Jericho and Firstfruits

The land of Israel is surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. There are not many places where you can enter into the land. One of those few places is a pass just north of the Dead Sea. The ancient city of Jericho once stood there in that gateway.

The archeological mound where the city of Jericho is called Tel Jericho. Jericho is the oldest known city in the world, possibly because it is a lush are with water that feeds the vegetation. There is a tower there that is dated at least 8,300 BC. When Abraham came around the tower was already 7,000 years old. Jericho is also the lowest city in the world. Jericho is located on the connecting road between the King's Highway and the Via Maris.

Joshua tells us that the Israelites were traveling up the King's Highway and then across toward Jericho. God provided a miracle as they crossed the Jordan River. Joshua sent out spies who met a woman named Rahab (possibly a prostitute). She protected them, so Joshua allowed Rahab and her family to go free.

The story of Rahab helps us to realize that we are simply God's tools in His master plan. Rahab didn't know what God's plan for her would be, yet she placed her faith in him. She gave God her security, her future, her welfare, her family, and her allegiance. And God blessed her. In Matthew 1, Rahab is listed as one of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah. (only four women are listed in the geneology).

Joshua met a messenger from God who instructed him as to how to defeat Jericho. The plan was put into action. Jericho fell, Rahab was saved, and the city was utterly destroyed.

God told Joshua not to rebuild Jericho. He said that if anyone rebuilt it, he would be cursed. It would cause the death of that man's firstborn at the the setting of the foundation, and his lastborn son at the setting of the gates (with the implication that all the other children would die in between).

This makes us think about the OT concept of firstfruits. Israelites would give God the first part of their harvest to become ripe. There was even an entire holiday dedicated to this concept. The idea of firstfruits is saying to God, "We know you are the Giver, and we trust You to give the rest, so even though we only have a little right now, we will give it to you in faith that you will continue to provide. A hailstorm could come tomorrow and all could be lost, but still I trust You!"

Joshua was told not to rebuild Jericho, even though this was contrary to the very reason they entered the Land. God had given them the land and now they had conquered a choice piece of property. Yet God was saying, "Give that first part to me. Let it be an offering. I've provided for you thus far, so trust Me that I will provide the rest."

In 1 Kings 16:34, a man named Heil came down and rebuilt Jericho. He took what belonged to God! He said, "I don't care if this is Yours, I'm taking it for myself." He did this at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons. King Ahab was the one who gave permission for him to do this.

We need to be careful not to take what belongs to God and use if for ourselves. Whether it is our money, time, or even ourselves. For those who have no money to give, God says, "Give me yourself and trust me to provide the rest." How could we apply this firstfruits concept to budgeting our time, family, money, job, vacations, etc. What message are we sending to God and to other people with the way we handle the first portions of the blessings that God gives to us? God blessed Rahab and Joshua for trusting Him with their future. Let's apply the concept of firstfruits and see how God will bless us as well.

Source: Ray Vanderlaan, Faith Lessons, Vol. 1