We’ve heard the story of the Battle of Jericho since we were children. The one theme that bears repeating is how God‘s power was displayed in every aspect of this victory. Notice how often the number 7 appears in this chapter.
Josh 6:4 “And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.”
V15-16, 20 “And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”
LESSON - This exercise would serve as a reminder for all time that God alone brought this glorious victory! Not only did God bring victory for His people, He also brought judgment upon those who had rejected Him.
V21 “And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.”
In the midst of this destruction and chaos, Israel remembered their promise and revealed God’s grace by offering mercy to a repentant sinner like you and me.
V23, 25 “And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.”
I believe tough times are ahead for Christians. We must remember during these times that God is completely in control and is merciful towards repentant sinners who have placed their faith in Him alone. We have no need to fear, but we must do our part to rescue others from God’s wrath which lies ahead.
~Mike
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