March 24

Joshua 5-8 (biblegateway.com)

Victory Through Obedience

In Joshua 5-8, the Israelites begin their conquest of Canaan, marked by the renewal of their covenant with God and the dramatic events surrounding the fall of Jericho. In Chapter 5, the Israelites reaffirm their commitment to God through circumcision and the celebration of the Passover as they prepare for battle. God gives Joshua specific instructions for the conquest of Jericho, where the city miraculously falls after the Israelites follow God’s commands to march around it for seven days. However, in chapter 7, Israel faces defeat at Ai due to the sin of Achan, which leads to a moment of repentance and restoration. Chapter 8 concludes with Israel’s victory at Ai, reaffirming that obedience to God’s instructions brings success and blessings.

Joshua 5 is a pivotal chapter that marks a moment of transition for the Israelites as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land. After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites are in enemy territory, but before they begin the conquest of Jericho, God leads them through a series of spiritual preparations.

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Israelites camped at Gilgal, near the Jordan River. The chapter begins with the reaction of the Canaanite kings who hear of Israel’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. They are terrified, as they know the Israelites are under God’s protection and that their defeat is imminent (v. 1). However before Israel can begin their military campaign, God commands Joshua to circumcise the men of Israel as a sign of their covenant with God. This is especially significant because the generation that came out of Egypt was not circumcised during their 40 years in the wilderness, and they had to undergo this rite of passage before they could proceed with God’s work (v. 2-5).

Joshua follows God’s command, and all the males of Israel are circumcised at Gibeath-haaraloth (v. 3). This act of circumcision is a powerful act of obedience, showing that Israel is prepared to follow God’s commands and is committed to their covenant relationship with Him. God calls this new generation to remember His faithfulness and renew their commitment to Him. He then tells Joshua that the reproach of Egypt has been removed from Israel, signifying that they are no longer defined by their former slavery but by their identity as God’s people in the Promised Land (v. 9).

Israel’s circumcision marks a new beginning, signifying their commitment to God and His covenant promises. Just as Israel needed to renew their covenant with God, we too must seek spiritual renewal and obedience to God’s commands in our lives before moving forward in His mission. Reflect on areas in your life where God may be calling you to renew your commitment to Him. Is there an area where you need to obey God more fully or reaffirm your trust in His promises?

While camped at Gilgal, the Israelites celebrate the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land, commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (v. 10). As they celebrate, they eat the produce of the land—the unleavened bread and roasted grain—which signals the end of their reliance on the miraculous provision of manna (v. 11-12). The manna, which had sustained Israel in the wilderness for 40 years, ceased the moment they began to eat the crops of the land. God’s faithfulness in providing for them in the wilderness is honored, and now they will enjoy the fruitfulness of the land.

The Israelites’ transition from manna to the produce of the land demonstrates that God’s faithfulness never fails, but His methods of provision can change as we move into new seasons of life. Just as God transitioned Israel from manna to the land’s produce, we can trust that God’s provision will meet our needs, even if it looks different in each season of life. Reflect on the ways God has provided for you in the past. Thank God for His faithfulness in changing seasons.

As Joshua is near Jericho, he sees a man standing before him with a drawn sword. This man is identified as the Commander of the Lord’s Army (v. 13-14). Joshua asks if he is for Israel or their enemies, to which the Commander replies, “Neither. I have come as the commander of the army of the Lord” (v. 14). Joshua, recognizing that this is a divine encounter, falls to the ground in worship. The Commander then tells Joshua to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy (v. 15). This is a powerful reminder that God Himself is leading Israel into battle, not merely a human army. The Commander of the Lord’s Army is a representation of God’s sovereignty and power in the battle to come. The battle is not Israel’s to fight alone; it is God’s battle, and He will lead them to victory.

Joshua 5 emphasizes preparation for the promised victory and the importance of obedience and trust in God’s provision. The Israelites’ renewal of the covenant, the transition from manna to the land’s produce, and the encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army all point to the fact that God is faithful, present, and actively leading His people. As we face challenges and enter new seasons in our lives, we are reminded to trust God’s guidance, submit to His leadership, and rely on His provision. God is with us, and He will lead us into the victories He has promised, just as He did for the Israelites. Let us follow His lead, obey His commands, and trust that He will bring us into His blessings.

Joshua 6 records the miraculous conquest of Jericho, the first city that the Israelites encountered as they began their conquest of the Promised Land. In this chapter, God gives specific and unconventional instructions to Joshua on how to take the city. The victory is a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty, the necessity of obedience, and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. It also shows that Israel’s success comes not from their own military might but from their trust and reliance on God’s guidance.

Jericho is a fortified city, and its king, along with the people, are in a state of fear because they have heard of the Israelites’ miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (v. 1). Jericho’s gates are tightly shut, and it appears as though the Israelites face a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in their conquest. However, God speaks to Joshua and gives him specific instructions for how to take the city and tells Joshua that He has already given Jericho into the hands of the Israelites (v. 2). Joshua is to lead the people in a seven-day march around the city. The priests are to carry the ark of the covenant while the army marches around the city once each day for six days. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and when the priests blow their trumpets, all the people are to shout, and the walls of the city will collapse (v. 3-5).

