All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. Joshua 10:43 (Chapters 9-22)
Canaan was the term given to all land along the Mediterranean coast of modern day Lebanon and Israel, inland to the Jordan River. All residing there were broadly known as Canaanites. Canaan consisted of several city states, ruled by kings that were subject to Egypt’s pharaoh.
Gibeon was an important city. At word of Jericho and Ai’s fatal end, the king of Gibeon employed a fictitious story to convince Israel to make a peace treaty with them. Israel did not consult God, prompting an instant war, when all the other kings of Canaan formed an alliance to defeat Israel. God fought Israel’s battles and they settled the land of their inheritance. However, small bands of Canaanites remained and after Joshua’s death, they became troublesome for Israel.
Daily God led and sustained these people through miraculous intervention, but three times He changed the order of nature to assist His greater purpose. He held back the waters of the Jordan River, He brought down the walls of Jericho and in the battle against five Amorite kings, God extended daylight to the benefit of Joshua’s forces.
These battles paint a picture of a brilliant and blood thirsty military power. Remember that the judgement of these pagan people was brought about by their refusal to submit to the One True Sovereign God. As seen in the story of Rahab, believing changes the course of your destiny. Yes, blood was shed, but opportunity for life always comes before death.
Love,
Gretchen