RPG Adults
GIBEON DEPENDED ON ISRAEL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Joshua 10:1-21
Philippians 4:13-19
“I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me.”
GIBEON DEPENDED ON ISRAEL
The land of Canaan was divided into many small kingdoms. The small cities were ruled by kings. The victories of Israel over two cities were well known to the Canaanites. They knew what Israel had done to Jericho and Ai. Gibeon, one of their great cities, had made peace with Israel. The king of Jerusalem could not rest because of this development. He called on the other cities to unite and resist the advance of Israel.
On the other hand, Gibeon appealed to Joshua because it was in danger of an attack by the combined forces. Joshua responded and took over the battle. God told him not to fear for He was going to fight for them. As the children of God advanced, more time was needed to complete the slaughter of the Canaanites. At Joshua’s word, God made the sun and the moon to stop in the sky for a whole day till the task was finished. Thus, they captured more land.
Their earlier victories and their peace treaty with Gibeon made the kings of Canaan to fear. They were uncertain of what would befall them next. They feared because Gibeon was a great city. The king of Jerusalem took the lead in asking the other kings of Canaan to unite and fight against Joshua. They knew that Gibeon had the capability to fight against Israel. Yet, Gibeon chose to make a league of peace.
The other Canaanite cities saw the Gibeonites as traitors and were resolved to fight them. Their first reaction was to attack Gibeon before fighting Israel. The new diplomatic relationship between Israel and Gibeon also dictated that they would be united in war. Nevertheless, Israel’s faith in God helped Joshua and Israel to pursue their goal of conquering the land with great confidence.
THOUGHT: Those who trust God will attempt great things for Him.
PRAYER: Father, may my courage remain ever strong.