we face gives us another opportunity to turn to You and put our trust in You.  May we seek Your counsel and trust Your heart.  You love us and desire us! You provide for us and You have good and wonderful plans for us.  You are gracious and kind.  Your mercies are over all Your works... that includes us. You fulfill the desires of those who fear You.  You hear our cries and save us.  You are the Lord who keeps us and You are the Lord who destroys the wicked.  We open our mouths to speak Your praise and bless Your Name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised.
Amen