The Power of Unity Against Divine Purpose
"And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel." - Joshua 11:5
When we read Joshua 11:5—"And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel,"—we are drawn into a vivid depiction of unity forged in opposition to God's plan. This scripture captures a significant moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan, where not just one king, but multiple kingdoms gathered their strengths, determined to thwart the progression of the Israelites. This passage invites us to consider the implications of unity, not only in the physical realm but in the spiritual domain as well.
Unity among kings signifies a coordinated effort, a coalition formed not for cooperation but in outright defiance against what they perceived as an imminent threat. This phrase, "came and pitched together," symbolizes their concerted strategy, a tactical mutation through alliance against what they saw as a common enemy. Think about this for a moment—like these kings, the world often unites against a common cause, creating formidable forces against the people of God.
However, there is a profound lesson in the actions of these kings. Their unity was born out of fear, misunderstanding, and a desperate attempt to preserve their way of life, when in fact they had already been forewarned of Israel's encroachment via God’s promises. This reminds us that when God sets a dream, a calling, or a destiny for His people, opposition will invariably arise. The more significant the movement, the greater the opposition. The kings feared losing their kingdoms, their influence, and their very lives to a people presumed weak because they wandered in the wilderness just before entering the Promised Land.
Equipping ourselves with this context requires introspection. In what areas of our lives do we find ourselves in opposition against God’s will? Do we, in fear or misunderstanding, band together with others to resist the pulling of God upon our lives? They stood at the waters of Merom, a place that signifies uncertainty and danger; do we also find ourselves standing at our spiritual waters of Merom, fearfully resisting God's intended path for us? The gathering of these kings is a stark reminder that whenever we align with a purpose contrary to God's design, we are orchestrating our downfall.
In stark contrast, let’s consider the side of Israel as they faced this formidable alliance. Joshua, leading with obedience to God's commands, understood the significance of faith and reliance on divine strategy instead of human wisdom. He had experienced victories that seemed unattainable in man's reasoning, yet he did not lose heart. God reassured Joshua, not through the might of earthly numbers but through His unwavering presence. It was indeed God who brought forth victory, often through means that appear foolish in the eyes of man.
Moreover, we should reflect on our alliances and how they shape our lives. Sometimes, we may find ourselves gathered with those who oppose what God is doing in our lives—be it in relationships, careers, or even our attitudes. Gatherings like the one at Merom can reflect not only collective resistance but can ensnare us into a mentality that clouds our purpose.
Ultimately, when we view opposition through the lens of faith, even in numbers, we can draw strength from the promise that God fights for us. We can be reminded of Romans 8:31—"If God be for us, who can be against us?" As we traverse life's difficult battles, let’s ensure our alliances and gatherings drive us closer to God’s purpose instead of away from it.
As you ponder Joshua 11:5 today, ask yourself: Are there areas in my life where I am standing at the waters of Merom, encamped with opposition instead of aligning myself with God’s promises? Let us be fearless in our faith, committed to the truth that God’s plans will prevail despite the colossal forces that may attempt to stand against them.
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Joshua 11:5 - "And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel."
"And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel." - Joshua 11:5
Joshua 5:11 - "And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day."
Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."
Joshua 5:3 - "And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins."
Joshua 11:9 - "And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."
Joshua 5:13
Joshua 11:15 - "¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Joshua 3:5 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
"And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day." - Joshua 5:11
Joshua 5:15 - "And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so."
Joshua 11:23 - "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 5:2 - "¶ At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time."
Joshua 5:7 - "And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way."
Joshua 11:16 - "So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;"
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
Joshua 12:11 - "The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;"
Joshua 19:5 - "And Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah,"
"Joshua made war a long time with all those kings." - Joshua 11:18
Joshua 11:12 - "And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded."
Joshua 11:11 - "And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire."
Joshua 5:9 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day."
"And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins." - Joshua 5:3
Joshua 5:13 - "¶ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?"
Joshua 14:5 - "As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land."
Joshua 11:6 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire."
Joshua 5:4 - "And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt."