CONQUERING CANAAN
Joshua 11:1-8
1 When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Akshaph, 2 and to the northern kings who were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Kinnereth, in the western foothills and in Naphoth Dor on the west; 3 to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites below Hermon in the region of Mizpah. 4 They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel. 6 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.” 7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them, 8 and the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left.
Discover It
In Joshua 11, we read about the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, a pivotal moment in their journey to claim the land promised to them by God. This chapter begins with an alliance of northern kings banding together to oppose Israel. They gathered their armies, "as numerous as the sand on the seashore" (Joshua 11:4), a sight meant to intimidate and discourage. But despite the overwhelming odds, God reassured Joshua, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel" (Joshua 11:6). This promise highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. No matter how insurmountable our challenges seem, God's power is greater.
Ask It
1. How does God’s promise to Joshua in verse 6 encourage us when we face overwhelming challenges?
What role does obedience play in our spiritual victories, as seen in Joshua’s leadership?
2. How can we cultivate perseverance in our faith journey, especially when faced with long-term challenges?
3. In what ways can we remind ourselves that God is the ultimate source of our victories?
Live It
1. Remember that God is faithful to His promises. No matter what challenges, God goes before us, giving us strength to conquer our own "Canaans."
2. Joshua still had to join God in His activity. And today your success depends on our obedience and trust in the Lord.
Pray It
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and the assurance that You are with us in every battle we face. Help us to trust in Your promises and to follow Your commands with unwavering faith. Grant us the strength and perseverance to overcome our enemies, knowing that You are the author of our victories. May we find comfort in Your presence and courage in Your power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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