Sunday School Lessons

SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

 

CALEB’S MOUNTAIN

INTRODUCTION:

1. The success of two major campaigns, one in the south and the other in the north, had given Israel mastery over the majority of the land of promise. Although there were yet many battles to be fought and additional territories to conquer, it was now time for Joshua, who was well stricken in years, to turn his attention to the important matter of dividing the land among the tribes.

2. In the preceding chapter we saw how this work began with the dividing of those regions on the east side of Jordan which had first fallen to Israel. Due to provocations by Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, God had given them into the hands of His people. Their massive kingdoms, having been promised to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were divided to them according to Joshua’s word. (Ch. 13:15-32)

3. In this chapter Joshua begins the process of dividing the land that lay on the west side of Jordan among the remaining nine and a half tribes, beginning with the tribe of Judah. However, before dividing to Judah as a whole, special recognition is given to Caleb, who was not only the elder statesman of that tribe, but the oldest living Israelite, and one of only two that remained of the former generation – Joshua, of course, being the other.

I. WE HAVE FIRST THE METHOD AND PROCEDURE BY WHICH THE DIVIDING WAS DONE. (VRS. 1-5)

A. GOD HAD DETERMINED THAT EACH TRIBE WOULD HAVE ITS BORDERS, AND EACH FAMILY, IT’S DWELLING PLACE.

1. The Israelites, for the most part, had never known any way of life other than close encampment together in a body, but now they shall be dispersed as tribes.

2. Within the borders of each tribe, every family of that tribe would have its own dwelling place. How joyful the people must have been. God had from the very beginning of their occupation of the Promised Land put a premium on, not only tribal, but family inheritance. He had long before this established laws to safeguard against any permanent forfeiture of their God-given inheritance.

B. GOD HAD ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE TRIBES WOULD RECEIVE THEIR PORTIONS BY ALLOTMENT. (VERSES 1, 2)

1. Each tribe might not go and settle wherever it pleased. God had determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation (Acts 17:26), which determination would be revealed to them according to the casting of the lot. The same rule applies to the families as well.

2. The procedure was to be managed exactly as the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses. (See Num. 34:16-29)

3. It is a great comfort to know that God has appointed for His people what He has determined to be best for them.  Let us not therefore fret or be envious of the lot of others, but rather, learn to be content in the place and with the life that God has determined to be best suited for us.

C. THE PARTICULAR TRIBES THAT WERE TO RECEIVE THEIR ALLOTMENTS WERE THOSE NINE AND A HALF TRIBES THAT WERE TO INHERIT WEST OF JORDAN. (VERSES 2b, 3)

1.The other two and a half tribes had made their choice, and had received their portions accordingly. Considering what has just been noted, that God’s choices for us are best, were they wrong in making this choice based on personal interest as they did? (See Num. 32:1-5)

2.We must consider that the land east of Jordan was indeed well suited to them, and it appears that God intended it for them. We know that it was God that hardened the hearts of Sihon and Og, so that they provoked Him to wrath, and thus brought about their own destruction. (See Deut. 2:26-3:17) We also know that God delivered them into Moses’ hand, and gave Israel possession of their lands. (See Num. 21:21-35) Surely, He intended that their rich lands were to be occupied, and who better suited to occupy them than the two and a half tribes?

3.Some have argued that they were separated from their brethren, and therefore, in danger of becoming isolationists. Yet, all that separated them from their brethren was the Jordan River, and only certain times of the year would its waters necessarily keep them apart.

D. ALTHOUGH THE TRIBE OF LEVI WOULD RECEIVE NO INHERITANCE, THE NUMBER OF THE TRIBES WOULD BE KEPT AT TWELVE. (VERSES 3b, 4)

1.Jacob had adopted Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. “For the children of Joseph were two tribes,”  That is, they had the portion of two tribes. (See Gen. 48:5)

2.Therefore, though Levi was excluded, there remained nine and a half tribes as was said in Verse 2.

