College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 6 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 6
Instructions for attacking Jericho, God gave explicit instructions to Joshua as he attacked Jericho. The men who bore the Ark of the Covenant were to go before the people along with priests who were to blow their trumpets. An advanced guard of soldiers was to lead the way, but the host was to proceed noiselessly until they were given the order to shout.
The city destroyed. The strategy for the campaign was not one which men would devise. The circling of the city for seven days was God's plan, and He blessed the obedience of the people with complete victory.
The sparing of Rahab. Joshua did not forget the promise which the two spies had made to Rahab. He ordered them to go into her house and to bring out all that were with her. Only the vessels of brass and iron, the silver and the gold were spared and put into the treasury of the house of the Lord. When the campaign was completed, Joshua pronounced a curse upon anyone who would rebuild Jericho.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God's ways are not man's ways. Joshua must have thought it strange that he was not given directions for drawing up his army in groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. God did not tell him how to position his archers or to station his lancers. Instead he received directions for lining up the people and ordering them to march around the city.
2.
Firstfruits belong to the Lord. A standing order in Israel provided for the people giving back to God the first crops which they raised in a field. They also were to give God the first beasts born to their cattle. Their firstborn sons were to be redeemed at great cost to themselves. God had ordered them to take nothing of the spoils of Jericho. The first city they conquered belonged to God. Everything in it was dedicated to Him. Such sacrificial giving ought to be the earmark of a Christian. He should give God the first and best part of everythingtime, talent, and treasure.
3.
God-fearing men are honest. The spies had made a promise to Rahab. Joshua arranged for them to keep this promise. A Christian man's word should be as good as his bond. By such honest activities God's people gain a good reputation in the communities where they live. Lives of this nature enable Christian people to fill the role of cities set on hills and candles placed on candlesticks. Thus Christ's followers obey His command to let their lights so shine that others may see their good works and glorify their Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:15-16).
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 6
1.
How many times were the Israelites to circle Jericho on each of the first six days?
2.
How many priests were to go before the Ark?
3.
On what instrument were they to blow?
4.
What article of Tabernacle furniture were the priests to carry with them?
5.
How many times were the Israelites to circle Jericho on the seventh day?
6.
How many times did they circle the city altogether?
7.
How many people were spared when Jericho was destroyed?
8.
What materials were spared from the destruction of Jericho?
9.
What was done with the material which was spared?
10.
What loss would be suffered by anyone who rebuilt the city?