This unconventional strategy reveals that victory will not be achieved by military tactics but by obedience to God’s command and faith in His power. The ark’s central role signifies God’s presence, and the blowing of trumpets serves as an act of praise and faith before the victory is won. God’s ways often defy human logic and true success is found only in obedience to His plan. The Israelites’ obedience in following God’s strange command teaches us that God’s plans often require faith and obedience, even when they seem unconventional. Reflect on an area of your life where you may be relying on your own strength or strategies rather than trusting in God’s plan.

On the seventh day, Joshua follows God’s instructions to the letter. He orders the Israelites to march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing their trumpets (v. 6-14). After the seventh time around, Joshua commands the people to shout in unison. As they do, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites charge into the city and take it by force (v. 15-20). The fall of Jericho is a clear demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. It is a miracle that the walls of a fortified city fall down simply due to the faith and obedience of the Israelites, with no direct human action taken against the walls. This victory is God’s doing, and Israel is merely an instrument of His power.

After the city of Jericho is taken, Joshua commands the Israelites to destroy everything in the city, except for the silver, gold, and bronze, which are to be set apart for the Lord’s treasury (v. 21-24). Rahab and her family, however, are spared because of her faith in hiding the Israelite spies and assisting them. Joshua instructs the Israelites to protect her, and she and her family are brought out of Jericho before the city is destroyed (v. 22-23). Rahab’s inclusion in Israel demonstrates that faith in God can bring salvation, even to those who are not part of Israel by birth. Rahab’s story is significant because she later becomes part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

The curse on Jericho is confirmed when Joshua prophesies that anyone who attempts to rebuild the city will face destruction, as it will be rejected by God (v. 26). The city is effectively wiped out and remains a symbol of God’s judgment.

God’s judgment on sin is real, but His mercy extends to those who trust in Him.  Rahab’s salvation demonstrates that faith in God’s mercy can lead to salvation, even for those who might seem unworthy. Take a moment to reflect on God’s mercy in your life. How can you share God’s mercy with others, especially those who may feel excluded or unworthy of His love?

Joshua 6 is a chapter that emphasizes obedience, faith, and God’s sovereignty. The Israelites’ victory at Jericho is not due to their military might, but because of their trust in God’s plan and their obedience to His commands. This miraculous victory serves as a reminder that God is the true source of victory in our lives. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust in God, follow His commands, and expect miracles as we rely on His power. The chapter also reminds us of God’s mercy, as demonstrated by Rahab’s salvation. In the face of judgment, God extends mercy to those who have faith in Him. Let us step forward in faith, trusting that obedience to God’s Word leads to victory and that His power will guide us through every challenge.

Joshua 7 recounts the sin of Achan and its devastating consequences for Israel. After the miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel faces a crushing defeat at the small town of Ai due to disobedience and hidden sin within the camp. It emphasizes the necessity of dealing with sin openly and promptly in order to restore God’s favor.

At the beginning of the chapter, the Israelites are set to conquer the city of Ai, a small town compared to Jericho. However, before they set out, God’s anger is kindled against Israel because of a sin committed by one of the Israelites—Achan (v. 1). Achan has taken some of the devoted things from Jericho—items that were supposed to be set apart for God—and hidden them in his tent (v. 21). This act of disobedience defiles the entire nation, and as a result, Israel suffers a loss at Ai, where 36 men are killed in battle (v. 4-5). The Israelites’ defeat is a shocking contrast to the victory at Jericho, and it leads to a moment of confusion and despair among the people. Joshua, bewildered by the defeat, seeks God’s guidance to understand why Israel has failed despite following God’s instructions.

In the wake of Israel’s defeat, Joshua tears his clothes and falls before God, deeply mourning the loss of life and the apparent failure of God’s promises. He and the elders of Israel fall on their faces before God, crying out to Him in despair (v. 6). Joshua asks why God allowed Israel to be defeated and questions whether God has abandoned them (v. 7-9). He pleads for an explanation. God responds to Joshua’s prayer with a clear and direct answer: Israel’s defeat occurred because of sin in the camp. God tells Joshua that Israel has broken the covenant by taking some of the devoted things and hiding them, which defiled the nation and caused God to turn His back on them (v. 10-12). God warns Joshua that Israel cannot stand against its enemies until this sin is dealt with. God then instructs Joshua to purify the camp by identifying and punishing the one responsible for the sin, as the sanctity of the community is at stake (v. 13). The guilt of one person has spread to the entire nation, and only by dealing with the sin will Israel be able to proceed with their mission to possess the land.

