DAILY READINGS: Amorites Gather Together Against Gibeon Joshua 10:1-5 The king of Jerusalem heard of the pact of Gibeon with Israel. He pictured the mighty men of Gibeon now joining Israel in destroying the Amorites as they had Jericho and Ai. This was considered treason, a betrayal of their own countrymen. (The Gibeonites were a part of the Amorite group; 2 Samuel 21:2.) This frightened King Adonizedec, and he gathered the other Amorite kings, and the five together attacked Gibeon. Gibeon Calls for Israel's Help Joshua 10:6-10 The Gibeonites called Joshua, Come ... save us ... help us. Joshua and his army came—the first installment in the keeping of the covenant. When God set Joshua as leader of Israel, He said, The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (1:9). This promise is still true and much greater to God's people today. Now He spoke to Joshua, I have delivered— not will deliver—them into thine hand. Knowing victory was sure, Joshua could move ahead and fight with strong courage. But the Lord went ahead and fought for Israel. He discomfited ... slew ... chased and smote. God's supernatural power had brought the victory this far. A Miracle of Hailstones, Sun, and Moon Joshua 10:11-14 Upon the fleeing Amorites, He turned to miracles. He sent hailstones, called great stones from heaven. They were sent just at the right time to kill the Amorites and not their pursuers. There is a type here of God's Word falling as hailstones on the congregation. To some, it is torment, and to others, it brings joy and happiness and victory. More died by the hailstones than from the swords of the Israelites. What great faith this man of God had! Encouraged by the Lord's promise and help so far, Joshua asked for another miracle. Then spake Joshua to the Lord ... and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun and Moon, stand still. The Lord listened to the voice of a man, and they obeyed. No day like that before it or after it. It was unique. The day was twice as long as an ordinary day! What was its purpose? To give Israel light to complete the destruction of the enemy. This stands among the greatest of miracles. It was written in the book of Jasher, probably a history book of Israel of this time. The Lord Fought for Israel Marvelous things occurred that day. God did them! Israel fought with all their strength. But that was not enough. All through this chapter we can follow the doings of the Lord. Joshua gave the honor to God (verse 25). Since God did so for Israel in a former and lesser dispensation, should not we be able to trust Him to do so for us in this dispensation? Success brings confidence. Success reached as a result of our being in the will of God causes us to be confident that greater things can be had from the Lord. At the beginning of the battle, the Lord promised victory. After that, Joshua could not be discouraged. Having God's promise to stand on gives courage— then and now. We have His promises. This gives us confidence, strength, patience, and hope. Some of His precious promises are found in Matthew 28:20; 10:39; Revelation 2:11. Is It Possible? Doubters have long questioned the truth of this account of the Sun and Moon. And the sun stood still ... How could it be? Is not the Creator of the universe able to order it in ANY way? Nothing is impossible with an all-powerful God. The Creator is necessarily greater than His creation. God is Master of all laws of nature, never limited by them. This was a MIRACLE. Miracle is beyond both the powers and the understanding of natural man. To talk of POSSIBILITY with God is to lower Him to a level of our abilities. . . . with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Miracle is natural to Him. What we call a great miracle is no harder for Him than one we think simple. Belief in miracles is necessary to belief in God. If no miracle, no salvation, no God. Why the Miracles? We cannot measure the full depth of God's purposes in the things He does. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God ... (Deuteronomy 29:29). But it would appear that some of His purposes in doing these miracles are: (1) The pact of Israel with Gibeon must be honored by protecting them from destruction. (2) The command to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan must be carried out. He had promised to help Israel do it. (3) This was one more step in keeping of God's everlasting covenant. He was working out His purpose of bringing man into union with God. The settlement of Canaan by His people was part of it. JUST A THOUGHT Wise men always know more than they tell, Click
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