Divide And Conquer Was Joshua’s Strategy
November 16, 2022
Commentary
Taking advantage of the long day (when the sun and the moon stood still) Joshua continued in hot pursuit of the five kings and their armies. They out in the open and Joshua was determined to prevent them from retreating to their walled cities. Then Joshua was told that all five kings had hidden in a cave. This was a cowardly, almost treasonous act that these kings committed. They had abandoned their troops, ran together to protect their own lives, and hid in this cave. He ordered his soldiers to roll a big stone over the mouth of the cave so they could not escape while they pursued the Amorites who were still trying to flee (vv. 16-18). After killing all but a few who were able to escape to their fortified cities they returned to the guarded cave.
Following an Eastern custom, Joshua ordered his officers to put their feet on the kings’ necks, as a symbol of future victories (v. 24). He wanted his people to know that this is what the Lord will do to all the enemies they will fight (v. 25). The kings were then killed and hung for everyone to see until sundown. After that they were thrown back into the cave which again was blocked by great stones. This was another memorial of Israel’s victorious march into Canaan. This action of Joshua in executing these five kings contains a powerful symbolism for the nation and for us today. A Christian who is determined to live close to the Lord often finds out that he too faces not a single foe, but a coalition of many foes. It may be a coalition of delusion, doubt, discouragement, and despair or of pride, pomp, and prejudice. Without the help of God, victory is impossible.
Application
God has often protected us and won victories for us. The same God who empowered Joshua and who has led me in the past will help me with my present and future needs. Reminding myself of His help in the past will give me hope for the struggles in the future. When is the last time I faced an attack from the above enemies? What did I do? Did I call on the Lord to help me?
Joshua 10:16– 28 (NET)
16 The five Amorite kings ran away and hid in the cave at Makkedah. 17 Joshua was told, āThe five kings have been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah.ā 18 Joshua said, āRoll large stones over the mouth of the cave and post guards in front of it. 19 But donāt you delay! Chase your enemies and catch them. Donāt allow them to retreat to their cities, for the Lord your God is handing them over to you.ā 20 Joshua and the Israelites almost totally wiped them out, but some survivors did escape to the fortified cities. 21 Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah. No one dared threaten the Israelites. 22 Joshua said, āOpen the caveās mouth and bring the five kings out of the cave to me.ā 23 They did as ordered; they brought the five kings out of the cave to himāthe kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. 24 When they brought the kings out to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the commanders of the troops who accompanied him, āCome here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.ā So they came up and put their feet on their necks. 25 Then Joshua said to them, āDonāt be afraid and donāt panic! Be strong and brave, for the Lord will do the same thing to all your enemies you fight.ā 26 Then Joshua executed them and hung them on five trees. They were left hanging on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua ordered his men to take them down from the trees. They threw them into the cave where they had hidden and piled large stones over the mouth of the cave. (They remain to this very day.)
28 That day Joshua captured Makkedah and put the sword to it and its king. He annihilated everyone who lived in it; he left no survivors. He did to its king what he had done to the king of Jericho.
Illustration: A Song in The Night
During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home. One night as they stayed in a small village inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down and cried openly in despair. To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of Scripture promises about God’s provision and keeping. Then, going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and wept. He felt he had come to his darkest hour. Soon afterward, Gerhardt felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the Lord’s presence. Taking his pen, he wrote a hymn that has brought comfort to many. Ć¢ā¬ÅGive to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head. Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way. Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day.” It is often in our darkest times that God makes His presence known most clearly. He uses our sufferings and troubles to show us that He is our only source of strength. And when we see this truth, like Paster Gerhardt, we receive new hope. Are you facing a great trial? Take heart. Put yourself in God’s hands. Wait for His timing. He will give you a Ć¢ā¬Åsong in the night.” (Our Daily Bread, May 7, 1992).