Following God’s instruction, Joshua commands the people to sanctify themselves and begins the process of identifying the guilty party. Through a series of steps, God reveals that the sin is Achan’s (v. 14-18). Achan is confronted by Joshua, who asks him to give glory to God and confess what he has done (v. 19). Achan admits to taking the devoted things from Jericho—a beautiful Babylonian garment, silver, and gold—and hiding them in his tent (v. 20-21). As a result of his disobedience, Achan and his family are taken outside the camp and stoned to death. The Israelites then burn the stolen items, and a great heap of stones is placed over Achan and his family as a memorial (v. 22-26). This act of judgment highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for purity in God’s community. The chapter ends with the lifting of God’s anger, signifying that Israel’s sin has been dealt with and that God’s favor can now return to the nation. The valley where Achan was buried is called Achor, meaning “trouble,” as a reminder of the trouble caused by sin (v. 26).

Sin separates us from God and brings consequences, not only for individuals but for the entire community. Achan’s disobedience in Joshua 7 resulted in Israel’s defeat at Ai, demonstrating that unaddressed sin hinders God’s favor and must be dealt with swiftly. God’s holiness demands that sin be taken seriously, and His judgment on Achan serves as a warning that sin cannot be tolerated.

However, restoration is always possible through repentance and obedience. When Israel removed sin from their midst, God’s anger was lifted, and they were able to move forward in victory. The same is true for us—when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and restore us. Take time to reflect on any areas in your life where sin may be hindering your relationship with God. Just as Joshua was called to address sin in Israel, we must be diligent in confessing and turning from sin so that we can walk in God’s blessing and favor.

Joshua 7 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for obedience to God’s commands. Achan’s sin caused Israel’s defeat and brought about judgment on his entire household, demonstrating that sin cannot be ignored in God’s community. However, the chapter also shows that repentance, confession, and obedience are the path to restoration. As we walk in God’s purposes, we must deal with sin swiftly and decisively, allowing God’s holiness to guide us. Let us reflect on the cost of disobedience and commit to living in obedience, trusting that God’s favor and guidance will follow us when we walk in faithfulness to His Word.

Joshua 8 recounts the second attempt to conquer the city of Ai after the defeat of Israel in Joshua 7 due to Achan’s sin. After Israel deals with the consequences of sin and repents, God gives Joshua a clear and detailed plan for taking Ai.

After the repentance of Israel and the removal of sin, God speaks to Joshua, reassuring him that Ai will be given into Israel’s hands (v. 1). This time, God provides clear instructions for the conquest of Ai. Unlike the first attempt, where Israel fought without God’s direction and suffered defeat, this time, God gave Joshua a specific plan (v. 2-8). The strategy involved placing one group of soldiers behind the city to set up an ambush. Meanwhile, Joshua and a second portion of the army is to approach Ai from the front. Joshua and his forces were to feign a retreat, drawing the men of Ai out of the city. The ambush would then enter the city, capture it, and set it on fire (v. 2-9). God’s strategy this time contrasts with the earlier one, emphasizing obedience to His plan and trust in His guidance.

Joshua and the Israelite army carry out God’s plan as instructed. Joshua and his forces approach Ai, and when the men of Ai see them, they believe that Israel is retreating again, just as they did previously. The men of Ai, drawn out of the city, pursue Joshua’s forces, leaving the city unguarded (v. 10-18). At that moment, the ambush forces, positioned behind the city, enter Ai and set it on fire, signaling the success of the plan (v.19-20). The men of Ai, realizing too late that they have been outsmarted, are trapped. They attempt to flee, but the Israelites from the front and the ambush forces close in on them (v. 21-22). The total destruction of Ai is assured as the city is captured and burned, and its king is taken alive and executed (v. 23-29).

After the victory at Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites to Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, where they are to renew the covenant with God. This is a symbolic act to remind the people of their commitment to God and His law. Joshua builds an altar to the Lord on Mount Ebal, following the command given by Moses in Deuteronomy 27:5-6. The people offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to God (v. 30). Joshua then reads the entire Book of the Law, given by Moses, to the Israelites (v. 34-35). This act of publicly reading the law ensures that the people understand and commit to God’s covenant and His commandments. Both the blessings and curses of the covenant are read aloud, reminding the Israelites of the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.

Joshua 8 is a chapter of restoration, obedience, and victory. After Israel repents and removes sin from the camp, they are able to achieve victory over Ai through God’s strategic plan. The chapter also highlights the importance of renewing our commitment to God’s Word and understanding the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. As we move forward in our own lives, we are called to trust God’s guidance, follow His plan, and remain faithful to His commands, knowing that His blessings follow those who are obedient. May we always surrender our plans to Him and align ourselves with His will, trusting that He will lead us to victory in His name.

In conclusion, Joshua 5-8 demonstrates the power of obedience and the consequences of sin in the journey of the Israelites. The fall of Jericho shows God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, while the defeat at Ai reminds Israel of the importance of maintaining purity and obedience. These chapters highlight that true success in God’s work is not based on human strength but on faithful adherence to His guidance. As we reflect on these events, we are reminded that our victories and defeats are often tied to our obedience to God’s Word and that His faithfulness will carry us through if we remain true to Him.