The children of Israel have crossed the river Jordan. Joshua looks over Jericho and has an encounter with the Captain of the Lord’s Hosts. Jericho was a sinful city but greatly fortified. It looks impossible to conquer. There is always a “Jericho” that stands in the way of faith. They could go back the wilderness and die in unbelief or go in faith. See Hebrews 11:30. The walls of Jericho will fall down as a result of faith.

1 – The captain of our faith (5:13-15)

Joshua was suddenly aware of a presence. This person has a drawn sword. He is not for Joshua or for their enemies. He has come to take over rather than take sides. Joshua laid his sword at his feet. Jericho was now God’s problem. This was no problem for God. Joshua was now centred on the Lord rather than Jericho. You need to glance at your problems and put your gaze on the Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to be a conqueror, you must first be conquered. The new commander-in-chief was Jesus Christ.

2 – The compliance of our faith (6:1-13)

God gives Joshua some instructions and Joshua complies. It is not to build weapons of war. It does not seem to make sense to us. It makes sense to God. We are to do what God commands and Jericho will fall. The word of God does not have to be fully explained. It is to be obeyed. The people in Jericho would think the Israelites were mad. It looked like they were playing a game! The people of Jericho could jeer. Soon the people of Israel would cheer when the walls will fall down. We are to trust and obey.

The people could observe Jericho as they went around. It was looked an impossibility for it to fall down.

3 – The continuance of our faith (6:14)

They were going around in circles. Why did God do this? Waiting time was not wasted time. God is never in a hurry. We want things to be instant. Yet God is never late. See Isaiah 28:16 & 30:18. God waits on purpose. He wants to be gracious. He brings glory upon Himself. God is waiting for you to wait on Him.

We go round Jericho six times and get fed up. See Hebrews 10:36. You will receive the victory if you don’t give up. See 2 Kings 5: 1-19a. Nathan had to dunk himself seven times in the muddy Jordan before he was healed. It was only after the seventh dip in the river that the leprosy was healed.

4 – The confession of faith (6:15-16)

There was a shout of victory before the victory was actually won. It was a public confession of their faith. Their march around was a victory parade before the victory. God had told Joshua the city would be taken. See Hebrews 13:5-6. Faith is boldly saying what God has already said. Joshua’s confession brought possession. We need to confess our faith.

5 – The conquest of faith (6:20-21)

Your Jericho will fall if you will follow God’s formula. Let the captain of our faith take control. Joshua did not have freedom from battle. He had freedom in his battles. The people were put to the sword because of the evil practices of Canaanite religions. If these religions were allowed to continue side by side with the worship of the Lord God, they would corrupt the true faith through syncretism – “the combination of different forms of belief or practice.” Unfortunately, the Israelites did tolerate the religion of the Canaanites, allowed it to continue, and it did prove deadly to the true faith of Israel. Faith must not compromise with false religion.”

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).

Categories: Joshua