DCLM Daily Manna – Between Judgment and Mercy

Monday, August 24, 2026

KEY VERSE
“There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle” (Joshua 11:19).

Bible Reading:
Joshua 11:10-23 (KJV)

10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.
11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.
12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.
13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.
15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;
17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

MESSAGE

Mercy from God is that vital element that no one can earn, deserve or merit. It is an inalienable deed that underpins God’s dealings with fallible humankind, saved or unsaved. When all else fails, God’s mercies will never fail.

The Canaanites and other nations in the Promised Land engaged in battle against Joshua and the Israelites without seeking a peace agreement, despite their unfavourable position. In this chapter, Joshua faced a coalition of Canaanite forces, defeating them before turning his attention to the northern region. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, with its spoils taken by the Israelites. Joshua then advanced towards the hills and southern territories, continuing the conflict until the entirety of the land was subdued and allocated to the tribes of Israel. The account raises challenging questions regarding the nature of a loving God permitting such violence, particularly the killing of women and children. This narrative has sparked criticism towards the Scripture, leading to inquiries about the justness of these holy wars and casting doubt on divine benevolence, consequently perplexing many readers.

The text emphasises that the people in the land repeatedly heard about God’s actions but chose to resist and did not seek mercy, with the Gibeonites being the only exception, although through deceit. Instead of pursuing peace, they relied on military might, having engaged in idol worship and iniquity for centuries, including horrific sacrifices. Ultimately, God’s judgment deemed it necessary to cleanse the land of those viewed as rebels and enemies, as the people were prepared to oppose Him rather than embrace His ways.

No one can fight against God and expect to win. It is an effort in futility when we roll out our battle gear instead of pleading and repenting. God delights in mercy. He’s not interested in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn to him in repentance and live. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live…”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Entreaty secures favour faster than conflict

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Daniel 11-12

COMMENTARY

1. The Reality of Divine Judgment – The conquest of Canaan raises difficult questions about God’s justice. However, the text clarifies that the nations were not innocent victims; they had engaged in centuries of idolatry, child sacrifice, and wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). God’s judgment was not arbitrary but a response to their persistent rebellion and refusal to repent.

2. The Exception of Gibeon – The Gibeonites were the only people who sought peace with Israel, even though they did so through deception. Their decision to seek mercy spared them from destruction. This shows that God was willing to extend mercy to anyone who would humble themselves and seek peace, even if they did so imperfectly.

3. The Hardening of Hearts – The text states that God hardened the hearts of the other nations so that they would come against Israel in battle. This hardening was judicial—a consequence of their long history of rebellion. They had already rejected God repeatedly, and He gave them over to their choice. When people persistently reject God’s mercy, they face judgment.

4. God’s Heart for Mercy – The devotional emphasizes that God delights in mercy and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He desires that people turn from their sin and live. The fact that judgment came upon the Canaanites does not contradict God’s mercy; it demonstrates that mercy cannot be indefinitely rejected without consequence.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Seek Mercy – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that no one can fight against God and win. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that the only way to stand before God is through repentance and seeking His mercy. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to humble themselves and seek God’s favour rather than oppose Him.

About DCLM and Daily Manna

The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and the need for repentance and mercy.

DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to humble themselves before God and seek His mercy.

Prayer Reflection
Lord, I acknowledge that I cannot stand before You on my own merit. I plead for Your mercy. Forgive me for any rebellion in my heart. Help me to humble myself and seek peace with You. Thank You for Your willingness to extend mercy to all who repent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.