Joshua 6
ONE of the cities that was “walled up to heaven,” now lay before the children of Israel. But the strong walls of Jericho, and its giant-like men of valor, did not give to king and people a feeling of security. God’s mighty hand has been displayed in drying up the waters of the Jordan, and in bringing His people beyond the flood. And now, as Israel lies encamped before that strong city, its gates are kept strictly closed, night and day. None are allowed to enter, and none are allowed to go forth.
As for Israel, What ‘Can they do? They have no battering ram, such as was used in warfare in those ancient times, with which to break down, or force an entrance through those strong walls. And if such an instrument were in their hands, it would mean long, weary labor with uncertainty as to the issue. What can be done? They have simply to wait the Lord’s command. And this is given to Joshua, their leader. Let us follow them as they carry out the word of the Lord. Here is a great, moving company: first comes armed men; following the armed men are seven priests, each carrying a trumpet of ram’s horn, and all of them blowing their trumpets; next comes the ark of the Lord, which is borne by priests, then comes the host of people in the rear. Thus formed, the procession marches about the city.
No doubt this strange movement is followed with eager eyes and anxious hearts from the ramparts of the town they are surrounding. What can it mean? Our more modern men, if looking on, would most likely exclaim, What a company of fools! Well, we have only to call to mind that God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and follow the company, waiting to see what God will do.
Round about the city once, then into camp, and a night’s rest. Up in good season the next morning, and compassing the city again. The third day the same round to be made; and the fourth, and the fifth, and the sixth. Do you suppose the people got tired of their seemingly useless marching? Often God’s people now get weary and discouraged with a ceaseless round of duties and toil in which, it may be, there seems little outcome or profit.
But let us follow Israel further. The seventh day has come, and, early in the morning, at day dawn, they are on the move. Seven times their journey must be made this day — seven times they must compass that impregnable city. But now results are to be seen; they are on the last beat — the seventh round. The priests give a long blast with their horns, and Joshua gives the word — “Shout; for the Lord hath, given you the city.” A great shout goes forth, and with the shout the walls fall down flat.
Let us stop, and wonder, and admire! Who shall now point the finger of scorn? Who shall question God’s ways? Who shall limit His power? May we learn from this remarkable incident, one great lesson; that is, GOD’S WAY IS ALWAYS BEST. At times we may grow impatient; it may seem to us as if nothing was being accomplished; we may think, as possibly some in Israel thought, if we would put our hand to the wheel, we could make it move, while, as it is, nothing is being done. But oh, what a great mistake!. Israel might have made a much greater show of power and energy those six days, than by marching around Jericho. But what could they have accomplished? God’s way of bringing things to pass is as different from ours, and as far above it, as the heaven is above the earth. May we learn, not only that God’s way is perfect, but may we ever be willing to let Him have- His way. This is one of the greatest lessons we can learn, and one of the hardest lessons to learn, for it involves giving up the will. O, dear young reader, may you learn to be willing to let God have His way with you, and in all things. I would repeat, and desire to emphasize it, God’s way is always best.
We would not forget that it was BY FAITH that the walls of Jericho fell down. If we have faith in God, we can safely commit all our way to Him; and, trusting in Him, He will surely bring it to pass. No obstacle can hinder the accomplishment of His purposes, any more than the mighty walls of Jericho could hold Israel out, when God’s time had come for the them to enter the city.
Every doubt in the heart of a Christian is a dishonor done to the Word of God and the sacrifice of Christ.
Messages of God’s Love 12/3/1905