Divide And Conquer Was Joshua’s Strategy

Joshua 10:16–28
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Taking advantage of the long day (when the sun and the moon stood still) Joshua continued in hot pursuit of the five kings and their armies. They out in the open and Joshua was determined to prevent them from retreating to their walled cities. Then Joshua was told that all five kings had hidden in a cave. This was a cowardly, almost treasonous act that these kings committed. They had abandoned their troops, ran together to protect their own lives, and hid in this cave. He ordered his soldiers to roll a big stone over the mouth of the cave so they could not escape while they pursued the Amorites who were still trying to flee (vv. 16-18). After killing all but a few who were able to escape to their fortified cities they returned to the guarded cave. 

Following an Eastern custom, Joshua ordered his officers to put their feet on the kings’ necks, as a symbol of future victories (v. 24). He wanted his people to know that this is what the Lord will do to all the enemies they will fight (v. 25). The kings were then killed and hung for everyone to see until sundown. After that they were thrown back into the cave which again was blocked by great stones. This was another memorial of Israel’s victorious march into Canaan. This action of Joshua in executing these five kings contains a powerful symbolism for the nation and for us today. A Christian who is determined to live close to the Lord often finds out that he too faces not a single foe, but a coalition of many foes. It may be a coalition of delusion, doubt, discouragement, and despair or of pride, pomp, and prejudice. Without the help of God, victory is impossible.

Application

God has often protected us and won victories for us. The same God who empowered Joshua and who has led me in the past will help me with my present and future needs. Reminding myself of His help in the past will give me hope for the struggles in the future. When is the last time I faced an attack from the above enemies? What did I do? Did I call on the Lord to help me?