Lecture Notes: The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble

Key Concepts

• Deuteronomy 20 Instructions:
  • Different treatment for cities outside vs. inside Canaan.
  • Outside Canaan: Greet with peace, kill males if opposed.
  • Inside Canaan: Practice "cherem" - total destruction dedicated to Yahweh.

Gibeonites Strategy

• Gibeonites (Hivites) deceive Israel to avoid destruction by pretending not to be from Canaan.
• Israel enters into a protective covenant with them without seeking God's guidance.
• Violates God's command in Deuteronomy 7.

Consequences and Resolution

• Israelites realize deception but honor the covenant.
• Gibeonites assigned to temple service instead of being destroyed.
• Demonstrates that even deceit can serve God's purposes.

Further Battles and God's Interventions

• Other local kings form an alliance against Gibeon for siding with Israel.
• Joshua seeks God’s guidance for these battles and receives assurance of victory.
• God uses miraculous events (hailstones, cosmic events) to secure Israel's victory.

Joshua's Obedience and Lessons

• Joshua learns to follow God's commands, leading to victories in battles.
• Completes all commands as given to Moses, showing thorough and persistent obedience.
• Battles span approximately seven years, showing continuity and endurance.

The Defeat of the Anakim

• Possible significance of the Anakim and their destruction.
• Ancient belief possibly tying them to a threat against the Messiah's lineage.

Reflections on Divine Justice

• The concept of God "hardening hearts" is highlighted.
• God's grace and mercy are emphasized; all deserve death and separation from God.
• Challenge to human perceptions of fairness and justice.

Personal Reflection

• Encouragement to trust God despite mystery and lack of understanding.
• God Shot: Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still, showing faith and divine intervention.
  • Quote from Charles Spurgeon: God didn't hasten victory but lengthened days.

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of seeking God and looking for Jesus throughout the Old Testament.
• Encouragement for personal faith journey and seeking big things from God.
• Reminder that ultimate joy is found in God, not just in His answers.

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• Weekly Check-In: Encouragement not to worry about being "behind" in the Bible reading plan.
• Looking for Jesus: Find references to Jesus throughout the Old Testament, anticipating His arrival.