Today we focus on Joshua’s wisdom and courage.
Joshua’s wisdom. He ‘was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him’, Deut. 34. 9. This God-given wisdom manifested itself in a variety of ways. The promised land consisted of two major regions. To the south stretched the hill country of Judah, with its cities controlled by Amorites; to the north, particularly in the Jezreel plain, lay the Canaanite concentrations. Joshua’s tactic was to divide and conquer – to strike from the side, penetrating the land just north of the Dead Sea. In just seven years, his shrewd strategy and victorious campaigns had broken the power of seven nations and 31 kings.
Joshua’s wisdom made him: (i) Careful. Although he knew that he entered Canaan supported by God’s presence and power, he prudently took the precaution of sending spies to reconnoitre Jericho. (ii) Far-sighted. Following the defeat of the five Amorite kings led by Adoni-zedek, Joshua shrewdly instructed his chiefs to put their feet on the kings’ necks, thereby inspiring them with courage and confidence for future conflict, Josh. 10. 24-25. (iii) Firm. When apportioning the land between the tribes, he did not allow family connections to sway him or to distort his judgement. The complaints voiced by his own tribe of Ephraim gained them no special favours – only some very straight speaking! (iv) Appreciative. Joshua recognized the faithful service of others and was ready to give a glowing commendation when merited.
Joshua’s courage. On five occasions he was exhorted to ‘be strong and of good courage’; twice by Moses and three times by the Lord Himself. On many occasions, he displayed great personal bravery. In terms of military conflict, he cut his teeth on Amalek. Having chosen his men, none of whom had any experience of warfare, he led them into their very first battle himself, Exod. 17. 9-10. Later, when Israel was cowed by the discouraging report of the other spies, he and Caleb risked their very lives by boldly confronting the people with the challenge to obey God’s word and enter the land in faith.
Lord, grant me both wisdom and courage.
