Joshua 10:16-43 – The Sign of Victory

Verse 24 tells us: “Joshua summoned all the men of Israel and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, ‘Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings.’ Then they came near and put their feet on their necks”.

This was not cruel mistreatment of prisoners-of-war or macho showing-off by Israel. It was a sign. As v25 explains, it was an acted parable or a reassuring visual aid of how the LORD would certainly place all their enemies beneath them.  The symbolic action was intended as a visible encouragement of the people of God.

God gives His people signs like this to encourage their faith in Him. Noah saw God’s bow in the clouds and was reassured of His promise (Gen. 9:11-17). Abram looked at the hosts of stars and was similarly encouraged to believe God’s promise to him (Gen. 15:1-6). God has given us the sacraments (baptism and communion) as visible signs that will strengthen our weak faith. They warmly encourage us that God’s Word is reliable and His promise is sure. Just as dirty Israelite feet on royal Canaanite necks gave fresh encouragement that this is what the LORD would do to all their enemies, so the simple action of eating bread and drinking wine assures us that the crucified and risen Christ will sustain us now and always.

Verses 29-43 give us some more detail of Israel’s southern campaign, as they worked their way down from the central section of Canaan they’d initially taken (see Tuesday’s notes). Taking possession of this land is no small achievement. Yet once again we see it repeatedly emphasised that this is the work of the LORD (look at v30, 32, 42).