“And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.”
Historical Context:The book of Joshua records the account of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The city of Jericho was the first major obstacle they faced. Joshua 6 describes the unique strategy that God gave to Joshua for the conquest of Jericho.
The Conquest of Jericho:In Joshua 6:1-5, God instructed Joshua to march around the city of Jericho once a day 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, and when the priests blew the long blast on the trumpets, the people were to shout, and the walls of Jericho would fall down.
The Armed Men Leading the Way:Joshua 6:9 mentions that the armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets. These armed men were likely the soldiers from the twelve tribes of Israel, prepared for battle. They went before the priests, leading the way as they marched around the city.
The Purpose of the Trumpets:The trumpets played a significant role in the conquest of Jericho. They were blown by the priests as they circled the city, creating a powerful and symbolic sound. The trumpets represented the presence of God and His power to deliver His people. The sound of the trumpets was a proclamation of victory and a declaration of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
The Rereward:The term “rereward” in Joshua 6:9 refers to the rear guard or the group that followed behind the ark of the covenant. The priests with the trumpets led the way, followed by the armed men, and then came the rereward. This order was significant because it demonstrated the positioning and organization of the Israelite army during the march around Jericho.
Lessons and Applications:
- Obedience to God’s Instructions:The Israelites followed God’s instructions without questioning or doubting. They trusted in God’s wisdom and acted in obedience. Similarly, as believers, we should seek to obey God’s commands even when they seem unconventional or challenging.
- God’s Faithfulness and Power:The conquest of Jericho demonstrated God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that God is capable of bringing down strongholds in our lives when we trust and obey Him.
- Unity and Order:The orderly arrangement of the Israelite army, with the armed men leading the way and the rereward following, teaches us the importance of unity and organization within the body of Christ. Cooperation and teamwork are crucial for achieving God’s purposes.
- The Power of Proclamation:The blowing of the trumpets and the subsequent shout of the people were acts of faith and proclamation. They declared their trust in God’s deliverance and victory. We, too, should boldly proclaim our faith in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.
In summary, Joshua 6:9 highlights the organized march of the Israelites around the city of Jericho as they prepared for its conquest. It reminds us of the importance of obedience, God’s faithfulness, unity, and the power of proclamation in our walk of faith.
