YOUTH SEARCH LESSON 161 CONQUEST OF KINGS OF CANAAN

MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee” (Joshua 10:8).

TEXT: Joshua 10:1-43; 11:1-23; 12:1-24

As we are looking at the conquest of the Kings of Canaa we see that God is strong and powerful. He is able to perform the impossible without human intervention. Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). This Scripture proves to be true in our text. The Gibeonites wilfully surrendered to Israel to be perpetual servants.

The decision of the Gibeonites incurred the wrath of other kings and kingdoms of the Amorites. Hence, the battle was directly against the Gibeonites and indirectly against Israel. This was because the latter had a covenant with the former to save them alive. As the battle was prolonged, Joshua prayed for extension of time and the Lord did it. “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies…” (verse 13).

Through this special divine intervention, the children of Israel conquered all the kings that fought against them. However, the victory recorded in our text was due to the obedience of Joshua. The Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites who had been occupying the land of Canaan were the enemy nations whom God commanded Israel to overthrow. They were enemies of God and Israel because of their sinful lifestyle.

Our text focuses on how these nations teamed up to destroy the children of Israel and how God encouraged and supported His people to complete victory. Records of the lands, their people, the extent of the new kingdom, the kings and the types of victories were kept by the historians of Israel. This shows the importance of being able to recount the blessings of God upon our lives as well as the ability to keep records.

ISRAEL’S CONQUEST OF THE AMORITES (Joshua 10:1-43; Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1,2; John 15:18,19; Isaiah 54:15; Psalm 92:9)

The confederacy against the Gibeonites was led by Adonizedek, king of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was referred to as Salem, especially at the time of Abraham. Salem means a “city of peace” or “habitation of peace”. The king of Salem was “a priest of the Most High God”. After many centuries, this same city became a hater of God and the ring leader of the enemies of His people. This state of losing the grace of God is described as backsliding.

Question 1: Why did Adonizedek, king of Jerusalem, form a confederacy against Gibeon?

“Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel” (Joshua 10:4). The reason was because Gibeon had made peace with Joshua and the children of Israel. The fear of the king of Jerusalem were two folds. First, Gibeon, the city that had voluntarily surrendered to Israel was a great city. It was one of the royal cities, greater than Ai and renowned for her mighty men of valour. Second, the geographical location of Gibeon made her one of the most formidable frontiers for all cities in the south of Canaan. The cause of this war against Gibeon is still the same reason the world opposes youths who turn to Christ.

This also illustrates the experience of churches or fellowships that are shining light for Christ. Gibeon became an object of persecution as soon as she pitched her camp on the side of Joshua. The men of Gibeon sent to Joshua in Gilgal, “come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us” (Joshua 10:6). Joshua passionately responded to this distress call and God backed him up with this promise: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee” (Joshua 10:8).

The backing of God in this venture showed that whoever embraces the faith and the worship of God has also come to trust under the shadow of His wings. He, therefore, enjoys the divine privileges of the family of God. Israel prevailed against their enemies because of the following factors:

One, the miraculous intervention of divine power, which sent down a fierce storm of hailstones upon the army of the five Canaanitish nations.

Two, the prayer of faith by Joshua and how it was answered by God who miraculously stayed the sun and moon in the valley of Ajalon; thereby, prolonging the day for Israel to have victory. This miracle shows that God, as the Creator, has power over nature.

Three, the obedience of Joshua to the word of God is commendable. Today, all Christian youths have potentials to conquer sin, self, sickness and Satan through the power of the cross. Faith in Christ is the solution to all problems and challenges in our lives.

JOSHUA’S CONQUEST OF ENEMY NATIONS (Joshua 11:1- 23; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; 1 Samuel 2:10; Proverbs 21:30; Isaiah 8:9,10)

Confederacy is a kind of political union, an alliance of people, states or parties for a common purpose. There were, at least, seven different nations in number that teamed up for the purpose of destroying the people of God. These nations came against Israel to war. But, according to the promise that God gave to Abraham, Moses and Joshua, they were actually fighting against the God of heaven.

Christian youths also face battles. However, ours is a spiritual one. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Our mindset should be that, if anyone stages a battle against us, the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. It is good to also note that anyone who fights against God cannot win.

The enemies that came against Israel were very many, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many… to fight against Israel” (Joshua 11:4,5). But, God gave Joshua an assurance of victory.

Question 2: What can we learn from Joshua’s attitude after the divine assurance of victory?

Having received assurance of victory from God, Joshua move by faith. “So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them” (verse 7). After receiving God’s promises, we should act on it by faith. The action of faith by Joshua was not disappointed because “… the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining” (verse 8). Also, in the midst of victory, Joshua was still very careful to stay within the limit of God’s word.

Christian youths should not get carried away with success. In the midst of plenty and prosperity, they should allow God and His word to be in control of everything about their lives (Deuteronomy 8:10-14; Psalm 62:10). This kind of attitude in the time of success is what makes the enjoyment of the victory to last long. Joshua took and enjoyed the spoils of those cities (verses 13-17). We can also learn endurance from Joshua. Joshua made war a long time with all those kings” (verse 18). When you are faced with challenges and battles of life, do not give up after some trials but keep fighting until victory is won.

It is God’s will for us to enjoy all that Christ has provided for us, which include salvation from sin, sanctification, Holy Spirit baptism, healing and health, academic success, prosperity, etc. Pray, believe God and obey His word, and the blessings will be yours. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).

ISRAEL’S CONQUEST OF TERRIBLE KINGS (Joshua 12:1-24; 14:1-3; 23:1-3; 24:31)

Question 3: What can Christian youths learn from the kings and kingdoms that were defeated by Israel?

There are several lessons from the defeat of these kings. Israel depended on God to defeat the kings who relied on their weapons of war. As Christian youths, we should learn to depend on God for victories. When one puts his trust in the Lord, he will not be ashamed. The promise made by the Lord to Abraham was fulfilled. Regardless of what may seem to be barriers, when one depends and walks with the Lord, He will fulfil His promises.

God used men (i.e. saints) to achieve the victories Israel got. In the destruction of these kings and the defeat of their lands, some people stood out in terms of commitment and zeal in achieving God’s purpose.

Question 4: What does God search for before giving a Christian youth responsibility in His kingdom?

God does not use just anyone for His service; He uses those who are qualified, ready and willing. Such people will also need to be faithful. One of the criteria a Christian youth must meet before he or she can be used by God today is that such a youth must be saved. Salvation from sin gives the right to be called a child of God, which enables a youth to be qualified to serve the Lord (John 1:12). Service to God is also based on availability.

Where a Christian youth does not make him/herself available to be used by God, he or she would remain outside the core of God’s service. True love for God will stir up passion in the life of Christian youths. The major service God requires today is the evangelisation of the world. God wants all youths to get involved by preaching the gospel of Christ in our various schools and cities. God fulfilled the promises He had made by a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:6-8).

Whenever we get a promise from God, we should rest assured that He will definitely fulfil it. Promises of good health, healing, prosperity, academic excellence, promotion, progress and everything we desire will be fulfilled by the Lord.

Question 5: What should a Christian youth do before God’s promise can be fulfilled in his life?

A Christian youth needs to hold on to the promise of God in faith. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). God rewards those who believe and put their trust in Him.