| Series | Readings in Joshua |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Into the Promised land - Aga'i atu i le nu'u folafolaina |
| Colour | Lanu Pa’epa’e |
Scripture Focus: Iosua 6:1-14
Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel. No one went out, and no one came in. Yahweh said to Joshua, “Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty men of valor. All your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him.” Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh’s ark.” They said to the people, “Advance! March around the city, and let the armed men pass on before Yahweh’s ark.” It was so, that when Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh advanced, and blew the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed them. The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the ark went after them. The trumpets sounded as they went. Joshua commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.” So he caused Yahweh’s ark to go around the city, going about it once. Then they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up Yahweh’s ark. The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh’s ark went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them. The rear guard came after Yahweh’s ark. The trumpets sounded as they went. The second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. They did this six days.
- Joshua 6:1-14 (WEB)
Study:
The story of Jericho’s walls falling after the Israelites marched around the city is a powerful example of God’s power to destroy strongholds. Jericho was tightly shut and fortified, a symbol of tough opposition and seemingly impenetrable challenges. God’s command to Joshua was clear: faith and obedience to His specific instructions would lead to victory. The unusual strategy of seven priests blowing trumpets and six days of silent, deliberate marches reflects the importance of trusting God’s timing and methods, even when they seem unconventional or discouraging. Ultimately, when the people shouted on God's command, the walls fell flat, showing that divine intervention breaks down every stronghold, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.
Application:
Today, we face many kinds of strongholds: fear, doubt, addiction, or spiritual attack. Like the Israelites, our fight is not just physical but spiritual, requiring reliance on God’s power rather than human strength. The story encourages us to be obedient to God’s guidance, even when His methods don’t make immediate sense. It also reminds us of the power of unity and worship, as the priests and people together followed God's plan. Our battles may require patience, persistence, and faith in God’s timing. When God calls us to act in faith, even symbolically, He can bring down our personal Jerichos and give us victory in our lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What strongholds are present in my life that need God’s intervention?
- How can I practice obedience to God’s guidance even when His plan seems unusual?
- In what ways can I join with others in worship and faith to face challenges together?
- What lessons does the patience of the Israelites teach me about waiting on God?
- How can I prepare myself to shout in faith when God tells me the time is right?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mighty power to break down every wall and stronghold in our lives. Help us to trust Your timing and obey Your instructions faithfully. Give us the courage to face our battles with unwavering faith, knowing that You fight for us. Strengthen our hearts to shout with joy and praise when You bring victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tags: Joshua, Jericho, strongholds, faith, obedience, God’s power, spiritual warfare, victory, trusting God, Bible study