RPG Adults
JOSHUA ACQUIRED THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Joshua 11
Matthew 11:27-30
“Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
JOSHUA ACQUIRED THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Hazor was a great kingdom, and Joshua took it. It was the only city that Joshua burned down. He smote all the other kings and destroyed them as Moses had commanded. Israel took the spoils of these cities and their cattle for themselves. They smote everyone and left none breathing. The acquisition of territory was the second phase in the war to possess Canaan. The war in the north acquired the last of the region that God had told Moses He would give to Israel. All the borders were secured. The war was won in this last territory much faster than in the other regions because Israel was already experienced. In addition, the kingdoms were afraid because they knew of the successes of Israel and thus fear ruled their minds.
Hear the sum of the territory conquered in the second phase: “So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them. Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle” (Josh 11:16-19). They took time to conquer all that territory. Only Gibeon made peace with Israel. God hardened the hearts of the Canaanites to come up against Israel, and they were defeated. Joshua cut off all the Anakims and only a few were left in Gaza and Gath, who became the ancestors of Goliath. Joshua conquered all the land that God had promised and rested from war.
There was victory after victory for Israel because God had given them the land and fought for them. As believers today, we have the promises of God. Trust Him to the end, and you will have rest.
THOUGHT: There is perfect rest in God when we trust Him.
PRAYER: Father, may I lay my burdens surely on Thee and find rest.