Study 20: Joshua 10:27-43

The sermon based on Joshua 10:27-43 emphasizes God's strategic support as Joshua leads Israel in conquering multiple cities and kings. It highlights how God instructs Joshua to handle each battle meticulously, demonstrating the importance of patience and trust in God's plan. This passage reveals that victories come "little by little," allowing the Israelites to grow stronger and more prepared to manage the Promised Land effectively. The sermon encourages listeners to see their personal struggles and victories as part of God's divine plan, teaching them to rely on His guidance and timing to strengthen their faith and equip them for future blessings.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Welcome

• Timestamp: 00:01 - 01:30

• Key Points: Introduction of visitors, welcoming new members, and setting the context for the sermon.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Studying Scripture

• Timestamp: 01:34 - 01:56

• Key Points: Emphasis on the practice of studying the Scriptures thoroughly.

Chapter 3: Review of Previous Conquests

• Timestamp: 01:59 - 05:43

• Key Points: Summary of Israel's previous battles and victories, highlighting God's guidance in each.

Chapter 4: The Strategic Sealing of the Cave

• Timestamp: 06:14 - 07:37

• Key Points: Joshua's command to seal the cave with the five Amorite kings, and the significance of this act.

Chapter 5: Gradual Victories – “Little by Little”

• Timestamp: 08:42 - 12:20

• Key Points: Explanation of why God allows victories to unfold gradually, based on Exodus 23:27-30.

Chapter 6: Destruction of Makadah and Its Symbolism

• Timestamp: 15:10 - 20:31

• Key Points: The significance of the destruction of Makadah and its king, representing the elimination of blasphemous elements in life.

Chapter 7: The Battle Against Libnah

• Timestamp: 23:26 - 25:02

• Key Points: Description of the battle against Libnah and its symbolic meaning of dealing with elements of leprosy and prosperity.

Chapter 8: Confronting Pride and Rebellion in Lachish

• Timestamp: 25:43 - 29:54

• Key Points: The meaning of Lachish and the challenge of overcoming pride and rebellion.

Chapter 9: The Idolatry of Eglon

• Timestamp: 30:50 - 33:36

• Key Points: The symbolism of Eglon as an idol and the need to destroy idolatrous elements in our lives.

Chapter 10: Final Conquest and Return to Gilgal

• Timestamp: 39:35 - 54:06

• Key Points: The final conquests of Debir and other cities, the significance of the return to Gilgal, and the overall message of gradual increase and preparation for God's blessings.

Scripture References

• Joshua 10:27-43

• Timestamp: Entire Sermon

• Description: The primary scripture of the sermon, detailing Joshua's conquests and the importance of gradual victories, emphasizing God's strategic plan and the Israelites' growth.

• Exodus 23:27-30

• Timestamp: 08:42 - 12:20

• Description: Used to explain why God allows victories to happen "little by little" rather than all at once. This scripture highlights the necessity of gradual growth and preparation to manage God's blessings effectively.

• Joshua 10:28

• Timestamp: 15:10

• Description: Reference to Joshua's conquest of Makadah and the complete destruction of the city, used to illustrate the thoroughness and decisiveness required in following God's commands.

• Joshua 10:29-30

• Timestamp: 23:26

• Description: Description of the battle against Libnah and the importance of removing all opposition, symbolizing the need to eliminate anything that stands against God's purpose.

• Joshua 10:31-32

• Timestamp: 26:30 - 28:39

• Description: The battle against Lachish, emphasizing the alliance of pride and rebellion and the necessity of overcoming these traits to follow God's will.

• Joshua 10:34-35

• Timestamp: 30:50

• Description: Conquest of Eglon, representing the destruction of idolatry and the importance of removing false idols from our lives.

• Joshua 10:36-37

• Timestamp: 33:57

• Description: The attack on Hebron, symbolizing the need to avoid unholy alliances and confederations that draw hearts away from God.

• Joshua 10:38-39

• Timestamp: 39:35

• Description: Conquest of Debir, emphasizing the significance of timing in God's plan and the importance of acting according to His divine schedule.

• Ezekiel 18:32

• Timestamp: 51:05

• Description: Used to highlight God's character, stating that He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, underlining the mercy and grace of God even in judgment.

• Ezekiel 33:11

• Timestamp: 51:05

• Description: Reinforces God's desire for repentance rather than punishment, illustrating His patience and willingness to offer mercy.

Reflection Questions

1. Confronting Hidden Sins

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:22

• “Joshua said, ‘Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.’”

• Question: What hidden sins or issues in your life need to be brought into the light? How can you take the first step towards confronting and dealing with them?

1. Living in Victory

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:25

• “Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’”

• Question: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more courage and faith? How can you remind yourself of God's promises of victory?

1. Total Obedience

• Scripture for Meditation: Joshua 10:26-27

• “Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening. At sunset, Joshua gave the order, and they took them down from the poles and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding.”

• Question: Are there any areas of partial obedience in your life where you need to take more decisive action? How can you ensure that you are fully obeying God’s commands?

1. Overcoming Sin’s Reign

• Scripture for Meditation: Romans 6:12

• “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

• Question: What steps can you take to prevent sin from reigning in your life? How can you daily surrender to God and seek His help in overcoming sin?

1. God’s Authority in Your Life

• Scripture for Meditation: Romans 16:20

• “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

• Question: How does understanding God's authority and victory over Satan influence your daily walk? In what ways can you live more boldly for Christ knowing this truth?
  

Word Study

Makadah (מַקֵּדָה)

• Reference: Joshua 10:28

• Hebrew Word: מַקֵּדָה (Makadah)

• Meaning: The name Makadah is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "place of shepherds" or "herding place," but in the context of this sermon, it was used to symbolize blasphemy and things in life that dishonor God.

• Context in Sermon: Joshua's conquest of Makadah is used to illustrate the need to eliminate blasphemous and dishonoring elements from our lives. The destruction of Makadah represents the thorough removal of these negative influences (Timestamp: 15:10 - 20:31).
  

Lachish (לָכִישׁ)

• Reference: Joshua 10:31-32

• Hebrew Word: לָכִישׁ (Lachish)

• Meaning: The name Lachish is believed to mean "invincible" or "obstinate" in Hebrew.

• Context in Sermon: Lachish represents pride and rebellion. The sermon discusses how pride often leads to rebellion against God, and the necessity of overcoming these traits to stay aligned with God's will. Joshua's victory over Lachish is a call to confront and defeat pride and rebellion in our lives (Timestamp: 26:30 - 29:54).

Eglon (עֶגְלוֹן)

• Reference: Joshua 10:34-35

• Hebrew Word: עֶגְלוֹן (Eglon)

• Meaning: The name Eglon means "calf-like" in Hebrew.

• Context in Sermon: The city of Eglon is associated with idolatry, particularly referencing the golden calf idol in the Old Testament. The destruction of Eglon signifies the need to remove idols and false gods from our lives, ensuring that nothing takes precedence over our devotion to God (Timestamp: 30:50 - 33:36).