Joshua 18

Joshua 18:1

Joshua Kills the Five Kings

In battle we don’t always have time to consider. Therefore, we must always listen to the Lord Jesus. The kings who have fled are first locked up, then the battle continues and later they deal with the kings. For every action the people receive instructions from Joshua.

Because the sun continues to shine, the kings flee from the light and seek the darkness of a cave to hide (John 3:20; cf. Revelation 6:15-17). Their self-sought safety becomes first their prison and then their grave. First they are locked up there, kept for the moment of judgment (cf. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). When the time for this has come, they are called out of darkness by name (Joshua 10:23), brought into light, and killed (Joshua 10:26).

The kings have escaped the hailstones, like Pharaoh and his horsemen escaped the plagues of Egypt. But escaping judgment is only temporary and for a purpose. God has let Pharaoh and his horsemen escape, “to show”, as He says to Pharaoh “you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth” (Exodus 9:16). This is also the case with these kings. It makes the final judgment all the clearer and includes a message, an encouragement, for the people.

Furthermore, some of them manage to escape (Joshua 10:20). That also fits in with God’s plan. There are always enemies left. That determines for us that we must always remain vigilant.

The people return to the camp unharmed. The fact that no one dared to utter a word against them (Joshua 10:21) indicates that no Israelite has been in trouble for a single moment during the battle or pursuit (cf. Exodus 11:7). Also, their actions were entirely in accordance with God’s will, so that no one could come up with and express a complaint about a wrong treatment.

The kings must be humiliated. This can seem overconfident and the danger of becoming overconfident is always present. We are never so weak as when we have achieved a great victory. But here it is an encouragement to the people. Every enemy will fall down for the people. Haman, the hater of the Jews, is an example of this: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him” (Esther 6:13b).

The people see the big, impressive enemies. Joshua orders the captains to put their feet on the kings’ necks. The putting of the foot on the neck is a proof of the complete victory and for the conquered a proof of complete humiliation (1 Kings 5:3; Psalms 110:1). Thus, according to the word of Moses, they step, spiritually spoken, on the heights – the heights we see here in these great men – of their enemies (Deuteronomy 33:29).

In the same way we are encouraged by the following promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20a). This is not Paul boasting, but speaking the language of faith. Thus will all enemies be to the Lord Jesus as a footstool for Him (1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:13).

Joshua makes it clear through his command (Joshua 10:24) that there is no power left in the feared kings. They must accept this in faith. There is no more reason for fear (Joshua 10:25). Joshua kills the kings. This is also the final victory for the Lord Jesus. He kills His enemies. God gave “Him authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). We, the church, are involved. We will judge the world and even angels, that is to say, rule it, govern it (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).

Joshua 18:2

Joshua Kills the Five Kings

In battle we don’t always have time to consider. Therefore, we must always listen to the Lord Jesus. The kings who have fled are first locked up, then the battle continues and later they deal with the kings. For every action the people receive instructions from Joshua.

Because the sun continues to shine, the kings flee from the light and seek the darkness of a cave to hide (John 3:20; cf. Revelation 6:15-17). Their self-sought safety becomes first their prison and then their grave. First they are locked up there, kept for the moment of judgment (cf. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). When the time for this has come, they are called out of darkness by name (Joshua 10:23), brought into light, and killed (Joshua 10:26).

The kings have escaped the hailstones, like Pharaoh and his horsemen escaped the plagues of Egypt. But escaping judgment is only temporary and for a purpose. God has let Pharaoh and his horsemen escape, “to show”, as He says to Pharaoh “you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth” (Exodus 9:16). This is also the case with these kings. It makes the final judgment all the clearer and includes a message, an encouragement, for the people.

Furthermore, some of them manage to escape (Joshua 10:20). That also fits in with God’s plan. There are always enemies left. That determines for us that we must always remain vigilant.

