Joshua 6:1-20 is about the miraculous conquest of Jericho by the Israelites through their unwavering faith in God, demonstrating that victory can be achieved through obedience, trust, and following divine instructions.
1 Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel.
2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.
3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days.
4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. And on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
5 And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”
6 So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.”
7 And he said to the people, “Proceed, and march around the city, and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the Lord.”
8 And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the Lord went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the Lord following them.
9 And the armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually.
10 But Joshua commanded the people, “You shall not shout or make your voice heard, neither shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.”
11 So he caused the ark of the Lord to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp.
12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
13 And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord walked on, and they blew the trumpets continually.
14 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
15 On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times.
16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.
17 And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the Lord for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.
18 But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.
19 But all the silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord.”
20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
Setting the Scene for Joshua 6:1-20
The scene described in Joshua 6:1-20 is the famous story of the Battle of Jericho. The Israelites, led by Joshua, had just crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Jericho was the first city they encountered, and it was a heavily fortified city with massive walls.
Joshua gathered the Israelite army and instructed them on how they were to conquer Jericho. The plan involved marching around the city once a day for six days with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and at the sound of the trumpet, the walls of Jericho would come tumbling down.
The scene is set just outside the walls of Jericho, with Joshua leading the Israelite army, priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, and the rest of the Israelite people following behind. The atmosphere is tense with anticipation as they prepare to witness the miraculous power of God in bringing down the walls of Jericho. The faith and obedience of the Israelites in following Joshua’s instructions are about to be rewarded with a stunning victory that will pave the way for their conquest of the Promised Land.
What is Joshua 6:1-20 about?
Ah, the story of the fall of Jericho is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to deliver his people from seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The walls of Jericho come tumbling down after the Israelites obediently follow God’s instructions to march around the city for seven days in Joshua 6:20. This verse serves as a reminder of the miraculous ways in which God intervenes on behalf of his people, demonstrating his power and sovereignty over all circumstances.
Just imagine the scene: the Israelites, facing a formidable city with towering walls, must have questioned how they could possibly conquer it. Yet, by following God’s guidance and trusting in his promises, they witnessed firsthand the incredible power of God as the walls of Jericho crumbled before their eyes. This verse serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who face challenges in their own lives, reminding us that God is able to overcome any obstacle and bring about victory in ways we may not expect or understand. Let us reflect on the fall of Jericho to be encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision in our own lives. He delivered the Israelites from the walls of Jericho, and he can deliver us from any walls that may stand in our way. Let us hold fast to the promise that nothing is impossible with God.
Understanding what Joshua 6:1-20 really means
The Book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan, led by Joshua, with Chapter 6 focusing on the iconic fall of Jericho. This event serves as a testament to God’s might and faithfulness, showcasing His power in miraculous ways. The instructions given to the Israelites to march around the city for seven days, accompanied by the blowing of trumpets and the Ark of the Covenant, highlight the importance of obedience and faith in following God’s unconventional methods.
“The Lord said to Joshua” signifies divine guidance and the significance of heeding God’s directives. The command to “march around the city” symbolizes obedience and trust in God’s ways, even when they seem illogical to human reasoning. The mention of “the seventh day” carries connotations of completeness and divine perfection, emphasizing the significance of God’s timing in fulfilling His promises. The assurance that “the wall of the city will collapse” demonstrates God’s unparalleled power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In Hebrews 11:30, faith is underscored as the catalyst for the walls of Jericho falling, emphasizing the pivotal role belief plays in witnessing God’s miracles. Exodus 14:14 echoes the sentiment of trusting in God’s intervention and His ability to fight on our behalf when we surrender control. 2 Corinthians 10:4 emphasizes the spiritual nature of battles and the divine power available to believers to overcome strongholds through faith.
The narrative of Jericho remains relevant today, reminding us of the importance of faith, obedience, and unity in facing challenges. Just as the Israelites trusted in God’s plan, we are called to have faith in His ways, even when they defy human logic. The story teaches us that no obstacle is insurmountable for God, offering hope to individuals grappling with personal struggles. The emphasis on community and unity among the Israelites highlights the strength found in collective faith and action.
Consider a modern-day scenario where a community unites in prayer and follows an unconventional plan to overcome a disaster. Through their faith, obedience, and unity, they witness miraculous outcomes akin to the walls of Jericho falling. This anecdote illustrates how the principles of faith, obedience, and community remain potent forces in achieving extraordinary results.
In conclusion, the account of Jericho serves as a poignant reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent power. It encourages us to trust in His plans, remain obedient to His guidance, and foster unity within our communities. The timeless lessons gleaned from this narrative offer hope and assurance that God can surmount any obstacle we encounter, reinforcing our belief in His sovereignty and providence.
How can we trust God’s promises in difficult times?
Looking at the example of Joshua and the Israelites in the story of Jericho can help us trust God’s promises in difficult times. We too can trust in God’s promises even when they seem impossible or illogical to us, just as God instructed Joshua to march around the city walls and promised that the walls would come tumbling down. We can have faith that God is in control, and His plans will come to fruition in His perfect timing.
When facing challenges and uncertainties, we can hold on to the fact that God is faithful and true to His word. We are called to have faith and patience in God’s promises even when we can’t see immediate results, just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s promise of victory before seeing the walls fall. The story of Jericho reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His plans are beyond our understanding. We can confidently walk through difficult times with the assurance that God is with us every step of the way by trusting in His promises and obeying His commands.
Application
Just as the Israelites bravely followed divine commands to conquer Jericho, let’s also have the courage to embrace challenges and trust in God’s plan for us. In the chaotic city of our modern lives, can we find the strength to rely on faith and obedience to overcome obstacles? Will you take that leap of faith today, believing that God’s promises will guide you through the uncertainties of this world?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.