E.  THE RULE BY WHICH THE DIVISION WAS DONE WAS THE LOT, AS BEFORE DETERMINED. (VERSE 2; NUM. 26:55)

1.The method appointed for the dividing of the land is deeply interesting. Two distinct principles were involved. The first principle had to do with the numerical size of the tribes. (Num. 26:53, 54) The size of the section allocated was to be determined by the numerical strength of the tribe to which it was given. However, a second rule was given immediately after: “Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes.” (Verse 55) Thus the disposition of the inheritance was to be determined by the sovereign will of God. (Psa. 47:4; Prov. 16:33)

2.The larger tribes would obtain the biggest sections, and the lot would specify their particular situation and placement in the land.

3.In considering the Divine purpose in this division and allocation, we should well consider also the Divine law respecting the safeguarding of the real estate of the Children of Israel, so that their inheritance might never be permanently sold or lost to the rightful owners. (Lev. 25:23-28)

4.How happy we are when we are given grace to yield to the Divine will in all such matters.

“Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go,

For who am I that I should choose my way;

The Lord shall choose for me, ‘tis better for I know;

So let Him bid me go, or stay.”

 

II. NEXT WE SEE PRIORITY GIVEN TO THE MATTER OF CALEB’S INHERITANCE. (VERSES 7-15)

A. THE CHILDREN OF JUDAH CAME WITH CALEB TO LAY CLAIM UPON HIS PROMISED INHERITANCE. (VERSE 7)

1.While Joshua and the rest were consulting together about the division of the land, then came the children of Judah unto Joshua in Gilgal. They came along with Caleb, the elder-statesman of their tribe. They came with Caleb not necessarily to intercede for him, since the matter had already been decided by the promise of God, but rather as a show of honor and support for him in his desire to have this mountain for his inheritance.

2.Hebron and the hill country surrounding it had already been assigned to him, and therefore, there was no determination to be made by lot. But more importantly, he was worthy of the preeminence not only because he was the elder statesman of the tribe of Judah, but his faithfulness had earned him this honor. (See Num. 14:23, 24; Deut. 1:36; Num. 13:22)

3.The elderly in the church are due special courtesy and respect, and those, like Caleb, who are such examples of strength and godliness are worthy of double honor.

B. CALEB APPEALED TO JOSHUA’S RECOLLECTION OF THE OCCASION AND THE PROMISE THAT WAS MADE TO HIM FORTY-FIVE YEARS BEFORE. (VERSES 7-9)

1.As one of the twelve spies sent by Moses, he had faithfully done his job, and had returned with a report that was true to God, faithful to His promise, and meant to encourage the people to trust in the Lord in laying hold of it. (Verse 7)

2.He had maintained his position of trust in God even when ten of the twelve men contradicted his report and confidence, and caused the hearts of the people to doubt. (Verse 8)

3.In spite of the terrible disappointment that he had suffered, Moses assured him personally that the land that he had trodden would be given to him to inherit. Caleb had clung to that promise through these many years. (Verse 9)

C. FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF WAITING HAD NOT CHANGED HIS MIND, NOR HAD OLD-AGE WEAKENED HIS ZEAL FOR CLAIMING THE PROMISE. (VERSES 10-12)

1.The portion that his heart longed for was Mount Hebron, which he simply refers to as “this mountain.”

2.He had scouted out that area, and it appealed to him very much at the time, and nothing had happened since to change his mine.

3.He saw that it was inhabited by “the Anakims,” who were giant sized ferocious mountain men. (Num. 13:33) Their size and ferociousness had not frightened him forty-five years ago when he was forty years of age, nor does it now at the age of eighty-five.

a) His physical strength had not diminished, for which he gives all credit to God, Who had not only kept him alive, but had kept him strong.

b) More importantly, his faith in God was not diminished at all. “Now therefore,” says Caleb, “give me this mountain…if so be that the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them (the Anakims) out, as        the Lord said.”

c) Though Caleb was in great physical health, and as strong as ever he was, clearly his confidence was not in his ability, but in the Lord’s faithfulness and power. ( 4:13)

D. JOSHUA BLESSED HIS FELLOW PATRIARCH AND HONORED HIS REQUEST BY GRANTING HIM HEBRON FOR HIS INHERITANCE. (VERSES 13-15)

1.The petition is granted. (Verse 13)

2.God gave Hebron to Caleb as a reward for his unwavering faithfulness. (Verse 14)

3.The great conquest was dedicated to the Lord in a very special way. (Verse 15)

a) It had been named for the great man of the Anakims. “The city of Arba.”

b) The name was changed to Hebron, which later became a city of refuge, and also dedicated to the children of Aaron the priest. ( 20:7; 21:13)

c) God is still able to turn the strongholds of Satan into cities of refuge, and that by the power of the Gospel.

