Rev. E. Anderson
The book of Joshua is a good bible book for Christians to study for it gives illustration of, we, too, like Israel should learn to possess their inheritance that God has promised in Christ. There are lessons to learn for all. May you discovered much from the following notes.
INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
TAKING A GIANT STEP
JOSHUA 5
PROMISE: 1:3 In the matter of taking Jericho there was to be a great deal of foot exercise. For six days the city had to be walked around once and on the sixth day seven times –6:15. That is some marching! The promise had been given earlier that “every place where the sole…..” This was to be literally so in the taking of this formidable stronghold.
PROBLEM: 6:1. What confronted God’s people was a city that appeared impenetrable. There was both an inner and outer wall of great height and breadth that present a tough proposition to anyone who would seek to enter and conquer. When it was shut up it seemed to strike a negativism in any that would seek to be its victor. It was built with this objective in view so that its people would feel safe and secure in its encompassment.
SOLUTION: Israel certainly required an answer to this outstanding factor. Thankfully there was the Lord amongst them who had all the answers. The Lord is never in dilemma or stuck with any situation but possesses the wisdom and ability to deal with all impossible factors. He is the solution to all problematic situations.
TRUTH: Dr. John Garstang, director of the British School of Archeology in Jerusalem and the Department pf Antiquities of the Palestinian Government, excavated the ruins of Jericho, 1929-36. He found pottery and scarab evidence that the city had been destroyed about 1400 B.C., coinciding with Joshua’s date; and a number of details, dug up evidence confirming the Biblical account in a most remarkable way.” Halley’s H.B.
This was a giant step forward in the conquest of the whole land.
“Jericho was taken by the direct help of God, to inspire the Israelites with confidence, in beginning their conquest of more powerful peoples” Halley’s H.B.
1/. THERE WAS THE AFFIRMATION OF A GREAT PROMISE – v2
God’s people were to deal with this problem under the inspiration of divine promise. He could not state it more clearly or convincingly. They were not to fix their gaze upon the problem, rather they take note of God’s mind and declaration on it. Jericho was cut down to size by and through the word given by the Lord. Because it had been settled by the Lord it now needed to be settled in their hearts as an accomplished fact.
2/. THERE WAS THE COMMUNICATION OF A STRANGE PROCEDURE – vv35
Divine revelation was given on how they should proceed in the overcoming of this impregnable fortress. It was something they have never encountered before and the solution given was humanly speaking, ridiculous. The method by which this stronghold would be reduced to rubble seemed absurd to natural reasoning and logic. Who would have dreamed that solid, defensive walls would fall and collapse by this kind of action! It certainly required faith to adopt such a maneuver.
3/. THERE WAS THE PRESENTATION OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT -vv7,8,11,12
The emphasis of each days movement lay in the presentation of the ark of the covenant in the procession. The ark, as is known, symbolized the presence of the Lord – v8. The material factor was but indicative of the Lord there in a personal and powerful sense. The priests blowing the trumpets were drawing attention to this point and the fact that it was central also attested His prominence abroad the people of God. It is seen in 1 Samuel 5-7 the authority and ability of the ark.
4/. THERE WAS THE PSCHOLOGICAL INTIMIDATION OF THE ENEMY -v14
It was an early morning affair and it was intended to hit and affect the inhabitants of the pagan city in a psychological fashion. They were not at rest and neither were they allowed to rest as the sight and noise of the ram’s horns sounded out so early each day. They were unnerved already and this new experience must have shattered them completely. It was a real piece of mental warfare. It must have sickened them completely as they observed the outward marching of Israel’s forces. The physical walls may have looked intact but the walls within their own persons had already collapsed. When it came to the last day and the march of seven times around their city they knew the situation was beyond their control. Peace prevailed with Israel but panic was within the stronghold.
5/. THERE WAS THE EXPRESSION OF THE SHOUT OF VICTORY – vv16,20
As the people shouted a great shout, giving way to all their inward conviction and emotion, simultaneously the walls suddenly were shaken and disintegrated. The outer wall fell outward and inner likewise, in a moment. Fell like a pack of cards. The Lord inspired and cooperated with the voiced expression of His people. He wanted them to be part of the whole experience of victory. It was the shout of faith and victory. All the pent up feelings broke out with such volume that shattered the quietness and caused creation to join in the proceedings.
6/. THERE WAS THE DEMOLITION OF THE OBSTACLE TO PROGRESS – vv20
Without any modern means of dynamite and explosives, the walls fell apart and were reduced to immediate ruins. What had stood one moment as a towering sight of strength and security was quickly a scene of utter desolation. The obstacle was no more and so Israel could march in and take over.
v20 Dr. Garstang found that the wall did actually ‘fall down flat.” The wall was double, the two walls being 15ft apart; the outer, wall 6ft thick; the inner wall, 12 ft thick; both being about 30ft high. They were built, not very substantially, on faulty uneven foundations, of brick 4 inches thick and 1 to 2ft long, laid in mud mortar. The two walls were linked together by houses built across the top, as Rahab’s house on the wall. Dr. Garstang found that the outer wall fell outwards, and down the hillside, dragging the inner wall and houses with it, the streak of bricks gradually getting thinner down the slope. He thinks there are indications that the wall was shaken down by an earthquake.”
CONCLUSION
The miracle had happened for God’s people and for Rahab who had shown such faith and commitment. It may well have been that her home was the only place standing amidst the devastation.
The Lord’s people were now in the suitable frame of mind to take the whole land. The greater steps could now be taken to possess all.
Barnabas Ministries UK 