Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

another demonstration of God’s capacity as Problem Solver and was thus conveyed to the invaders. This victory in turn pre pared them for the next obstacle—the conquest of Jericho. “A few miles beyond the river, just opposite the place where the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly forti fied city of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it would present a formidable obstacle to the suc cess of Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets , 482.4. Their God-fearing leader had sent two young men as spies to visit this city. “Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, ‘Go, view the land, especially Jeri cho.’” Joshua 2:1 (NKJV). This time no committee of men had been sent out to survey the land and work out plans for the attack as they had done for merly. The difference was not in the number of the men sent, but in the intention of their mission. On this occasion, because the men involved had not formulated their own plans, the Lord had been left free to implement His plan. Despite the formidable opposition ahead, the two spies had returned in safety with the tidings, “The L ORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” Joshua 2:24. Some of the inhabitants of Jericho had declared to the spies, “We have heard how the L ORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the L ORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth be low.” Joshua 2:10–11. So instead of destroying Israel’s faith with reports of the im mense fortifications and vast numbers of the enemy, this mission had strengthened their faith. They were thus encouraged to cross the flooded river trusting in the God of their fathers and advance towards the city with increased faith in their heavenly Leader. The forces pitted against Israel were among the most power ful in the world at that time, and the enemies had ensconced themselves in fortresses built of massive stone. From the human