Walls that couldn't stand against praise

 

The story of the Walls of Jericho is one of the most dramatic and faith-filled accounts in the Bible, found in Joshua 6. It details the miraculous conquest of the ancient city of Jericho by the Israelites, under God's guidance, following their exodus from Egypt and their 40 years of wandering in the desert. The story highlights themes of obedience, faith, and the power of God.

1. Background and Context

The Israelites' Journey: After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites, led by Joshua, were about to enter the Promised Land (Canaan). Jericho, a well-fortified city with massive walls, stood as their first obstacle.

God’s Promise: God had promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, and now, after the death of Moses, Joshua had been chosen to lead them into the Promised Land.

2. Joshua’s Instructions

Spying Out Jericho: Prior to the conquest, Joshua sent two spies to secretly survey Jericho. They were hidden by Rahab, a prostitute who lived in the city's walls, and she protected them from the king’s soldiers. Rahab, recognizing that God was with the Israelites, made a covenant with the spies: she would save them when the Israelites attacked, and in return, her life and the lives of her family members would be spared.

The Divine Strategy: God spoke directly to Joshua, giving him a strategy that defied conventional warfare. Instead of a typical military siege or battle, God instructed the Israelites to march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets before the ark of the covenant.

3. The March Around Jericho

The March: On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and on the final circuit, the priests would blow their trumpets, and the people were to shout loudly. God promised that when they did this, the walls of Jericho would collapse, and the Israelites would be able to capture the city.

The Ark and the Priests: The ark of the covenant, a sacred symbol of God’s presence, was carried by the priests as they marched. The trumpets were blown to announce the presence of God and to create a sense of reverence and anticipation.

4. The Fall of the Walls

The Seventh Day: On the seventh day, the Israelites completed the seven rounds of marching, with the priests blowing the trumpets. At Joshua’s command, the people shouted in unison.

The Miraculous Collapse: As the people shouted, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed, "straight down" (Joshua 6:20), creating an opening for the Israelites to rush in and take the city. This miraculous event demonstrated God’s power and His direct intervention in Israel’s conquest.

5. Rahab’s Salvation

Rahab’s Promise: As per the covenant with the spies, Rahab’s family was spared when the Israelites attacked the city. Rahab had tied a scarlet cord in her window as a sign, and this became the mark of protection. Rahab and her family were saved, and she later became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating God's grace and the power of faith.

6. Aftermath and Consecration

Destruction of Jericho: Following the collapse of the walls, the Israelites utterly destroyed Jericho, sparing only Rahab and her family. The city and all its possessions were devoted to the Lord (a practice known as the herem), meaning that everything was destroyed or dedicated to God.

A Warning: Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, a curse that was later fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34 when Hiel of Bethel attempted to rebuild the city, losing his sons in the process.

7. Key Themes and Lessons

Faith and Obedience: The Israelites’ obedience to God’s seemingly illogical command shows that God's ways are often beyond human understanding. Their faith in His word was crucial for the success of the mission.

God's Power Over Human Obstacles: The collapse of the city’s walls symbolizes God's ability to overcome even the most formidable human obstacles. The city of Jericho, with its massive walls, seemed invincible, but it was no match for the power of God.

Rahab's Faith and Redemption: Rahab's story highlights the theme of redemption. Despite her past, her faith in the God of Israel saved her and her family, and she became part of the Messianic line. It demonstrates that anyone, regardless of their background, can be included in God’s plan of salvation if they place their faith in Him.

God’s Presence: The ark of the covenant, carried around the city, symbolized the presence of God among His people. The victory over Jericho was not due to Israel's military strength but because God was with them.

8. Christological Connection

Jesus as the Ultimate Conqueror: The fall of Jericho can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death. Just as Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Jesus leads believers into the ultimate "Promised Land" of eternal life.

Rahab's Role: Rahab, as an outsider who came to faith, is a type of the Gentiles who are grafted into the family of God through Christ.

9. Application for Today

Trusting God’s Plan: The story reminds believers to trust God’s guidance, even when His instructions seem unconventional or difficult to understand. God's plans often defy human logic but lead to victory.

Obedience Brings Victory: Obedience to God, no matter how challenging, is crucial for experiencing His blessings and victory in life. Even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, following God’s commands leads to triumph.

God's Faithfulness: Just as God kept His promise to Rahab, He remains faithful to those who trust in Him. His mercy extends beyond Israel, offering redemption to all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.