The people return to the camp unharmed. The fact that no one dared to utter a word against them (Joshua 10:21) indicates that no Israelite has been in trouble for a single moment during the battle or pursuit (cf. Exodus 11:7). Also, their actions were entirely in accordance with God’s will, so that no one could come up with and express a complaint about a wrong treatment.

The kings must be humiliated. This can seem overconfident and the danger of becoming overconfident is always present. We are never so weak as when we have achieved a great victory. But here it is an encouragement to the people. Every enemy will fall down for the people. Haman, the hater of the Jews, is an example of this: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him” (Esther 6:13b).

The people see the big, impressive enemies. Joshua orders the captains to put their feet on the kings’ necks. The putting of the foot on the neck is a proof of the complete victory and for the conquered a proof of complete humiliation (1 Kings 5:3; Psalms 110:1). Thus, according to the word of Moses, they step, spiritually spoken, on the heights – the heights we see here in these great men – of their enemies (Deuteronomy 33:29).

In the same way we are encouraged by the following promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20a). This is not Paul boasting, but speaking the language of faith. Thus will all enemies be to the Lord Jesus as a footstool for Him (1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:13).

Joshua makes it clear through his command (Joshua 10:24) that there is no power left in the feared kings. They must accept this in faith. There is no more reason for fear (Joshua 10:25). Joshua kills the kings. This is also the final victory for the Lord Jesus. He kills His enemies. God gave “Him authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). We, the church, are involved. We will judge the world and even angels, that is to say, rule it, govern it (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).

Joshua 18:3

Joshua Kills the Five Kings

In battle we don’t always have time to consider. Therefore, we must always listen to the Lord Jesus. The kings who have fled are first locked up, then the battle continues and later they deal with the kings. For every action the people receive instructions from Joshua.

Because the sun continues to shine, the kings flee from the light and seek the darkness of a cave to hide (John 3:20; cf. Revelation 6:15-17). Their self-sought safety becomes first their prison and then their grave. First they are locked up there, kept for the moment of judgment (cf. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). When the time for this has come, they are called out of darkness by name (Joshua 10:23), brought into light, and killed (Joshua 10:26).

The kings have escaped the hailstones, like Pharaoh and his horsemen escaped the plagues of Egypt. But escaping judgment is only temporary and for a purpose. God has let Pharaoh and his horsemen escape, “to show”, as He says to Pharaoh “you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth” (Exodus 9:16). This is also the case with these kings. It makes the final judgment all the clearer and includes a message, an encouragement, for the people.

Furthermore, some of them manage to escape (Joshua 10:20). That also fits in with God’s plan. There are always enemies left. That determines for us that we must always remain vigilant.

The people return to the camp unharmed. The fact that no one dared to utter a word against them (Joshua 10:21) indicates that no Israelite has been in trouble for a single moment during the battle or pursuit (cf. Exodus 11:7). Also, their actions were entirely in accordance with God’s will, so that no one could come up with and express a complaint about a wrong treatment.

The kings must be humiliated. This can seem overconfident and the danger of becoming overconfident is always present. We are never so weak as when we have achieved a great victory. But here it is an encouragement to the people. Every enemy will fall down for the people. Haman, the hater of the Jews, is an example of this: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him” (Esther 6:13b).

The people see the big, impressive enemies. Joshua orders the captains to put their feet on the kings’ necks. The putting of the foot on the neck is a proof of the complete victory and for the conquered a proof of complete humiliation (1 Kings 5:3; Psalms 110:1). Thus, according to the word of Moses, they step, spiritually spoken, on the heights – the heights we see here in these great men – of their enemies (Deuteronomy 33:29).

In the same way we are encouraged by the following promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20a). This is not Paul boasting, but speaking the language of faith. Thus will all enemies be to the Lord Jesus as a footstool for Him (1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:13).

