Look, Listen & Live 3: Victory through GOD (Revised)

Introduction 

Good day. On this recording you will hear who succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. You will learn how God lead them out of the desert to the land of Canaan. Today it is called Israel. Many tribes lived in Canaan including, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Midianites and the Philistines. You will hear how God helped the Israelites to defeat their enemies. Look at the pictures in the brown book and turn to the next picture when you hear this music. (Signal)

Picture 1. Joshua Fights The Amalekites

Exodus 17:8-13

The people of Israel had no land of their own. They traveled through the desert after God led them out of Egypt. But God had promised to give them the land of Canaan. Moses was Israel’s leader. He chose a young man named Joshua to be captain of his army. One day, the Amalekite tribe attacked Israel, so Moses said to Joshua, "Go out to fight the Amalekites. I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." While Moses held up the rod of God, Joshua and the Israelites were able to defeat the Amalekites. But Moses' arms grew tired and he could not hold them up any longer. Then the Amalekites began to win the battle. So two men held up the arms of Moses until evening, and God helped Joshua defeat the Amalekites. (Signal)

Picture 2. The Spies with the Fruit of Canaan

Numbers 13:1 - 14:35

When the Israelites came close to Canaan’s border, Moses sent twelve leaders, including Joshua and Caleb, to spy out the land. After 40 days they returned and told what they had seen. “We went into the land where you sent us, and it is rich and fertile! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are very strong and large.” Then Caleb calmed down the crowd and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. If the LORD/Yehovah is pleased with us, He will certainly bring us into the land.” But the other men said, “We cannot attack those people; they are like giants! We felt like grasshoppers next to them!”
They made the people of Israel afraid to enter Canaan. The people wept and complained against Moses and Aaron, even against God. Then the glorious presence of the LORD/Yehovah appeared to all the Israelites and God said: “How long will this people despise me, and how long will they not believe in me, in spite of the signs that I have done among them?” He wanted to destroy the Israelites. But Moses interceded for them and God forgave them. However, for the sake of His honour He did not let them enter the promised land. He led them back into the desert for 40 years. All the Israelites who did not trust God died in the desert. (Signal)

Picture 3. The People of Israel Cross the River

Joshua 1:1-9, 3:1-17

After Moses died, God appointed Joshua to be the leader of Israel. Then God said to Joshua, "Now you and all the people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them." God told Joshua what to do. The priests of Israel had a special box called the Ark. It contained the laws of God, on the tablets of stone. God told them to carry the Ark into the river. The river was flooded, but as soon as the feet of the priests touched the water, the river stopped flowing and dried up. The priests stood in the middle of the river bed while all the people crossed over into Canaan on dry land. (Signal)

Picture 4. The Walls of Jericho Fall Down

Joshua 6:1-27

The people of Israel camped in Canaan near a city called Jericho. Then God said to Joshua, "I have delivered Jericho into your hands. March around the city with all the armed men for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets in front of the Ark of God. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times with the priests blowing the trumpets. Then have all the people give a loud shout. The wall of the city will collapse and the people can go straight into it." So Joshua and the people did as God commanded. The walls of Jericho fell down and Israel conquered the city. God told Israel that they must not take anything from the city for themselves. They devoted the city to God (given to/declared as God's). Only the silver and gold, bronze and iron they set apart for the Lord's treasury. (Signal)

Picture 5. Israel Flees from Ai

Joshua 7:1-12

Ai was another enemy city near Jericho. Joshua had to conquer it too, so he sent men to spy out the city. The spies returned and said, "Do not send the whole army to fight against Ai, for there are only a few men there." So Joshua sent only a small army of men to capture Ai. But the men of Ai defeated the men of Israel. Some of the Israelites were killed and the rest had to run for their lives. Then Joshua and the leaders fell on their faces before God in distress. They asked God why He allowed this to happen. Then God said, "Israel has sinned; I commanded them to destroy everything in the city of Jericho. But they have taken some of the devoted things for themselves, they have stolen and lied. That is why they are running from their enemies in defeat. I will not be with you any more unless you destroy the stolen things that were set apart for destruction." (Signal)

Picture 6. The Judgment of Achan

Joshua 7:14 - 8:29

Joshua gathered all the people of Israel before God. God showed Joshua that it was a man named Achan who had sinned against Him. Joshua said to Achan, "Honour the LORD/Yehovah, the God of Israel and tell me what you have done." And Achan said, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD/Yehovah. In Jericho I saw a beautiful robe, silver and a bar of gold. I took them. They are buried in the ground in my tent." Joshua sent some men and they found those things which Achan had stolen hidden in his tent. Then Achan and his family were put to death, as God commanded. God turned from His anger and said, "Take the whole army, go up and attack Ai. Don't be afraid, for I am going to deliver the city into your hands." So Israel obeyed God and were able to defeat Ai. (Signal)

