(Wednesday)
But before the battle, there was some spiritual work that needed to be done. The Israelites had to be prepared to fight. The men were circumcised and they all celebrated Passover. Interesting timing – They observed Passover before they crossed the Red Sea and then right after they crossed the Jordan. Coincidence? I think not. All in God’s perfect planning. The warriors are now prepared spiritual, physically and mentally for battle.
The way the Israelites defeat the people of Jericho is so unbelievable that you know it was all God. I mean seriously, marching around an impenetrable wall blowing horns and carrying a box? Seems a bit odd to me. But when you know that what is in that “box” and who is leading, well that makes all the difference. And so with a mighty shout and by another great miracle, the walls come down and Jericho is utterly defeated. All is destroyed except Rahab and her family who were spared because of her help with the two spies.
Joshua also places a curse on the city for generations to come, that Jericho is not to be rebuilt. Later we will read of a man name Hiel who rebuilds this city with deadly consequences (1 Kings 16:34)
But there was a guy in their midst who sinned and took loot that was to be destroyed and hid it for himself. Because of it, the Israelites were defeated. Sometimes the sin of one person can affect a whole community. You hear people say “well, as long as what I am doing doesn’t hurt someone else then it’s ok”. But the truth is that all sin, hurts everyone. Maybe not directly, but in some way sin will and does affect us all.
Joshua discovers the truth and sets the people back on the right course. And we learn once again that God does what He says He will do.
I love the battle plan for defeating Ai. It is rally brilliant. And this time they seek God’s guidance before rushing headlong into battle.
There are many times in my life that I’ve rushed ahead of God and then afterwards thought to ask Him about it. That is not the way we should work. When we have decisions to make, we should always seek God first – can I have an “amen”?
Blessings
Pastor Kathy