Joshua
10:12-13 At
that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites
over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand
still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
This chapter shows us that despite the cunning of the
Gibeonites, Israel still remained in proper relationship to God. When the Gibeonites
are threatened, Israel is threatened and she is quick to respond. Joshua proves
himself true to his covenant with them and God. Israel again is mindful of
God’s provision and His going before them in battle.
The victory depends on divine action. Assurance of God’s giving victory does not preclude
human wisdom and action. Israel’s experience has shown that God provides
victory when His people depend on Him and not their own power. She can rely on
her God, when her God can rely upon her.
These military conquests are a mirror into the spiritual
heart of Israel. Their temporal battle against nations is more a spiritual
battle to trust and obey God. Israel is seeking to achieve her spiritual
identity as people of God. The spiritual pilgrimage of Israel is reflected in
her military campaigns to displace her national enemies.
Israel’s spiritual identity as the people of God requires
godly leadership and obedience. The leadership of Joshua is shown as accepted
by God in His listening to Joshua’s command to make the sun and moon stand
still. Joshua leads the army into battle without fear or to destroy the nations
who occupy the land God intends for Israel. Joshua does not waste time in
celebration but moves from foe to foe to fulfill his duty to God. He displays
the fearless courage of leadership. The other element obedience entailed the
complete annihilation of the enemy. We may be uncomfortable with this issue,
but God commanded this of Joshua in his day. The chapter shows the great
lengths to which Joshua and the people went to ensure full obedience to God.