March 25th

Joshua 10:1-12:6

The Israelites continued their conquests of the kings of Canaan. From south to north, the people of God pounded and pulverized. Everyone was eliminated. We even read that God used a hailstorm to help Joshua and that He ordered the sun and moon to stand still during one of the battles. No matter the odds, with God on their side, the Israelites were victorious.

However, we are left wondering several things upon reading this account, such as why would a loving God command His people to annihilate everyone, even women and children? Could this be the same God of the New Testament? Would Jesus have commanded such a thing?

These are good questions. Answering them satisfactorily would take a lot of paper, but let me share some things to think about. First of all, God is the same in the Old Testament as He is in the New Testament. He never changes. People tend to focus on God’s love in the New while only pointing out His wrath in the Old; but, quite honestly, He’s just as loving in the Old and just as wrathful in the New. We just tend to gloss over those parts. Remember Jesus said that He was the only way to be saved, and that those who rejected Him would be condemned to hell for eternity. Or what about the part when He returns to destroy millions at Armageddon?

Second, God recorded a long list of abuses of which the tribes of Canaan were guilty. He had been merciful to them for centuries, but now it was time for His justice. We don’t know all of the circumstances behind their judgment, but we can trust that God did. Besides, who are we mortals to judge Him for His actions? God is always right. He can do no wrong.

Third, all of creation is God’s, to do with what He wills. We are not free to destroy others as He did, because we cannot do with His what we wish; but God is free to do with His what He wants. He has the right as Creator and Sovereign to make or destroy whatever He desires.

Finally, when one pulls out a weed, he doesn’t just cut off the stem. He pulls out the entire thing, roots and all. So it was with destroying cities and their citizens. God commanded the complete destruction of carnal civilizations, so that they would not plague His people and cause them to stumble or fall away from Him.

Daily Reflection

Hidden in this passage is perhaps the greatest miracle of the Old Testament — the day that the sun stood still. How is that possible? That’s a good question. It is, of course, scientifically problematic. That’s why it’s called a miracle.

The exodus generation saw the Lord perform wonders in its midst and, yet, the people still did not trust Him fully. It was important for Joshua’s generation to see that the Lord was with them as well. They chose to honor Him with their faithfulness. They believed that when they called upon His name, He would do great and mighty things. But make the sun stand still?

Scholars and skeptics have attempted to explain away this miracle as poetic or figurative speech, as an eclipse, or as a reflection in the sand. Why can’t we take the Scriptures as they are and believe that the One who made the sun and moon can manipulate them for His good purposes? The truth is this — we have a God who can move heaven and earth to give His people victory! He is worthy of our trust.

“There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord; nor are there any works like Yours” (Psalm 86:8).

BiAY.org | Day 84 — 281 Days to Go