◄ Joshua 6 ►
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Summary The Walls of Jericho Joshua 6 recounts a tale of triumph that emerges from obedience and steadfast faith in God. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most formidable challenges can crumble before unwavering faith. As we encounter our own 'walls of Jericho,' let us remember to trust in God's plan, obey His commands, and hold fast to our faith. God's Instructions for the Siege (Verses 1-5) God provides Joshua with specific instructions on how to besiege Jericho. The Israelites are to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, with the priests blowing trumpets of rams' horns. The March around Jericho (Verses 6-14) Joshua commands the people to proceed as instructed by God. For six days, the Israelites march around Jericho, the Ark of the Covenant leading the way and the priests blowing the trumpets. The Fall of Jericho (Verses 15-21) On the seventh day, after marching around the city seven times, the priests blow the trumpets, the people shout, and the walls of Jericho collapse. The Israelites enter the city and destroy everything, sparing only Rahab and her family. Rahab's Salvation (Verses 22-25) Joshua sends two men to rescue Rahab and her family in acknowledgment of her help. They bring Rahab, her family, and all they have, out of the city. Rahab lives among the Israelites to this day. Joshua's Curse on Jericho (Verses 26-27) Following the destruction, Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would dare to rebuild Jericho. Joshua's fame spreads throughout the land. In Joshua Chapter 6, we witness the miraculous fall of Jericho, one of the most powerful and memorable events in the Old Testament. Led by Joshua, the Israelites demonstrate their faith and obedience, and through God's intervention, the seemingly impregnable city walls collapse. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and Power Joshua 6:2 states, And the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor.' This verse highlights God's control over the situation and His ability to deliver victory to His people. Obedience to God's Instructions The Israelites were given specific instructions to march around the city for seven days. Their obedience, even when the plan seemed unusual, was crucial to their success (Joshua 6:3-5). Faith in Action The Israelites' faith was demonstrated through their actions. Hebrews 11:30 reflects on this, saying, By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. The Role of Worship The priests carried the ark of the covenant and blew trumpets, signifying the presence of God and the importance of worship in the midst of battle (Joshua 6:6-9). God's Faithfulness The fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites is a testament to His faithfulness (Joshua 6:20). Practical Applications Trust in God's Plan Even when God's instructions seem unconventional, trust that His ways are higher than ours and lead to victory. Obedience is Key Follow God's commands diligently, knowing that obedience is a demonstration of faith and trust in Him. Incorporate Worship in Daily Life Just as the Israelites included worship in their battle plan, make worship a central part of your daily routine. Remember God's Faithfulness Reflect on past victories and God's faithfulness to strengthen your faith in current challenges. People 1. Joshua The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses. He is the central human figure in this chapter, leading the Israelites in the battle of Jericho. The name "Joshua" (Hebrew: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) means "The LORD is salvation." 2. The LORD Referred to as giving instructions to Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. In the Hebrew text, this is represented by the Tetragrammaton (יהוה, YHWH), the sacred name of God. 3. The Priests A group of seven priests carrying trumpets made of rams' horns, who play a crucial role in the siege of Jericho by blowing the trumpets as they march around the city. 4. The Armed Men These are the Israelite soldiers who march ahead of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant during the siege. 5. The Rear Guard The group of soldiers who follow the Ark of the Covenant, ensuring its protection during the march around Jericho. 6. The People Refers to the broader assembly of Israelites who participate in the march around Jericho, following Joshua's commands. 7. Rahab Although not directly mentioned in the action of Joshua 6, she is referenced as the woman who hid the Israelite spies and is spared along with her family during the destruction of Jericho. Her name in Hebrew (רָחָב, Rachav) means "broad" or "large." Places 1. Jericho Jericho is the central location in Joshua 6. It is described as a fortified city with walls that the Israelites are commanded to march around for seven days. The Hebrew root for Jericho is "יְרִיחוֹ" (Yeriḥo), which is often associated with the word for "fragrance" or "moon." The city's walls famously fall after the Israelites follow God's instructions. 