Study 21: Joshua 11: 1-11

In this sermon, we delve into Joshua 11, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, face a formidable coalition of 14 kings who unite to fight against them. Despite the overwhelming opposition, the central message underscores God’s unwavering support for Israel. The narrative highlights the importance of relying on God rather than on one's own strength or the strength of worldly tools. This is exemplified by God's instruction to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots of their enemies, symbolizing the rejection of dependence on military might. The sermon further emphasizes the consistency of God’s character across both Old and New Testaments, illustrating that true victory and strength come from trusting in God, even in the face of fear and seemingly insurmountable odds. This lesson encourages believers to find their security and confidence in their covenant relationship with God, rather than in their own abilities or external resources.

Sermon Outline

Sermon Study Outline: Joshua 11

Chapter 1: Introduction and Context

• Timestamp: 00:01 - 02:15

• Key Points:

• Introduction to the study of Joshua, Chapter 11.

• Overview of the conquest of the Southern Kingdoms in Chapter 10.

• Introduction to the campaign against the Northern Kingdoms.

Chapter 2: The Coalition Against Israel

• Timestamp: 02:16 - 05:06

• Key Points:

• Detailed description of the coalition of 14 kings opposing Israel (Joshua 11:1-5).

• Emphasis on the unity of these traditionally warring factions against Israel.

Chapter 3: God's Assurance to Joshua

• Timestamp: 05:07 - 09:38

• Key Points:

• God’s promise of victory to Joshua (Joshua 11:6).

• Importance of not fearing the overwhelming numbers of the enemy.

Chapter 4: The Battle Strategy

• Timestamp: 09:39 - 14:33

• Key Points:

• God's instructions to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots (Joshua 11:6).

• Symbolism of rejecting reliance on military might and trusting in God.

Chapter 5: God's Consistent Character

• Timestamp: 14:34 - 18:09

• Key Points:

• The consistency of God’s principles and character from the Old to the New Testament.

• Reference to 1 Corinthians 1:27 and Psalm 37:12-15.

Chapter 6: The Overwhelming Forces

• Timestamp: 18:10 - 23:00

• Key Points:

• Description of the vast army assembled against Israel (Joshua 11:4).

• The overwhelming resources and numbers and their eventual defeat by God's power.

Chapter 7: Facing Fear with Faith

• Timestamp: 23:01 - 28:09

• Key Points:

• Discussion on fear and faith, and God's assurance to not be afraid.

• Personal reflection on dealing with fear and the importance of trusting God.

Chapter 8: The Importance of Dependence on God

• Timestamp: 28:10 - 35:25

• Key Points:

• The need to depend on God rather than on external resources or strengths.

• Application to personal life: trusting God in various aspects like finances, relationships, and decisions.

Chapter 9: Victory and Obedience

• Timestamp: 35:26 - 41:36

• Key Points:

• The victory of Israel as promised by God (Joshua 11:7-9).

• Joshua’s obedience to God’s commands in hamstringing the horses and burning the chariots.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Call to Dependence

• Timestamp: 41:37 - 49:14

• Key Points:

• Final thoughts on the battle and the defeat of the coalition.

• Emphasis on the declaration of dependence on God and application in daily life.

Scripture References

Joshua 11:1-5

• Timestamp: 02:16 - 05:06

• Description: These verses describe the coalition of 14 kings that come together to fight against Israel. The sermon uses these verses to set the stage for the narrative of Joshua 11, emphasizing the unity of the traditionally warring factions against Israel.

Joshua 11:6

• Timestamp: 05:07 - 09:38

• Description: God assures Joshua not to be afraid and promises victory. This verse is used to highlight God’s direct promise and assurance to Joshua, reinforcing the message of trust and reliance on God rather than fear.

Joshua 11:4

• Timestamp: 18:10 - 23:00

• Description: Describes the vast army assembled against Israel, emphasizing their overwhelming numbers and resources. The sermon uses this to illustrate the seemingly insurmountable odds faced by Israel and the importance of God's support.

1 Corinthians 1:27

• Timestamp: 14:34 - 18:09

• Description: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." This verse is used to emphasize that God's principles and character are consistent throughout the Bible, showing that God's power is made perfect in weakness.

Psalm 37:12-15

• Timestamp: 14:34 - 18:09

• Description: "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken." These verses illustrate the futility of opposing God and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

Psalm 20:7

• Timestamp: 36:05 - 38:41

• Description: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." This verse is used to emphasize the importance of trusting in God rather than in military might or external resources.

Joshua 11:7-9

• Timestamp: 35:26 - 41:36

• Description: These verses describe the actual battle and the defeat of the coalition by Israel. The sermon uses these verses to demonstrate Joshua’s obedience to God's commands and the fulfillment of God's promise of victory.

Joshua 11:10-11

• Timestamp: 43:41 - 49:14

• Description: These verses describe the final capture and destruction of Hazor, the leader of the coalition against Israel. This part of the sermon emphasizes the completeness of God’s victory and the importance of following through on God's commands.

Word Study

Yare' (יָרֵא) - "Fear"

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 11:6

• Timestamp: 05:07 - 09:38

• Description:

• Hebrew Word: יָרֵא (Yare')

• Meaning: Fear, to be afraid, to revere.

• Context in Sermon: God tells Joshua not to be afraid of the large coalition of kings opposing Israel. The sermon emphasizes that despite the overwhelming numbers and strength of the enemy, Joshua and the Israelites are encouraged to trust in God’s assurance and power rather than succumbing to fear.

Chayil (חַיִל) - "Strength" or "Army"

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 11:4

• Timestamp: 18:10 - 23:00

• Description:

• Hebrew Word: חַיִל (Chayil)

• Meaning: Strength, army, wealth, force.

• Context in Sermon: The term is implicitly connected to the description of the vast and powerful army assembled by the coalition of kings against Israel. The sermon highlights the physical might and resources of this army, contrasting it with the true strength that comes from reliance on God.

Emunah (אֱמוּנָה) - "Faith" or "Faithfulness"

• Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:27, Psalm 37:12-15

• Timestamp: 14:34 - 18:09

• Description:

• Hebrew Word: אֱמוּנָה (Emunah)

• Meaning: Faith, faithfulness, trustworthiness.

• Context in Sermon: Although not explicitly mentioned in the text of Joshua, the concept of faithfulness is central to the sermon. The sermon uses passages like 1 Corinthians 1:27 and Psalm 37:12-15 to illustrate God’s consistent character and the importance of faith in His promises and strength. The faithfulness of God to protect and provide victory for Israel is a recurring theme.