Lessons from Joshua 11 to 12

Joshua 11

 This chapter started with details of how the northern kings and their army gathered together to fight against the Israelites. They joined forces and were well equipped as recorded in verse 1 to 5 of Joshua 11.

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel as dead men. Then you must cripple their horses and burn their chariots.”

Joshua 11:6 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/jos.11.6.NLT

In verse 6 God told Joshua that He was with him and he should not be afraid of those who gathered against the Israelites. In the first five verses, we read about how the kings joined forces and established a camp to fight against Israel. In life, at times our enemies or foes might seem numerous and more equipped than we are, but when your trust in the almighty God, they will fall on their swords and their evil plans. Lesson here is to always hand things over to God and walk according to His plans.

Verse 7 to 14 recorded how the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua won the battle against the northern kings and their armies. The ones who plotted fell into the hands of the Israelites they were plotting against. The Lord our God knows how to reverse the plans of the wicked back on the wicked.

As the Lord had commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua. And Joshua did as he was told, carefully obeying all the commands that the Lord had given to Moses.

Joshua 11:15 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/jos.11.15.NLT

This verse shows how Joshua was a man under the authority of the almighty God just like his predecessor. Joshua obeyed God in all he did, He followed the commandments of God. He didn't allow the position or the authority he now had to make him water down the commands of God. 

In your leadership positions even if you're not answerable to any man you are answerable to God. Will God be happy with you when you see Him face to face?

Verse 16 - 23 recorded how Joshua  conquered the entire region in turn this extended the territory of the Israelites. The hearts of the kings of those region wete hardened by the Lord and they were completely destroyed.

When the Lord hardens the heart of a man, it means the heart of that man initially was against the will of God. Romans 12 admonishes us to renew our mind daily through the word of God. Why? Because a mind that is not aligning with the word and the will of God will align with the plans of Satan and eventually such a person if they fail to repent will become the enemy of God and God's people. The end of such a person or people is destruction.

Joshua 12

Verse 1 to 6 recorded details of the destructions of the King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. Moses already destroyed the King of Sihon and their land became an inheritance to Reuben, Gad and the half- tribe of Manasseh. When God is involved in a battle, even when a leader die, God won't and can't die and He will surely finished what He started.

Verse 7 to 24 recorded the list of the 31 Kings from the West of Jordan that the children of Israel defeated through the grace and help of God. This achievement wouldn't have occurred if the Israelites failed to obey God or walk in His will and His ways.

The Lesson here is that God can give His children victory even when the multitude of multi-talented warriors gather against them. Never rely only on the power of man or authority. Remember God is above all power and authority of man.

Today I want to encourage you to hand over that battle to God. Let Him fight for you, don't do it based on your intellect ask Him for directions and you will be glad you did.