A shout that shattered the walls

Joshua 6:15–27
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Joshua followed God’s instructions (vv. 2-5). On the seventh day their day began early about the dawning of the day (vv. 15-16). They marched around the city just as they had the previous six days. However, this time instead of going back to their camp, they went on marching six more times. As they came around the seventh time, Joshua said unto the people, “Shout: for the Lord hath given you the city.” So, the priests blew the trumpets, and the people shouted with a great shout. As they did this, the strong wall fell in its place. They had trusted God and He did the impossible. Who would have ever thought of taking a city with shouts and trumpets? 

The Israelites destroyed the city of Jericho (v. 21), except Rahab and her family were safe (vv. 22-23) because she had faith in the living God. In return for information, Joshua’s spies had promised to protect Rahab and her family from the battle (vv. 2:14-15).  Rahab had kept her part of the promise, and now Joshua took time from the battle to tell the spies to keep their part. The loot of the city was to be “devoted to God,” the animals and citizens were to be slain. Here we find the Jews obeyed in every detail and God gave them a total victory over Jericho. God’s purpose in all this was to keep the people’s faith and worship uncontaminated. He did not want the booty to remind Israel of Canaanite practices. 

Application

In the destruction of Jericho and its population God is telling us that He will not tolerate compromise with sin in the lives of His people. God’s instructions may require me to do things that don’t make sense. I may not see the logic of God’s plan until after I have obeyed and experienced the victory.