“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.”
This verse is part of the account of Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. In this particular passage, Joshua and the Israelites were facing a coalition of five Amorite kings who had gathered together to fight against them.
Context:The context of Joshua 10 is that the Amorite kings heard about the Israelites’ victories in Jericho and Ai, and they became fearful of Israel’s growing power. The kings decided to join forces and attack the Gibeonites, who had made a peace treaty with Israel. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua for help, and he responded by leading the Israelite army to their aid.
God’s Assurance:In Joshua 10:8, the Lord speaks to Joshua, reassuring him not to fear the coalition of Amorite kings because He had already delivered them into Joshua’s hand. God encourages Joshua by promising that none of the Amorite kings will be able to stand before him. This divine assurance is meant to strengthen Joshua’s faith and resolve as he leads the Israelite army into battle.
Divine Intervention:The following verses in Joshua 10 describe the battle that takes place. As Joshua and the Israelites march all night to surprise the Amorite forces, the Lord causes a great panic to fall upon the enemy camp. He throws them into confusion and strikes them with a hailstorm, causing more casualties among the Amorites than those killed by the Israelites. Joshua and the Israelite army pursue the Amorite kings, defeat them, and conquer their cities.
Lessons and Application:Joshua 10:8 teaches us several important lessons:
- Trust in God’s Promises:Joshua’s victory was not based on his own strength or military strategy alone. God had promised him success, and Joshua trusted in that promise. We, too, should trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.
- Courage in the Face of Opposition:Joshua was facing a formidable enemy, but God encouraged him not to fear. We can draw courage from this passage, knowing that God is with us in the midst of our battles and challenges. With God on our side, we can face any opposition with confidence.
- God’s Sovereignty and Deliverance:The Lord proclaimed that He had already delivered the Amorite kings into Joshua’s hand. This highlights God’s sovereignty over the affairs of men. He is able to intervene and bring deliverance in any situation. We can rely on God’s power and trust in His faithfulness to overcome our enemies and obstacles.
- The Importance of Obedience:Joshua’s success was also tied to his obedience in following God’s instructions. Prior to this battle, Joshua sought God’s guidance, and God instructed him on how to proceed. Joshua’s obedience to God’s commands played a crucial role in the victory. Similarly, our obedience to God’s Word and guidance is vital for success in our lives.
Overall, Joshua 10:8 emphasizes the faithfulness of God, His ability to deliver His people, and the importance of trusting in Him even in the face of daunting challenges. It serves as a reminder that with God on our side, we can be confident in our battles, knowing that He is with us and will grant us victory.
