WINNING STRATEGY
Joshua 6:12–25
In chapter 5, at God’s direction and under Joshua’s leadership, the children of Israel crossed the swollen Jordan River on dry ground. When news of the miraculous crossing reached the kings in Canaan, their hearts melted. Joshua used this as an opportunity to recommit the people to God by the act of circumcision. He did this because all the circumcised men had died in the wilderness.
There was a new generation that needed to renew its vows. It is interesting to note that the manna ceased to appear on the day they ate the produce of the land. Chapter 5 ends with an encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord’s hosts — the preincarnate Christ.
Instructions Obeyed (12–14)
The Israelites gathered near Jericho, a mighty fortress and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It was considered the gateway to Canaan.
The walls of Jericho were tall and so wide that two chariots could travel around the walls side by side. Archeologists have determined that the people of Jericho had ample water and grain. They could have held off a traditional siege for many months. The people of Jericho shut the gates and prepared for war. Are there things that God instructs us to do that sometimes don’t make sense?
Victory Assured (15–19)
God told Joshua that He had already given the city into his hands. Victory was assured. God’s strategy involved the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant around the city accompanied by seven priests carrying rams’ horns. They would be preceded and followed by armed men. They would walk around the city one time each day for six days. The group was instructed to circle the city seven times on the seventh day and after the seventh time, the priests were to blow the horns and the people were to shout. They were to destroy everyone except Rahab and her family. They were told to bring the items of silver, gold and bronze to the priests to be consecrated as part of the Lord’s treasury. They were not to claim anything for themselves.
When you follow God’s direction, you will experience God’s provision.
Walls Destroyed (20–21)
As they followed God’s instructions, the walls collapsed and the people were able to enter the city. Did the vibrations cause the walls to fall? Was there an earthquake? Whatever secular historians might put forth as an explanation, we believe that God did it!
Not only were the walls completely destroyed, but the pagan populace was also annihilated.
Why did God call for the destruction of these polytheistic people? What is the danger presented by people who worship other gods?
Promises Kept (22–25)
God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. What He has promised, He will perform. He told Joshua that He would give them victory. The spies had promised to spare the lives of Rahab and her family. Both promises were honored.
The Bible contains 7,487 promises made by God to man, and “every one of God’s promises is ‘yes’ in Him” (2 Cor. 1:20).
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
