Joshua 7
PassageWhen Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan it should have been clear to the Canaanites it was time for them to move on. They had heard of what God had done ahead of the arrival of Israel. He even had Joshua spend some time ahead of taking over Jericho to make sure God’s people were prepared in His way. The men were circumcised, and they celebrated the Passover, while the people of Canaan waited (or fled).
This “delay” in taking over the land showed us some of God’s character. Though He was upset and jealous of the Canaanites and their worship of other gods, He showed mercy by giving them time to escape. Ultimately, those who stayed, faced the judgement of death for their disobedience, and we need to remember that timing is in God’s hands and His word always stands.
After Jericho, Joshua sent spies again to scope out the next conquest. The result was that instead of listening to God, Joshua relied on his own experience and skills to try to guide the results. He soon learned that instead of sticking with our own expertise, and familiarity trying to accomplish something for God, we need to listen, and watch what He can do.