2. Jordan While not directly mentioned in the narrative of Joshua 6, the Jordan River is significant as it is the body of water the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, leading up to the events at Jericho. The Hebrew root is "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden), meaning "descender," referring to the river's flow from the mountains to the Dead Sea. Events 1. Jericho's Siege The chapter begins with the city of Jericho being tightly shut up because of the Israelites. "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; no one went out and no one came in." (Joshua 6:1). The Hebrew word for "shut up" (סָגַר, sagar) emphasizes the complete closure and security of the city. 2. God's Instructions to Joshua The LORD gives Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer Jericho. "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor." (Joshua 6:2). The Hebrew verb "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) indicates a completed action, signifying God's assurance of victory. 3. Marching Orders God commands the Israelites to march around the city once for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. So you shall do for six days." (Joshua 6:3). 4. Seventh Day Instructions On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. "On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets." (Joshua 6:4). 5. The Shout and the Collapse When the priests make a long blast with the ram's horn, the people are to shout, and the walls of Jericho will collapse. "When you hear them sound a long blast with the ram’s horn, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, every man straight in." (Joshua 6:5). The Hebrew word for "collapse" (נָפַל, naphal) conveys the sudden and complete fall of the walls. 6. Execution of the Plan Joshua relays God's commands to the people, and they execute the plan as instructed. "So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said to them, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven trumpets in front of it.'" (Joshua 6:6). 7. The March Begins The Israelites begin their march around Jericho, following the instructions given by Joshua. "And he said to the people, 'Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.'" (Joshua 6:7). 8. Completion of the Seven-Day March The Israelites continue the march for six days, and on the seventh day, they march around the city seven times. "So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days." (Joshua 6:14). 9. The Final Shout and Victory On the seventh day, after the seventh circuit, the priests blow the trumpets, the people shout, and the walls collapse. "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20). 10. Destruction of Jericho The Israelites destroy everything in the city, as commanded by God, except for Rahab and her family. "They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys." (Joshua 6:21). 11. Rahab's Salvation Rahab and her family are spared because she hid the spies sent by Joshua. "But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho." (Joshua 6:25). 12. Curse on Jericho Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho. "At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho.'" (Joshua 6:26). 13. The LORD's Favor on Joshua The chapter concludes with the LORD being with Joshua, and his fame spreading throughout the land. "So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land." (Joshua 6:27). Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 11:30 Reinforces the theme of faith leading to victory. Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. This passage reminds us of the wisdom in God's plans. Proverbs 3:5-6 Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding, similar to the trust required by the Israelites. Prayer Points Pray for Faith Ask God to strengthen your faith to trust in His plans, even when they seem unconventional. Pray for Obedience Seek God's help in being obedient to His Word and commands. Pray for God's Presence Invite God's presence into your daily life and battles, just as the ark symbolized His presence with the Israelites. Pray for Remembrance Thank God for His past faithfulness and ask for a heart that remembers His goodness in times of trial. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the shutting up of Jericho symbolize about the state of the city and its fear of the Israelites? 2. In the context of the story, what significance do the numbers seven and six hold? 3. How can we interpret the LORD's detailed strategy to Joshua about taking the city? 4. How does this passage illustrate the concept of obedience and trust in God, even when His commands might seem unusual or impractical? 5. How does the marching in silence until the final day reflect the discipline and obedience of the Israelites? How can this apply to us today when following God's directions? 6. What does the action of the people giving a mighty shout teach us about unity and collective faith in God's promises? 7. How does the narrative highlight the importance of God's precise instructions? How can we apply this to our lives? 8. Why did Joshua command the people not to shout or even speak until he told them to? 9. What can we learn from Rahab's situation? How did her actions of faith and loyalty impact her future? 10. How does this event reflect the belief in the holy destruction or devotion of items to God? How does this translate into today's perspective? 11. How do you interpret the heavy curse Joshua places on the rebuilding of Jericho? What do you think this says about remembering and respecting God's judgment? 12. How can the preservation of Rahab and her family amidst the destruction of Jericho be viewed as a symbol of grace and redemption? 13. What lessons can we learn from the act of sparing Rahab and her family, but destroying everything else in Jericho? 