Joshua 10: God Fights for His People

Joshua 10: Expect opposition when you follow Christ, but God fights for His people and secures eternal victory through His power and promises.

Introduction

Joshua 10 records one of the most astonishing victories in Israel’s history. Five Amorite kings united against Gibeon after they allied themselves with Israel. The Gibeonites were tolerated by their neighbors until they joined God’s people, and then fierce opposition arose. This pattern continues today: when a person decides to follow God, he should expect resistance. Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate them because it hated Him first, so they should not think some strange thing had happened when opposition came (John 15:18-20; 1 Peter 4:12). In this chapter, God shows that He not only permits such battles but also fights for His people. He demonstrates His covenant faithfulness by striking Israel’s enemies with hailstones and lengthening the day at Joshua’s command. This passage teaches us to stand firm in faith, knowing that our God will defend and deliver His people.

Doctrine

This passage teaches the truth that victory belongs to God, not to human strength. Israel’s enemies were many and powerful, yet God Himself defeated them with hailstones and by answering Joshua’s prayer (Joshua 10:11-14). This shows His sovereignty over creation and time. The New Testament declares that Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). Just as Joshua’s victory confirmed God’s covenant with Israel, Christ’s triumph secures eternal victory for all who belong to Him (Romans 8:31-39).

Reproof

This passage rebukes unbelief and fear. Israel could have doubted God’s promise to give them victory, but God had already declared, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands” (Joshua 10:8). Fear denies God’s faithfulness. Likewise, believers today may shrink back when they face opposition after following Christ. But Jesus warned His followers in advance that they would be hated for His name’s sake (John 15:20). When believers are discouraged by hostility, they forget that opposition is part of walking with Christ.

Correction

The correction is to depend fully on God’s promises and power. Joshua acted in faith when he prayed boldly for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12). He aligned his request with God’s covenant purpose to destroy the Amorites. Believers also must pray according to God’s will (1 John 5:14-15) and remember that suffering and opposition are not signs of God’s absence but occasions for His power to be displayed. Instead of being surprised by trials, we should rejoice that we share in Christ’s sufferings and look to Him for strength (1 Peter 4:13).

Instruction

Believers should fight spiritual battles with confidence in God’s power. We must put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and resist the devil’s schemes. Like Joshua, we must pray boldly for God’s help, trusting His promises in Christ. We must also endure opposition with steadfast faith, knowing it confirms our identity with Christ (Philippians 1:29-30). In every trial, God calls us to perseverance, prayer, and obedience, because the outcome is already secured in Christ’s finished work (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Encouragement and Hope

This chapter encourages believers with the assurance that God fights for His people. “There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man” (Joshua 10:14). God’s willingness to act on Joshua’s prayer shows His care for His covenant people. In Christ, we have an even greater assurance: He intercedes for us at God’s right hand (Romans 8:34). Nothing can separate us from His love, and He will bring us safely to final victory.

Invitation

Joshua 10 ultimately points to Christ, the greater Joshua, who defeats sin, death, and Satan for His people. Just as Israel could not win without God’s power, no person can save himself from sin’s penalty. We deserve death for our sins, but Christ died in our place and bore the wrath of God we owed (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18). By His death and resurrection, He secured eternal salvation for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). You must change your mind about sin and call on the name of the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:9-13). Trust fully in Christ’s finished work and receive the victory He won on your behalf.