Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
CONQUEST
Joshua 6:12–25
Should a Christian ever take the life of another human being? Murder is clearly prohibited in the commandments, but what about a policeman protecting the life of a defenseless individual? What about a corrections officer tasked with executing an inmate sentenced with capital punishment? What about a soldier, airman, sailor, guardsman or marine going to war? The apostle Paul indicates that those tasked with armed force responsibilities endure hardship (2 Tim. 2:3–7) and do God’s work (Rom. 13:3–5). Even Jesus commended the faith of a Roman centurion who respected chain of command (Matt. 8:5–13).
This week’s lesson addresses the issues of war and the fulfillment of promises. Centuries before Joshua, God had promised a land to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3). Earlier in the book of Joshua, two spies encountered a prostitute named Rahab, promising safety to her and her family when the Israelite army would attack Jericho. Rahab and her kin were spared as a result of her confession of faith (2:9–13).
Patient Obedience (12–14)
Jericho saw a daily parade. The Israelite army served as a protective detail around the priests transporting the Ark of the Covenant. God had already indicated to Joshua the land was theirs. Now it was their responsibility to follow His commands and take the land.
The following is from an imaginary journal of an imaginary Israelite soldier regarding the real life activities of a real life military campaign:
“Day one … the Lord instructed us to march around the city. It took us a while, and it was so tempting to cry out, but we remained silent. The trumpet blasts helped keep us in tempo for marching. Maybe we will take the city tomorrow. Day two … see day one. Day three … in parade formation again … just like a military exercise. Hurry up and wait. Doesn’t all this marching give away the element of surprise? Day six … spent the last three days doing what we did the first three days.”
Final Preparations (15–19)
The Sabbath day was different than the rest. During the first six days, the army marched silently around the walls of the city. One time around and the parade ended. On this day, they continued their march: once, twice, three times … what are they doing? Seven times? And then came the noise. The men shouted, the trumpets blasted and the walls fell. Regardless of Kathleen Kenyon’s conclusions, the archaeological evidence affirms the collapsed ancient walls of Jericho (see Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, s.v. “Jericho”).
Obedience Rewarded (20–25)
Israel captured a city that had trees they did not plant, wells they did not dig and homes they had not built. Most of the spoils of war were destroyed as a symbol of God’s sovereignty over the land. By God’s grace, He granted the Israelite army victory in this first of many battles with the Canaanites.
Why did the people of Jericho have to die? They rejected the authority of the one true God, and they worshipped His creation instead. In their case, they worshipped the moon, for which the city was named. As a result, they were “set apart to the Lord for destruction.” Any human being set apart for destruction could not be redeemed (Lev. 27:29).
Why did Rahab and her family get to live? God has always had a plan of redemption for all peoples, and He redeemed a remnant for Himself from the people of Jericho. Rahab was 1 of 4 Gentile women in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5). Salvation is always by His grace and for His glory.
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