In Joshua 10, we see that God is faithful to bring about both blessings and curses. The Lord is faithful to His promises by destroying His enemies and fighting for His people.

God Fights for His People

First, we see that the warrior God fights for His people. No part of Israel’s victory in this passage can be credited to human strength. God demonstrates His power by throwing down hailstones to destroy Israel’s enemies. He even stops the sun in the sky. Through this act, God displays His incredible grace and mercy toward all of Israel and especially Joshua. Joshua had just failed publicly earlier in chapter 9 — yet, despite his brokenness, God still heeds the voice of a frail, fallen leader. Amazingly, He acts according to the request of a man. The extent to which God will hear and answer the prayers of His people is shocking and encouraging. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

God Fights Against Evil

This shows that God not only fights for His people but also destroys His enemies. In v. 24, His people put their feet on the necks of their enemies, symbolizing the victory that He gives them through His faithfulness. As the pagan kings hang on trees, God spotlights His grace towards His people but also His wrath against evil.

This is a challenging truth to wrestle with. Some people see the God of the Old Testament as an unloving God who deals out judgment but not grace. They say this is scandalous — that He is nothing like the New Testament Jesus they know. But this is not the scandal of the Scriptures.

The scandal of the Scriptures is that since the garden, humanity has been in a state of rebellion. We haven’t just missed the mark; we’ve done the opposite of the standard God has given. God responds not by turning His back but by stepping into human history and embracing the brokenness. He heals the sick, comforts the downcast, and teaches the way of salvation to all. And yet the world responds to such a display of mercy by dragging Him to court and crucifying Him. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin so that we, His enemies, would be able to have His righteousness. Those who do not find refuge in Him will be destroyed and endure His wrath for eternity.

This is a serious reality — the Gospel is not casual. God is just, and He must punish sin. But He provides a way of salvation in His Son. The Creator of the cosmos desires to dwell with failed people like Joshua, me, and you when we turn from our sin and trust in Him. Would you trust this God and put your faith in Him? Blessed are those who take refuge in Him!