Study 18: Joshua 10: 1-15

In this study on Joshua 10:1-15, Trent explores the themes of divine intervention and identity in God. Beginning with a brief mention of Father's Day, the study revisits the deception of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 and their subsequent servitude to Israel, highlighting God's redemptive purposes even in their curse. When Gibeon is threatened by a coalition of Amorite kings, they call for Joshua's help, leveraging their identity as Israel's servants. Joshua, reassured by God's promise of victory, leads an all-night march, taking the Amorite armies by surprise. God intervenes dramatically, throwing the enemy into confusion and using hailstones to secure Israel’s triumph. Joshua's bold prayer for the sun to stand still exemplifies his faith and God's sovereign power. The study concludes by encouraging believers to embrace their identity as God's servants, rely on His strength, and give Him glory for victories in their lives, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience.

Sermon Outline

Introduction (0:00 - 1:54)

• Greeting and brief Father's Day mention.

• Acknowledgment of fathers, stepdads, and grandfathers.

1. Opening Prayer (1:54 - 4:03)

• Prayer for understanding and application of the scripture.

• Asking God to reveal His character, mercy, and love through the passage.

2. Recap of Joshua 9 (4:03 - 7:20)

• Summary of the Gibeonites' deception and their peace treaty with Israel.

• Explanation of the curse: Gibeonites becoming woodcutters and water carriers, which allowed them to serve in worship.

3. The Threat to Gibeon (7:20 - 10:53)

• Introduction of Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, and his alliance with other Amorite kings.

• Gibeon's call for Joshua's help due to the impending attack.

4. God's Assurance to Joshua (10:53 - 12:43)

• God's message to Joshua: "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand."

• Historical context: God's long-standing patience and eventual judgment of the Amorites.

5. Joshua’s Response and All-Night March (12:43 - 16:00)

• Joshua's immediate action, leading his best fighting men on an all-night march to Gibeon.

• The element of surprise against the Amorite armies.

6. Divine Intervention (16:00 - 18:36)

• God's direct involvement: confusion among the enemy, large hailstones killing more than Israelite swords.

• Emphasis on God's power and judgment.

7. Joshua’s Bold Prayer (18:36 - 24:12)

• Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still and the moon to stop.

• God's miraculous extension of the day to ensure complete victory.

8. Theological Implications and Identity in Christ (24:12 - 28:32)

• Believers' identity as God's servants (doulos) and the importance of humility.

• Comparison of believers' righteousness to the Gibeonites’ situation.

9. Practical Applications (28:32 - 39:28)

• Encouragement to trust in God's strength and provision.

• Reminder of the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

10. Call to Reflection and Prayer (39:28 - 57:24)

• Invitation for personal reflection on one's relationship with God.

• Encouragement to cry out to God for healing and restoration in areas of brokenness.

• Closing prayer and final remarks, emphasizing the importance of giving glory to God for victories.

Scripture References

Reflection Questions

Word Study