Emmaus Baptist Church Sermons

JOSHUA 8 / PSALM 46 - What about “Holy” War What’s the Big Deal? • The Divine Command to Joshua/Israelites to Kill the Canaanites • In a world and country full of violence, including religious violence • In a social culture that leaves no room for serious dialogue • In a church culture that often suppresses questions or doubts **We must Erase the Caricatures In order to Embrace God’s Character (Good) and Plan (Gospel) Erase the Caricatures I. The Caricature of Canaan and Israel A. Canaan was an innocent, idyllic paradise Actually was a powerful, violent empire (Gen 15:12-16) Attacked Israel while Israel was vulnerable B. Israel was Powerful and Aggressive They were Oppressed and Relatively Weak II. The Caricature of Holy War A. Holy War is Pervasive in the Bible The phrase “holy war” only found in Joel 3:9 Israel’s attacks were limited in scope and breadth “Drive out” is more common than “kill off” B. Attacked Cities were Filled with Innocent Women/Children Most “cities” in Joshua were Military Outposts