The Israelites listened to God’s instructions and celebrated the victory of Jericho. But, this victory was soon followed by defeat. As we study Chapter 7 we find that God was not consulted and the people went forth with self confidence, thinking they would easily find victory again. What a blow when they failed and the precious lives of about 36 men were lost that day. “..And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.” Joshua 7:5
Joshua took his sorrow and concerns to the Lord in prayer. “The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. Joshua 7:10-12
God made it clear to Joshua that sin was the problem and it needed to be dealt with.
Achan coveted some of the “ devoted things”, things consecrated to either be used for the service of God or destroyed. This was a very serious offense in God’s eyes. Achan thought he had hidden these things and would not be found out. We can’t hide our sin from God, however. That sin causes trouble not only for the sinner but for others in the sinners life. That sin gave the enemy the upper hand.
What a contrast is seen in Chapter 8 when the Lord is the one instructing the people in their battle plan and ensuring their victory. “And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.” Joshua 8:1 We can see these principles play out in our own lives. When God is consulted for wisdom He leads in victory. When we harbor sin, however, our sin gives the devil an upper hand in our lives and negatively impacts others as well.
Unfortunately, the Israelites would make the same mistake of taking matters into their own hands instead of seeking direction from God. The inhabitants of Gibeon deceptively pretended to be travelers from a far away land seeking a protective type of agreement with the Israelites. “So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.” Joshua 9:14 They made a covenant with these people that had to be honored even when the deception was realized. Even though we may make decisions that seem good and perhaps in the best interest of others, without God’s counsel we are likely to be deceived or negatively impacted. God wants to be Lord of all aspects of our lives, including our decision making.
All seems well for the Israelites as they enjoy their battle victories and then the enemy gathers collective forces to come against them with a unified massive force. The Israelites travel all night to confront the enemy and likely are very tired. But, no matter how challenging the enemy forces may be, they are no match for the power of God who controls all things. God threw the Amorites into a panic, He unleashed large hailstones upon them, and He even made the sun and the moon stand still.
“There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.” Joshua 10:14
In Chapter 11 we find that Joshua continues to obey God’s instructions and God continues to give victory after victory to the Israelites. “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.” Joshua 11:23
We fight spiritual battles too and God wants us to be victorious as well. If we will honor Him as Lord of our life, seek his counsel and deal with the conviction of our sins, God will fight for us and send our enemy running.