God told Joshua that they were to march around Jericho with all the men of war, each day for six days. All were to take part in the march, for we have need of one another. Each has his place and part, but alas, sometimes we leave others to do it all, not feeling our own responsibility. Then too, it is a fine thing to learn to “keep rank” (1 Chron. 19:38) and to work together for the Lord in the path of obedience to His Word. Of course we are not to follow those who step out of rank—who do not walk in obedience to the Word of God—but we will always find those who have the interests of Christ at heart, and with whom we can strive “together for the faith of the gospel.” Phil. 1:2727Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Philippians 1:27).
God did not explain to Joshua why He planned to take the city in this way, for he was simply to obey. This is a great lesson for us all. Some of the people might have thought they could do more in a day than to just go around the city once, while others might have thought it was too much, but the important thing was that the Lord had said they were to do it once, and that was enough for faith. It is a fine thing in the Christian life to learn simple, unquestioning obedience to the Word of God.
Moreover, the priests bearing the ark were to go between the men of war, and those people who formed the rereward. There was that lovely ark, typifying Christ, going with them, but covered over with a covering of blue. It was, as it were, the center. But only faith can see in Christ (the One who came down from heaven) those hidden glories, and when we think of who He is, the blessed Son of God, we delight to give Him the place of honor—to acknowledge His presence in the midst of His gathered saints, He alone is worthy!
After these six days of patient marching, when nothing seemed to happen, on the seventh day they were told to march around the city seven times. After marching the seventh time, the priests were to blow with the trumpets, and the people were all to shout with is great shout. The Lord told then that this was the moment of victory. He said the wall of the city would thin fall down flat and each man was to go up straight before him and take the city.
These seven days were a real test of patience; and so it is with us. This is oar time of patient laboring, and even if we do not seem to see fruit for our labors, let us go on faithfully. For six long days the children of Israel marched around Jericho and nothing seemed to take fruit for our labors, let us go on faithfully. For six long days the children of Israel marched around Jericho and nothing seemed to take place, but they were doing what God had told them, and it was not in vain. Anything done in obedience to the Word of God is not in vain, and we are exhorted in Galatians 6:99And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9), “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
The extra effort of the children of Israel, marching around the city seven times on the seventh day just before the judgment fell, makes one all of how the Lord’s coming is now drawing near. There is, therefore and urgency and extra effort required in getting people out to the gospel in these closing days, and indeed in seeking to bring the gospel to them where they are. Oh may our hearts be stirred up to more energy in the gospel, while the day of grace lasts!
ML 02/22/1953