Winning Strategy
Notes
Transcript
Series: Joshua, Judges, Ruth
Title – Trust and Obey
Verses – Joshua 6:12-25
Subject – Trust and Obey
Central Theme – Trust and obey
Objective Statement – Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Points –
Reality 1 — God's instructions are worth following. (Josh. 6:12-14)
Reality 2 — God's victory is already secured. (Josh. 6:15-19)
Reality 3 — God's power is more than enough. (Josh. 6:20-21)
Reality 4 — God's promises never fail. (Josh. 6:22-25)
Introduction
FIRST THOUGHTS
Parents of toddlers want to teach their children to trust them. Building this trust involves providing for their needs and protecting them. Some parents build trust by encouraging their child to leap into their arms when the jump appears to be a very long, dangerous leap to the child. When the child makes the jump and the parent catches him, both the parent and the child are exuberant. God often calls upon His children to make what appears to be enormous leaps to demonstrate to them that they can always trust in Him as they obey Him.
What is involved in learning to trust someone?
Successful coaches put the right people in the right places to lead teams to victories. Managers increase sales and profits by employing successful plans and processes. But perhaps nowhere is strategy more important than in warfare. Strategy on the battlefield becomes a matter of survival for individuals and
for nations.
What is a strategy? A general definition identifies it as a plan of action designed to achieve a major aim. More specifically, strategy is a plan for military operations or movements during a battle or war. However, the strategy for the Israelites’ conquest of Jericho did not fall into the category of traditional tactics. The ultimate Commander was God Himself, and His ways often differ from our ways.
Joshua was an experienced military leader, but today’s session reveals his willingness to surrender his ideas to the plans and strategies of God.
Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Reality 1 — God's instructions are worth following. (Josh. 6:12-14)
Reality 1 — God's instructions are worth following. (Josh. 6:12-14)
1 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. 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. 5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
(v. 12) God’s plan to capture Jericho was simple, yet unorthodox. The army would march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they would circle Jericho seven times, blow their trumpets made of rams’ horns, cry out loudly, and watch God bring down the city’s massive walls (Josh. 6:1-5).
To carry out the Lord’s instructions regarding Jericho’s conquest, Joshua rose early in the morning. The verb translated rose early appears frequently in the Old Testament in connection with important tasks God assigns His people. For example, Abraham rose early to obey God’s instructions to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:3). Jacob got up early to set up a stone to mark his encounter with God at Bethel (28:18-19). And the Lord commanded Moses to approach Pharaoh early in the morning with a demand to let His people go (Ex. 8:20).
The verb used here is closely related to a Hebrew word that means “shoulder.” The picture is that of individuals shouldering the burdens or responsibilities of daily life.
The ark of the Lord was prominent as the group circled Jericho. The ark, also known as the ark of the covenant, symbolized the Lord’s presence with the Israelites. The ark contained the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded.
After the conquest, the arkwas moved around, depending on where Israel set up its center for worship. For a time, it was placed in Gilgal, followed by stops in Shechem and Bethel. It found a more permanent home when the tabernacle was built at Shiloh.
13 And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the Lord, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
(v. 13) Seven priests accompanied the ark in the march around Jericho’s walls. Perhaps the most significant symbolic number in the Scriptures, seven became a symbol for perfection and completeness. The seven-day week reflected the Lord’s first creative activity, a work that was both complete and perfect.
Additionally, a major Hebrew term for making an oath is closely related to the word rendered seven. An original meaning of “to swear an oath” in Hebrew may have been “to declare seven times.” In this context, though, the focus is not on an oath. Rather, the seven priests blowing seven trumpets of rams’ horns on the seventh day emphasizes that the Lord’s judgment on Jericho would be complete.
A similar concept appears in the book of Revelation where John used seven trumpets to describe future events. Incredible disasters take place each time one of the first six trumpets is blown. The sounding of the final trumpet meant the war was over (Rev. 8:7-10,12; 9:1,13-15; 11:15).
The letters in the Hebrew word for trumpetscan be transliterated as shophar. The Israelites used this instrument as a trumpet of war as they campaigned against their enemies. It also was blown to call the people to assemble (Ex. 19:16). Blowing the shophar on the Day of Atonement in the Year of Jubilee signaled the release of slaves and the cancellation of debts (see Lev. 25).
The latter part of Joshua 6:13 further details the order of the Israelite procession around Jericho. The armed men moved out first, followed by the priests with the ark. The rereward(or rear guard) protected the ark from behind.
14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.
(v. 14) Joshua and his army carefully obeyed the Lord’s instructions, strange as those instructions might have seemed. The Israelites’ faithfulness to obey this unusual strategy reminds us that we need to obey God’s directions even when they don’t make sense to us.