 

 

AUGUST 21, 2016

 

THE DIVISION BEGINS

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  The first division of the book of Joshua, which is devoted to the initial conquest of the land, concluded with a summary of all of their victories under both Moses and Joshua. (Chapter 12)

2.  Now, we enter upon the second division of the book, which deals with the dividing of the land among the conquerors. It had long been settled that Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh would inherit on the east side of Jordan. Reuben and Gad would divide the kingdom of Sihon, the land of the Amorites, and Manasseh would occupy the entire kingdom of Og, the land of Bashan. Together, these tribes would inherit a very massive area on the east side, according to the commandment of Moses. (Verses 8-12)

3.  The other nine and a half tribes would have their inheritance divided to them by lot, even as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. (Verse 7; Ch. 14:2; Num. 25:55, 56; 33:54; 34:13)

4.  There was yet much fighting to be done, and each tribe would be required to drive out the remaining inhabitants. This would be a test to their faith and courage, but it would definitely be in their best interest to be thorough in this work. (Num. 33:55)

 

I.  IT REMAINED FOR JOSHUA TO SEE TO THE DIVIDING OF THE LAND BEFORE HIS DEATH. (VERSES 1-7)

A.  JOSHUA’S COURSE WAS ALMOST RUN. “JOSHUA WAS OLD AND WELL STRICKEN IN YEARS.”

1.  In this reminder, the Lord was notifying the great commander that his calling and mission as Israel’s captain was fulfilled. He had successfully brought Israel into the land, and having led them in two   great campaigns, had given them the mastery of the land.

2.  Though there was still much fighting to be done, and there remained yet very much land to possess, it would be up to the individual tribes to take full possession of their portions by driving out the       remaining inhabitants.

B.  IT REMAINED FOR JOSHUA TO DIVIDE TO THE TRIBES THEIR INHERITANCE.(VERSE 7)

1.  Since God took notice of Joshua’s old age, and called it to his attention, we are reminded that it is good for those who are well stricken in years to be put in remembrance of it. Some have gray hairs     here and there and perceive it not. (Hos 7:9) they do not care to think about it, and therefore do not prepare for what is coming next.

2.  It is comforting to know that God considers our frame, and would not have us burdened above our strength. That said, we are sure that it was not Joshua’s old age that necessitated his retirement from warfare. He and Caleb were the only two old men among the thousands of Israel, and if it had pleased the Lord, his strength and vigor might have remained as unabated as did Caleb’s. (Ch. 14:10-12)

3.  Even though Joshua was old and well stricken in years, and his time as commander and leader of Israel’s troops was now ended, his work was far from over. It would be another twenty years           (approximately) before the Lord would call him home, and those years were filled with service that required a man who had all of his faculties about him. Since the responsibility of dividing to the tribes    their inheritance was placed on his shoulders, (Num. 27:18-23; Josh. 1:6) that would be the first order of business to be taken up.

C.  A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT IS GIVEN OF THE LAND THAT REMAINED TO BE CONQUERED, WHICH WAS INTENDED TO BE THEIRS. (VERSES 2-6)

1.  There were lands in the southwest now occupied by the Philistines, who had driven out the Canaanites, the old inhabitants, (Deut. 2:23) yet was part of Canaan, and therefore belonged to the Israelites. Geshuri is also mentioned, which were a people in the northeast of Canaan (Deut. 3:14), as the Philistines were in the southwest. (Verse 2)

2.  The land which was now occupied by the Philistines stretched along the southwest coast from Sihor which is before Egypt, and stretch northward unto the borders of Ekron, and was governed by the five lords of the Philistines. (Verse 3)

3.  From those southern parts of the sea coast that were in possession of the Philistines, all of the more northern parts of the Philistines, all of the more northern parts of the sea coast, almost as far as Sidon, were yet inhabited by the Canaanites as well. Two strongholds are named particularly, Mearah, a strong-place, and Aphek, not that of Judah, but in the tribe of Asher. (Verse 4)

4.  From Sidon eastward was the land of the Giblites and all of Lebanon, which yet remained to be taken. (Verse 5)

5.  All of these, the Lord assured Joshua, “Them I will drive out from before the children of Israel.” This the Lord would do presently after Joshua’s death, if they did not hinder it by their unbelief.          (Verse 6)

a)  This was to remind them of the love and favor of God toward them. Should they desire more, God would give them more.

b)  This was to encourage them, so that they not be tempted to make any leagues with them; so that they should not become familiar with them as to adopt their ways so that they might see them as      hindering them in having their allotted inheritance, and therefore, be more eager to drive them out.

c)  This was to keep them in a posture of war, and not to think of laying down their weapons so long as there remained any land to possess.

