Lessons Learned in Battle

Lessons Learned in Battle

In Joshua 6-10 we have a sequence of battles that the Children of Israel must fight against the inhabitants of the promised land. It is significant to note that this was the inheritance that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yet there was plenty of hard work to be accomplished before rest. Such it is in the daily battles that we continually face in this world of sin and sorrow. Paul elaborated on our spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:12:

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. 

Yes, discipleship will be an ongoing warfare as long as we are in this world. Israel fought many battles to possess the land of promise. Even after they settled into Canaan’s land the Old Testament chronicles many struggles to come. However, we can glean some wonderful and timeless truths from Israel of old that can be applied to our daily warfare. 

First, we can rest assured that where the Lord leads, He will provide. As Israel faced their enemies at Jericho, Ai, and Gibeon, we notice the constant presence and intervention of the Lord. In each case, He is the one who gave victory in the midst of generally overwhelming odds. In John 16:33, as Jesus warns his disciples of the pending trouble he reminds them of this truth.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

As we face the varied and seemingly insurmountable troubles of life we must remember that His grace is sufficient. Impossible circumstances are not reason to give up if God is leading. It is simply an opportunity for Him to manifest His omnipotent power. This was indeed the case as he blessed the walls of Jericho to fall, smote the city of Ai, and delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel. 

Second, we notice that all of these instances of victory required effort on the part of the Children of Israel. Obedience is hard work and at times will not make sense to us. Consider Jericho. God could have destroyed the walls in an instant. Since His ways are not ours, he required them to exercise faith and obedience before the victory. In this case they were commanded to compass the city six days and then blow the trumpet and shout at the appointed time on the seventh. To us, this makes no logical sense. Yet, God commanded it. Israel obeyed and were blessed with an incredible victory. 

This can be likened to our daily walk in this world. Praise the Lord, we know the ultimate victory has been won! When Christ died on the cross our sin debt was paid. Heaven is now our home. Yet until we enter into that promise, we are commanded to work. 

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Working cannot earn that which has been already secured (eternal salvation). But the expectation is for us to courageously face the battles of life because of what God has done for and in us. He has empowered us to do such!

Finally, We notice that disobeying the commandments of the Lord results in consequences. Losses in battles and casualties can occur when we are not faithful to heed the one who is in command. This is precisely what happened during the initial battle of Ai. As Israel was preparing to conquer Jericho the Lord commanded them to keep themselves from the accursed things of that land. One man disobeyed this commandment and what should have been an easy victory became an embarrassing defeat. Once inquiry was made and this sin revealed it was discovered that a man named Achan had taken a Babylonish garment and some gold and silver. One man’s transgression effected the entire army of Israel. Once the sin was discovered and dealt with, the Lord would later handily give Ai into the hands of Israel. 

A common theme throughout the Word of God is that there are consequences for our actions. Isaiah rightly captured this truth from God when speaking to Israel at a later date. 

Isaiah 1:19-20 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

This promise rings true in modern times. As we observe the multitude of struggles that we current face as individuals, churches, and as a nation, we should pause and consider this truth! The Lord is holy and expects righteous behavior from His people. When they fail to obey, judgement occurs. 

How quick we are to forget these principles. It is interesting to note that after the occurrences of Ai, Joshua pauses to build an altar and write the law of Moses upon the stones. When completed, he would read all the words of the law before all of the people of Israel. Perhaps it is time for us to take time and review His word!

Blessings, 

Michael D. Green, Jr. 

Fort Wayne PBC