RPG Adults
THE CAMPAIGN TO OCCUPY CANAAN BEGAN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
Joshua 6:1-4
Proverbs 18:10-15
“The name of the LORD
is a strong tower…"
THE CAMPAIGN TO OCCUPY CANAAN BEGAN
The war to capture Canaan for Israel started. Their arrival in Canaan was in effect a declaration of war. The Canaanites were following their movements and had gathered information about their achievements. They were also aware of what God had done for Israel since they left Egypt. In their immediate neighbourhood, across River Jordan, God had already given Israel the two kings of Moab and their land. They were also aware that God had told Israel that He would give them their land. There was a great fear in Canaan even though they were stronger than Israel in terms of their military capability. Some had chariots of iron in addition to strong, fortified cities. They also had larger numbers compared to Israel. If God had not promised to deliver these nations into the hand of Israel, it would have been futile fighting against them. Both sides were aware of this advantage on the part of Israel.
In the preparation to conquer the land as seen in Joshua 5, they worshipped God. They kept the two important ordinances: circumcision and the Passover. God also appeared to Joshua to assure him. At this point, they camped in Gilgal in the open field. They had no fortified cities to protect them. God was greatly magnified in what He was able to do for Israel. He put great fear in the hearts of the Canaanites so that they could not resist Israel.
Joshua waited for direction from God. God was also a capable strategist in military command. He targeted the strongholds of their enemies, i.e. their fortified cities. The spies whom Moses had sent earlier in the wilderness had reported some vital information. The Canaanites were men of huge physical stature and thus superior to Israel. God, however, promised to deliver Israel regardless of the Canaanites’ physical might. Joshua approached the war with that promise. Israel was assured of victory because God was on their side.
THOUGHT: “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war…” (Prov 24:6)
PRAYER: Father, may I approach my tasks trusting in Thee.