Joshua 10:29 – “Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on…” (NIV)
Joshua 10:31 – “Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on…” (NIV)
Joshua 10:34 – “Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on…” (NIV)
Joshua 10:36 – “Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up…” (NIV)
Joshua 10:38 – “Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned around…” (NIV)
Joshua 10:40 – “So Joshua subdued…” (NIV)
The above scriptures in today’s Old Testament One Year Bible reading contain some powerful truths. Joshua’s successful military campaigns are second to none in recorded scripture. One of the keys to that success is found in the seven words of the first five verses listed: “Then Joshua and all Israel with him…” There is a tremendous sense that there was a clear leader that the people recognized. This was even after a tactical error Joshua made in the previous chapter. Yet, the people recognized the hand of the Lord was upon him…and they followed him. So much so that these verses say “all Israel with him.” There is much that a leader and his/her people can accomplish when everyone is pulling together. There is little, if anything, that can be accomplished when a leader does not have the support of the people. When the support and unity is there, verse 40 becomes a reality and victory is assured.
There is another key in these verses that I think is very important in our journey as believers. Verses 29, 31, and 34 contain the words (they) “moved on.” Some people get stuck in their previous place. They either get so excited about the victory and want to end with a “win” or they get discouraged by the defeat and get paralyzed in the present. Dear friend, you cannot afford to let either of these be your commentary. You and I must “move on.” I want to encourage you to “get past” whatever has been holding you in a park position. It’s time to move on. It’s TIME to move on. It’s time to MOVE ON. IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON!!!