Melted Hearts, Part 2
Joshua 5:1
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
Joshua 7:5
who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries [ Or as far as Shebarim ] and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
I guess this would be Melted Hearts, Part 2. I decided to put these together, as the use of hearts is similar. I got into the context last time. Perhaps I will do more with the whole idea of melted hearts this time.
The thing is, the context is so cool. I skimmed through chapters 4-7, and it's full of miracles and action. The Jordan was parted, a reprise of the parting of the Reed Sea. Joshua saw an angel. Jericho was conquered. Then Israel was compromised by the greed of one man, who had to be punished before they fought again.
The interesting thing about these two verses is that first enemy hearts melted, and then Israeli hearts. Seeing the phrase 3 times (and it comes up once more in 14:8) convinces me that I should consider it and not be distracted by the context.
Melted hearts. In fact, I believe I would choose a different part of the definition for this use: "also, courage, spirit, energy". It was those attributes that melted when confronted with seemingly impossible obstacles. The pagan people looked at the people of God and their courage, spirit, energy turned to liquid. The people of God witnessed an unexpected defeat and the same thing happened to them.
In both cases I would say the response was justified. It happened to Israel when they had disobedience in the community, followed by failure to consult God. When I'm right with God, He keeps my courage, spirit, and energy solid. Without Him, I have no reason to be brave, or spirited, or energetic.
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
Joshua 7:5
who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries [ Or as far as Shebarim ] and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
I guess this would be Melted Hearts, Part 2. I decided to put these together, as the use of hearts is similar. I got into the context last time. Perhaps I will do more with the whole idea of melted hearts this time.
The thing is, the context is so cool. I skimmed through chapters 4-7, and it's full of miracles and action. The Jordan was parted, a reprise of the parting of the Reed Sea. Joshua saw an angel. Jericho was conquered. Then Israel was compromised by the greed of one man, who had to be punished before they fought again.
The interesting thing about these two verses is that first enemy hearts melted, and then Israeli hearts. Seeing the phrase 3 times (and it comes up once more in 14:8) convinces me that I should consider it and not be distracted by the context.
Melted hearts. In fact, I believe I would choose a different part of the definition for this use: "also, courage, spirit, energy". It was those attributes that melted when confronted with seemingly impossible obstacles. The pagan people looked at the people of God and their courage, spirit, energy turned to liquid. The people of God witnessed an unexpected defeat and the same thing happened to them.
In both cases I would say the response was justified. It happened to Israel when they had disobedience in the community, followed by failure to consult God. When I'm right with God, He keeps my courage, spirit, and energy solid. Without Him, I have no reason to be brave, or spirited, or energetic.
posted by ruthees @ 1:10 PM
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