Joshua 10-12

1. The Sun Stands Still
This passage describes the victory that Israel achieved over five Amorite kings. In particular, Adoni-Zedek, who was the king of Jerusalem, gathered the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon to attack Gibeon after hearing about Israel's destruction of Ai and their peace treaty with Gibeon. The Gibeonites urgently requested Joshua's assistance, and he agreed to help them. The Lord then enabled Israel to achieve a great victory over the Amorite kings; during that battle, the Lord miraculously increased the hours of daylight and used large hailstones to destroy the Amorite forces.

Being assailed by large hailstones sounds terrifying. In fact, it is noted in Joshua 10:11 that hailstones accounted for more Amorite deaths than the swords of the Israelites. Not only does this highlight the Lord's role in Israel's victory, but it shows His power over nature.

2. Five Amorite Kings Killed
In this passage, the five Amorite kings from the previous passage fled to a cave at Makkedah. Unfortunately for them, the Israelites tracked them down, trapped them in that cave and destroyed their forces. The Israelites returned to the cave and brought out the five kings; Joshua had his army commanders stand on their necks, and then he killed them. After that, Joshua hung the kings' bodies on trees and then tossed them into the cave. After blocking up the cave entrance with large rocks, Joshua caused Makkedah to suffer the same fate that befell Jericho.

This passage further highlights the brutality of war in ancient times. It is evident that opposing the Lord had very nasty consequences.

3. Southern Cities Conquered
In this passage, Joshua and the Israelites laid waste to the southern part of Canaan. They defeated the cities of Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron and Debir; they also defeated the king of Gezer and his forces when he attempted to rescue Lachish.

While reading this passage I thought about the costs that Israel suffered - or didn't suffer - over the course of this campaign. Were any Israelites killed in these battles, or did the Lord miraculously preserve them from harm? Did the fact that the Lord fought for Israel in these instances imply that the Israelites were never injured, or did casualties actually occur?

4. Northern Kings Defeated
This passage describes the victories that Israel achieved over the northern cities of Canaan. Jabin, who was the king of Hazor, gathered several kings and formed a vast army with horses and chariots. This large host prepared to fight against Israel, yet the Lord told Joshua that He would give them the victory. Indeed, Israel defeated their enemies, hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots. Israel then laid waste to most of the northern part of Canaan, though they did leave Anakites alive in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod.

It is interesting that Israel did not completely destroy the Anakites, which essentially led to their future conflicts with the Philistines. This issue was raised in my NIV Study Bible, and it was noted there that the Israelites were probably weary of war after conquering the northern part of Canaan; thus, they would have refrained from wiping out the Anakites. Perhaps Israel did suffer losses during their battles, even though the Lord fought for them?

5. List of Defeated Kings
This passage lists all of the kings who Israel defeated as they entered the Promised Land, including Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and thirty-one other kings. It is reiterated that Moses gave the land east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

This passage is essentially a long trophy list, and I was intimidated as I read through it.