“Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. In this particular chapter, Joshua is engaged in a series of battles against various kings and their armies in the northern region of Canaan.
Persistence in the face of opposition: The verse highlights Joshua’s perseverance and determination in waging war against the enemy kings. It emphasizes that the battles were not quickly won but required a sustained effort over a long period. This teaches us the importance of persistence in fulfilling God’s purposes, even when faced with challenges and opposition.
Spiritual warfare: While the battles recorded in Joshua primarily have a historical context, they also hold spiritual significance. In the Bible, warfare often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face. As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual warfare against the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Joshua’s prolonged struggle teaches us that spiritual battles can be prolonged and challenging, requiring steadfast faith and dependence on God.
Trusting in God’s promises: Throughout the conquest of Canaan, Joshua’s success was not solely dependent on his military strategy or the strength of his army. His victories were a result of his obedience to God’s commands and his trust in God’s promises. This verse reminds us that our battles are not fought in our own strength but in reliance on God’s guidance and promises (Psalm 20:7).
Patience and perseverance: Joshua’s extended period of warfare teaches us the importance of patience and perseverance. The fulfillment of God’s promises may not happen immediately or in our preferred timeframe. However, we are called to remain faithful and continue trusting God, even when the victory seems far off (Hebrews 10:36).
Application: As we study Joshua’s example, we can draw practical applications for our own lives. We are encouraged to persevere in our walk with God, even during difficult seasons. We should trust in His promises, knowing that He will be with us and give us the strength we need to face every battle. We must also remember that our ultimate victory is found in Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin and death on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:57).
In conclusion, Joshua 11:18 teaches us about Joshua’s long period of warfare against the enemy kings. It emphasizes the importance of persistence, reliance on God’s promises, and the need for patience and perseverance in our spiritual battles. By studying Joshua’s example, we can learn valuable lessons for our own journey of faith.
