1. The northern campaign (1-20)

The kings of northern Canaan gathered at the Waters of Merom to fight Israel. They came with a huge army, like the sand on the seashore. God encouraged Joshua with his word (6). Joshua obeyed the instructions God had given Moses. He did not act from anger or with vengeance; he persevered until the land was conquered. He was an instrument of God's judgment on a corrupt and godless people. We are engaged in a spiritual war. Our enemy is Satan and the powers of darkness and evil; our weapon, the sword of the Spirit, the word of God (Eph 6:10-18). God gives victory to those who obey his word.

2. The land had rest from war (21-23)

Joshua even attacked and destroyed the Anakites--the giants who had terrified the Israelites 40 years before. They took the whole land, just as the Lord had told Moses. It took time, but Joshua kept on until he finished the task, and the land had rest from war. We must not rest from the spiritual battle until God gives each of us the final victory. (See Heb 4:8-11.)

Application: Lord, help me to persevere in the fight of faith until I can claim the victory and enter your rest.
One Word: Obey God--persevere and win the victory