The Conquest of Jericho

Joshua 6 details the famous battle of Jericho, where the walls of the city fall after the Israelites follow God’s unique strategy involving a march around the city and the use of trumpets made from ram’s horns. This chapter underscores themes of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The Divine Strategy for Conquest

• Instructions for the Siege: God gives Joshua specific instructions for taking Jericho. These instructions include marching around the city once a day for six days with the Ark of the Covenant and seven priests blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, they are to circle the city seven times and then the priests are to blow their trumpets. Upon hearing the sound, the people are to shout loudly, and the walls of the city will collapse (Joshua 6:1-5).
• Execution of the Plan: The Israelites faithfully follow God’s commands. On the seventh day, after marching around the city the required number of times and the priests blowing the trumpets, Joshua commands the people to shout. The walls collapse as promised, and the Israelites charge in and take the city (Joshua 6:12-20).

Rahab’s Salvation

• Fulfillment of the Promise to Rahab: Joshua remembers Rahab’s kindness to the spies and her family is spared during the destruction, as promised by the spies. Rahab and her family live among the Israelites from that day forward. This act highlights the theme of salvation and inclusion for those who show faith in God’s people and promises (Joshua 6:22-25).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• Jesus and the Fall of Walls: The falling of Jericho’s walls can be seen as a metaphor for the barriers that Christ breaks down through His death and resurrection. In Ephesians 2:14, Christ is described as our peace, who has broken down the wall of hostility that separates humanity, making the saved one unified body.
• Rahab’s Scarlet Cord: Rahab’s scarlet cord, which marked her house and ensured her family’s salvation, points to the blood of Christ. Like the cord that saved Rahab’s household, the blood of Christ marks believers and saves them from eternal death.

Divine Love and Its Implications

• God’s Guidance and Provision: The detailed instructions and the miraculous outcome of the battle demonstrate God’s love and care in guiding and providing for His people. It shows His active involvement in ensuring their success and safety.
• Salvation for the Outsider: The story of Rahab is a powerful testament to God’s love extending beyond the boundaries of Israel. It prefigures the gospel message that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of background or past transgressions.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Joshua 6 Still Matters Today

• Faith in Divine Strategy: The unconventional method of warfare at Jericho teaches that divine strategies may not always align with human logic. This challenges believers today to trust in God’s plans and follow His instructions even when they seem unusual or difficult to understand.
• Power of Obedience and Unity: The Israelites’ victory at Jericho illustrates the power of collective obedience and unity in fulfilling God’s command. This serves as a reminder of the strength found in unified action under God’s direction.
• Inclusivity of God’s Promise: Rahab’s inclusion among the Israelites emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s promises. It encourages the church to embrace and extend God’s love to all, including those who may seem unlikely recipients.

Joshua 6 not only recounts a miraculous historical event but also offers enduring lessons on obedience, faith, and the expansive nature of God’s love and salvation. It serves as a powerful example of how God’s purposes are achieved and a reminder of the impact of divine intervention in human affairs.