6.  Joshua, being old and near the end of his earthly life, would not live to see all of these countries subdued, yet he could relay the promise to the people that God had made to him, “Them will I drive       out from before the children of Israel.”

7.  We too can stand upon the promises of God. When it seems that the battle is being lost, we must remember the promises that God made to the Son, and that Christ has relayed to us.

II.  THE TWO AND A HALF TRIBES WHOSE INHERITANCE WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE JORDAN WERE ALLOTTED THEIR PORTION. (VERSES 8-32)

A.  REUBEN. (VERSES 8-13, 15-23)

NOTE:  The fate of Balaam is here inserted. (Verse 22) the reason this information is here given is because Balaam was slain at the same time as those kings whose countries were now being divided to     the two and a half tribes. (Num. 31:8)

B.  GAD. (VERSES 24-28)

C.  THE HALF TRIBE OF MANASSEH. (VERSES 29-32)

III.  TWICE IN THIS CHAPTER IT IS STIPULATED THAT THE TRIBE OF LEVI RECEIVED NO INHERITANCE. (VERSES 14, 33)

A.  THE TRIBE OF LEVI RECEIVED NO INHERITANCE OF LAND.

1.  Those who devote themselves to the service of God must be willing to make earthly sacrifices.

2.  Earthly possessions can distract attention from heavenly service. This is true not only for ministers, but for all Christians.

3.  It is right that they who have the care of souls be freed form the cares of earthly business as much as possible.

B.  THE TRIBE OF LEVI HAD ITS TEMPORAL WANTS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR. (VERSE 14) “The sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance.”

1.  They who served at the altar had a right to “live by the altar.” (I Cor. 9:7-14)

2.  In contributing to the support of God’s servants we are making sacrifice to God.

a)  The sacrifices were the priests’ and Levites’ portion. (Deut. 18:1)

b)  It is our duty to provide in temporal things for those who minister to us in spiritual things.

C.  THE TRIBE OF LEVI FOUND ITS TRUE INHERITANCE IN GOD. (VERSE 33)

1.  Though the sacrificial gifts were needful to sustain them, their true inheritance was spiritual. And so it is with all believers who make up the royal priesthood in Christ. (I Pet. 2:9)

2.  The minister, nor any Christian, should regard earthly returns as the reward of his service.

3.  Sacrifices are often required, but they shall be amply compensated. (Mark 10:29, 30)

4.  How wonderful to have God as our portion! (Psa. 73:26)

D.  SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING, ALL CHRISTIANS ARE OF THE TRIBE OF LEVI.

1.  All are called to the altar of sacrifice. (Heb. 13:10)

2.  All are to serve as priests. (I Pet. 2:9)

3.  All should find their true inheritance in God. (I Pet. 1:4)

 

 

AUGUST 14, 2016

 

THE FINAL CONQUEST

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  The impropriety of Israel’s league with the Gibeonites notwithstanding, in the gracious providence of God, it became the means of great blessing to His people. The negligence and presumption that allowed Israel’s leaders to be deceived so as to enter into league with a people that had been marked out for destruction was not good. However, their honoring of the agreement once it was made, and their rising up to defend their newly enlisted servants against the attack of their outraged countrymen, was the right thing to do, and God mightily blessed His people for doing it.

2.  What began as an effort to defend Gibeon against retaliation from her neighbors, in effect, gave impetus to a campaign which in the end gave Israel mastery over virtually all of southern Canaan. (Ch. 10:40-42)

3.  We must not think that the good outcome in this case somehow excuses the neglect on the part of Israel’s leaders which created the situation in which they found themselves. It is safe to say that had they sought counsel at the mouth   of the Lord (Ch. 9:14), there would have been no league formed with Gibeon. Yet, at the same time, we must learn not to allow our failures to cause us to doubt the Lord’s goodness and mercy, nor to doubt that He is able to bring something good out of them.

