# Overview #Joshua Chapter 6 details the famous conquest of #Jericho, a pivotal moment in the #Israelites' journey to possess the #PromisedLand. Following God's direct commands, Joshua leads the people of Israel in a unique military strategy that involves marching around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the #ArkOfTheCovenant. On the seventh day, they circle the city seven times, and the priests blow the trumpets, signaling the people to shout. Upon their shout, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapse, allowing the Israelites to capture the city. This event demonstrates the power of obedience to God's instructions and His faithfulness in delivering His promises to #Israel. The chapter also recounts the fulfillment of a solemn vow made by the spies to #Rahab, the harlot who had hidden them during their earlier reconnaissance mission. As the city is taken, Rahab and her family are spared and brought safely out of Jericho, highlighting God's mercy and the inclusion of Gentiles who exhibit faith in the God of Israel. The destruction of Jericho is thorough as the city and all that is in it are devoted to the Lord for destruction, except for Rahab and her family. This chapter concludes with Joshua cursing anyone who would rebuild Jericho, illustrating the seriousness of God's judgment on the city and the importance of His people's adherence to His commands. ## Theological Insights Joshua 6 is a pivotal chapter in the narrative of #Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, and it is rich with theological significance. The central event is the fall of #Jericho, which underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative. 1. **Divine Strategy and Obedience**: The unusual strategy for taking Jericho—marching around the city for seven days and then shouting—emphasizes the importance of obedience to #God's commands, regardless of human understanding. This act of faith by #Joshua and the Israelites highlights that victory comes through reliance on God's power and not human strength or strategy, reinforcing the concept that God's ways are higher than human ways as seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55]]. 2. **The Power of Faith**: The fall of Jericho serves as a testament to the power of faith. In Hebrews 11:30, Jericho's walls falling are cited as an example of faith, demonstrating that faith in God's promises and instructions can lead to miraculous outcomes. This connects to the broader biblical theme of faith as seen in the lives of figures like #Abraham and #Moses. 3. **The Role of the Ark of the Covenant**: The presence of the Ark of the Covenant during the march around Jericho signifies God's presence among His people. The Ark, representing God's covenant with Israel, assures them of His presence and power, similar to how God's presence was with them in the wilderness as described in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]. 4. **Judgment and Mercy**: The destruction of Jericho also highlights the theme of divine judgment against sin and rebellion. However, within this judgment, there is a thread of mercy, as seen in the salvation of #Rahab and her family due to her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies (Joshua 2). This act of mercy foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan of salvation, further explored in the New Testament, such as in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. 5. **Covenant Faithfulness**: The fall of Jericho marks God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to give Israel the land of Canaan. This event is a fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs, such as in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]], and demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His word. These insights into Joshua 6 provide a deeper understanding of God's character, His expectations for His people, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout the biblical narrative. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Strategy and Human Obedience In Joshua 6, the fall of #Jericho is depicted as a result of divine strategy and human obedience. The Israelites are instructed to march around the city in a specific manner for seven days, demonstrating a reliance on God's plan rather than human military prowess. This theme of divine direction mirrors the instructions given to other biblical figures such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22|Abraham]] when he was told to offer Isaac, and [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14|Moses]] at the Red Sea, where following God's guidance leads to miraculous outcomes. ### The Power of Faith in Action The walls of Jericho fall as a result of the Israelites' faith in God's promises and their obedience to His unconventional commands. This theme of faith in action is echoed in the story of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11|Rahab]], who, by faith, hid the spies and was spared, and in the New Testament, where faith is often accompanied by decisive action, such as in [[James/James Chapter 2|James 2:17-26]], which emphasizes that faith without works is dead. ### The Significance of the Number Seven The use of the number seven throughout the chapter (seven priests, seven trumpets, seven days) underscores its biblical symbolism of completeness and divine perfection. This thematic connection is evident in the creation account of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1|Genesis 1]], where God completes creation in six days and rests on the seventh, and in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 5|Revelation]], where the number is frequently associated with God's ultimate plan for the world. ### God's Sovereignty and Judgement The destruction of Jericho serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His judgment against the Canaanites for their iniquity, as seen in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15:16]], where God speaks of the iniquity of the Amorites. This theme is mirrored in other accounts of divine judgment and deliverance, such as the plagues of Egypt in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 7|Exodus 7-12]] and the eventual fall of Babylon in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 5|Daniel 5]]. ### The Role of the Ark of the Covenant The presence of the #Ark of the Covenant during the siege of Jericho symbolizes God's presence and leadership among His people. This theme is consistent with other instances where the Ark signifies God's guidance, such as its role in crossing the Jordan in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 3|Joshua 3]] and its presence in battle in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 4|1 Samuel 4]]. The Ark's centrality reinforces the idea that victory comes through God's presence and not through human strength alone. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Fall of Jericho and God's Sovereignty The account of the fall of #Jericho in Joshua 6 fulfills the broader prophetic theme of God's sovereignty and His promise to give the land of #Canaan to the descendants of #Abraham, #Isaac, and #Jacob. This event underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant, as initially promised in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:7]], where God declares to Abraham that his offspring would inherit the land. The miraculous fall of Jericho, achieved not by military might but through obedience to God's commands, illustrates God's power and His fulfillment of the covenant promises. ### The Role of Rahab and the Messianic Lineage In Joshua 6, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to #Rahab and her family, as described in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 2|Joshua 2:12-14]]. Rahab, a non-Israelite, is spared during the conquest because of her faith and assistance to the #Israelite spies. This event is significant in the messianic lineage, as Rahab is later included in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew 1:5]]. This fulfillment highlights God's inclusive plan of salvation that extends beyond Israel, prefiguring the inclusion of Gentiles in the redemptive work of the #Messiah. ### The Destruction of Jericho as a Symbol of Judgement The total destruction of Jericho as described in Joshua 6 can also be seen as a prophetic symbol of God's future judgment against sin and rebellion. This act reflects the holiness and justice of God, as seen in other prophetic declarations such as those in [[Zephaniah/Zephaniah Chapter 1|Zephaniah 1:14-18]], where God's judgment is pronounced against the nations. The fall of Jericho serves as a foretaste of the ultimate judgment that God will execute, reminding believers of the seriousness of sin and the need for obedience to God's commands. ### The Promise of Victory and Rest Joshua 6 also foreshadows the promise of rest and victory for God's people, which is a recurring theme throughout scripture. The victory at Jericho signifies the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise of rest for His people, as later reiterated in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:8-10]]. This rest is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides spiritual rest and victory over sin for all believers, pointing towards the eternal rest promised in the kingdom of God. ## Verses - **Joshua 6:1** - "Now the gates of #Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in." - See the promise to give Jericho into the hands of the Israelites in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 2]]. - **Joshua 6:2** - "But the Lord said to #Joshua, 'I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.'" - God's assurance to Joshua echoes His promise in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]]. - **Joshua 6:3** - "You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days." - The strategy given by God for the conquest of Jericho. - **Joshua 6:4** - "Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns." - The significance of seven priests and seven days reflects the completion and perfection in biblical numerology, similar to the Creation account in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]]. - **Joshua 6:5** - "When you hear the priests give one long blast on the ram’s horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town." - The miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls is a testament to God’s power, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]]. - **Joshua 6:6** - "So Joshua called together the priests and said, 'Take up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.'" - The Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of God's presence, paralleling its role in crossing the Jordan in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 3]]. - **Joshua 6:7** - "Then he gave orders to the people: 'March around the town, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the Lord.'" - The order of procession highlights the centrality of the Ark and God’s presence with Israel. - **Joshua 6:8** - "After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the ram’s horns started marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the horns as they marched. And the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind them." - The priests’ obedience mirrors the Israelites' obedience to Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Joshua 6:9** - "Some of the armed men marched in front of the priests with the horns and some behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns." - The encircling strategy was both a physical and spiritual act of warfare. - **Joshua 6:10** - "Do not shout; do not even talk,' Joshua commanded. 'Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!'" - Silence before the shout signifies discipline and trust, reflecting the Israelites' reliance on God's timing. - **Joshua 6:11** - "So the Ark of the Lord was carried around the town once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp." - The daily march around Jericho represents ongoing faith in God's promise. - **Joshua 6:12** - "Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests again carried the Ark of the Lord." - Rising early signifies dedication and readiness to follow God's commands. - **Joshua 6:13** - "The seven priests with the ram’s horns marched in front of the Ark of the Lord, blowing their horns. Again the armed men marched both in front of the priests with the horns and behind the Ark of the Lord. All this time the priests were blowing their horns." - The continual blowing of horns signifies ongoing worship and declaration of God's sovereignty. - **Joshua 6:14** - "On the second day they again marched around the town once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days." - Consistent obedience to God’s instructions demonstrates faith and perseverance. - **Joshua 6:15** - "On the seventh day, the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times." - The seventh day’s intensified action highlights the culmination of God’s plan, akin to the Sabbath rest in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2]]. - **Joshua 6:16** - "The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, 'Shout! For the Lord has given you the town!'" - The shout is an act of faith, believing the victory has already been secured by God. - **Joshua 6:17** - "Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies." - Rahab’s salvation due to her faith and actions is reminiscent of the Passover protection in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Joshua 6:18** - "Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel." - The command to abstain from the accursed things highlights God’s holiness and the need for obedience. - **Joshua 6:19** - "Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury." - The sacredness of certain items reflects the dedication of all valuable things to God, as seen in the offerings in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]. - **Joshua 6:20** - "When the people heard the sound of the ram’s horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it." - The miraculous victory is a testament to God’s faithfulness and power. - **Joshua 6:21** - "They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys." - The total destruction of Jericho signifies God’s judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites. - **Joshua 6:22** - "Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, 'Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.'" - The fulfillment of the promise to Rahab, as seen in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 2]]. - **Joshua 6:23** - "The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel." - Rahab’s deliverance prefigures God’s plan of salvation for all nations. - **Joshua 6:24** - "Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the Lord’s house." - The dedication of valuable items to God’s treasury shows the importance of giving God what is due to Him. - **Joshua 6:25** - "So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day." - Rahab’s inclusion among the Israelites is a foreshadowing of God’s inclusive plan for salvation, as later seen in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. - **Joshua 6:26** - "At that time Joshua invoked this curse: 'May the curse of the Lord fall on anyone who tries to rebuild the town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates.'" - The curse on Jericho’s rebuilding is realized in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 16]]. - **Joshua 6:27** - "So the Lord was with Joshua, and his reputation spread throughout the land." - Joshua’s success and recognition reflect God’s promise to be with him, as stated in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]].