Conquest of Jericho and Ai
I. Spiritual Preparatory Steps in Joshua Chapter 5 Before the Defeat of Jericho
As the Israelites prepared to conquer Jericho, several crucial spiritual steps were taken to ensure that they were in alignment with God's will and ready for the task ahead. These steps were foundational for their spiritual readiness and covenantal faithfulness.
1. Circumcision of the New Generation (Joshua 5:2-9)
Renewal of the Covenant: After crossing the Jordan, God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation of Israelites born during the wilderness wanderings. This act was a physical and spiritual renewal of the Abrahamic covenant, which included circumcision as a sign of their unique relationship with God (Genesis 17:10-14).
Symbol of Dedication: Circumcision served as a recommitment to God and His laws, symbolizing the people's dedication and obedience. It marked the transition from the old generation that had died in the wilderness due to disobedience to a new generation ready to follow God faithfully.
2. Celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10)
Commemoration of Deliverance: The Israelites celebrated the Passover at Gilgal, marking their first observance of the festival in the Promised Land. This celebration commemorated their deliverance from Egyptian slavery and reinforced their identity as God's redeemed people.
Reminder of God's Faithfulness: Observing Passover reminded the Israelites of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as they now stood in the land He had sworn to give them. It strengthened their faith and trust in God's continued guidance and protection.
3. Cessation of Manna and Eating the Produce of the Land (Joshua 5:11-12)
Transition to a New Provision: After celebrating the Passover, the Israelites ate the produce of the land, and the manna that had sustained them in the wilderness ceased. This transition signified their entry into a new phase of God's provision, where they would rely on the bounty of the Promised Land.
Trust in God's Sustenance: This change highlighted their dependence on God's provision in a new way, reinforcing their trust in Him as they settled in the land.
4. Theophany of the Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:13-15)
Divine Encounter: Joshua encounters a mysterious figure identified as the commander of the Lord's army, who tells Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This theophany (divine appearance) emphasizes the holiness of the mission and the need for reverence and submission to God.
Reassurance of Divine Support: This encounter reassures Joshua of God's direct involvement and support in the forthcoming battles. It reinforces the idea that the conquest of Jericho and subsequent victories would be achieved through divine power rather than human effort.
Unified Explanation of Spiritual Preparation
The spiritual preparatory steps taken in Joshua chapter 5 underscore the importance of covenantal faithfulness, remembrance of God's past deliverance, trust in His ongoing provision, and reverence for His holy presence.
These steps ensured that the Israelites were spiritually ready for the conquest of Jericho by renewing their covenant with God through circumcision, commemorating their identity and deliverance through the Passover, transitioning to a new form of divine sustenance, and acknowledging God's holy leadership and support through the theophany. Together, these actions aligned the Israelites with God's will, fortified their faith, and prepared them for the miraculous victories that lay ahead.
II. The Conquest of Jericho – Joshua 6:1-27
1. Instructions from God (Joshua 6:1-5)
Divine Strategy: God gives Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer Jericho. The strategy involves a seemingly unconventional approach:
- The Israelites are to march around the city once a day for six days.
- Seven priests carrying trumpets made of ram's horns are to go before the Ark of the Covenant.
- On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. At the sound of a long blast on the trumpets, the people are to shout loudly, and the city walls will collapse.
2. Execution of the Plan (Joshua 6:6-14)
Daily March: Joshua relays God's instructions to the people. For six days, the Israelite warriors, priests with trumpets, and the Ark of the Covenant march around Jericho once a day in silence, returning to the camp each night.
Symbolism of Silence: The silent march creates a sense of anticipation and demonstrates disciplined obedience to God's command.
3. Final March and Victory (Joshua 6:15-21)
Seventh Day Activity: On the seventh day, the Israelites rise early and march around the city seven times. On the seventh circuit, the priests blow the trumpets, and Joshua commands the people to shout.
Collapse of the Walls: As the people shout, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites charge straight into the city, capturing it.
Total Destruction: Following God's command, the Israelites destroy everything in the city—men, women, children, livestock—except for Rahab and her family, who are spared due to her protection of the spies.
4. Salvation of Rahab (Joshua 6:22-25)
Rahab's Family Rescued: Joshua sends the two spies to bring Rahab and her family out safely, honoring the promise made to her.
Integration into Israel: Rahab and her family are spared and integrated into the Israelite community, highlighting the reward for her faith and assistance.
5. Curses and Dedication (Joshua 6:26-27)
Curse Pronounced: Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, declaring that the foundation and gates would be laid at the cost of the rebuilder's firstborn and youngest son.
Dedication of Spoils: The city's spoils, including silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the Lord's treasury, signifying that the victory is for God's glory.
III. Spiritual Significance of the Manner of Conquest
1. Obedience to God's Command
The unconventional strategy required complete obedience and trust in God's instructions. The Israelites' adherence to God's plan, despite its unusual nature, underscores the importance of following divine guidance without question.
