Joshua 12:24 –
The king of Tirzah. In all, thirty-one kings were defeated
This chapter lists the kings the Israelites defeated in taking their lands. It’s a chapter that’s difficult to get any great “theological” significance from and actually continues the question why did they have to be killed? Actually if we go back to Deuteronomy 20, God explains this reasoning. Basically, the Israelites are getting the land and needing to destroy the people not because they necessarily deserve it more, but because they inhabitants have turned so far away from God they need to be expunged.
Deuteronomy 20:18 states:
This will prevent the people of the land from teaching you to imitate their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against the LORD your God.
God has used war against enemies both external and internal, when considering the battles between Judah and Israel. Now one could ask why he not does this all over the world, all the time. I could never answer that question because God’s sovereign will is so far from my understanding I can only assume to figure out the answer. I often look at how quickly our nation is diverting from God’s instruction that I wonder if we are finished. At the same time I look on the horizon and do not see any other nation that isn’t doing the same thing.
Maybe it’s time for the “end” and we should all prepare. But honestly is preparing hunkering down or getting out an showing Jesus’ love for this world? I think you know the answer there, let’s hope we can get compassion and have God spare us one more time like Ninevah.