"Iron Chariots"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 15:20-17:18

Scripture Focus

“Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” (Joshua 17:18 NLT)

Observation

I love a leader of faith! It was Joshua (along with Caleb) who believed God clear back in Numbers 13 when God said He’d give the Israelites the land of Canaan. It was Joshua who took God at his Word when God promised, “Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you” (Joshua 1:3 NLT). It was Joshua to took to heart God’s challenge—“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them” (Joshua 1:6 NLT).

And so here in chapter 17 of the book that bears his name, when the representatives of the tribe of Manasseh complain the Canaanites in the lowlands could not be defeated because they had “iron chariots”, Joshua’s response is matter of fact.

“Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” (Joshua 17:18 NLT)

Or, in other words, “So the Canaanites have technological superiority—big deal! It can’t match God’s promise!”

Bottom line, I want to be as matter-of-fact confident in what God has said as Joshua was. And why not? He’s never reneged yet!