On the second day, the Israelites compassed the city once before heading back to their camp in Gilgal. They repeated this process for a total of six days (see Josh. 6:3). The army was silent as the priests blew rams’ horns and carried the ark of the covenant.
Application
Application
Application Point: We should obey God’s directions, even when they don’t make sense.
Ask: Have you ever been given an instruction or command that didn’t make sense in the moment?
What happened?
Ask: How do God’s unusual instructions test our faith?
Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Reality 2 — God's victory is already secured. (Josh. 6:15-19)
Reality 2 — God's victory is already secured. (Josh. 6:15-19)
15 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. 16 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.
(vv. 15-16) On the seventh day, God changed the battle plan, and the Israelites circled Jericho seven times. Again, sevensignifies completeness.
Jericho was the first city the Israelites faced after crossing the Jordan River. Although not the largest city in Canaan, it was strongly fortified. Its walls may have been twenty feet thick and more than twenty-five feet high. The city also held a strategic position in the central region of Canaan. An oasis on a hot plain, Jericho was known as “the city of palm trees” (Deut. 34:3).
Israel’s attack on Jericho occurred during the spring. And, although the city appeared unconquerable, it was no match for the Lord’s power.
In another shift, the Israelites were allowed to break their silence. In obedience to the Lord’s directives, Joshua commanded the troops to shout when the priests blew with the trumpets (see
Josh. 6:4-5). He also announced the already accomplished fact: The Lord hath given you the city (see
v. 2). Israel’s obedience reflected an active faith that the Lord would keep His word.
17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18 And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
(vv. 17-18) All that was in Jericho was accursed, or set apart for destruction. The Hebrew word translated accursed is cherem, sometimes rendered “set apart.” In the Old Testament, the term can have either a positive or negative connotation. Positively, it can mean sanctifying something as holy and sacred
(Lev. 27:21). Negatively, though, it refers to something condemned to destruction (Deut. 7:26). The Lord ordered the destruction of that which was banned to discourage Israel from following in the idolatrous footsteps of the pagan Canaanites in the region.
The latter part of verse 17 refers to the one exception to the ban. The Israelites were to spare Rahab the harlot and her household because she protected the Israelite spies. The key difference between Rahab and the other inhabitants of Jericho was the faith she had demonstrated in both words and actions
(Heb. 11:31).
Verse 18 includes a strong warning. If individuals failed to avoid what was devoted to destruction, they would be accursed. Their rebellion also would endanger the entire camp of Israel. Because God alone fought the battle and overthrew the city, He alone deserved the rewards. This verse also reminds us of a repeated Old Testament theme: sin always comes with consequences.
19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.
(v. 19) Fire does not destroy metals. Thus, all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass (bronze) and iron were devoted to the treasury of the Lord. We do not know the precise nature and location of this treasury. Some scholars contend it was associated with a particular place of worship at Gilgal. Others believe it simply means that these objects were identified for use in worship.
Regardless, the Lord warned the Israelites not to claim any spoil from Jericho. Their full obedience would ensure their safety and security. As believers today, we also experience victory in life when we obey the Lord completely.
Application
Application
Application Point: We experience victory in life when we obey God completely.
Ask: Why did God set the treasures of Jericho apart for Himself?
Share: God is the Owner and Provider of everything. He led Israel into the promised land. It all belonged to Him, so it was not unkind or unfair for Him to claim the spoils of war for Himself.
Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Reality 3 — God's power is more than enough. (Josh. 6:20-21)
Reality 3 — God's power is more than enough. (Josh. 6:20-21)
20 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.
(v. 20) God made sure the “battle” ended quickly and decisively. The Israelites’ primary roles involved priests blowing the trumpets made of rams’ horns (see v. 16) while the people shouted. God did the rest.
Israel precisely carried out the Lord’s commands (see v. 5). The Hebrew verb translated shouted basically relates to making noise. This could be through one’s voice or through an instrument, like a trumpet. It also can convey raising a war cry, sounding a signal for war, or raising one’s voice in victory.
The verb translated blew can mean “to blow, strike, or clap.” Clapping the hands, as well as blowing the horns, could signal triumph or rejoicing. As a result of Israel’s absolute obedience, Jericho’s wall fell down flat. Throughout the Old Testament, the Hebrew term for fell down flat designates damage, destruction, or death. A related noun, rendered “carcass,” identifies the remains of a fallen beast
(Judg. 14:8).
The inspired writer only briefly recorded the great miracle of the falling walls of Jericho at the end of verse 20. However, this short description coincides with the tone of the book of Joshua. In short, God would fight Israel’s battles and bring victory through His unmatched power. In response, His people were called to total obedience, marked by an unwavering trust in Him.
