L. Victory
over many kings, compilation of battle results (chapter 12).
1. Victory
over the two kings on the eastern side of Jordan
(1-6).
a.
Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og
king of Bashan.
b.
Victory under the leadership of Moses, land
given as possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
(a)
During that time the people were disbelieving,
they tested and murmured against God.
These resulted in their wandering in the wilderness; they only managed
to be victorious over two kings.
2.
Victory over the 31 kings on the western side of
Jordan (7-24).
(a) After
Joshua and the Israelites had crossed the River Jordan, the land they captured
during the seven years of battle was distributed to the various tribes as
inheritance.
c.
Total of 31 kings (24). Victory was achieved
because of the unity and submissiveness of the people, their great faith, and
their complete reliance on God.
d.
Canaan was just a small
land yet there were so many kings. They each ruled their kingdom, occasionally
forming alliances; however, they still failed.
3.
Teachings
a.
The secret to victory in spiritual battles:
unity, submissiveness, remaining steadfast in reliance
on God.
b.
The enemies of Christians are the principalities
in the air, the devil and evil desires in the heart (Jas -15, 4:1-4; 1 Jn 2:15-17;
Eph 4:16-19). Remove the old man, be renewed in life and lead a new life (Rom
6:6; Gal ; , ).
c.
Kill all the kings and have a share in the
inheritance. Victory in spiritual battle. Enjoy the crown, glory, and
inheritance (Lk 19:12, 19; 2 Tim 4:18).
d.
List and eliminate these kings one by one;
regard the Lord as the highest King, whose place nothing can replace. Besides
removing all evil and worldly practices, we must also not allow kin, wealth or
status to substitute the place of God in our hearts (Lk
, 27; Mt , 1 Sam ).
