Scripture Text: Joshua 9:1-13:7
Memory Verse: “And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.’” Joshua 10:8
Introduction:
News of the military victories of Israel caused all the kings in Canaan to unite against Joshua and Israel. But the inhabitants of the city of Gibeon disguised themselves in tattered old garments and patched sandals and told Joshua they had come from a very far country. Based on this, the Israelites made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Three days later the scheme was exposed. Rather than killing the Gibeonites, Israel decided to honor the treaty, but made them woodcutters and water carriers in connection with the service of the altar of the Lord.
When the kings of five Canaanite southern cities heard that the Gibeonites had defected to the Israelites, they realized that this made the central hilly district vulnerable, and so they decided to attack Gibeon. Assured of victory by the Lord, Joshua engaged the enemy’s forces at Gibeon, causing them to flee. Two miracles occurred in the destruction of the enemy. First there was a tremendous hailstorm, which killed more men than the Israelites had slain. Then, at the request of Joshua, the sun and moon “stood still,” prolonging the hours that the Israelites could continue to pursue and destroy the enemy.
News of Israel’s mounting triumphs caused the kings of the north to confederate. They gathered together at the waters of Merom, north of the Sea of Galilee. Joshua and his army attacked and defeated them.
Joshua was now an old man, and the entire land promised to the Israelites had not as yet been occupied by them. Portions in the southwest and in the northeast were still inhabited by the heathen. The land eastward to the Euphrates had been promised to Israel, but it has never yet been occupied by them.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- The Gibeonites used deception when dealing with Israel. Explain how the Devil uses deception and how we can recognize it and overcome it. (Joshua 9:1-27; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Israel made a mistake in entering into a covenant with the Gibeonites. What happens when we miss the perfect will of God? (Joshua 10:1-11; Deuteronomy 7:24; Romans 5:8)
- How and why was God able to prolong the daylight to give Joshua time to finish the battle? (Matthew 17:20; Proverbs 15:8, 29; Mark 11:24; Joshua 10:12-28; Psalms 19:1-6; 136:8) Did this lengthened day affect the Sabbath day by changing the weekly cycle?
- Compare Joshua’s conquest of the whole land and providing each Israelite with his inheritance with the work of Jesus Christ. (Joshua 11:16-12:24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 2:9-15; Romans 5:17)
Applying the Word
God promised to drive out the Canaanites before Israel and give them all of the promised land. Why did God allow some to remain among His people? (Joshua 13:6-7; 14:12; 17:12-18; 23:5) Does God ever fall short in His promises? (Luke 12:31-32)