Lesson: Obedience to God, even when it seems illogical by human standards, leads to miraculous outcomes and demonstrates faith.
2. Divine Power and Intervention
The collapse of Jericho's walls through a miraculous act rather than conventional warfare highlights that the victory was achieved by God's power, not human might.
Lesson: Success and victory in spiritual battles come through reliance on God's power and intervention rather than human strength and tactics.
3. Sanctity of God's Presence
The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, plays a central role in the march, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord and that His presence is crucial for victory.
Lesson: God's presence among His people is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving His purposes.
4. Faith and Patience
The Israelites' silent march for seven days required patience and unwavering faith in God's promise. The seven-day period and the final shout symbolize the completion of God's perfect plan.
Lesson: Faith often involves waiting and persistent trust in God's timing and methods.
5. Judgment and Mercy:
The total destruction of Jericho signifies God's judgment on the wickedness of the Canaanites, while the salvation of Rahab and her family demonstrates God's mercy and grace towards those who show faith.
Lesson: God's justice is paired with His mercy, rewarding faith and righteousness even in the midst of judgment.
The destruction of Jericho, with its detailed divine instructions and miraculous execution, serves as a profound testament to the importance of obedience, faith, and the acknowledgment of God's supreme power in the lives of His people.
IV. Israel is Defeated at Ai – Joshua 7:1-26
After the successful conquest of Jericho, the Israelites face a surprising and devastating defeat at the small city of Ai. Confident from their previous victory, Joshua sends a small force to capture Ai, but the Israelites are routed by the defenders, leading to the death of about 36 men.
This unexpected defeat causes great distress among the people and Joshua, who seeks God's guidance to understand the cause of their failure. God reveals that Israel's defeat is due to sin within the camp—specifically, Achan's disobedience in taking some of the devoted items from Jericho, which were supposed to be destroyed or dedicated to the Lord.
As a result, God's favor was withdrawn from the Israelites until the sin was addressed. Joshua is instructed to sanctify the people and to root out the sin so that Israel can be restored to God's favor which it did in identifying, judging and executing Achan and his family for this treachery.
Three Reasons Why Israel Failed at Ai
1. Disobedience and Sin in the Camp:
Achan's Sin: Achan took some of the devoted items (clothing, silver and a bar of gold) from Jericho, directly disobeying God's command that all such items be destroyed or given to the Lord's treasury. This sin was hidden from Joshua and the rest of Israel, but it caused God to withdraw His support, leading to their defeat at Ai.
Lesson: Sin and disobedience, even by one individual, can have serious consequences for the entire community, especially when it involves violating God's explicit commands.
2. Overconfidence and Lack of Consultation with God:
Underestimation of the Enemy: After the triumph at Jericho, the Israelites became overconfident. Joshua and the leaders did not seek God's guidance before attacking Ai, assuming that a small force would be sufficient. This lack of dependence on God led to poor strategic decisions.
Lesson: Overconfidence and failure to seek God's direction can lead to misguided decisions and defeat, even in situations that seem straightforward.
3. Failure to Address Hidden Sin:
Corporate Responsibility: The hidden sin of Achan affected the entire nation. The defeat at Ai highlights the principle of collective responsibility, where the community as a whole suffers because of the actions of one member. Israel's failure to address and uncover this sin before the battle led to their defeat.
Lesson: Unaddressed sin within a community, of even one or more members, can undermine collective efforts and lead to failure, emphasizing the importance of holiness and transparency required of everyone in the body not just the leaders.
In summary, Israel's defeat at Ai was due to disobedience (Achan's sin), overconfidence, lack of reliance on God and the failure to address hidden sin. This event underscores the critical importance of obedience, humility, and accountability in maintaining God's favor and achieving progress in personal as well as corporate spiritual growth. It's important that we as individual members of the church regularly examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith, as Paul says in I Corinthians 13:5.
V. Israel's Victory over Ai – Joshua 8:1-29
After their initial defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin, the Israelites regroup under Joshua's leadership, now with God's guidance. Following God's instructions, Joshua devises a new battle plan that leads to a decisive victory over Ai.
Original Plan that Failed
Lack of Divine Guidance: The initial plan involved sending a small contingent of troops to take Ai, based on the assumption that the city was weak and easily conquerable. This plan was made without seeking God's counsel, reflecting overconfidence and a reliance on human assessment rather than divine guidance.
Insufficient Forces: Joshua initially sent only about 3,000 men, underestimating the strength of Ai's defenders. The Israelites were overpowered and forced to retreat, resulting in the death of about 36 soldiers and demoralizing the nation.
New Battle Plan Given by God
Divine Strategy: This time, God provides Joshua with a detailed battle plan. The strategy involves setting an ambush behind the city. Joshua is to lead a main force against Ai, drawing the city's defenders out. Meanwhile, a second contingent hides behind the city.
