Joshua 12: Rest in Christ’s Victory

Joshua 12: Christ secures victory, conquers enemies, and gives rest; believers can trust His triumph with hope and confidence in God’s promises.

Introduction

Joshua 12 may look like a list of names, but it is far more than that. It is a memorial of God’s faithfulness and His power to defeat every enemy that stood against His people. Every name on that list was a reminder that God’s word came true, His promises stood firm, and His people inherited what He had pledged. For us, the chapter points forward to Christ, the greater Joshua, who has already conquered sin, Satan, and death, and who gives His people the promise of eternal rest. That is why we should rest in Christ’s victory.

Proposition: You should rest in Christ’s victory

1) Because He defeats every enemy (Joshua 12:1–24; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 11:33)

The long list of defeated kings shows that no power could resist God’s hand. Each king who once seemed mighty was brought low by the Lord working through Joshua. In Christ, this truth is magnified. At the cross, Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities of darkness and triumphed over them openly. He conquered sin, Satan, and death itself. Rest comes when we remember that no enemy can stand against Him, and all our fears are swallowed up in His decisive victory.

2) Because He secures your inheritance (Joshua 12:7; Acts 13:19; Hebrews 4:8–9)

Israel did not fight in vain; the land they received became their possession because God gave it to them. But Hebrews reminds us that Joshua did not bring the full and final rest. That greater inheritance belongs to Christ. He has secured for us a place in the Father’s house, an eternal rest where striving ceases and joy is complete. You can rest in knowing your eternal future is not uncertain but guaranteed by the risen Christ.

3) Because He saves through judgment (Joshua 12:6; Hebrews 2:14–15; Romans 8:1–3)

The victories of Joshua came through judgment on the Canaanite nations. God showed His holiness and justice while delivering His people. At the cross, Christ bore judgment in our place. By dying for our sins, He removed condemnation for us and destroyed the one who held the power of death. Salvation came not by avoiding judgment but by Christ enduring it for us. This assures rest, because our greatest judgment has already been carried by Him.

4) Because He ensures victory (Joshua 12:9–24; Romans 8:31)

Joshua 12’s list of thirty-one conquered kings is not a dull record; it is a declaration of God’s unfailing power. Every king fell, one after another, until none remained. For the church, this truth brings confidence. Paul reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Christ’s victory guarantees that all opposition will ultimately fall. We can rest in His ensured triumph, knowing nothing in heaven or earth can overturn His work on our behalf.

Invitation

Joshua 12 is not only a record of victories but also of judgment. Each king who resisted God fell under His wrath. The nations of Canaan were destroyed because of their idolatry and rebellion. This is a warning to all who set themselves against God. Christ is returning, and He will come in flaming fire to judge those who do not obey the gospel. Those who reject God’s mercy in Christ remain under His wrath and face eternal destruction in the lake of fire. To fight against God is hopeless, and to refuse His Son is to choose judgment.

But there is mercy in the same Christ who judges. At the cross, He bore the wrath of God in our place. The judgment that should have fallen on us fell on Him. He was pierced for our sins, condemned for our guilt, and raised for our justification. Now God calls us to rest, not in our efforts, but in His finished work. Friend, flee from the wrath to come. Do not stand with the kings of Canaan, destroyed by judgment. Rest in Christ’s victory, for only there is forgiveness, safety, and everlasting peace.