QT 19 Dec 16, Josh 10:7-10, 15, Sometimes God works through normal circumstances, but sometimes through the miraculous

Joshua 10:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” 9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

Joshua 10:15 (ESV) — 15 So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

NOTE: I did not realize until this week, that the camp for the Israelites remained at Gilgal. I suppose that makes sense. For one, it is close to the west bank of the Jordan, across where the families of 2 1/2 of the tribes lived, and it allows them to quickly respond or support those tribes. Secondly, those tribes on the other side of the Jordan can help to support the main camp with food. Third, it protects Israel's rear from surprise attack. Actually, just having the Jordan protects their rear as it will take some time to get troops across the water. Therefore, the trips to Ai and then to Shechem were short trips that always returned to Gilgal, the main camp. In this passage here, the five kings are apparently heading to Gilgal, but Joshua marches the troops all night, surprising them, and achieving a huge victory. In this passage, we see positive signs, the Lord speaking to Joshua, and God supporting Joshua with an artillery barrage of large hail (not seen in these verses) as well as some time dilation. In the first battle (Jericho), it was primarily miraculous and supernatural. In the second re-battle (Ai), the warfare was conventional. In this third battle (5-kings), the warfare is a mixture of miraculous and conventional. The conventional part was not easy--an all-night march in rugged terrain to take on the enemies of five kings. God expects his people to put effort into the work he has called them to do. He does work, sometimes supernaturally, but he also expects his people to step out in faith and effort.