As we read of the Israelites' conquest of the land of Canaan, we see how He alone was the Victorious One Who was giving the land and the kings into His people's hands. Moses warned them to not think they were the heroes of the story, because it was the Lord Who hardened the hearts of the Canaanites so that they would fight Israel and be defeated.
The awfulness of the bloody battles that are recorded here show us just how ugly sin is and how seriously God takes it. Indeed, the only reason none of us are struck down for our sins is because of our Lord's mercy.
The Israelites won these battles successfully because the God of Israel was fighting for them; for they themselves were weak, idolatrous, and sinful – just as we are. But Jesus Chirst is our Joshua! It is He Who crushes our giants and leads us in obedience to the Lord. The Book of Joshua is given to us so that we will realize that Jesus can conquer anything, and we are promised victory through Him! |
