Overcoming the Enemy

In Joshua 7-11, covered in week two of our Scripture Plan, Victorious: 30 Days with Joshua, the Israelites are claiming victory across the Promised Land. Moving on from their miraculous crossing of the river Jordan and destruction of Jericho, we see them take possession of the territories God had promised them, with varied results. We can learn a few lessons from the Israelites about overcoming the enemy.

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Lessons on overcoming the enemy

In Joshua 7-11 the Israelites have a lot of enemies to overcome in order for them to take possession of the promised land! Let’s see what we can learn from them about claiming victory.

Don’t take victory for granted

After crossing the Jordan and the fall of Jericho, the Israelites could well be tempted to think things are going to be easy from now on. But they are shocked when they are defeated at Ai. They thought that they could just send a few soldiers and they would be victorious, but they did not consult God.

We must not be complacent in our spiritual life either. We must always depend on God and be prepared to put in any effort required to overcome the enemy.

overcoming the enemy involves completely eradicating sin

It’s not easy reading accounts of the Israelites wiping out their enemies. Those living in Canaan participated in religious practices like idol worship and sacrifices that were abhorrent to God, so he wanted them wiped out of his land. And this is an illustration for us that we must eliminate all sin. 

When the Israelites refused to do this (bringing the devoted things into their camp) God was angry with them, and this lead to their defeat. 

We, too, will not be able to completely overcome our enemies and weaknesses if we keep little momentos.

don’t give up after failure

After the defeat at Ai, Joshua cried out to God that it would be better if they had never crossed the Jordan. But, when he realises their failure was due to their own unfaithfulness he turns to God and relies on him when they return to conquer Ai.

When we have stumbled in our walk with God we must recognise our failings, pick ourselves up and trust in God to lead us to victory.

Remember God’s word

As Moses had commanded, the Israelites set up memorial stones, on which Joshua carved the words of God’s law (Joshua 8:30-35). Then all the word of the law, written by Moses, were read to the people, including the women, children and foreigners amongst them.

If we are in a spiritual battle we must also turn to God’s Word: read it, write it, speak it and obey it.

What have you learned about overcoming the enemy? Did you get some different insights from Joshua 7-11 about overcoming the enemy? I’d love to hear your comments so please connect below.

I hope you have found these reflections from Joshua 7-11 as insightful as I have. Come back next week for more reflections on our Scripture Plan – Victorious: 30 Days with Joshua. You can also find the previous post in the series here:

• Bible Verses about Victory (Introduction to the Scripture Plan)
• Be Strong and Courageous – Preparing for Victory