“There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Israelites engaged in a series of battles to possess the land that God had promised to give them. Joshua 11 describes a significant military campaign against a coalition of Canaanite kings in northern Canaan.
God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of promises: Joshua 11:19 highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Despite the fierce opposition they faced from various Canaanite cities, the Israelites were victorious in battle and conquered many cities. God demonstrated His faithfulness by giving the Israelites the victory He had promised.
The consequences of disobedience and idolatry: The preceding verses in Joshua 11 describe the widespread destruction of the Canaanite cities by the Israelites. The Canaanites were a wicked and idolatrous people who practiced detestable rituals and served false gods. Their disobedience and idolatry led to their judgment and downfall. The conquest of these cities served as a reminder that God abhors sin and will judge those who persist in rebellion against Him.
The faithfulness of the Hivites: Among the Canaanite cities, the Hivites living in Gibeon made a different choice. They decided to seek peace with the Israelites instead of resisting them in battle. The Israelites made a covenant with the Hivites, sparing their lives and allowing them to live among the Israelites (Joshua 9:3-27). This serves as a lesson that those who humble themselves and seek peace with God will find favor and mercy.
The importance of trust and obedience: The conquest of the Canaanite cities was not solely dependent on the Israelites’ military strength. It was their trust in God’s promises and their obedience to His commands that led to their victories. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see how God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to follow His guidance explicitly. In our own lives, we are called to trust in God, obey His Word, and seek His guidance, knowing that He is faithful to lead us and grant us success.
Application:
- Trust in God’s promises: Just as God was faithful to fulfill His promises to the Israelites, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises to us. We should seek His guidance and rely on His faithfulness in every area of our lives.
- Avoid idolatry and disobedience: The story of the Canaanite cities serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of idolatry and disobedience. We should examine our hearts and ensure that we are faithfully serving and worshiping the one true God.
- Seek peace with God: The example of the Hivites in Gibeon shows us the importance of seeking peace with God. When we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and surrender to God, we can find His mercy and grace.
- Trust and obey: Just as the Israelites’ victories were contingent on their trust and obedience to God, we are called to trust Him wholeheartedly and obey His commands. As we do, He will guide us and lead us to triumph over the challenges we face.
Remember to read the entire chapter of Joshua 11 to gain a fuller understanding of the historical and spiritual context of this verse.
