Insight into Scripture - Joshua 9-10
The city of Gibeon is usually identified with modern day el-Jib (9:3). The word ruse means to deceive, dishonest. (9:4) Woodcutters and watercarries were needed for the constant sacrificial fires and purifying rituals. (9:26) The Book of Jashar is an ancient book of poetic accounts of heroic deeds, it also appears in 2 Sam 1:18. (10:13)
Scripture Reading
9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal. 10 And the LORD threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the LORD threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword. - Joshua 9:11
Thought of the Day
The Book of Joshua is a wonderful book about a wise military strategist; Joshua. The book of Joshua also shows us that if we wait upon the Lord, and keep His commands, HE will fight our battles.
Our Christian life is a spiritual battle. There are forces that we can't see raging around us. As you read the Book of Joshua, take notes of how a wise man; Joshua, fights his battles. There are two examples for today's reading that are worth noting.
The Gibeonite's deceived Joshua. Joshua was told by God not to make any treaties with anyone of the land. (Exodus 23:32; Numbers 33:55) The reason that they were deceived is that they did not wait upon the Lord, which, lead to an awkward alliance.In life, you are going to have people try and deceive you. We can learn from Joshua's mistake.
First, wait upon the Lord. If you are unsure if that person is trying to play a trick on you, pray about it.
Second, do not rush into a decision. Time usually is on your side. If time is not on your side, meaning someone is trying to push you into a decision RIGHT AWAY and does not give you any time to think about it. I would be VERY cautious. Joshua and the men of Israel jumped into a decision (9:12-15) I am sure that if they would have waited, they would have seen through the Gibeonite's tricks.
The other example is how God fights your battles. If you wait upon the Lord, and keep His commands, you have an UNSTOPPABLE force on your side. In verses 10:9-11 we read about how God confused Joshua's enemies, plus, when they started to out run Joshua's army, God "Hurled large hailstones" on them. In fact more died from the hailstones then Joshua's sword. So, next time you are going into battle, remember God is there fighting with you, so rely on Him, and use Him.
Closing Prayer
Father thank You for this day and the many faces that I saw with Your name on them. Father I pray for the children that are hungry, tired and living in terrible conditions. I pray for their little hearts and bodies, I pray that they will come to know You. And Father I pray for us , Your little children, I pray that we stay focused on You and know that our battles are Your battles and that Your defeat is our defeat. I pray for those that have many questions about You today Father that they will find the answers.
I love You and I pray
In Your Name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment