Hebraic Musing – Just Like Us, Joshua Faced Seven Enemies!
As
Joshua became leader of a new generation of Israelites about to enter the “Promised
Land”, God gave them important perspectives and critical commandments. “When
the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and
drives out before you many nations—the Hittites,
Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites,
Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger
and stronger than you— and when the LORD your God has delivered them over
to you and you have defeated them, then you
must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show
them no mercy. …” Deut.7:1-2 NIV
(map on next page)
(BTW - When you crossed over and entered the “Promised Land”, what did you
face?)
The
character, tradition or occupations of the translated names of these seven
enemies revealed the nature of the enemies they will encounter. Are each of these “nations” and/or their
characteristics still our enemies today?
HITTITES
– This name means terror. They were giants who brought fear, confusion and discouragement. The Israelites were to only fear God and not
anything other than God; and definitely not man.
GIRGASHITES
– The word "Girgashite" means one who returns back from a pilgrimage,
i.e. people that know better but go
back and are earthly. We have to
remain faithful to Jesus Christ and not go back or covet the world we came out
of.
AMORITES
– A peoples who were arrogant and
boastful in their speech. They
have high self-esteem and their pride leads to finding fault in others. This is our enemy too because God is the only
judge. “To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Prov.8:13.
CANAANITES
– Their name means merchants who humiliate. They were financial giants. The
Canaanites were motivated by greed
and lust for the accumulation of earthly and material wealth. Isn’t this our enemy too as we try to serve
two masters? "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world
means enmity against God?” James 4.4 This world's possessions are temporary.
PERIZZITES
– These people separated themselves and lived in unprotected, unwalled
villages; thus they lacked discipline
and restrictions. We face this
enemy whenever we ignore God's
commandments? "Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:28
HIVITES
– They offered their definition of a Good
Lifestyle – "if it feels good do it", "don't worry what
other people think" and "look out for number one". They live a luxurious life; but does this become
our enemy when we worship mammon instead of our LORD? "…
the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
1 Tim.6.10
JEBUSITES
– A people who exploited and polluted others through immoral activities. Who are our “friends”? "You
have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you
that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with
her in his heart." Matt.5:27-28 “…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you,…” 1 Corin.6:19
God
warned the Israelites about these enemies; do we face the same enemies?
Points
to ponder or RSVP
We are in the
Battle of the Ages. What is expected of
a good soldier?
* Keep his body and mind fit, and continue training.
* Master the use of the weapons, ready for battle at any time.
* Be alert and protect the borders from attack.
* Always obey the commanding officer.
“Endure
hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a
soldier
gets involved in civilian affairs—he
wants to please his commanding officer.” 2 Tim.2:3-4
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd August 25, 2020
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring
the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
Note - Inspired and excerpted
from www.biblefellowshipunion.co.uk/2014/Sep_Oct/7Enemies.htm
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