“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.”
Context:Joshua 6 describes the famous account of the fall of Jericho, one of the first major victories for the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. In this verse, the preparations for the conquest of Jericho are being made, and Joshua is following God’s instructions to lead the people.
Symbolism of the Trumpets:The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns played a significant role in the battle strategy for the Israelites. The blowing of the trumpets had both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, it was a signal to mobilise the armed men and begin their march around Jericho. Symbolically, it represented the presence and power of God with His people. It served as a reminder that the battle was not won by human might but by God’s intervention.
The Ark of the LORD:The Ark of the LORD was a sacred symbol of God’s presence among the Israelites. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented God’s covenant with His people. In this verse, the Ark is being carried before the people as they marched around the city. The fact that the priests were going before the Ark, blowing the trumpets, indicates that God’s presence and His Word were leading the way in the conquest of Jericho.
The Order of the Procession:The verse mentions that the armed men went before the priests, while the rereward (rear guard) came after the Ark. This order of the procession shows the strategic planning of the battle. The armed men served as a protective vanguard, leading the way into battle, while the rereward protected the rear of the marching column, ensuring their safety from any potential attack.
Trusting in God’s Strategy:The obedience of Joshua and the Israelites in following God’s unconventional battle plan is crucial. Instead of relying on human strength and military tactics, they followed God’s specific instructions. The repetition of the process for six days before the walls of Jericho fell demonstrates their faith and perseverance in God’s strategy, even when it may have seemed unusual or ineffective from a human perspective.
Lessons for believers:Joshua 6:13 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us that victory comes through faith and obedience to God’s instructions. Second, it emphasises the significance of God’s presence and Word in our lives as we face challenges and battles. Third, it encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and strategies rather than relying solely on our human understanding. Lastly, it demonstrates the importance of perseverance and patience in following God’s plan, even when the results are not immediate.
Overall, Joshua 6:13 reminds us of the power of God and the importance of trusting and obeying Him in our lives. It teaches us to seek His guidance, follow His instructions, and rely on His presence and power as we face the battles and challenges in our own journeys of faith.