Picture 7. The Sun and the Moon Stand Still

Joshua 10:1-14

The wicked people of Canaan began to fear Israel. Five of their tribes came together to fight them. But God said to Joshua, "Do not fear them. I will help you defeat them. Not one of them will be able to stand against you." So Joshua and his army went out to fight those tribes and the tribes ran from them in terror. God also threw down great hailstones on the enemy and many of them died. The battle continued all day. Then Joshua said, "Sun and moon, stand still!" So God made the sun and the moon stand still that day until Israel had finished defeating their enemies. Never before and never since, has the LORD/Yehovah answered a person's prayer in that way. (Signal)

Picture 8. Joshua Instructs the People 

Joshua 23:1 - 24:29

God allowed Israel to live in peace with its neighbours for a long time. When Joshua was old, he called all the people together. He reminded them of all the great things God had done for them and how He had fought for them. He also said to them, "Be strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of God. Love the LORD/Yehovah your God and keep His covenant (the agreement) he made with you. Then He will drive out the remaining nations before you and you will inherit the whole land of Canaan. But if you serve other gods, you will perish from the good land God has given you. Decide today whom you will serve." The people all solemnly promised to worship and serve the LORD/Yehovah. After that, Joshua died. (Music)

Picture 9. Deborah Speaks for God

Judges 4:1-9

After Joshua died, the people of Israel turned away from God. They worshipped the idols of the Canaanites. So God gave the Canaanites power over Israel, and they oppressed them (treated them badly). Then Israel cried out to the LORD/Yehovah God for help. At this time, Deborah was the leader of Israel. The people came to her for advice, and she helped to settle their quarrels. She tried to turn them back to the God of Israel. One day she called Barak, the leader of Israel's army. She said to him, "Take 10,000 men to Mount Tabor. Sisera and his Canaanite army will come to fight you. But God will give you victory over him." Barak was afraid. He said to Deborah, "If you don't go with me, I won't go!" So Deborah said, "I will go with you, but God will defeat Sisera through a woman. The honour will not be yours." (Signal)

Picture 10. God Helps Defeat Sisera

Judges 4:10-17, 5:19-21

Deborah and Barak and the Israelites went to Mount Tabor. Sisera and his whole army went to fight them. Sisera had 900 war chariots. The Israelites had only swords in their hands. The Canaanites came to the river valley near Mount Tabor. The Israelites attacked and pursued the Canaanites. The chariots of the Canaanites were swept away by the flooding Kishon river. God helped the Israelites to completely defeat Sisera’s army. Only Sisera escaped and ran away on foot. (Signal)

Picture 11. Jael Kills Sisera 

Judges 4:17-23

Sisera fled to the tent of a woman named Jael, the wife of Heber. She said to him, "Come right in, and rest, my lord! Do not be afraid!" Jael was not an Israelite, so Sisera went in to hide in her tent. She gave him milk to drink, and covered him with a blanket and Sisera went to sleep. Then Jael took a tent peg and a hammer. She went quietly to Sisera while he slept, and she drove the tent peg right through his head and into the ground. Soon Barak came searching for Sisera. Jael called him into her tent and said to him, "Come, I will show you the man you are looking for." There lay Sisera, dead, with his head pinned to the ground. (Signal)

Picture 12. Israel Celebrates 

Judges 5:1-31

It was God who gave Israel power to defeat those Canaanites. Deborah and Barak sang a song to give God thanks. The people rejoiced too. They were glad to have a leader like Deborah. She was like a mother to them. They praised Jael too, because she was not afraid of Sisera. God used these two women to save Israel. God often uses those who seem to be weak to overcome those who are strong. (Music)

Picture 13. Gideon And The Angel Of God

Judges 6:1-24

There was peace in the land of Israel for forty years. Then again the people of Israel did what was evil in the LORD’s/Yehovah's sight. They worshipped the idols of the people of Canaan. So God let the Midianite tribe rule over them for seven years. The Midianites destroyed the crops of the Israelites. Then Israel cried to God to save them. One day, a man called Gideon was threshing some wheat. He was trying to hide it from the Midianites. Suddenly an angel of God appeared and said to Gideon, "Go and save Israel from the Midianites." But Gideon said, "How can I save Israel? I am nobody!" Then God said, "I will be with you and you will strike down the whole Midianite army." Gideon offered some food to the angel. The angel touched it with his stick. Immediately it burst into flame and the angel disappeared. So Gideon knew that it was God who had spoken to him. (Signal)

