Joshua (6) Pt. 2 | Sun Stands Still – God FulFills His Promise (Ch.7-End)

Our victory in Jericho does not last long. Let’s begin.

Ch. 7- Israel Disobeys & Defeated at Ai

Achan took items that he was not suppose to. Therefore, when Joshua sent men to fight in Ai, the men fled because of their disobedience to the Lord. This left Joshua upset and questioning God. But God explained the children of Israel broke their covenant, and unless they were sanctified, God would not be with them.

The accursed items were taken, and the people who took them would be burned. Achan admitted he coveted the items. He was stoned by the people of Israel and then he and the items were burned.

Ch. 8 – Fall of Ai & Renewal of Covenant

The strategy behind this attack is pretty interesting to read, ambushing the people of Ai. God tells Joshua to stretch out his hand with a spear, and God will give the people of Ai over. Joshua did not stop stretching out his hand till all had fallen.

Joshua makes an altar in Mount Ebal. He copies down the law Moses had written on stones. He reviews every single word Moses had commanded him before the congregation of Israel.

Ch. 9 – Crafty Plan Of Gibeonites

After hearing what happened to the people of Ai, some men from Gibeon pretend to be ambassadors and venture to the people of Israel, with an intent on making a covenant. They take old food and old wineskins with them, but they lie telling the people the items were new when they left.

Which was a problem? The people of Israel did not seek counsel from God. Joshua made peace with them, a covenant to let them live, and the rulers swore to them.

When it is found out, the people admit they feared what God would do to them. So Joshua keeps his word about not killing them, but he instead makes them woodcutters and water bearers for the congregation of the people.

Ch. 10- The Sun Stands Still

The people of Gibeon find out five different kings plan to overtake Joshua and his men. When Joshua learns of this news, God tells him not to fear. Joshua and his men defeat many. Hailstones rained from heaven.  During this time, Joshua requests that the sun remain still until they have had their revenge on their enemies.

God allows it, and the sun stood still. There has never been and will never be a day like that ever again when God heeded the voice of man. (Joshua 10:14)

The five kings were found hiding and were killed.

Joshua 10:28-43 – Joshua continues to conquer because God fought for Israel.

Ch. 11- 13 Northern Conquest, Summary of Conquests, Kings Defeated by Moses & Joshua, Remaining Land to Be Conquered

Ch. 14-19 Land Divided And Given To Various Tribes As Commanded By Moses

Ch. 20-21 Cities of Refuge, Cities of Levites, Promise Fulfilled by God

When all of these were given, God fulfilled His promise to give all the land that He swore He would to Israel. No enemy came against.

(ESV) Joshua 21:45, “Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”

Ch. 22 Eastern Tribes Go Back, Anger About Altar At Jordan

Joshua tells the tribes of Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh that now they could venture back home as the conquest and fighting is over with.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh made an altar near the Jordan. The children of Israel see a replica altar built in the Jordan and have severe questions about it. They feel/fear it is meant to be treachery against the Lord. But after hearing an explanation, they understand it was for the purpose of making sure the people didn’t forget. That the children would still fear the Lord.

Ch. 23 Joshua’s Farewell Address

This is long after the conquests. A good amount of time has passed. Joshua is now old and advanced in age. Joshua tells Israel’s judges, elders, and officers to remember all that God had done for them. To keep the Book of the Law by Moses and to do what is written in it. They are to hold fast to the truth and God, not to fall away from other gods or mention their names.

One man alone can chase a thousand with God’s hand.

(IS) Joshua 23:10, “A single man makes a thousand flee, because the LORD your God is the one who is fighting for you, just as he promised you.”

He warns, should people turn away, they will lose the help of God. Instead of battles being given in their hands, they will experience traps and snares from the people they are supposed to be against. Should the people turn away, all the good God has given the people of Israel will be taken away and destroyed till all the good is gone. (Joshua 23:15)

They will perish from the good land. (Which we clearly see later in the Old Testament)

Ch. 24- Covenant at Shechem, Note About Israel’s Obedience

This is a really nice and also sad closing. It’s a summary at first from the beginning of how God connected with people, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the history following.

A reminder God gave the people land they did not labor for and cities they did not build.

It is here Joshua tells the people if they want to serve other gods like their fathers of the past, do it now.

(NIV) Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

The people answer they don’t want to forsake God.

Joshua repeats himself, pressing the people on who they will serve.

The people answer again, they don’t want to forsake the Lord but serve Him.

Joshua tells them, they are witnesses to their claim. He makes a covenant with them and wrote it in the Book of the Law of God. Placing a stone under a large oak as a reminder.

The people departed back to their lands as where their inheritances were divided.

Israel served God all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, those who knew the works of the Lord which He had done for Israel.

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Timeline Review

God’s Commission to Joshua– Ch. 1 

Rahab Hiding Spies– Ch. 2 

Israel Crossing the Jordan– Ch. 3 

Memorial Stones– Ch. 4

Commander of the army of God– Ch. 5

Destruction of Jericho– Ch. 6

Defeated at Ai– Ch. 7

Fall of Ai– Ch. 8 

Crafty Plan of Gibeonites– ch. 9

Sun Stands Still– Ch. 10

Conquests– Ch. 11-13

Land Divided Among Tribes– Ch. 14-19

Cities of Refuge, Cities of Levites, God’s Promise Fulfilled– Ch. 20-21

Eastern Tribes Go Home, Confusion of Altar at Jordan– Ch. 22

Joshua’s Farewell– Ch. 23

Covenant at Shechem– Ch. 24

Key Points of Joshua

-Do not fear what God has told us He will do

-When we follow what He tells us He will provide for us

– Be Christlike and follow His words 

-It’s important to note Israel’s fall in the Old Testament, Christians are not that much different. No one is perfect, and that’s why we need Christ and the Holy Spirit to intervene instead of man. 

– Share with others what God has done in your life. Let it be known, don’t hide it.

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 Did you take anything of the book of Joshua?

Next week, we will start the book of Judges

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