Overview:

Joshua 6 details the miraculous fall of Jericho, Israel’s first conquest in the Promised Land. God provides Joshua with unconventional instructions for conquering the heavily fortified city: for six days, the Israelites are to march around Jericho once per day in silence, with seven priests blowing trumpets before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, after which the priests will give a loud blast, the people will shout, and the walls of Jericho will collapse. This miraculous victory illustrates God’s power, faithfulness, and the importance of obedience, underscoring Israel’s dependence on Him for success. Joshua 6 also highlights the theme of judgment on the wicked and God’s mercy to Rahab, the prostitute who protected Israel’s spies.

Key themes include God’s sovereignty and power in accomplishing His promises, the importance of obedience and faith, judgment on unrighteousness, and God’s mercy on those who seek Him.

Historical and Literary Context:

Joshua 6 is pivotal as it marks Israel’s entry into warfare in the Promised Land, beginning with Jericho, a significant city with strong fortifications. The victory at Jericho is achieved not through conventional military tactics but through total obedience to God’s instructions. Jericho represents both the firstfruits of the conquest of Canaan and the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. This chapter establishes the pattern of Israel’s reliance on God, reinforcing the necessity of faith and obedience in their journey ahead.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

God’s Power and Sovereignty in Victory:

God’s instructions to Joshua and the miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls emphasize that the victory is God’s doing, not Israel’s. The unusual battle plan reveals God’s power to accomplish His purposes in unexpected ways.

For Christians, this theme highlights the importance of relying on God’s power rather than human strength or wisdom. 2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds believers that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world,” encouraging them to trust God’s power to bring victory in their spiritual battles.

Obedience and Faith in God’s Promises:

Joshua and the Israelites demonstrate unwavering obedience and faith by following God’s unconventional instructions precisely. Their obedience is essential to achieving victory, showing that faith involves trust even when God’s ways seem unusual.

For Christians, this theme underscores the importance of obedience to God’s Word and trust in His promises. Hebrews 11:30 notes that “by faith the walls of Jericho fell,” emphasizing that true faith is expressed in action and obedience to God’s guidance.

Judgment on the Wicked and the Mercy of God:

The destruction of Jericho serves as an act of divine judgment against a city known for its wickedness, illustrating the severity of God’s judgment. However, God shows mercy to Rahab and her family, preserving her as a reward for her faith and actions in protecting the spies.

For Christians, this theme highlights the reality of God’s judgment on unrighteousness and His desire to extend mercy to those who seek Him. John 3:36 reminds believers of the choice between accepting God’s salvation or facing His judgment, urging them to live in obedience and share God’s mercy with others.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Joshua 6:1-2:

“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.’”

Jericho’s tightly shut gates signify its defensive posture, underscoring the impossibility of a natural victory. Yet, God assures Joshua of victory, promising that Jericho’s king and warriors will fall into Israel’s hands despite the city’s strong defenses.

For Christians, this passage emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s promises even when obstacles seem insurmountable. Romans 8:31 affirms, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” reminding believers to rely on God’s power to overcome life’s challenges.

Joshua 6:3-5:

“March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

God’s instructions for Israel’s victory at Jericho are unconventional. The command to march silently around the city for six days, with the Ark leading, underscores Israel’s dependence on God’s power. The seventh day’s sevenfold march and shout emphasize the completion of God’s work and Israel’s faith in His promise.

For Christians, this passage highlights the importance of obedience and faith even when God’s instructions defy logic. Isaiah 55:8-9 teaches that God’s ways are higher than human ways, reminding believers to trust God’s wisdom and follow His guidance.

Joshua 6:6-7:

“So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.’ And he ordered the army, ‘Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.’”

Joshua leads Israel in exact obedience to God’s commands, with the priests and the Ark of the Covenant at the forefront. The Ark represents God’s presence, leading the way and serving as a symbol of Israel’s reliance on Him.

For Christians, this verse reflects the importance of godly leadership and the role of faith in following God’s instructions. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to “trust in the Lord with all your heart,” reminding them that God’s presence and guidance are essential for success.

Joshua 6:8-10:

“When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. But Joshua had commanded the army, ‘Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!’”

The silence of the Israelites as they march around Jericho demonstrates discipline, patience, and obedience. The continual blowing of trumpets serves as a reminder of God’s presence, while the silence of the people reflects their reliance on Him.

For Christians, this passage illustrates the power of quiet trust and patience in waiting for God’s timing. Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” calls believers to find strength in quietness and trust as they await God’s intervention.

Joshua 6:15-16:

“On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!’”

On the seventh day, the Israelites follow God’s command to circle Jericho seven times. Joshua’s command to shout reflects faith that the Lord has already given them the city. The obedience of the people, coupled with their unified shout, results in God’s miraculous intervention.

For Christians, this verse highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in God’s promises. Hebrews 10:36 teaches that “you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised,” encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith.

Joshua 6:17:

“The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent.”