4.  In these two chapters we have Israel’s final conquest (Chapter 11), and a summarization of all Israel’s conquests, under both Moses and Joshua. (Chapter 12)

 

I.  ISRAEL’S FINAL CONQUEST. (CHAPTER 11)

A.  THE NORTHERN CONFEDERACY THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY BEING FORMED NOW MATERIALIZES. (CH. 9:1, 2; 11:1-3)

1.  The preliminary plans that were made in Ch. 9:1, 2 here materialize into the greatest military challenge Israel has yet faced.

2.  Jabin, king of Hazor, seems to have held in the northern region a similar position of power and influence to what Adonizedek, king of Jerusalem, held in the south. When Jabin heard about the things that had taken place in the south, he sent messages to this many kings here named, calling upon them to join forces and prepare for war against Israel.

3.  Note what prompted this action: “When Jabin HEARD.” Once more we meet with this import word. (Compare Ch. 2:10; 5:1; 9:1, 9; 10:1) Note the various reactions of those who heard such tidings. While it is true that “faith cometh by hearing” (Rom. 10:17) it is also true that “the hearing ear…the Lord hath made.” (Prov. 20:12) This is true both naturally and spiritually alike.

a)  It was when Jabin heard about the burning of Ai and the subsequent events that he decided to take action and put together a great offensive, but that was before a very similar effort by the southern kings had ended in their complete destruction. Now, having heard those things, he nevertheless went forward with his plan.

b)  “Those things” which Jabin heard must have included the supernatural interventions from heaven against which no army, no matter how numerous, could hope to prevail.

c)  There is no accounting for this, except for the fact that the Lord did not put into his heart to seek peace, like He did with Rahab and with the Gibeonites. As with Adonizedek and his allies, so also with Jabin and his, “The Lord hardened their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle that he (Joshua) might destroy them utterly.” (Verse 20)

B.  THIS NORTHERN CAMPAIGN WAS IN MANY RESPECTS DIFFERENT FROM THE WAR AGAINST THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. (VERSES 4, 5)

1.  Here the enemy forces are the aggressors, whereas in the preceding campaign Israel was the aggressor, for they  came in haste to rescue the Gibeonites.

2.  The allied troops assembled by Adonizedek were numerous, but nothing compared to these led by Jabin, king of Hazor, which were “even as the sand upon the sea shore for multitude.” Obviously this is hyperbolic language, but clearly the size of this army was astounding. We might learn from this to expect our battles to become more and more difficult as we fight the good fight.

3.  Not only was the army enormous, but they had many horses and chariots besides. Israel had not yet encountered an army with horses and chariots. Perhaps Jabin was counting on this to give him an advantage. Did he think that his many chariots would somehow neutralize the mighty supernatural forces that he had heard about?

4.  This campaign, however, would not be won through miraculous intervention like the former one. (Ch. 10:11-14) No miracles are recorded in Chapter 11.

a)  The warfare of the church against Satan’s kingdom was first forwarded by miracles and signs and wonders.

b)  Having been successfully proven to be of God, it was thereafter carried on, for the most part, by the ordinary assistance of divine grace in the preaching of the Word of God!

c)  We saw the same truth illustrated in the taking of Jericho by miracle, and afterward, Ai by stratagem.

d)  In either case, the victory is by the grace and power of God. Notice also, the victory is no less decisive in one than it is in the other.

C.  THE NORTHERN CAMPAIGN WAS IN SOME WAYS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS WAR AGAINST THE SOUTHERN KINGS. (VERSES 6-8)

1.  They went into both campaigns with the same assurances of help and victory. (Verse 6; Ch. 10:8)

2.  Joshua and the men of Israel moved against the enemy without hesitation at the command of the Lord. (Verse 7; Ch. 10:9)

3.  The victory was decisive in both cases. (Verse 8; Ch. 10:13)

4.  The success of the second great campaign was just as much of God as was the first, even though there was no miracle performed in the latter. Let us not despise God’s ordinary means for want of signs and miracles.

