God Gives Victory

June 26, 2011


Background Scripture: Joshua 5:13 – 6:27
Lesson Passage: Joshua 6:2 – 4, 12 – 20

When an all out battle is about to ensue, how can a military person who is present not be for either side? The answer is when he has his own army to command and he is there because he is totally committed to carrying out God’s orders one hundred percent. In other words, he was not there to submit to either side and assist them in carrying out their battle plans because he had his own agenda given by a higher authority and that’s where his loyalty lay. Israel and Jericho appeared to be in gridlock. Jericho was shut up securely and well defended on high ground. Israel’s plans involved marching in silence around the invincible Jericho in obedience to God’s instructions to Joshua. Probably unbeknown to Israel and for sure unbeknown to the residents of Jericho is the fact that there was another army present. That was God’s invisible army. Joshua had been made aware of their presence through their captain. As far as what could be seen, Israel’s actions no doubt were confusing to those inside Jericho. For six days the residents of Jericho witnessed them come out and march around the city one time and leave for the day. Each day this was done, the only sound heard other than that of the feet of those in the procession was the sound of the trumpets (or rams’ horns) from the seven priests marching behind the forward guard and in front of the gold plated box being carried by priests and that was followed by the rear guard. The seventh day, it would not be just one trip around the city but Israel made seven trips around the city and then shouted and Jericho has not been the same since that day. Those high and impregnable walls collapsed and the city that was once a stronghold suddenly found itself vulnerable without walls at all. Israel’s army rushed in quickly and killed all living beings there except Rahab and those in the house with her. Even the animals were slaughtered. That which remained of the city that could be burned was destroyed with fire. A curse was pronounced on anyone who dared to rebuild that city. The news of this quickly spread throughout the land as others awaited their fate. The city was destroyed because the hand of God was against it. Joshua had led Israel to complete obedience to God’s instructions and the results were just as God said they would be. Israel’s devotion or love for God had been demonstrated through their obedience. Although the task of defeating Jericho seemed physically impossible, yet God had not required anything difficult of Israel. Through their simple obedience, the impossible was done. What exactly happened to Jericho’s walls to cause them to collapse? Do you remember that captain who was not for Israel or for Jericho but he commanded the invisible army of God? Israel did not defeat Jericho. God defeated Jericho. But for Israel’s obedience to God, God allowed them to wear the title of champions. Put another way, God allowed Israel to be crowned victors in His stead because of their loving obedience to Him in doing the simple things. “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:3 – 4

Robert C. Hudson
June 7, 2011