God commands Israel to devote Jericho and its contents to destruction, signifying the judgment on a sinful city. However, Rahab and her family are spared, showing God’s mercy on those who seek Him in faith.

For Christians, this passage highlights the reality of God’s judgment and His mercy on those who repent. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds believers that God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance,” encouraging them to share His message of mercy.

Joshua 6:20-21:

“When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. 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.”

The walls of Jericho collapse in response to Israel’s obedience, enabling them to take the city. The devotion of the city to destruction signifies God’s judgment on Jericho and His holiness, underscoring the need for purity among His people.

For Christians, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for holiness. Hebrews 12:14 encourages believers to “make every effort… to be holy,” recognizing that God’s standard is one of purity and righteousness.

Joshua 6:22-23:

“Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, ‘Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.’ So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.”

The preservation of Rahab and her family fulfills the promise made to her, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to honor those who trust in Him. Rahab’s faith and actions result in her salvation and inclusion in Israel.

For Christians, Rahab’s story serves as a powerful example of redemption through faith. Hebrews 11:31 commends Rahab for her faith, reminding believers that God’s mercy is available to all who trust in Him.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Joshua 6 highlights God’s power, judgment, and mercy, themes fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Jericho fell through God’s power, believers find victory over sin and death through the power of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Rahab’s redemption prefigures Jesus’ work on the cross, which offers salvation to all who place their faith in Him. The fall of Jericho also symbolizes the ultimate victory of Jesus over all earthly powers, as He establishes God’s kingdom.

The image of God’s judgment on Jericho reminds believers of the final judgment to come, urging them to live in obedience and faithfulness. In Christ, believers find mercy and forgiveness, receiving the promise of eternal life and the call to proclaim God’s message to others.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Victory through Faith and Obedience: The Fall of Jericho”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of faith, obedience, and God’s power as Israel conquers Jericho.
   • Emphasize how God’s miraculous intervention at Jericho illustrates His sovereignty and faithfulness.
2. God’s Power and Sovereignty in Victory (Joshua 6:1-5)
   • Discuss the unusual instructions God gives and the miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls, underscoring God’s power.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to rely on God’s power in life’s battles (2 Corinthians 10:4).
3. The Importance of Obedience and Faith (Joshua 6:6-10, 15-16)
   • Examine Israel’s obedience in following God’s instructions precisely, highlighting the role of faith in achieving victory.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where faith is demonstrated through obedience to God’s guidance (Hebrews 11:30).
4. Judgment and Mercy: The Story of Rahab (Joshua 6:17, 22-23)
   • Highlight the judgment on Jericho and the mercy extended to Rahab, emphasizing God’s justice and grace.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to repent, receive mercy, and share God’s grace with others (2 Peter 3:9).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the call to trust in God’s power, walk in obedience, and seek His mercy, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone who experienced victory through obedience to God’s guidance, illustrating the power of faith.
• Global Example: Many cultures value stories of unexpected victory. Relate this to the fall of Jericho, showing how God’s power can overcome impossible circumstances.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Joshua 6 calls today’s believers to:

• Rely on God’s Power for Victory: Just as Israel depended on God’s strength, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s power to overcome spiritual battles.
• Walk in Obedience and Faith: The unconventional battle plan at Jericho shows that obedience and faith are essential in achieving God’s promises.
• Share God’s Mercy with Others: The redemption of Rahab highlights God’s grace. Believers are called to share the message of salvation with those who seek Him.

Connection to the Father in Joshua 6:

God the Father’s sovereignty and power are evident in the miraculous fall of Jericho. His justice is tempered with mercy, as He spares Rahab and her family for their faith. This chapter reflects God’s heart for holiness and His desire to extend grace to all who seek Him. Believers are encouraged to find strength in God’s power and to rely on His guidance in every battle.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Joshua 6:

Joshua 6 foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate victory over sin and death. Just as the walls of Jericho fell through faith, believers experience victory through faith in Christ. Rahab’s salvation prefigures Jesus’ work on the cross, extending God’s mercy to all who believe. In Christ, believers are called to live out their faith boldly, trusting in His power to bring victory.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Joshua 6:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in obedience and faith, guiding them as they trust in God’s promises. Just as the Spirit guided Israel in their journey, He leads believers today, providing strength, wisdom, and courage. The Spirit’s presence assures believers that God is with them, empowering them to live victoriously.

Connection to God’s Love in Joshua 6:

God’s love is demonstrated in His desire to bring His people into the Promised Land and to provide victory over their enemies. His mercy to Rahab reflects His willingness to save those who seek Him, showing that His love extends beyond boundaries. Through Christ, God’s love is fully revealed, inviting believers to trust in His promises and to share His love with others.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the story of Jericho’s fall encourage you to rely on God’s power rather than your own?
2. In what areas of your life can you demonstrate obedience and faith, trusting in God’s promises?
3. How does Rahab’s story inspire you to seek and share God’s mercy?
4. What unconventional “walls” in your life require God’s intervention?
5. How can you share the testimony of God’s power and mercy with others?