In Joshua 10, we find ourselves at a critical moment in our conquest of Canaan. After the victory at Jericho and the initial setbacks at Ai, the Israelites are now facing a new set of challenges. This chapter begins with a coalition of five Amorite kings—each one leading their own city—coming together to fight against Gibeon. The Gibeonites, who had previously deceived us into making a peace treaty, now find themselves in a difficult position. They are under attack, and they send a message to Joshua, pleading for help. This is a pivotal moment for us. We made a promise to the Gibeonites, and now it is time to honor that promise.
When we hear of the Gibeonites’ distress, Joshua and the leaders of Israel don’t hesitate. We gather our troops and march through the night to reach Gibeon, knowing that it is God’s will for us to protect those who have entered into covenant with us. The distance is great, and the journey is exhausting, but we trust that God is with us, and we press on. We arrive at Gibeon in the early morning and engage in battle with the five kings and their armies. The odds are against us, but we don’t fear. God has shown us time and again that victory comes when we follow His lead.
As we fight, God’s power becomes evident. The text tells us that God throws the enemy into a panic, causing confusion in their ranks. This is not merely the result of our military strength—it is God’s intervention. God is fighting for us, and we can’t help but recognize that the victory is His, not ours. We press the attack, chasing down the enemy, and God continues to work in our favor. To further demonstrate His power, God sends a supernatural sign. During the battle, Joshua prays, asking God to stop the sun and the moon so that the Israelites can continue to fight without the threat of nightfall. God answers Joshua’s prayer, and for the first time in history, the sun and moon stand still in the sky, giving us additional daylight to finish the battle. This miraculous event is a clear reminder that God is in control of nature, and He is using His power to deliver us.
The enemy’s defeat is swift, and the five kings are captured. We bring them before Joshua, and after the victory is secured, we deal with the kings decisively. We execute them, ensuring that they will not be a threat to Israel again. But the story doesn’t end with the physical victory. We are reminded that the real victory is spiritual. God’s promise to give us the land is being fulfilled, and every victory along the way is a testimony to His faithfulness.
After the battle, Joshua continues to lead Israel in securing the land. The chapter highlights how the conquest of Canaan is not just about military strategy but also about trusting God’s timing and relying on His power. We see that while our obedience is crucial, it is God’s sovereignty that ultimately determines the outcome. Throughout the chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God’s will in every situation, whether it’s in making treaties, fighting battles, or trusting Him for miraculous interventions.
As the chapter closes, Joshua’s leadership stands out. He is not only a military commander but also a man of faith, seeking God’s guidance at every turn. The victory at Gibeon is a testament to his trust in God and his willingness to follow God’s instructions, no matter how unusual they might seem. We, as Israelites, learn that God honors our commitments and that His faithfulness extends even to the most unexpected situations. Even when we are faced with difficult choices or challenging circumstances, God is with us, ready to intervene in ways we can’t even imagine.
Joshua 10 is a powerful reminder that our battles are not ours to fight alone. God is with us, and His power is limitless. It also teaches us about the importance of keeping our word and honoring the agreements we make, as seen in how Joshua responds to the Gibeonites’ call for help. The chapter encourages us to trust God’s timing, to pray for His intervention, and to remember that He is the one who gives the victory. It is a testament to the incredible ways God works through His people when we trust and obey Him.