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Context No. 4111 of 4322 · Joshua

Context · Reflection

Joshua 10:23-27: in context

23They did so, and brought those five kings out of the cave to him: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 24When they brought those kings out to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who went with him, “Come near. Put your feet on the necks of these kings.” They came near, and put their feet on their necks. 25Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all your enemies against whom you fight.” 26Afterward Joshua struck them, put them to death, and hanged them on five trees. They were hanging on the trees until the evening. 27At the time of the going down of the sun, Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and threw them into the cave in which they had hidden themselves, and laid great stones on the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day.

After a decisive victory, Joshua has the five defeated kings brought before him and tells his commanders to put their feet on the kings' necks, an ancient sign of complete victory. And he uses the moment to encourage his men with words worth remembering: do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.

We read the harsh execution of these kings soberly, as part of an ancient account of war. But the enduring word is Joshua's encouragement. He points his men beyond this one victory to a promise: the LORD would give them victory over all their enemies, so they need not fear. Their courage was to rest not on their own strength but on God's certain help. There is a truth here that reaches to our own battles, especially the spiritual ones. God gives his people victory over their enemies; Scripture even promises that God will crush the great enemy under our feet. We need not be paralyzed by fear before what opposes us, for the God who fights for his people will not fail them.

When I face what opposes me, especially in spiritual struggle, do I take Joshua's word to heart, refusing fear and being strong and courageous, resting my confidence not on my own strength but on the God who gives his people victory over their enemies?

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