Joshua 6:21 – “They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 6:21 describes the aftermath of Jericho’s fall, where the Israelites carried out God’s command to devote the entire city to destruction. This act of devotion meant that everything within Jericho—people and animals alike—was to be destroyed as an offering to God. This command may seem harsh to modern readers, but it was a demonstration of God’s judgment against the wickedness that had permeated Jericho and the Canaanite culture. The complete destruction of the city was a way to purify the land and prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the sinful practices of the people there. It was a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need to follow God’s commands fully.
Historical Context
Jericho was one of the oldest and most fortified cities in Canaan, making it a key target for the Israelites as they began their conquest of the Promised Land. The Canaanite culture was known for practices that were deeply offensive to God, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and other forms of moral corruption. God’s command to destroy Jericho was part of His larger plan to establish a holy people set apart for Himself. The destruction was not about ethnic cleansing but about removing the pervasive influence of sin. By devoting Jericho to destruction, the Israelites were demonstrating that they would not tolerate the sin that had taken root in the land God had promised to them.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 6:21 underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. God’s command to destroy everything in Jericho was not arbitrary; it was a response to the deep-seated wickedness that had corrupted the city. This verse reminds us that God is both loving and just—He offers mercy, but He also judges sin. The destruction of Jericho serves as a warning that sin has severe consequences and that God’s holiness cannot be compromised. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions, even when they are difficult to understand. The Israelites’ actions were an act of submission to God’s will, showing that they valued His commands above their own understanding or desires.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 6:21 uses stark, direct language to convey the completeness of Jericho’s destruction. The phrase “devoted the city to the Lord” reflects the idea of total dedication, where nothing is left untouched or spared. This language emphasizes the thoroughness of the Israelites’ obedience and the finality of God’s judgment against sin. The list of those destroyed—men, women, young, old, and even animals—underscores the total nature of the offering, leaving no room for compromise. This literary approach adds weight to the narrative, reminding the reader of the cost of sin and the need for total dedication to God’s will.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 – “However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them… Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods.” This passage provides context for God’s command to destroy, emphasizing the need to avoid being corrupted by sinful influences.
- Leviticus 18:24-25 – “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants.” This verse reinforces the idea that God’s judgment was a response to the pervasive sin in Canaan.
- Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This New Testament verse highlights the consistent biblical theme that sin leads to death, but God’s desire is always to offer life through repentance and faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 6:21 serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. It teaches us that God’s commands are not to be taken lightly, and that obedience to His word is essential. While God is loving and merciful, this verse shows that sin has real and devastating consequences. It challenges believers to examine their own lives and remove anything that stands in the way of a wholehearted relationship with God. This passage calls us to take seriously the need to live in a way that honors God, rejecting sin and seeking to be set apart for His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse, while highlighting God’s judgment, also points to His loving desire to protect His people from the corruption of sin. God’s command to destroy Jericho was not about cruelty; it was about creating a pure space where His people could thrive in righteousness. God’s love is seen in His commitment to lead His people away from harmful influences and into a life that reflects His holiness. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, God was guiding the Israelites toward a better way of life. His love includes discipline and correction, ensuring that His people remain on the path that leads to life and blessing.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 6:21 connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the need for salvation and redemption from sin. Just as Jericho’s destruction was a result of sin, the Bible teaches that all humanity faces judgment because of sin. However, in Christ, God’s judgment and mercy meet. Jesus took upon Himself the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him (Romans 8:1). This verse foreshadows the seriousness of sin that Jesus came to address on the cross. While Jericho was destroyed because of its wickedness, Jesus offers a way out from judgment, providing hope and restoration through His sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the story of Jericho’s destruction challenge your understanding of God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin?
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to “devote” something to Him, removing it because it hinders your walk with Him?
- How can you balance understanding God’s love with His justice, especially when faced with difficult passages like this one?
- How does the reality of sin’s consequences deepen your appreciation for what Jesus did on the cross?