Picture 14. Gideon Destroys The Idols

Judges 6:25-32

Gideon's family also worshipped Baal and Asherah, the idols of Canaan. God said to Gideon, "Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper altar to God." Gideon was afraid of the people, but he wanted to obey God, so that night he took ten men and they destroyed the idols. When the people saw in the morning what Gideon had done they were angry and wanted to kill Gideon, but his own father protected him and said, “If the idol really is a god, let him defend himself.” But nothing happened. God is greater than any idols made of wood, stone or anything else. He deserves our honour and allegiance. (Signal)

Picture 15. Gideon's Army Drinks The Water

Judges 7:1-7

The Midianites gathered together to fight Israel. The LORD’s/Yehovah's Spirit took control of Gideon and he gathered an army of men from Israel. But God said to Gideon, "You have too many men. Israel may boast that it was their own strength that delivered them. Anyone who is afraid may go back home." Most of Gideon's men went home. God said to Gideon again, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water and I will reduce their numbers some more." So Gideon took his men to the water to drink. Many of the men knelt down and drank the water as a dog drinks. Only 300 men drank the water from their hands. Then God said, "By the 300 men who drank from their hands I will defeat the Midianites." (Signal)

Picture 16. Gideon's Men Surround The Camp Of Midian

Judges 7:12-25

The army of Midian was camped in a valley. They had more men and camels than anyone could count. So great was their army that it looked like a swarm of locusts on the land. Gideon only had 300 men, but God told him exactly what to do. Gideon gave each man a trumpet, and a flaming torch inside an empty jar. They surrounded the Midian camp in the middle of the night. Then all at once they made a great noise. They blew the trumpets and smashed the jars and cried out, "A sword for the LORD/Yehovah and for Gideon!" The Midianites were surprised and confused. They began to kill each other. They fled from Gideon’s men. Gideon sent messengers to call up the rest of the fighting men of Israel. They pursued the Midianites and killed many of them. (Music)

Picture 17. Samson Kills A Lion

Judges 13:1 - 14:19

After Gideon died, the Israelites turned away from God again. So God allowed the cruel Philistines to rule over them for 40 years. Then God sent another leader and gave him power to save Israel. His name was Samson. When the Spirit of the LORD/Yehovah came upon Samson, he became very strong. Samson never cut his hair. His long hair was the sign that he belonged to God. That was the secret behind his strength. Samson loved a Philistine woman, so he said to his father and mother, "Get this woman for me as a wife.” His parents said to him: “Why don’t you get a wife for you from your own people?” But Samson would not change his mind.
His parents did not realize that this was the LORD’s/Yehovah's plan to stir up trouble for the Philistines.
As Samson was going to the woman's house, a lion attacked him. Samson was so strong that he killed the lion with his bare hands. Some time later he walked across the same field and found the carcass of the lion with some bees and honey in it. When he went to his bride’s family for the wedding he challenged the Philistine young men who were at the wedding with a riddle: “From the eater came something to eat. From the strong one came something sweet.” He said if they can tell him the meaning he will give them thirty sets of clothes. If they can’t solve it they will have to give him thirty sets of clothes. The men could not solve the riddle so they said to Samson’s bride, “ Find out the answer to the riddle or we will kill you and your father’s family.” She cried and begged Samson to tell her the answer and in the end he told her. The young men learned the answer and told Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?” Then the Spirit of the LORD/Yehovah filled Samson and he went and killed thirty Philistines and gave their clothes to the young men at the wedding. Then he went to his father’s house very angry. (Signal)

Picture 18. Samson Burns the Philistine’s crops

Judges 15:1-17

After some time Samson went back to the Philistines to get his wife, but her father had married her to another man. Samson said, "This time I have a good reason to do the Philistines harm!" He went out and caught 300 foxes. He tied them in pairs by their tails. Then he tied burning torches to the foxes and let them go into the wheat fields of the Philistines. All their crops were burnt up. The Philistines hated Samson. They tried to kill him, but Samson took the jawbone of a donkey and killed 1000 Philistines with it. (Signal)

Picture 19. The Philistines Cut Samson's Hair

Judges 16:4-22

Samson fell in love with another Philistine woman. Her name was Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and offered her money if she could find out what makes him so strong. So Delilah said to Samson: “Tell me what makes you so strong? How could someone subdue you?” Samson said, “If someone ties me up with seven new bowstrings that have never been dried it will make me just as weak as anyone else.” So Delilah did just that while some Philistines hid in the room. Then she cried out, “Samson, the Philistines are attacking!” Samson snapped the bowstrings easily and the Philistines could not capture him. This was repeated two more times. First Samson said he needed to be tied with new ropes, but he snapped the ropes when the Philistines attacked him. Then he said his hair must be braided on a loom and the loom nailed to the wall but he pulled the loom from the wall. Delilah kept begging him and crying. At last he told her, “God told my mother and father to set me apart for God’s service. If my hair is cut off, I will lose my strength.” One night when Samson was asleep, Delilah called the Philistines. They cut off his hair. Delilah cried out, “Samson, the Philistine are attacking!” Samson woke up but he could not defend himself. God left Samson and so did his strength. The Philistines bound Samson and gouged out his eyes. They kept him in prison and put him to work grinding with a millstone, but his hair began to grow again. (Signal)