a)  Let us be certain of the fact that all true Gospel success is God’s work, and when a soul is quickened to life by the Gospel, is that not a miracle? Is it not, in fact, even a greater miracle than was the raising of Lazarus?

b)  Jesus’ works bore witness who He was, and He said, “He that believeth on me…greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:11, 12)

D.  THE SPOILS OF WAR WERE GREAT, AND ALL BELONGED TO ISRAEL, BUT THE SPOILS DID NOT INCLUDE THE HORSES AND CHARIOTS. (VERSES 6, 9)

1.  Israel was not to multiply horses, neither were they to put their trust in horses and chariots. (Deut. 17:16; Psa. 20:7; 33:16, 17)

2.  Horses and chariots were the symbol of the strength of the Egyptians, and also of the heathen nations who occupied Canaan. Because they had them, they mocked God, saying that He was only God of the hills, but not of the valleys. (I Kings 20:28) Clearly, many horses and chariots were no advantage for Jabin and his hosts, and that, because God was fighting for Israel.

3.  Israel needed no such advantage. Chariots were only fuel for fire, and horses an unworthy object of trust.

E.  THE CITIES THEMSELVES WERE PART OF ISRAEL’S SPOILS OF WAR, EXCEPT FOR HAZOR,THE CITY OF JABIN. (VERSES 10-14)

1.  Israel was to dwell in “great and goodly cities which they builded not.’ (Deut. 6:10) therefore the cities were kept intact.

2.  The exception in this case was Hazor, which they burned. Apparently Hazor was destroyed because it was the city of Jabin, who was the ring leader of the attack.

F.  JOSHUA WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL ALL THAT MOSES HAD COMMANDED WAS COMPLETED. (VERSES 15-20; DEUT. 7:2; 20:16, 17)

1.  Joshua was a long time at war with these many kings. (Verse 18)

2.  Notice, even though not a single city was able to stand against Israel, yet there was not one city that sought to make peace with them. “There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon.”  (Verse 19)

a)  This is a most remarkable statement. Only the Gibeonites survived, and that, because they decided not to take up arms against Israel, but instead sought and obtained peace.

b)  The implication seems to be that, had they been so inclined, peace would have been possible, yet destruction and misery were in their way, and the way of peace they did not know. (Rom. 3:16, 17)

c)  The natural man left to himself will choose every time to take up arms against God and His Son, even though the only hope for his soul is to give up the fight and flee to Christ for mercy. Both the terms of peace and the grounds for peace are laid out clearly in the Gospel.

G.  THE ANAKIM WERE THE LAST TO BE DESTROYED IN THIS FINAL CONQUEST. (VERSES 21, 22)

1.  The Anakim were giant-like mountain men, who had been a particular terror to the spies forty years before. (Num. 13:28, 33)

2.  The Lord still restrains our strongest enemies until we become stronger and more experienced in grace. Even so, they may as well have been dwarfs or children, since Omnipotence was their pursuer.

H.  AT LAST, THE WHOLE LAND WAS CONQUERED AND DIVIDED ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF THE LORD. (VERSE 23)

1.  It is clear from Chapter 13 and also the book of Judges that those words are to be regarded as a general statement. Joshua failed not any of his assignments. He did not fail in any of his attempts.

2.  Thus, God made good His promises unto the patriarchs (Deut. 1:8), to Moses (Deut. 3:18), and to Joshua (Josh. 1:6).

3.  Now, for a season the land rested from war.

II.  A SUMMARY OF ISRAEL’S CONQUESTS. (CHAPTER 12)

A.  UNDER MOSES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF JORDAN. (VERSES 1-6)

B.  UNDER JOSHUA ON THE CANAAN SIDE OF JORDAN. (VERSES 7-24)

 

AUGUST 7, 2016

 

THE LONGEST DAY

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Adonizedek, King of Jerusalem, being outraged by the defection of the Gibeonites, called upon four other southern kings to join him in waging war against the traitors. (Verse 3) He surely had no idea what the repercussions of such an attack might be; that he would inadvertently engage Joshua and his army in a military campaign that would sweep across the south of Canaan like wildfire until the entire region was totally mastered by Israel. (See Verses 41, 42)

2.  Adonizedek and his allied forces only intended to punish Gibeon for their defection, and hopefully re-enlist them in the common cause. However, the matter was not nearly so simple, seeing that the Gibeonites had entered into covenant with Israel, which meant that Israel, and Israel’s God, had become their defenders.