Joshua makes it clear through his command (Joshua 10:24) that there is no power left in the feared kings. They must accept this in faith. There is no more reason for fear (Joshua 10:25). Joshua kills the kings. This is also the final victory for the Lord Jesus. He kills His enemies. God gave “Him authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). We, the church, are involved. We will judge the world and even angels, that is to say, rule it, govern it (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).

Joshua 18:4

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:5

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:6

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:7

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:8

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:9

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:10

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:11

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:12

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:13

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:14

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:15

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:16

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:17

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:18

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:19

The Cities in the Negev Captured

Striking in this section is the recurring expression “Joshua and all Israel with him” (Joshua 10:29; 31; 34; 36; 38; 43). Here we can see a picture of the unity of the Lord Jesus and His own in judgment (Revelation 19:14-15).

Joshua captures the cities of three of the five kings: Lachis (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35) and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). The other two cities, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, are not yet captured. In this part of the land Gezer is also defeated (Joshua 10:33). Horam, the king of Gezer, wants to come with his army to the aid of Lachis, that has lost its king. He appears to be interfering in the matter to his own destruction.

Joshua also captures three more royal cities. First Makkedah (Joshua 10:28), in the neighborhood of which the five kings fled (Joshua 10:16). Now that Joshua and his armed forces have come there to persecute and kill the kings who have fled, he captures by the way the city. The flight of the kings thus accelerates the fall of this city. After that he also captures Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30) and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39).

The king of Hebron is killed (Joshua 10:37). But, as we might notice, he is already killed among the five (Joshua 10:23; 26), isn’t it? One solution may be that a new king has risen immediately after his death. Enemies quickly follow each other to resist God’s people.

We could suppose that, now that the army has already entered the land so far and conquered it, they can also set their camp a bit further. But the army stays always in Gilgal (Joshua 10:43; Joshua 10:7). There the army is always reminded of the circumcision. This is necessary to gain strength for the next battle. That the LORD fights for Israel does not diminish the need to be reminded of the judgment of sin, of flesh. We must always return to the place that suits us before God: the complete discarding of ourselves. There is a time to act and there is also a time to keep silent and to place ourselves before God so that we may be able to act.

Our consciousness of who we are we gain when we look at the death of Christ on the cross. That is the starting point for the battle in which the Lord is leading. Just then we will give Him everything in His hands. If the flesh starts to boast, the next defeat is a fact. Then there is no place for Him and He cannot fight for us. We return, not to be circumcised again, but to be reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “The flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). If we remember that, we will perform the command: “Put to death therefore your members which [are] upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5 Darby Translation).

Joshua 18:21

Introduction

Joshua 10 and Joshua 11 belong together. They describe the battle against the kings of the south (Joshua 10) and of the north (Joshua 11). In two great wars Joshua broke the power of all those kings. A difference between the first and the second war is that in the second war, that against the kings of the north, no miracles happen.

After the conquests in the south, it is now the turn of the north. Joshua experiences again that the LORD is with him. He moves on victoriously and leaves nothing alive. On the LORD’s command everything must be destroyed. It even says that it is of the LORD to harden the hearts of the enemies (Joshua 11:20).

Does the LORD wish then the destruction of these peoples? It says: “God our Savior, … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3b-4) and “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9), doesn’t it? Yes, but the judgment only comes when the measure of sin is full and man has not wanted to repent. Then comes the judgment of the hardening and there is no more grace. This is why the following still applies to every human being today: “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalms 95:7b-8).

The Kings of the North

Jabin, that means ‘the wise’ or ‘the intelligent’, the king of Hazor, is not just any king. He rules over the head of all kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). He is the king of the most powerful empire. We can therefore see in him a picture of the head of all demons, of satan himself. Satan has many instruments, henchmen, who are subject to him and execute his will. These are the evil powers, the demons, in the heavenly places. With them we have to do, not so much directly with satan himself, but with his angels. In Hazor we meet the capital of all kings, the main stronghold of demons.

