“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.”
Context:Joshua 6 is the account of the Israelites’ conquest of the city of Jericho. Before this event, God had instructed Joshua on how to take possession of the city. God commanded them to march around the city once for six days, with seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. Afterward, the people were to shout, and the walls of Jericho would collapse.
Obedience and Faith:This verse highlights the obedience and faith of the Israelites. They followed God’s instructions implicitly, even when the instructions seemed unusual or unconventional. They marched silently for six days, trusting in God’s plan. On the seventh day, they demonstrated their obedience by marching around the city seven times and shouting when the priests blew the trumpets. Their obedience and faith paved the way for the miraculous event of the walls collapsing.
Divine Intervention:The collapse of the walls of Jericho was a remarkable act of divine intervention. It demonstrated God’s power and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. The walls were not destroyed by human strength or strategy but by God’s supernatural intervention. It was a testament to the Israelites and the surrounding nations that God was with the Israelites and that they were under His protection.
Symbolism:The fall of Jericho’s walls holds symbolic significance as well. The walls were an imposing barrier that represented the strength and security of the city. By bringing down the walls, God showed that no human obstacle or fortress is insurmountable when He is on our side. It serves as a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible.
Application:The account of Joshua 6:20 teaches us several lessons. First, it emphasises the importance of obedience and faith in God’s instructions, even when they don’t make sense from a human perspective. Second, it reminds us of God’s ability to intervene in extraordinary ways on our behalf. It encourages us to trust in His power and provision, knowing that He can break down the barriers and strongholds in our lives. Lastly, it encourages us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, recognising that our victory comes from Him.
As you reflect on Joshua 6:20, consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life. Trust in God’s guidance, have faith in His promises, and allow Him to bring down the walls that may be hindering your progress.