3.  The kings of the south learned the hard way that it is not wise to pick a quarrel with those who are under the protection of the Almighty. First, the Lord discomfited the enemy, i.e. greatly agitated them, caused an uproar, which gave Israel’s troops a great advantage. Second, He fought from heaven, using supernatural methods which the allied forces were helpless to combat. (Verses 10, 11)

4.  The kings and their armies hadn’t seen nothin’ yet. The mighty God, Who was on Israel’s side, Who had been fighting with and for His people, was about to do something that had never been seen before or since. To prevent any loss of advantage which they had gained toward achieving the complete victory that He promised over this formidable enemy (Verse 8), He will suspend His own established laws of nature and prevent the setting of the sun for the space of almost a whole day.

 

I.  IN ORDER THAT ISRAEL’S ARMIES MIGHT CONTINUE IN UNINTERRUPTED PURSUIT OF THE ALLIED FORCES, THE LORD MADE THE SUN TO STAND STILL ACCORDING TO JOSHUA’S WORD. (VERSES 12-14)

A.  GREAT FAITH IS HERE DISPLAYED BY JOSHUA. (VERSE 12)

1.  That Joshua would dare to ask for such a thing, something totally unprecedented, is most remarkable.

a)  It is not said that Joshua prayed for this, but it is implied. “Then Joshua spake to the Lord…”

b)  It is not specifically said that Elijah prayed for drought, only that he prophesied of it. (I Kings 17:1) Yet it is said in James 5:17 that he prayed earnestly for it. The same might be assumed in this case; that Joshua prayed for this miraculous intervention.

2.  Having prayed, Joshua demonstrated his great faith, in that, he gave this command in the sight of all Israel.

3.  God Himself wrought this faith in His faithful servant, and, no doubt, Joshua experienced an extraordinary impulse or impression upon his spirit, prompting him to make this request.

B.  GREAT CONFIDENCE IN GOD IS HERE MANIFESTED. “Sun stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou moon in the valley of Ajalon.”

1.  Only the Creator God is able to cause the sun and moon to be stayed. By this request, he is not suggesting that he needs both of the great lights for his mission, because having the light of the sun, the moon is insignificant. However, in order to have the sunlight to continue, the rotation of all bodies must stop, and remain in their place.

2.  Joshua had to believe that, not only could God interrupt the course of nature, He could also sustain the entire universe unharmed during the time of such an interruption.

C.  GREAT COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF THE TROOPS IS HERE SEEN.

1.  What energy and determination they exhibited in order to see this righteous cause completed! They had marched all night from Gilgal (Verse 9), and fought furiously all day. They might have been quite glad to see the sun disappear, so that they might set up camp for the night. There was, however, a cause which had to take priority.

2.  God, Who would extend the day would also increase their strength accordingly. (Deut. 33:25) Their enemies were no doubt very weary, but they would not be given a chance to stop or rest.

D.  GOD’S POWER AND FAITHFULNESS IS HERE WONDERFULLY DEMONSTRATED. (VERSE 13)

1.  The sun continued above the horizon for the space of almost a whole day.

2.  God suspended the course of nature until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.

E.  WHAT GOD DID FOR HIS PEOPLE ON THIS OCCASION WAS TOTALLY UNIQUE. (VERSE 14)

1.  There was no day like this before or since.

a)  First, that this day was almost double in length to that of an ordinary day.

b)  Second, that God put such an honor upon faith and prayer, and upon Israel’s cause.

2.  So wonderful was this day that it was recorded in the book of Jasher, a collection of state poems. “Is not this written in the book of Jasher?” Joshua’s command in Verse 12, “Sun stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou moon in the valley of Agilon,” are supposed to be a metrical composition taken form the book of Jasher. Perhaps this book was a continuation by Jasher of the “book of the wars of the Lord.” (Num. 21:14)

II.  IN ORDER TO GAIN COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE FIVE KINGS OF THE AMORITES, THEIR EXECUTION WAS DELAYED UNTIL THEIR ARMIES WERE CONSUMED. (VRS. 15-27) The five kings of the Amorites made a brave showing at the beginning of this war, but seeing what they were up against, that they had bit off much more than they could chew, they abandoned the cause to save their own necks. Their place of refuge to which they fled for safety became their holding cell, where they would be held awaiting their execution. (Verses 16-18)

A.  JOSHUA AND HIS TROOPS RETURNED BRIEFLY TO GILGAL. (VERSE 15)

1.  Why they discontinued the pursuit for this brief recess we are not told. Surely Joshua knew that the mission was not yet complete.