Our spiritual struggle is about not only overcoming the demons, but overcoming the head of the enemy, the evil one. John says in his first letter that the young men did so. He says that they “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

The power of Hazor lies in his crowd. He comes up with a huge alliance. Here, too, peoples are gathering who are often in conflict with each other, but who are now going up together to fight against God’s people (cf. Luke 23:12). For God’s people it is an opportunity to fight this battle, and precisely because the enemy has gathered in this way to achieve a great victory. When we see the enemy coming to us in great power, it is an opportunity to reveal God’s power.

The hostile armies gather at the waters of Merom. Here too we see a picture of the great battle in the end times, where all the kings of the earth gather to fight against God. In reality it is God who gathers them there to destroy them in one fell: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon” (Revelation 16:14-16). The battle in Har-Magedon will take place in the vicinity of Merom mentioned here.

Joshua 18:22

Introduction

Joshua 10 and Joshua 11 belong together. They describe the battle against the kings of the south (Joshua 10) and of the north (Joshua 11). In two great wars Joshua broke the power of all those kings. A difference between the first and the second war is that in the second war, that against the kings of the north, no miracles happen.

After the conquests in the south, it is now the turn of the north. Joshua experiences again that the LORD is with him. He moves on victoriously and leaves nothing alive. On the LORD’s command everything must be destroyed. It even says that it is of the LORD to harden the hearts of the enemies (Joshua 11:20).

Does the LORD wish then the destruction of these peoples? It says: “God our Savior, … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3b-4) and “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9), doesn’t it? Yes, but the judgment only comes when the measure of sin is full and man has not wanted to repent. Then comes the judgment of the hardening and there is no more grace. This is why the following still applies to every human being today: “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalms 95:7b-8).

The Kings of the North

Jabin, that means ‘the wise’ or ‘the intelligent’, the king of Hazor, is not just any king. He rules over the head of all kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). He is the king of the most powerful empire. We can therefore see in him a picture of the head of all demons, of satan himself. Satan has many instruments, henchmen, who are subject to him and execute his will. These are the evil powers, the demons, in the heavenly places. With them we have to do, not so much directly with satan himself, but with his angels. In Hazor we meet the capital of all kings, the main stronghold of demons.

Our spiritual struggle is about not only overcoming the demons, but overcoming the head of the enemy, the evil one. John says in his first letter that the young men did so. He says that they “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

The power of Hazor lies in his crowd. He comes up with a huge alliance. Here, too, peoples are gathering who are often in conflict with each other, but who are now going up together to fight against God’s people (cf. Luke 23:12). For God’s people it is an opportunity to fight this battle, and precisely because the enemy has gathered in this way to achieve a great victory. When we see the enemy coming to us in great power, it is an opportunity to reveal God’s power.

The hostile armies gather at the waters of Merom. Here too we see a picture of the great battle in the end times, where all the kings of the earth gather to fight against God. In reality it is God who gathers them there to destroy them in one fell: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon” (Revelation 16:14-16). The battle in Har-Magedon will take place in the vicinity of Merom mentioned here.

Joshua 18:23

Introduction

Joshua 10 and Joshua 11 belong together. They describe the battle against the kings of the south (Joshua 10) and of the north (Joshua 11). In two great wars Joshua broke the power of all those kings. A difference between the first and the second war is that in the second war, that against the kings of the north, no miracles happen.

After the conquests in the south, it is now the turn of the north. Joshua experiences again that the LORD is with him. He moves on victoriously and leaves nothing alive. On the LORD’s command everything must be destroyed. It even says that it is of the LORD to harden the hearts of the enemies (Joshua 11:20).

Does the LORD wish then the destruction of these peoples? It says: “God our Savior, … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3b-4) and “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9), doesn’t it? Yes, but the judgment only comes when the measure of sin is full and man has not wanted to repent. Then comes the judgment of the hardening and there is no more grace. This is why the following still applies to every human being today: “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalms 95:7b-8).