14. Why was it important for the silver, gold, bronze, and iron to be placed in the treasury of the LORD's house? 15. What significance does Joshua's fame spreading throughout the land hold in the context of the Israelites' journey and mission? 16. Why was the specific instruction given to avoid the things devoted to destruction? What implications might this hold for us today? 17. Why do you think the text emphasizes the complete destruction of Jericho, including men, women, and animals? 18. How does the fate of Jericho reflect on the concept of divine justice and judgment? 19. How can the devotion of items to the LORD's treasury be seen as a form of giving back or acknowledging God's sovereignty? 20. How can we apply the principle of obedience as seen in this passage to the modern day situations where God's instructions might not align with our understanding or expectations? Topics 1. The Siege of Jericho Commanded God instructs Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. The city is described as "tightly shut up" (Joshua 6:1), indicating its strong fortifications. The Hebrew word for "shut up" is "סָגַר" (sagar), emphasizing the city's inaccessibility. 2. The March Around Jericho Joshua is commanded to have the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark (Joshua 6:3-4). The number seven, "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in Hebrew. 3. The Seventh Day and the Shout On the seventh day, the Israelites are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. At the sound of a long blast, the people are to shout, and the walls will collapse (Joshua 6:5). The Hebrew word for "shout" is "תְּרוּעָה" (teruah), indicating a loud, jubilant noise. 4. The Obedience of the Israelites Joshua relays God's instructions to the people, and they obey without question, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan (Joshua 6:6-14). 5. The Fall of Jericho On the seventh day, after the Israelites follow God's instructions, the walls of Jericho fall flat, and they take the city (Joshua 6:15-20). The Hebrew word "נָפַל" (naphal) for "fall" signifies a sudden and complete collapse. 6. The Destruction of Jericho The city is devoted to destruction, and everything in it is to be destroyed except for Rahab and her family, who are spared for her faithfulness (Joshua 6:21-25). The term "חֵרֶם" (cherem) is used for "devoted to destruction," indicating something set apart for God, often through destruction. 7. The Curse on Rebuilding Jericho Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, stating that it would cost them their firstborn and youngest son (Joshua 6:26). This curse underscores the seriousness of God's judgment on the city. 8. Joshua's Fame The chapter concludes with the statement that Joshua's fame spread throughout the land, highlighting the success of his leadership under God's guidance (Joshua 6:27). Themes 1. Divine Command and Obedience The theme of divine command and obedience is central in Joshua 6, where God instructs Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. The Israelites' success hinges on their strict adherence to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "command" (צָוָה, tsavah) emphasizes the authority and expectation of obedience. Joshua 6:2-5 outlines God's specific instructions for the siege, highlighting the importance of following divine guidance. 2. Faith and Trust in God's Plan The Israelites demonstrate faith and trust in God's unconventional plan to take Jericho. Marching around the city for seven days, as described in Joshua 6:3-4, requires belief in God's promise despite the lack of immediate results. The Hebrew root for "faith" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) underscores steadfastness and trust in God's faithfulness. 3. The Power of God The fall of Jericho's walls illustrates God's power and sovereignty. Joshua 6:20 describes the miraculous collapse of the walls after the Israelites' obedience, showcasing God's ability to deliver victory. The Hebrew word for "power" (כֹּחַ, koach) reflects strength and might, attributes of God demonstrated in this event. 4. Holiness and Consecration The theme of holiness and consecration is evident in the command to devote the city to destruction, as seen in Joshua 6:17. The Hebrew term for "devote" (חֵרֶם, cherem) implies setting apart for God, often through destruction, to maintain purity and holiness among the Israelites. 5. Judgment and Mercy The narrative balances judgment and mercy, as Rahab and her family are spared due to her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies (Joshua 6:22-25). The Hebrew root for "mercy" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim) highlights compassion and kindness, contrasting with the judgment executed on Jericho. 6. Community and Unity The Israelites' unified action in following God's command underscores the importance of community and collective effort. Joshua 6:3-5 describes the entire nation participating in the march, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "community" (עֵדָה, edah), emphasizing unity and shared purpose. 7. Covenant Faithfulness The events in Joshua 6 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The victory at Jericho is a fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a binding agreement, underscoring God's reliability and commitment to His people. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions