Joshua 7 - Settlement Issues
Introduction:
The conquest of Canaan was a gradual process with victories (Joshua 1:1-21) and defeats (Joshua 1:27-36). Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war (Joshua 11:23). It begins with the initial boundaries of Israel's inheritance in Joshua 13:1-14. It then moves to the specific allotments of inheritance given to each of Israel's tribes in Joshua 13:15–21:45.
However, The Book of Judges presents a different picture. The settlement of Canaan happened through a series of military and political led by charismatic individuals. Though many of the cities of Canaan were conquered by the Israelites under Joshua, historical and archaeological evidence indicates that the process of conquering the land was lengthy and not completed until David conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem in the early 10th century BCE.
We know that over the centuries many kings and emperors created Havoc with this little promised land. The land was promised to whom? Israel or others? The descendants of Abraham are claiming, fighting over this little space on the earth. The religion instead of bringing peace among the people brought ceaselessness and disorderliness, We wish for the early peace among the warring communities over the world.
The Power of the Sin of Disobedience:
The golden calf, the murmuring at Kadesh, and the iniquity of Peor had broken their measures and given them great disturbance; and in this chapter, we have another instance of the interruption given to the progress of their arms by sin). Israel could not fight in God’s power and presence unless they walked in obedience to God. Israel was under a covenant with God that promised blessing on their obedience and also promised curses upon their disobedience. The secret sin on earth is an open scandal before God. After such a tremendous victory at Jericho, it is surprising to see a series of failures in the life of Israel, the sin of One man can cause great damage to the community.
Joshua's instructions had been crystal clear in Joshua 6:17-19, so Achan's sin seems to fall into the category of presumptuous sin. Great victories are often followed by great defeats due to carelessness accompanied by Pride, Presumption, and Prayerlessness. Private sin is never really private. Sin brings dishonor to God, sin brings defeat to your brother, Sin brings disgrace to your family, and sin brings destruction to your loved ones.
Syncretism:
The reasons for syncretism are Poor leadership, mixed life with Canaanites, and a change of profession from pastoralism to land cultivation. they worshipped the God of fertility, and lack of faith in God the Almighty. Their intermarriages and search for physical gods and the presence of the young generation at the time of entering Canaan led to syncretism.
The Secret to Victory:
The Lord, who gave the promised land to his people, demanded unquestionable trust in Him and obedience to his covenant. When the covenant was violated (Joshua 7:11), Israel received a setback before Ai. Confession, repentance, and eradication of sin led to the assurance of victory (Joshua 8:1).
Discussion: What is your experience with God’s standards?
(Refer: Commentaries by Matthew Henry, Endurance Word Commentary, Austin Precept).
