“And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.”
Context:In Joshua 10, the Israelites were engaged in a military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, which God had promised to give them. The Amorite kings in the region gathered together to fight against Joshua and the Israelites. However, with God’s help, the Israelites gained a decisive victory. In verse 20, Joshua and the Israelites had finished defeating their enemies and were now dealing with the remaining survivors.
Victory through God’s intervention:This verse highlights the divine intervention and military success the Israelites experienced with God’s presence and assistance. Throughout the conquest of Canaan, God fought alongside the Israelites, empowering them to overcome formidable adversaries. It is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
Persistence and completion of the task:Joshua and the children of Israel “made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed.” This verse emphasizes the Israelites’ determination to complete the task at hand. They pursued their enemies relentlessly until they were completely defeated. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance and diligence in accomplishing the purposes God has assigned to us.
The remaining survivors:After the Israelites defeated their enemies, the survivors sought refuge in fortified cities. This verse acknowledges the fact that not all the enemies were immediately destroyed. Some managed to escape and find safety in well-defended cities. This implies that the Israelites’ campaign was not yet complete, and they would have to continue their efforts to fully possess the land.
Spiritual lessons:
- Trusting in God’s presence:Joshua and the Israelites’ victory reminds us of the significance of relying on God’s presence and power in our lives. Just as God was with the Israelites, He is with His people today, providing strength and guidance to overcome the challenges we face.
- Perseverance and follow-through:The Israelites’ determination to finish the battle teaches us the importance of perseverance. In our spiritual journey, we may encounter obstacles and setbacks, but we should not lose heart. Instead, we should press on, trusting in God’s promises and His ability to see us through to the end.
- Completing the task:Like the Israelites, we are called to faithfully fulfill the tasks and assignments God has given us. We should not be content with partial victories or incomplete obedience. Instead, we should strive to finish what we have started, trusting that God will equip us and lead us to the successful completion of His purposes.
