Lord’s encouragement

Joshua responded immediately to Gibeonites’ request for military assistance. Abandoning them was not an option for the covenant relationship with the Gibeonites. The Lord saw Joshua’s decision as good and spoke to him with encouragement, telling them not to fear them as victory is already given into Joshua’s hands. This battle that the Lord authorized was one where the Lord’s miracle and human effort come together. (1) A supernatural strength was given to the armed men of Israel. They marched all night from Gilgal to Gibeon in order to launch a surprise attack. The distance was about 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) and was a 1,050-meters (about 3,445 ft.) slope from 300 meters below sea level to 750 meters above sea level. Arriving at Gibeon at dawn, they attacked immediately, and on the same day, they pursued the enemies for about 40 kilometers (about 25 miles). This is unthinkable with normal human strength. (2) Large stones hailed upon the army of the five-king coalition (Amorites). This also was a miracle of the Lord. God, who threw hailstones upon Egypt as judgment, also cast judgment upon Israel’s enemies by throwing hailstones.  (3) The large hailstones harmed only the Amorites and not the men of Israel. This also is a miracle of the Lord.

Lesson for us

Previously, we saw that there were similarities between the Gibeonites and Christians. We can say the same here as well. (1) The Gibeonites asked for help and received help. The true Joshua (which means “the Lord is salvation”), Lord Jesus surely answers our prayers and gives us the help that we need. (2) This battle was one where the Lord’s miracle and human effort came together. This is true for Christian life as well.  The Lord intervenes in our daily lives and guides us through multiple means. When we become obedient to the Lord’s guidance, we experience supernatural strength. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).