The Kings of the North

Jabin, that means ‘the wise’ or ‘the intelligent’, the king of Hazor, is not just any king. He rules over the head of all kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). He is the king of the most powerful empire. We can therefore see in him a picture of the head of all demons, of satan himself. Satan has many instruments, henchmen, who are subject to him and execute his will. These are the evil powers, the demons, in the heavenly places. With them we have to do, not so much directly with satan himself, but with his angels. In Hazor we meet the capital of all kings, the main stronghold of demons.

Our spiritual struggle is about not only overcoming the demons, but overcoming the head of the enemy, the evil one. John says in his first letter that the young men did so. He says that they “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

The power of Hazor lies in his crowd. He comes up with a huge alliance. Here, too, peoples are gathering who are often in conflict with each other, but who are now going up together to fight against God’s people (cf. Luke 23:12). For God’s people it is an opportunity to fight this battle, and precisely because the enemy has gathered in this way to achieve a great victory. When we see the enemy coming to us in great power, it is an opportunity to reveal God’s power.

The hostile armies gather at the waters of Merom. Here too we see a picture of the great battle in the end times, where all the kings of the earth gather to fight against God. In reality it is God who gathers them there to destroy them in one fell: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon” (Revelation 16:14-16). The battle in Har-Magedon will take place in the vicinity of Merom mentioned here.

Joshua 18:24

Introduction

Joshua 10 and Joshua 11 belong together. They describe the battle against the kings of the south (Joshua 10) and of the north (Joshua 11). In two great wars Joshua broke the power of all those kings. A difference between the first and the second war is that in the second war, that against the kings of the north, no miracles happen.

After the conquests in the south, it is now the turn of the north. Joshua experiences again that the LORD is with him. He moves on victoriously and leaves nothing alive. On the LORD’s command everything must be destroyed. It even says that it is of the LORD to harden the hearts of the enemies (Joshua 11:20).

Does the LORD wish then the destruction of these peoples? It says: “God our Savior, … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3b-4) and “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9), doesn’t it? Yes, but the judgment only comes when the measure of sin is full and man has not wanted to repent. Then comes the judgment of the hardening and there is no more grace. This is why the following still applies to every human being today: “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalms 95:7b-8).

The Kings of the North

Jabin, that means ‘the wise’ or ‘the intelligent’, the king of Hazor, is not just any king. He rules over the head of all kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). He is the king of the most powerful empire. We can therefore see in him a picture of the head of all demons, of satan himself. Satan has many instruments, henchmen, who are subject to him and execute his will. These are the evil powers, the demons, in the heavenly places. With them we have to do, not so much directly with satan himself, but with his angels. In Hazor we meet the capital of all kings, the main stronghold of demons.

Our spiritual struggle is about not only overcoming the demons, but overcoming the head of the enemy, the evil one. John says in his first letter that the young men did so. He says that they “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

The power of Hazor lies in his crowd. He comes up with a huge alliance. Here, too, peoples are gathering who are often in conflict with each other, but who are now going up together to fight against God’s people (cf. Luke 23:12). For God’s people it is an opportunity to fight this battle, and precisely because the enemy has gathered in this way to achieve a great victory. When we see the enemy coming to us in great power, it is an opportunity to reveal God’s power.

The hostile armies gather at the waters of Merom. Here too we see a picture of the great battle in the end times, where all the kings of the earth gather to fight against God. In reality it is God who gathers them there to destroy them in one fell: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon” (Revelation 16:14-16). The battle in Har-Magedon will take place in the vicinity of Merom mentioned here.

Joshua 18:25

Introduction

Joshua 10 and Joshua 11 belong together. They describe the battle against the kings of the south (Joshua 10) and of the north (Joshua 11). In two great wars Joshua broke the power of all those kings. A difference between the first and the second war is that in the second war, that against the kings of the north, no miracles happen.

