“And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.”
Context: Joshua 24:11 is part of a speech given by Joshua to the Israelites just before his death. He is recounting the history of Israel and reminding them of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from their enemies. The verse specifically refers to the conquest of the Promised Land, highlighting the victories God granted them over various nations.
Crossing the Jordan: The verse begins by mentioning the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River. This event marked the culmination of their wilderness wanderings and symbolized their entrance into the Promised Land. Crossing the Jordan was a significant step for Israel, demonstrating God’s fulfillment of His promise to give them the land.
Arrival at Jericho: After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites came to the city of Jericho. Jericho was the first city they encountered in their conquest of Canaan. It was a heavily fortified city, but God instructed Joshua to march around the city for six days, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho miraculously fell, allowing the Israelites to take the city (Joshua 6:1-20).
The Opposition: The verse mentions the men of Jericho who fought against the Israelites. In addition to the men of Jericho, Joshua lists several other groups of people who opposed the Israelites during their conquest. These include the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These were various Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land at that time.
Divine Deliverance: Despite the opposition they faced, Joshua emphasizes that God delivered these nations into the hands of the Israelites. The victories they experienced were not due to their military might or strategy alone but were the result of God’s intervention on their behalf. God fought for the Israelites and granted them success in battle.
Application:
Faithfulness of God: Joshua’s speech reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness throughout their history. It encourages them to reflect on the past and recognize how God had been with them every step of the way. Similarly, this verse encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives, acknowledging His provision and deliverance.
Trusting God in battles: The conquest of the Promised Land required the Israelites to trust in God’s promises and follow His instructions. The victory at Jericho serves as a powerful reminder that God can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It challenges us to trust in God’s guidance and strength when we face our own battles and challenges.
Gratitude for deliverance: Joshua’s words prompt the Israelites to be grateful for God’s deliverance. Likewise, we should cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the victories and deliverance God has granted us. Recognizing His hand in our lives leads us to praise Him and draw closer to Him.
Dependence on God’s power: The verse highlights that the Israelites’ victories were not accomplished in their own strength but through God’s power. It reminds us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own abilities. In our spiritual battles and life’s challenges, we can trust in God’s power and seek His guidance and help.
