It’s often called the “Southern Campaign.”
Joshua and the army of Israel “talking” the Land promised them long ago. Claiming it, based on God’s infallible word to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob! For instance: “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” Genesis 15:18-21
There will also be a “northern campaign” to follow.
Joshua was a good leader.
The southern campaign I’ve just mentioned is clearly described from Joshua 9:1 through Joshua 10:43, two whole chapters.
Battle after battle is mentioned.
City after city falls!
Jericho!
Ai!
Next a five-king coalition had to be defeated, specifically Adonizedek king of Jerusalem and Hoham king of Hebron and Piram king of Jarmuth and Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon!
Then the city of Makkedah!
Next Libnah!
Lachish!
Then Horam King of Gezer!
Eglon!
Hebron!
Debir!
Wow!
Then a summary statement: “So Joshua smote ALL the country of the hills, and of the SOUTH, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.” Joshua 10:40
The southern campaign ends successfully, I’d say. “And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” Joshua 10:41-42, the ending two verses of Joshua chapter 10.
Next, as I earlier indicated, the army turns northward.
And what’s the POINT of this Bible Lesson today?
It looks to me like the Christian life (the Book of Joshua symbolizes “victorious” living for our great God) consists of one battle after another!
Physically back then, for Joshua.
Spiritually today, for us.
“For WE wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
Yet the parallel is true … it’s (even for us now) conflict after conflict!
No wonder Paul declared “I die daily.” 1st Corinthians 15:31
Friend, what are YOU Battling right now?
And … just as God gave Joshua the victory, even so can we enjoy perennial victory through the awesome Power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, in our hearts and lives!
Let’s fight!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell