Adventure 2&3, Joshua 9-24: Deceit, war, and witness

There are a number of stories in this section of Joshua. Coming hard on the back of a lesson to consult God in wartime, we now have a lesson about consulting God in diplomatic parlays also. The situation with the Gibeonites is quite remarkable in many ways. First and most obvious is why they immediately believed them, when they could have consulted God, and were already a little suspicious that the people came from nearby. We also learn that God hardened the hearts of the (other) people of the land so they would fight Israel and be completely destroyed, as part of His judgement on their sin (a bit like God hardened Pharaoh's heart and Pharaoh hardened his own heart - both parties were involved, not just God). It could be God allowed the Gibeonites to do this either to show them mercy, or test Israel, or both - He not only works through our obedience but also our mistakes, after all!

This crisis triggered another, with five kings allied against Gibeon, and are quickly defeated by God. Certainly, Israel was there and killed a few, but this one was God's battle - more of them died from the hailstones than the sword, and this would have thrown their ranks into massive confusion so the swordsmen of Israel had 'easy pickings'. Then we have the remarkable event of the sun and moon holding steady so they can finish the battle in the daytime - a magnificent event occurring with Joshua in tune with the will of God that he knew by faith his request would be granted, and an awesome display of God's power over His creation. Never mind just the slowing down, the balancing of forces once the centrifugal force of spinning is taken away must have all been part of the miracle!

We then lead into a lot of conquests. There is one key phrase that comes through this section - 'as the Lord commanded Moses'. People have compared this invasion of the land to genocide, and if the Israelites were doing this of their own accord they could be correct. But this was by the Lord's command, and part of His judgement - He does have the right to make that call.

After some rest from war, their is the division of the land and then some more carving out of territory, part of the promised land not yet conquered. Even after all of these successes, there is interesting insight that some were still fearful of the strength of the Canaanite tribes - they had conquered many armies, kings and cities - in some cases not even doing much of the fighting but watching God fight for them! And yet they still fear the iron chariots. Still, after reassurance, they do conquer that land.

Another quick note about things that happened in these lists of conquered territories. Caleb and Joshua each received inheritance within their tribes, but we also have a little insight into the respect for women in Israel. Both Caleb's daughter and the daughters of Manasseh received inheritance of land - one on an individual level, the other a legacy from the daughters who would have died long ago in Egypt, but considered as part of the allotment of portions to the tribes.

And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. 

(Jos 21:43-45)

Just had to quote those verses - it seems to be the focus of the book. Not the successes of the people, but the faithfulness of God.

In the 'epilogue' of the book we see a number of witnesses. We have the altar set up on the east of the Jordan - an interesting situation here, too in the way the dispute is handled. Good to see a resolution by communication and clarification of intention rather than jumping to conclusions and fighting! The Western tribes were certainly right to be concerned, but fortunately the initial perception was not the full truth, and it was in memory of God and not forgetfulness of God that caused them to set the altar up.

We have the witness of Joshua in the last two chapters, and his re-iteration of the pledge/covenant of God with the people and vice versa. Noting his words, he is very insistent on reminding them it is not a small thing/flippant thing/etc. to make a pledge to serve God. He warns them that God will not tolerate disobedience, and people assure him that they will serve the Lord. And serve Him they do. In contrast to most of Judges, where the people serve until the judge at the time dies, there is a continuance of service until the elders also pass on to glory. Joshua served well in passing on to righteous elders of the people, but the people and elders apparently failed to pass it on to the next generation after that.

Finally, we are reminded again of God's faithfulness concerning Joseph's bones that were buried in the land. God promised well back when Joseph was alive that Israel would come again out of Egypt, and by faith Joseph made the people promise to not take his bones back prematurely, but only when the nation as a whole returned to the promised land. and God did bring them back there.

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 

(Jos 24:14-15)