The Dagger of the Left- Handed Warrior “Worship the Lord alone. But if you are unwilling to obey the Lord, then decide today whom you will obey…But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

The Facts, Please! □A dagger is a weapon with a sharp point, like a sword, but shorter. Its two parts are a blade with a double edge, from six to eighteen inches long, and a hilt (handle). □Swords and daggers were the basic weapons for offensive warfare in Bible times and were used to cut and stab. They were usually worn in a sheath, attached to the left side of a man’s belt, so he could grab his weapon with his right hand.

More Facts, Please! □When the Israelites entered Canaan, they immediately had war. The people already living there worshiped idols and even sacrificed their children on idol altars. God told the Israelites to drive out all the Canaanites. If they didn’t, they would be tempted to worship idols instead of the true God. □The Israelites fought battles and drove out or killed many of the wicked people-but not all of them. After a while the men of Israel began to marry the women of Canaan and to bow before their false gods, just as God had said. Because of this, God allowed other nations to attack and conquer them.

Final Fact, Please! □God’s people were very miserable. Finally, they turned from idol worship and cried to God, “Send someone to deliver us from our enemies.” Over and over, for about three hundred years, they worshiped idols, got in trouble, and then called on God. Each time he sent a brave hero or heroine to free them.