Main Verse: Joshua 10:1-16

Good morning!

In this chapter, we find out that the Gibeon was “like a royal city” because of its size and its importance because of its access to the sea. After Gibeon made peace with the Israelites, it left the other five kings in the lurch and that is why they allied to destroy Gibeon; in turn, Joshua and the Israelites were called in to honor their vow by fighting against Gibeon’s enemies. In this chapter, a book is referenced called “The Book of Jashar” which, like many other books, disappeared after the creation of the Hebrew Bible in the 3^rd and 4^th centuries AD (Jashar). So Joshua gathered the army for battle according to the law of Moses (Deuteronomy 20:1-10). The confirming word from the Lord and His encouragement was all Joshua needed to command the army to pick up and move out to fight the Lord’s enemies. When Israel showed up at the battleground after an all-night march uphill from Gilgal, the armies of the Lord threw the five kingdoms in such pandemonium that the five kingdoms ran for their lives just as the Lord had done in the time of Elisha (2 Kings 7:3-14).

For the past few months, I have used the words: “Obedience” and “Faith” in my writings; these words come into view when we talk about the wars of the nation. Now it may have appeared to be all too easy “The Lord commands, the nation mounts up and marches into battle, the Lord causes pandemonium, and “Voila, the victory is given”. Here’s the problem though, a lot could happen from time to go forward and commit to the course such as people like Achan or Gahazi upending the victory through disobedience and faithlessness. My encouragement for you today is that in whatever battle you are facing or will soon face is that you will consider that obedience to the Lord is a lifetime commitment if we want all that the Lord has in mind for us. The reason for being obedient at all times, as I have said in previous writings, is not to make us look “Holy as though art” but that we would be the difference in a world looking for answers. When we are obedient to the Lord, He blesses our lives and we have a different approach that receives what the world seeks; when this happens, the world comes to call on us. In the New Testament, it is recorded that “Signs follow the believer” (Mark 16:14-18). So what signs follow the believer? The ability to meet the needs of the people in such a way as to glorify the Lord. In the case of the Gibeonites, it was the victory over the five kings that they would not be destroyed.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

When we are obedient to Your Word, there is nothing that we can not do because Your Spirit dwells in us. In a time when the world seeks answers, help your servants to be in position and ready to move out. May your good Spirit be with us and that our hearts will always be open to hear what you have to say. I pray for those today who need a special touch from you. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you.

In Jesus’ Name