23/01/2024 - IT WAS TOLD THE KING

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And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” Joshua 2.2

The reports of Israel’s victories over the peoples who would not give them passage stirred the hearts of those who knew they would be next. These opponents believed that God would give Canaan to Israel. When Moses went to Sihon, king of Heshbon, to ask permission to pass through the royal road that cut through his territory, Sihon opposed the Israelites, even though Moses promised to pay for any damage (Numbers 21:21-26).

Sihon, which means great or sweeping in Hebrew, had waged war against Moab, taking over a large part of its territory. When receiving Moses’ request, the king of Heshbon gathered his army against Israel. Led by God, the Israelites not only triumphed, but also took the land of Sihon and the part that had been taken from Moab. This feat made all the nations fear a confrontation with Israel. When Joshua sent out the spies, he prayed, and God blessed them.

The news of Sihon’s defeat fueled the other nations’ fear of Israel. Og, king of Bashan, decided to confront the sons of Jacob. In his attempt to thwart God’s plan, he was killed. His name means gigantic and his bed was 4m long and 1.80m wide. He was the last of the Rephaim (giants) and was killed.

Og made the same mistake as Sihon (Deuteronomy 3:1-13). Moses did not want to take the land, but his people needed to pass along the road that cut through that nation. Being a famous warrior, Og resisted the Israelites’ request. He gathered all his people and went to destroy Israel. But Jacob’s sons defended themselves and annihilated him. The fear of letting the heirs of the promise made to Abraham pass quickly led Og to his defeat.

In Joshua’s case, he realized that the time had come to overthrow Jericho. So he sent two spies to survey the place. Of course, he prayed for the men, asking the Lord to guide them during the survey. Suddenly, however, the king of Jericho received information that there were strange people walking in his territory. He was alarmed and decided to prevent further damage, but to no avail!

Certainly, the Most High was in those people who saw danger lurking in their territory. However, what was supposed to frighten the spies gave them joy because of the way God protected and saved them. Nothing will happen to God’s servants, because He cares for His own with power and love. There are those who despair at the events of other people’s lives. However, this should not bother us; after all, we have the promise that no harm will come to our dwelling (Psalm 91.10). Believe and live!

The king and the inhabitants of Jericho were afraid when they heard that the Israelites were in the city. However, someone rejoiced and favored the spies, as we will see in the next lessons. There is no need to fear if God is with us!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares