Introduction

Joshua's March and Divine Assurance is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the intersection of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 5 and 6, where Joshua leads the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho, a fortified city in the Promised Land. The account highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the necessity of unwavering trust in His guidance.

Context and Background

Following the death of Moses, Joshua assumes leadership of the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers. The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to their previous disobedience and lack of faith. Now, under Joshua's leadership, they are poised to begin the conquest of Canaan, starting with the city of Jericho.

Divine Encounter and Assurance

Before the march on Jericho, Joshua experiences a divine encounter that sets the stage for the forthcoming victory. In Joshua 5:13-15, he meets a mysterious figure identified as the "commander of the army of the LORD." This encounter reassures Joshua of God's presence and support, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. The commander instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, for he stands on holy ground, echoing Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5).

The March Around Jericho

God provides Joshua with specific instructions for the conquest of Jericho, which are unconventional by military standards. In Joshua 6:2-5, the LORD says to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns."

The Israelites are to march around the city once a day for six days, with the Ark of the Covenant leading the procession, accompanied by priests blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and at the sound of a long trumpet blast, the people are to shout, resulting in the collapse of Jericho's walls.

Faith and Obedience

The march around Jericho is a profound act of faith and obedience. The Israelites follow God's instructions precisely, despite the apparent absurdity of the strategy from a human perspective. Their obedience is a testament to their trust in God's promises and His power to deliver them.

The Fall of Jericho

On the seventh day, as the Israelites complete their seventh circuit around Jericho and shout as instructed, the walls of the city collapse, allowing them to take the city with ease (Joshua 6:20). This miraculous event underscores the theme of divine assurance and intervention, as God fulfills His promise to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites.

Theological Significance

Joshua's March and Divine Assurance serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It illustrates the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers, demonstrating that victory comes not through human strength or wisdom but through reliance on God's power and promises. The event also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's people through faith in Christ, who leads His followers in triumph over spiritual strongholds.

Conclusion

The account of Joshua's March and Divine Assurance remains a timeless testament to the power of faith and the certainty of God's promises. It encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and to act in obedience, confident in His ability to bring about victory in seemingly insurmountable situations.