Dropping Bombs

Dec. 7

Read: Joshua 10

Dropping Bombs

“And as they (the Amorites) fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the LORD threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.” (v.11)

Whether we realize it or not, the Lord does the majority of the “heavy lifting” for us in our battles. It may not always seem that way… but it is true. We have seen this at least 3 times over in the beginning of the book of Joshua. The Lord toppled the walls of Jericho. The Lord was necessary to be victorious in the battle with Ai. Now, we see the Lord active in the battle with the 5 Amorite kings. Whether it is clearly visible and obvious such as Jericho and the 5 Kings, or it is behind the scenes as with Ai… the Lord is the one who carries his people through the battle.

It is an interesting note for the scriptures to call out isn’t it: “There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.” This means the majority of the work was done by the Lord. Joshua and his warriors were no doubt participants, but it was the Lord who really bore the weight of the battle. Think of how he did it… with large stones falling from the sky! That is some serious hail. It was obvious to everyone who was there who was behind this. These hail stones didn’t strike down Israelites… but only the Amorites. It wasn’t as if it was a cloudy day that looked like rain - I mean in the next section Joshua is going to talk about the sun in the sky! God supernaturally destroyed these evil kings; and he did it in full view of those watching.

When we read this passage, it becomes clear that when God says that “he is with you” it actually means that HE IS WITH YOU. It could be easy to think that what God was suggesting is that he approves of your mission, that he is on your side, and that you have permission to go for it. This passage paints a much different picture. You see, the Lord was actually with them in battle! The picture is that HE THREW down large stones form the sky onto them. It is not just that he made it hail… no… the Lord threw them down. God with there in the midst of the battle with his people! He was watching it from a distance… or expecting Joshua to go out there on his own… He was right there by his side.

When we face battles and spiritual warfare in this world, remember that it is the Lord who does the work! He is working… sometimes in easily observable ways… and sometimes in ways we do not comprehend or see. But make no mistake, as his child - the Lord is WITH YOU. He is near. He is present. He is in the fight. He has not abandoned you. Even when the giant stones are raining down form above, he protects you. Remember, ”Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!” (Psalm 24:8) This is our Lord - mighty in battle. Love you guys. - JDP