Joshua 6

Scripture

 

Joshua 6:1-2

 

“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. But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.”

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Observation-What does it say?

 

Now the city of Jericho and its people were a formidable foe for Joshua and the army of Israel. The people of Jericho were well protected and fortified behind these walls, which probably gave them a false sense of security. Meanwhile, the LORD already told Joshua that the city is his for the taking. God even gave Joshua a detailed layout on how to take the city. All Joshua had to do was to take God for His Word, instruct the people of Israel, and follow through with the LORD's plan.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

God's way is not always the most conventional way of doing things.

 

When the LORD laid out the game plan on how to take down the city of Jericho, Joshua at first must have thought, "Are you pulling my leg God?" He probably thought that God had something a little more theatrical in mind.-(Maybe fire from the sky, a howling wind like no other, or even a mighty earthquake to bring the walls of Jericho crumbling down). But instead, God instructs his people to march around the walls for six days straight, (one time around the wall each day), as the priests blow on a ram's horn. But on the seventh day, the people of Israel shall march around the walls seven times, and on that seventh time they are to wait for the priests to make a long blast of the ram's horn, in which all the people are to make a great shout. This shout will flatten the walls of Jericho to the ground! 

As unconventional as this battle plan may sound, Joshua could move forward with confidence, knowing that God's plan will work. He's seen what God has done for His people before. So why would Joshua have any doubt now?

 

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NIV

 

Life Application

 

We are to take the LORD's instructions for what it is, and we must follow them completely...one day at a time and one step at a time.

 

Joshua did not tell the people how many times they had to circle the city or precisely what would happen once their marching was done. The people received instructions from their leader one day at a time, one step at a time, and they obeyed them completely each day. The faith they displayed by following through with God's commands allowed God to demonstrate His favor, protection, love, and provision for those who trust in Him.

 

Father God, I want to experience the great things You have in store for me. I want You to break down the walls in my life that are hindering me from experiencing them. Give me the faith to step out in this world each day and follow Your instructions completely. May I not question Your tactics, but instead choose to trust in them, because I know You have a plan for me and it is good. In Your name Jesus, I pray these things, Amen.

 

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-Moses Gaddi