In these passages is Joshua’s continued conquest of the land to be occupied by Israel. God helped Joshua utterly destroy and kill all the inhabitants of the land. Except for those in Gibeon, who made a treaty with Israel, all inhabitants were killed, including men, women and children. However, most of the cities were preserved for Israel to occupy, along with the plunder.
In all, 31 kings and their people were killed. The Bible says, “The Lord hardened their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that He might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy.” It is quite evident that God orchestrates all events here on earth, and He uses mankind to achieve His purposes.
One might think that God was being unreasonably harsh in killing all of the people of the land. However, this illustrates how God looks at sin. The occupants of the land were evil and given over to their sins. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” Those who are given over to sin will die, both physically and spiritually.
The Bible also says that God cannot co-exist with sin. However, God has provided a way to forgive sin so that He can co-exist with the people He created. Jesus is that Way.
The Bible says, “Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness.” When Jesus was crucified, His shed blood provided the sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
The good news or Gospel is that Jesus’ shed blood will atone for our sins if we believe in Him. When our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, God will not look on us as sinners. He will then allow us to be with Him in Heaven for all eternity. That is indeed good news.
