Joshua 6:19 – “All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 6:19 outlines God’s specific instructions regarding the valuable items found in Jericho after its capture. Unlike the rest of the city, which was to be completely destroyed, the silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron were to be set apart as sacred to the Lord and placed in His treasury. This directive shows that these items were not to be kept as personal spoil but were instead dedicated to God as an offering. The command reflects a recognition that all wealth ultimately belongs to God, and He deserves the first and best of what we have. By placing these valuables in God’s treasury, the Israelites were honoring Him and acknowledging His role in their victory.
Historical Context
Jericho was a key city in the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, and it was the first major victory under Joshua’s leadership. In ancient warfare, it was common for victorious armies to plunder captured cities, taking valuable items as rewards. However, God’s instructions for Jericho were different. The city was to be devoted entirely to the Lord as a firstfruits offering, symbolizing that all victories and successes belong to Him. The valuable metals were to be placed in the Lord’s treasury, signifying that they were holy and set apart for God’s purposes. This act of dedication was a way for the Israelites to recognize that their success came from God, not from their own efforts.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse teaches about the importance of dedicating our resources and successes to God. The command to place the valuable metals in the Lord’s treasury emphasizes that God deserves the first and best of what we have, not just our leftovers. It reminds believers that everything we have is a gift from God and should be used to honor Him. This verse also teaches about the concept of holiness—setting something apart for God’s use. By dedicating these items to God, the Israelites were acknowledging His sovereignty and giving Him the credit for their victory. This principle still applies today: God calls us to honor Him with our resources, recognizing His hand in all we achieve.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 6:19 serves as a specific and detailed command within the broader narrative of Jericho’s fall. The verse’s focus on the valuable items contrasts with the earlier command to destroy everything else in the city, highlighting that some things were set apart for a higher purpose. The language of the verse—“sacred to the Lord”—emphasizes that these items were not ordinary plunder but were holy because they were dedicated to God. The distinction made between the destruction of the city and the preservation of the metals draws attention to the theme of devotion and the rightful place of honoring God with our gains.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” This verse parallels the idea of dedicating the best of what we have to God, much like the Israelites did with Jericho’s valuables.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” This passage reflects the understanding that all wealth belongs to God and that giving to Him is simply returning what He has provided.
- Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” This emphasizes the importance of bringing offerings to God’s house, aligning with the command to place the valuable metals in His treasury.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 6:19 is a reminder to honor God with our resources and to recognize that all we have comes from Him. It challenges believers to view their possessions not as personal achievements but as gifts from God that can be used for His glory. This verse encourages us to give God the first and best of what we have, whether that’s our time, talents, or treasures. It serves as a call to be generous and intentional in dedicating a portion of our blessings back to God, trusting that He will use them for His purposes. It’s a reminder that our worship includes how we handle what God has given us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives, including our resources. By instructing the Israelites to dedicate the valuables to Him, God was teaching them to put their trust in Him rather than in material wealth. This act of dedication was not just about following rules; it was about developing a heart of gratitude and dependence on God. God’s love is evident in His desire to be honored in all things, guiding His people toward a deeper relationship with Him through their obedience and worship. His commands are always designed for our good, helping us keep our focus on Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 6:19 connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the principle of giving God the first and best. Just as the valuable items from Jericho were set apart for God, Jesus Himself was God’s ultimate offering—given as the first and best sacrifice for the sins of the world (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus taught about the importance of storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), reminding us that our focus should always be on eternal things. This verse points to the broader biblical theme of devotion and dedication to God, seen perfectly in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, where He gave everything for our salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you currently honor God with your resources, and what might it look like to give Him the first and best of what you have?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to view your possessions and successes as gifts from God?
- How can you practice setting apart parts of your life—whether time, talent, or treasure—as dedicated to God’s use?
- What does it mean to you to recognize God’s hand in all your achievements, and how can you live that out daily?