After the walls fell, the Israelites went up into the city and took Jericho. The Hebrew verb for took usually deals with humans seizing towns, individuals, and spoils of war. However, it also can serve as a figure of divine judgment.
21 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.
(v. 21) The human author of Joshua again emphasized the power of total obedience. God’s people utterly destroyed all that was in the city. This included every person (except Rahab and her family) and every animal. The verb translated utterly destroyed means that the Israelites set apart the inhabitants and their possessions either for sacred use or for annihilation (see v. 17). The word pairs—both man and woman, young and old—along with the listing of specific animals—ox, and sheep, and ass—reinforces the full and absolute destruction of God’s enemies.
Some have questioned God’s goodness in light of His command to destroy the residents of Jericho. The answer lies in balancing the Lord’s love with His righteousness. The Old Testament reveals that balance in the Lord’s revelation of His character to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7.
For generations, God had been patient with the inhabitants of Canaan (Gen. 15:13-16). He had shown patience by withholding destruction for so long. However, the time had come for judgment.
In addition, the Lord understood the corrupting influence Canaanite religion could have on His people, including its prostitution and infant sacrifice. If these influences were allowed to remain, the Israelites would struggle to obey and worship the Lord. To be pure, they needed to completely separate from these pagans and their practices. So, God commanded the complete destruction of the land’s inhabitants.
Application
Application
EXPLORE Joshua 6:20-21
Application Point: We can trust God to do what only He can do.
Ask: What potential victory is God asking you to trust Him to provide?
Every believer should trust and obey God. Here are 4 realities from the walls of Jericho that show us why.
Reality 4 — God's promises never fail. (Josh. 6:22-25)
Reality 4 — God's promises never fail. (Josh. 6:22-25)
22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.
(v. 22) Joshua kept the promise made to Rahab (the woman) in Joshua 2:12-14. The verb translated sware emphasizes the serious nature of this promise. Now that God was delivering Jericho to His people, the Israelites could show their mercy and kindness to her family.
Joshua referred to the harlot’s house. The Hebrew for “harlot” more literally means “woman of prostitution.” Such persons were paid for illicit sexual behavior (Deut. 23:18), had identifying attire
(Prov. 7:10), owned their own homes (Jer. 5:7), and were to be avoided (Prov. 23:27-28). Apparently, God had protected the portion of the wall that included Rahab’s home (see Josh. 2:15).
23 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.
(v. 23) The two young men who had spied out the land and made the promise to Rahab obeyed Joshua’s command. They brought her out, along with her immediate relations: her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had. No one was excluded. Rahab had saved all her kindred.
After being spared, Rahab’s family was relocated without the camp of Israel. They would have been considered ceremonially unclean, so they could not join the Israelites’ assembly immediately.
Joshua 6:25 indicates that once they completed the necessary purity rituals, Rahab’s family members were received into the Israelite congregation (see Josh. 6:25).
By her faith, Rahab experienced the Lord’s mercy. She also became a part of the Lord’s chosen nation and the lineage of Christ. Her story provides a beautiful picture of what God still does for people, rescuing them from destruction and placing them within His family by faith.
24 And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.
(v. 24) The Israelites burnt Jericho. The Hebrew verb translated burnt always denotes literal burning and often designates the resulting destruction. As commanded (v. 19), Israel placed the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron into the Lord’s treasury. The conquered people and possessions were placed under the ban, meaning objects and people were given to the Lord, or they were destroyed. Although house of the Lord usually refers to the temple, it refers to the tabernacle in this context since Israel had not yet built a temple.
25 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.
(v. 25) Joshua honored the promise to spare Rahab and her household because she hid the messengers and kept her promise to not reveal their plans. We also can assume that she kept the red cord hanging from her window as directed (2:17-18).
The statement that Rahab dwelleth in Israel even unto this day suggests that this part of Joshua was written while Rahab was still alive. It also could point to her descendants (similar to how “David” is used in Hos. 3:5). The writer’s purpose was not to date the book but to show that the spies’ promise to Rahab had lasting effects.
EXPLORE Joshua 6:22-25
Application Point: We can live in victory by trusting in God’s promises.
Ask: What victories does God promise His people today?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Reality 1 — God's instructions are worth following. (Josh. 6:12-14)
Reality 2 — God's victory is already secured. (Josh. 6:15-19)
Reality 3 — God's power is more than enough. (Josh. 6:20-21)
Reality 4 — God's promises never fail. (Josh. 6:22-25)
Summarize:
We should obey God’s directions, even when they don’t make sense.
We experience victory in life when we obey God completely.
We can trust God to do what only He can do.
We can live in victory by trusting in God’s promises.
Discuss: Ask: How can remembering what God has done in the past encourage you to trust Him now?