Luring the Enemy: As Joshua and the main force approach Ai, they feign a retreat, as they had done during the first failed attempt. The defenders of Ai, thinking the Israelites are again fleeing, pursue them, leaving the city unprotected.
Ambush and Complete Victory: With the city's defenses emptied, the ambush force enters Ai, sets it on fire, and then the main force turns back to defeat the now-surrounded defenders. The entire city and its king are destroyed, and the victory is complete.
Reasons Why God's Plan Was Superior
1. Divine Guidance and Assurance
God's Presence: Unlike the first attempt, the new plan was directly given by God, who assured Joshua of victory. The plan was executed with the knowledge that God was with them, restoring confidence and morale among the Israelites.
2. Comprehensive and Strategic Approach
Use of Ambush: God's plan involved a complex military strategy, including the use of an ambush, which demonstrated superior tactical thinking compared to the simplistic frontal assault in the first attempt. The ambush ensured that Ai's forces were drawn out and isolated, making them vulnerable.
3. Complete Obedience and Execution
Following God's Instructions: The Israelites followed God's plan precisely, without deviation. Their obedience led to a flawless execution of the strategy, ensuring a total victory.
In summary, Israel's victory over Ai demonstrates the stark difference between human-centered planning and divinely guided strategy. The new plan, given by God, was superior because it was comprehensive, strategic, and executed under divine authority, leading to a successful conquest and the complete destruction of Ai. This victory reinforced the importance of seeking God's guidance and obeying His commands in every endeavor.
VI. The Altar on Mt. Ebal – Joshua 8:30 – 35
Significance of Joshua Building an Altar on Mt. Ebal After the Victory Over Ai.
After the Israelites' victory over Ai, Joshua leads the people in a significant religious ceremony on Mount Ebal, which involves the construction of an altar to the Lord and the renewal of the covenant. This event holds profound spiritual and theological significance.
1. Covenant Renewal and Obedience to God's Law
Fulfillment of Moses' Command: Joshua's actions on Mount Ebal fulfill the command given by Moses in Deuteronomy 27:2-8. Moses had instructed the Israelites that when they entered the Promised Land, they were to build an altar on Mount Ebal, write the law on stones, and renew their covenant with God. Joshua's adherence to this command demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's law.
Renewal of the Covenant: The altar and the subsequent reading of the law represent a formal renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. By doing this, Joshua reaffirms Israel's commitment to the covenant, reminding the people of their obligations under God's law and His promises to them.
2. Symbolism of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim: These two mountains hold symbolic significance in the covenant ceremony. Mount Ebal, where the altar is built, represents the curses associated with disobedience to the covenant, while Mount Gerizim, where blessings are pronounced, symbolizes the blessings for obedience. By constructing the altar on Mount Ebal, Joshua acknowledges the seriousness of the covenant and the consequences of failing to uphold it.
Balance of Blessings and Curses: The public reading of both the blessings and curses from the law emphasizes that the covenant relationship with God involves both rewards for obedience and consequences for disobedience. It serves as a comprehensive reminder of the full scope of the law and the seriousness with which it should be regarded.
3. Public Worship and National Unity
Inclusive Worship: The ceremony on Mount Ebal is a public act of worship that involves the entire nation—men, women, children, and even the foreigners living among them. This inclusivity reinforces the idea that the covenant with God encompasses the entire community, uniting them under the shared law and worship of Yahweh.
National Identity: By gathering the entire nation for this ceremony, Joshua strengthens the Israelites' sense of national identity as God's chosen people. The act of worship on Mount Ebal serves to solidify their unity and collective commitment to living according to God's commands as they continue to conquer and settle the Promised Land.
4. Thanksgiving and Sacrifice
Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings: The altar built on Mount Ebal is used to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. Burnt offerings symbolize atonement and complete dedication to God, while peace offerings signify thanksgiving and fellowship with God. These sacrifices express the Israelites' gratitude for their recent victories and their reliance on God for continued success and protection.
Acknowledgment of God's Role in Victory: By offering sacrifices on the altar immediately after the victory over Ai, Joshua and the Israelites acknowledge that their success is due to God's power and favor. It is an act of thanksgiving and recognition that God is the source of their strength and victory.
Conclusion
The building of the altar on Mount Ebal after the victory over Ai is a significant act that underscores several key themes: covenant renewal and obedience to God's law, the duality of blessings and curses in the covenant, the importance of public worship and national unity, and the acknowledgment of God's role in Israel's victories. This event serves as a spiritual and national milestone, reinforcing the Israelites' identity as God's people and their commitment to live according to His commands in the Promised Land.
Lesson
In Joshua chapters 5-8, a central and overarching lesson revolves around obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of disobedience. We learn that success and blessings come through obedience to God, while disobedience leads to failure and suffering sooner or later, there's no escaping it.
The narrative encourages maintaining a close, obedient relationship with God, understanding that even small acts of disobedience can have significant consequences, but also that repentance and renewed faithfulness can restore God's favor.