Joshua Captures Towns in the North

Joshua 11:1–15
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Joshua was a man who exemplified this character. He followed every detail of God’s commands to Moses. It is usually difficult to complete someone else’s project, but Joshua stepped into Moses’ job building upon what Moses had started. With the southern campaign over he was ready to conquer the cities of the North. The northern Canaanite kings had heard about Joshua’s victories in the south and had organized a desperate attempt to stop the conquest of their land. Although there was no love between these kings of the north, the threat of annihilation forced them into an alliance. They joined forces at the waters of Merom, a lake 11 miles north of the Sea of Galilee (v. 5). This combined army looked very impressive. It is estimated by Josephus, the historian, that there were 300,000 soldiers and 20,000 chariots. The odds against the Israelites seemed overwhelming.  

Then God spoke. The promise he gave to Joshua was clear: “Do not be afraid because of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel” (v. 6). Once more Joshua destroyed the opposing armies. Joshua’s victory in the North was just as decisive as it had been in the South. Again, obedience to God was the reason for victory.

Joshua followed every detail of God’s commands to Moses (v. 15). It is usually difficult to complete someone else’s project, but Joshua stepped into Moses’ job, building upon what Moses had started, and brought it to completion. True servants will step in and continue or complete the good work that others have begun. Joshua carefully obeyed all the instructions given by God. The theme of obedience is repeated frequently in the book of Joshua.

Application

If I ever get weary in doing service for the Lord and want to quit I need to remember that the Lord has promised to be with me and I should, never, never, never give up!!