Picture 20. Samson Destroys The Philistines 

Judges 16:23-31

The Philistine leaders were very happy that they had victory over Samson at last. They said, “Our god has handed Samson, our enemy, over to us.” So they held a great celebration and made a sacrifice to their idol. They brought blind Samson out of the prison, and put him in the middle of their great house to entertain them. Samson asked a Philistine servant to let him lean against the pillars that supported the idol temple. The temple was full of men and women. All the Philistine rulers were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching. Samson prayed to God, saying, "Remember me and strengthen me only this once more." Then Samson leaned on the pillars of the great house with all his strength, and the house fell down on top of them all. Samson and all the Philistines there died together. When Samson died, he killed more Philistines than during his life. On that day God gave Samson victory over the Philistines. (Music)

Picture 21. Jesus Drives Out Evil Spirits 

Mark 5:1-20, Matthew 8:28-34

Many years after Gideon and Samson, Jesus lived in the land of Israel. One day He met a man who was possessed by many evil spirits. This man was always in the mountains and tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. He fell down before Jesus and said, "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torment us before the time?" Those spirits knew that Jesus was the Son of God. They begged him, “If you cast us out, allow us to go into the herd of pigs.” So Jesus commanded the spirits to leave the man and enter a herd of pigs nearby. The pigs ran into the sea and they all drowned.
People saw that Jesus had power over Satan and evil spirits. Yes, even the spirits knew who Jesus was and had to obey Him. The Word of God teaches us that Jesus has received all authority in heaven and on earth. Evil spirits have great powers, but they can be cast out in the Name of Jesus through the power of his Holy Spirit. (Signal)

Picture 22. Jesus Drives Out traders from the House of God

Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-21

One day Jesus went to the House of God in Jerusalem. Traders were there selling animals for sacrifice. But they were making money for themselves by cheating others. Jesus was angry. He said to them, "God says, ‘My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers’." He drove the traders and the animals all outside.
Jesus is God's eternal Son. He had the authority to drive the traders out of His Father's House. But some of the Jews were angry and said, "Show us that you have the right to do this!" Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will rebuild it!" The Jews did not understand what he meant. (Signal)

Picture 23. Jesus Is Alive After Death 

Matthew 27:33 - 28:20

Jesus ministered for three years. Then those Jews killed Him. They nailed Jesus to a cross of wood. He hung there on the cross until He died. But on the third day He came alive again. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will rebuild it.” He was talking about his own body. After this the people realised that Jesus was really the Son of God. Jesus said to His followers, "All authority is given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go to all people everywhere and make them My followers. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always." Jesus has authority over Satan, sin and death. He gives new life to all who follow Him. And He wants us to share this message with everyone. (Signal)

Picture 24. The Soldier For God 

Ephesians 6:10-18

In the stories you have heard you have seen that Satan is always trying to attack God’s people and frustrate God’s plans.
This is still happening. Satan, the evil one, still opposes God’s people. But God sent the Lord Jesus to save us from the evil one. When Jesus rose from the dead he broke the power of Satan.
Jesus gives his people spiritual armour to resist and overcome the forces of evil. We must be prepared like a soldier who is ready for war.
First, we wear the helmet of salvation. This means that our mind and our thoughts are protected by the sure knowledge that God has rescued us from Satan’s kingdom and power. Satan will try to put doubts into our minds but we can be confident in the salvation we have in Christ.
We wear the body armour of Jesus' perfection and goodness. Satan, also called the devil, will try to accuse us of not being good enough for God. By ourselves that is true, we are not good enough. But when we trust Jesus and become a child of God, God does not look at our sins or failures. These have been taken by Jesus. He sees only the righteousness of Jesus himself. We are not protected by our own good works or achievements but by the perfect works of Jesus.
We wear the belt of God’s truth. It is very important to know what God has said to us in the Bible so we are not deceived by false teachings. Satan will try to deceive us so that we sin. We can recognise his lies only by knowing God’s truth.
We hold the shield of faith which we use to protect ourselves against the attacks and lies of the enemy. Sometimes we will not understand why bad things happen or what God is doing. During these times we must trust God and live by faith, not by what we can see.
We wear ‘shoes’ that make us quick to share Jesus’ good news of peace wherever we go.
Lastly, we hold the sword of God’s spirit which is the word of God. By prayer and God’s spirit we can use the truth in God’s word to defeat all the forces of evil in this dark world.
With this spiritual armour, the follower of Jesus is equipped to share in God’s victory and glory.