After the conquests in the south, it is now the turn of the north. Joshua experiences again that the LORD is with him. He moves on victoriously and leaves nothing alive. On the LORD’s command everything must be destroyed. It even says that it is of the LORD to harden the hearts of the enemies (Joshua 11:20).

Does the LORD wish then the destruction of these peoples? It says: “God our Savior, … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3b-4) and “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9), doesn’t it? Yes, but the judgment only comes when the measure of sin is full and man has not wanted to repent. Then comes the judgment of the hardening and there is no more grace. This is why the following still applies to every human being today: “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalms 95:7b-8).

The Kings of the North

Jabin, that means ‘the wise’ or ‘the intelligent’, the king of Hazor, is not just any king. He rules over the head of all kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). He is the king of the most powerful empire. We can therefore see in him a picture of the head of all demons, of satan himself. Satan has many instruments, henchmen, who are subject to him and execute his will. These are the evil powers, the demons, in the heavenly places. With them we have to do, not so much directly with satan himself, but with his angels. In Hazor we meet the capital of all kings, the main stronghold of demons.

Our spiritual struggle is about not only overcoming the demons, but overcoming the head of the enemy, the evil one. John says in his first letter that the young men did so. He says that they “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

The power of Hazor lies in his crowd. He comes up with a huge alliance. Here, too, peoples are gathering who are often in conflict with each other, but who are now going up together to fight against God’s people (cf. Luke 23:12). For God’s people it is an opportunity to fight this battle, and precisely because the enemy has gathered in this way to achieve a great victory. When we see the enemy coming to us in great power, it is an opportunity to reveal God’s power.

The hostile armies gather at the waters of Merom. Here too we see a picture of the great battle in the end times, where all the kings of the earth gather to fight against God. In reality it is God who gathers them there to destroy them in one fell: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon” (Revelation 16:14-16). The battle in Har-Magedon will take place in the vicinity of Merom mentioned here.

Joshua 18:26

The Kings and Their Armies Defeated

The LORD encourages Joshua and says to him that he should not be afraid (Joshua 11:6). Often we are afraid instead of seeing the privilege of facing a large crowd. But God always wants a great victory by a few. He wants us to rely on Him (Psalms 20:8) and “striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by [the] opponents” (Philippians 1:27b-28). We have to learn this. That is why God allows us to gain such experiences.

The enemy’s means of combat must be disabled and destroyed. That makes reuse impossible, both for the enemy and for Israel. God does not want His people to use the means of the world to achieve victories through which the world can claim the honor of victory. Each victory may only be attributed to Him Who actually gives it.

Joshua 18:27

The Kings and Their Armies Defeated

The LORD encourages Joshua and says to him that he should not be afraid (Joshua 11:6). Often we are afraid instead of seeing the privilege of facing a large crowd. But God always wants a great victory by a few. He wants us to rely on Him (Psalms 20:8) and “striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by [the] opponents” (Philippians 1:27b-28). We have to learn this. That is why God allows us to gain such experiences.

The enemy’s means of combat must be disabled and destroyed. That makes reuse impossible, both for the enemy and for Israel. God does not want His people to use the means of the world to achieve victories through which the world can claim the honor of victory. Each victory may only be attributed to Him Who actually gives it.

Joshua 18:28

The Kings and Their Armies Defeated

The LORD encourages Joshua and says to him that he should not be afraid (Joshua 11:6). Often we are afraid instead of seeing the privilege of facing a large crowd. But God always wants a great victory by a few. He wants us to rely on Him (Psalms 20:8) and “striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by [the] opponents” (Philippians 1:27b-28). We have to learn this. That is why God allows us to gain such experiences.

The enemy’s means of combat must be disabled and destroyed. That makes reuse impossible, both for the enemy and for Israel. God does not want His people to use the means of the world to achieve victories through which the world can claim the honor of victory. Each victory may only be attributed to Him Who actually gives it.