Today’s reading: Joshua 10:1-43
Joshua’s hasty and careless decision to make a treaty with the people of Gibeon now puts the Israelites in the difficult position of being called on to defend Gibeon from a massive attack by the kings of the surrounding areas. However, the Lord tells Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you” (vs. 8).
Trusting God, Joshua marches all night to engage in battle. As the Israelites arrive at Gibeon, God intervenes, causing panic among the opposing warriors and hurling down large hailstones from heaven. Needing more time to defeat the opposing armies, Joshua prays to God in front of all of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the valley of Aijalon” (vs. 12). The Lord answers Joshua’s prayer. The sun stays in the sky for an entire day, “for the LORD fought for Israel” (vs. 14).
NOTE: The details of the battles Israel engages in as they move into the Promised Land are violent and brutal. They are difficult to read, and honestly, they don’t always make sense to us. That being the case, as we read we need to keep in mind that this was a different time in history with a very different culture and that God’s ways are not like ours.
What’s one example of how being careless with a decision (not seeking God but relying on your own feelings and understanding) ended up being a detriment to you at a later date? What does the treaty with the Gibeonites reveal about how seemingly small compromises can have BIG consequences? When has God fought for you? Do you pray for miraculous things? Why or why not? Is there an area in which you need to pray for a miracle today? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
