"And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein"
Context:Joshua 10 records the account of Joshua and the Israelites as they conquered various cities in the land of Canaan. The verses leading up to Joshua 10:37 describe how Joshua and the Israelite army defeated several kings and captured their cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, and Eglon. The verse itself focuses on the complete destruction of Eglon and all its inhabitants.
Key Points:
- Obedience to God’s Commands:Joshua and the Israelites were carrying out God’s instructions to conquer the land of Canaan. The conquest of Eglon was part of their obedience to God’s command to possess the Promised Land. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see the Israelites following God’s instructions and witnessing His faithfulness.
- Judgment on the Canaanites:The destruction of Eglon, along with its king and inhabitants, is an example of God’s judgment upon the Canaanites. The Canaanites were known for their idolatry, immorality, and wickedness, which had reached a point where God’s patience was exhausted. The Lord used the Israelites as instruments of His judgment against the Canaanite cities, as part of His divine plan to establish the Israelites in the land.
- God’s Faithfulness and Sovereignty:The conquest of Eglon demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises and His sovereignty over the affairs of nations. The victories of the Israelites were not due to their own strength or military prowess, but because of God’s power and presence with them. It reminds us that when we trust in God and align ourselves with His will, He can enable us to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
- Spiritual Application:While the conquest of Canaan was a physical battle, it also serves as a spiritual metaphor. The Canaanites represent the sinful nature and strongholds in our lives that need to be conquered. Just as Joshua and the Israelites relied on God’s strength to claim victory, we, as believers, need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the strongholds of sin and live a life that honours God.
- Justice and Judgment:The complete destruction of Eglon and its inhabitants may raise questions about God’s justice and judgment. It’s important to note that God’s ways are higher than ours, and He sees the entirety of human history and the motives of every heart. While we may struggle to comprehend the full extent of God’s judgment, we can trust in His perfect justice and righteousness.
Application: Joshua 10:37 reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands, His faithfulness, and His sovereignty. We can apply this passage by seeking to obey God’s Word, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfil His promises in our lives, and recognising His sovereignty over all circumstances. Additionally, we should examine our lives, identify the strongholds of sin that need to be conquered, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome them.
Remember to read and study the Bible in its entirety to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s message and to seek further insights from other biblical passages.
