Analysis of Joshua Chapter 6
Joshua Chapter 6 narrates the well-known story of the Fall of Jericho, a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. This chapter is not just a historical account but a profound reflection on obedience, faith, and divine intervention. Below is a detailed analysis of the chapter, breaking down its verses and providing thorough interpretations to offer a deeper understanding of the text.
The Encirclement of Jericho (Verses 1-5)
The chapter begins with Jericho “shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel; none went out, and none came in” (Joshua 6:1, ESV). This description sets the stage for the impending miraculous event. Jericho, a strong fortified city, represents a significant obstacle for the Israelites. However, God assures Joshua that He has already “given Jericho into [his] hand, with its king and mighty men of valor” (Joshua 6:2). This divine assurance is crucial as it shifts the focus from human effort to God’s sovereign power.
In verses 3-5, God provides specific instructions: the Israelites are to march around the city once daily for six days with the ark of the covenant, accompanied by seven priests blowing trumpets made from ram’s horns. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and at a prolonged blast of the trumpets, when they hear the sound, all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of Jericho will collapse. The precise nature of these instructions underlines the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when they may seem unconventional or beyond human understanding.
Significance of Numbers
The repetition of the number seven is noteworthy. Biblically, seven often signifies completeness or perfection. The seven priests, seven trumpets, seven days of marching, and seven circuits on the seventh day convey the perfection and divinely ordained nature of the strategy. It also highlights the sacredness of the event, aligning earthly actions with divine will.
Execution of the Plan (Verses 6-15)
Joshua’s leadership and the Israelites’ response are depicted in these verses. Joshua immediately acts upon God’s command, demonstrating a model of prompt obedience to divine instruction. He instructs the priests to take up the ark and the trumpets and the people to begin the encirclement of Jericho.
For six days, the Israelites follow the instructions precisely, silently marching around the city once each day, which must have been a perplexing and intimidating sight for the inhabitants of Jericho. This act of silent procession is deeply symbolic. It signifies respect, patience, and a collective focus on divine instruction. Silence can be seen as a form of reverence, awaiting God’s timing rather than acting impulsively.
Faith and Obedience
The silent marches for six days and the final day’s sevenfold circuit epitomize faith and obedience. The Israelites had to trust God’s word delivered through Joshua despite any internal doubts about the strategy’s practicality. This underscores an enduring biblical principle: faith often requires patience and adherence to seemingly inexplicable divine directives.
The Fall of Jericho (Verses 16-21)
On the seventh day, after the seventh circuit, Joshua commands the people to shout as God had instructed. When they do, the walls of Jericho collapse, allowing the Israelites to surge into the city and conquer it. The miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls is a testament to God’s power and faithfulness to His promises. It emphasizes that the victory is not by human might but by divine intervention.
Joshua commands that the city be devoted to the Lord for destruction, sparing only Rahab and her family, as she had helped the Israelite spies. This adherence to God’s command to devote the city and its contents to destruction signifies complete dedication to divine judgment and holiness. The act of devoting something to destruction in biblical terms often means purging it from idolatry and immorality, thereby purifying the land.
Rahab’s Salvation
Rahab’s salvation amid the city’s destruction highlights God’s mercy and faithfulness. Rahab’s inclusion, as a Canaanite and former prostitute, who showed faith and acted to preserve God’s people, speaks to the theme of divine grace. It foreshadows the inclusive nature of God’s salvation, extending beyond ethnic and moral boundaries to those who fear Him and act in faith.
Jericho Under a Ban (Verses 22-27)
Joshua instructs the two spies to go into Rahab’s house and bring her and all who belong to her out as they had sworn. This act fulfills the oath made to Rahab and her family, affirming the integrity of promises made under God’s guidance. Rahab and her family’s integration into Israel symbolizes the broadening of the covenant community based on faith and allegiance to God.
Verse 24 records that they burned the city and everything in it with fire, except for the silver, gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, which were put into the treasury of the Lord. This act of burning the city signifies complete destruction and a fresh start, devoid of any former corrupt influences that could lead the Israelites astray.
Joshua’s Curse
In verses 26-27, Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, saying, “Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” This curse emphasizes the city’s destruction being a divine decree; any attempt to rebuild it would be an act of defiance against God’s will. The stern nature of the curse underscores the seriousness with which God’s commands and judgments should be regarded.
Conclusion: Theological and Practical Reflections
Joshua Chapter 6 serves as a rich source of theological insight and practical lessons:
- Divine Sovereignty: God’s assured control over the outcome, declaring Jericho given to Joshua before the city’s fall, emphasizes the belief in God’s sovereignty over human history and events. This encourages believers to trust in God’s ultimate governance even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
- Faith and Obedience: The narrative underscores the importance of unwavering faith and precise obedience to God’s commands. The Israelites’ silent march and the resultant collapse of Jericho’s walls exemplify the miraculous outcomes possible when faith and obedience align with divine will.
- Inclusivity of Faith: Rahab’s story serves as a powerful reminder that God’s salvation is available to all who believe and act in faith, regardless of their past. Her integration into Israel prefigures the New Testament theme of God’s grace extending to all humanity.
- Judgment and Holiness: The destruction of Jericho and the command to devote it to destruction reflect the seriousness of God’s judgment and the call to holiness. This act was a means to purify the land and maintain the covenant community’s integrity and devotion to God.
In essence, Joshua Chapter 6 is more than a historical recounting; it is a narrative illustrating profound spiritual truths about the power of faith, the necessity of obedience, and the wonder of divine intervention. It invites readers to reflect on their own faith journeys, encouraging trust in God’s plans, adherence to His instructions, and openness to His inclusive grace. Through the lens of Jericho’s fall, believers are reminded of God’s mighty power and the call to live in accordance with His holy mandates.