2.  We can imagine that they all needed refreshment and rest, having been without sleep for at least three days, two of which were spent in furious warfare.

3.  We can assume that Joshua was led of the Lord in returning to Gilgal. Clearly word reached him there about the situation, along with instructions from the Lord about how to proceed.

B.  WORD REACHED JOSHUA AS TO THE STATUS OF THE FIVE AMORITE KINGS. (VERSES 16-18)

1.  This was good news for Israel’s captain. The Lord had indeed delivered them into his hand. (Verses 16, 17)

2.  Joshua knew that their execution was not now the first priority. He therefore ordered them to be guarded and held. (Verse 18)

3.  Ordinarily, the enemy king was considered the personal trophy of the conquering commander, however, more important than his personal gratification was to follow the Lord’s direction in chasing and destroying their armies.

C.  JOSHUA’S MEN STAYED NOT, BUT PURSUED AFTER THEIR ENEMIES UNTIL THEY WERE CONSUMED. (VERSES 19-21)

1.  There was a very great slaughter made of the enemies of Israel. (Verses 19, 20)

2.  So thorough was their success that “none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.” (Verse 21) This was apparently a proverbial saying which meant that not even the slightest act of retaliation did they dare to attempt.

D.  JOSHUA WOULD NOW DEAL WITH THE FIVE KINGS OF THE AMORITES IN THE APPROPRIATE MANNER. (VERSES 22-27)

1.  First, they were made an object lesson for the encouragement of the children of Israel. (Verses 22-25)

a)  They were brought forth from the cave to stand before Joshua. Five kings had joined themselves against one commander. But, that one commander happened to be the anointed captain of the Lord’s host. He that sits in the heavens must have been laughing. (Psa. 2:2-5)

b)  Joshua’s officers then placed their feet on the necks of these kings, symbolizing what the Lord would do to all of their enemies. (Verse 25)

c)  Our great Captain has assured us that because He has put His foot on the neck of Satan, we too shall be able to tread him under our feet. (Rom. 16:20; Psa. 18:40; 110:1; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:8; Psa. 91:13)

2.  Second, they were slain. “And afterward Joshua smote, and slew them.” (Verse 26a)

a)  If these kings hoped that the former humiliation was the extent of their punishment, it was not done as punishment, but rather as a sign to encourage God’s people.

b)  The sentence to be executed upon these heathen kings was death, and death it was. “…Joshua smote them and slew them.”

3.  Third, they were hanged on five trees, showing that they were each cursed of God. (Verses 26b, 27; Deut. 21:21, 22)

a)  We considered why this was done and the meaning of the procedure in a previous lesson in which we saw the death and public hanging of the king of Ai. (Ch. 8:29) We noted that he was most likely slain before he was hanged, as was the case here.

b)  After the five Amorite kings were slain, they were hanged signifying that they were under a divine curse. (Verse 26b; Deut. 21:23)

c)  Their dead bodies were taken down before sundown, so that the land would not be defiled. (Verse 27; Deut. 21:23)

4.  Fourth, they were entombed in the cave at Makkedah wherein they had hid themselves.

a)  The cave which they thought would be their shelter was first made their prison, and finally their grave.

b)  So shall men be disappointed in that from which they think to flee from the wrath of God.

c)  There is but one hiding place into which one can flee form God’s wrath. Those who hide themselves in the Rock of Ages will be forever safe.

III.  ONCE THE FIVE KINGS WERE APPROPRIATELY DEALT WITH, JOSHUA WENT ON TO IMPROVE UPON THE GLORIOUS VICTORY. (VERSES 28-43)

A.  A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT IS GIVEN OF SEVERAL CITIES WHICH HE TOOK. (VERSES 28-39)

B.  A GENERAL ACCOUNT IS GIVEN OF THE COUNTRY THAT WAS HEREBY BROUGHT INTO ISRAEL’S POSSESSION. (VERSES 40-42)