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The Walls of Jericho

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The Walls of Jericho

9 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days” (Hebrews 11:30).

It is an incomprehensible matter — the taking of Jericho! Men have tried to explain the fall of Jericho’s walls in a natural way. The enmity of man causes him to have no fear of attacking the most holy things. Either the miracles of God are denied, or, when the denial cannot be maintained, they try to explain God’s deeds as common, natural things. The strangest suppositions are deemed better “explanations” than what God says in His Word. But all such “explaining” clearly shows just one thing, namely, hatred and bitter enmity against God. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. God has hidden them from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes.

Let it be a serious admonition for us and especially for our rising generation to bow unconditionally under God’s Word.

The Word tells us that by faith the walls of Jericho fell down. In that fall was a miracle of God. For what happened? Israel was encamped in the plains of Jericho, one of the fertile plains of the Jordan. This plain, which required an hour’s travel to traverse either its length or breadth, was of very great importance to Jericho. Jericho was called the city of palm trees because the date palm grew there; there the balsam shrub grew, and many, fragrant roses spread their sweetness. This glorious plain was the gate to Canaan for the Israelites. It was truly a first fruit of the promised land, which could enliven desire for that land.

However, Jericho was an unconquerable stronghold, one of those cities of which the spies sent by Moses had rightly declared that they were walled and very great (Numbers 13:28). How could it be otherwise? Jericho was situated on the highway that joined the lands on both sides of the Jordan. Would not they then guard this gate with a strong fortification? It also challenged Israel’s entrance into Canaan. For although the hearts of the people of Canaan fainted, this did not mean that Jericho intended to surrender without a struggle. The sturdy walls would be able to withstand a long siege. When the gates were locked and barred, no one could go in or out. Did Israel have the arms to batter this fortified city?

No, that was not the way it must be done. Neither Joshua nor Israel would have the honor of conquering Jericho. This first conquered city in Canaan would clearly show that God the Lord is the Victor for Israel. He will contend with those who contend with His people. He drafted the plan of action, and by His power the walls of Jericho fell.

Lo, the Captain of the host of the Lord appeared to Joshua. With unshod feet, as Moses at the burning bush, Joshua heard God’s plan. God will be the strength of His people, and to Him the praises of His people shall be given. They shall conquer by faith. However, that can take place only with the denying of their own strength and wisdom. And it was Joshua’s privilege that he might hold his peace and follow the Lord.

God’s way is never different, although the circumstances may vary. This is the deep lesson which God teaches His people, to find their salvation in Him alone, a way which can only be trodden by grace. Flesh and blood do not teach this to us. That is why the way is so difficult and so impossible; it often leads through such depths so that our soul can learn to give itself into the hand of God in order that the Lord may work.

Joshua kept silence, even though all that the Captain of the Lord’s host commanded was beyond the understanding! Joshua spoke not against that way, but he was entirely submissive. It was past understanding that the walls, the strong walls of Jericho, would fall when the men of war compassed the city six days, once each day, and the seventh day seven times. But Joshua said nothing and submitted himself, trusting the promise of God: “See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.” That word was enough, since it was received in faith.

Who can describe the power of faith in the promises of God? It is a resting upon God’s Word, applied to our soul by His Spirit! It strengthens, delivers, and causes us to be at ease in our greatest needs, in our deepest miseries, in our most dreadful dangers, and in our most indescribable difficulties. It strengthens us in the expectation of deliverance which only the Lord can command. It causes us to sing,

He hears the needy when they cry,
He saves their souls when death draws nigh,
This God is our salvation.

According to Joshua’s command the people marched forth. First the men of war out of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, the armed men; then the ark, with the seven priests who blew the trumpet, folJune lowed by the other men of war out of the tribes of Israel. Silently they marched around the city, day after day, for six days. What a wonderful sight that marching around the city must have been for the inhabitants of Jericho! Perhaps they had lost their fear when nothing else happened in all those days. The wicked sweep away their fear as soon and as far as they can, and do not observe that they are being prepared for destruction.

We know the temporary fear of the world very well. Recall the days of the terrible world war; recall the days of your own oppression or serious illness that brought you near to death. How long did it last? Did it bring us into true humiliation? Certainly not. Our hearts become harder, unless God humbles us by His grace. That grace Jericho lacked. It was ripe for judgment.

The seventh day arrived; the army of Israel marched around the city not once, but seven times. The ark remained in the center, its being the token and pledge of the Lord’s glory. God went forth with His people. The sound of the trumpet was heard, the same sound that was heard on Sinai and at the feasts of Israel. That trumpet announced the victory of Israel and at the same time the overthrow of the enemy. Hear the shouting of the people! Before anything was seen, when the sound of the trumpet was heard after the city was compassed the seventh time on the seventh day, the people shouted with a great shout.

Faith sang the song of victory. Towers, walls, castles, everything collapsed. Nothing remained standing, except the house of Rahab. “The people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” The destruction was complete. Not one escaped. All that was in the city was accursed. That completeness lies in the number seven: seven priests who blew the trumpets, seven days, seven times on the seventh day. Is seven not the number that indicates the perfection of divine works, its completion? God finished it. The first of the strong cities was given to Israel as a pledge of the complete destruction of all enemies. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down; they “fell flat,” says Joshua 6:20, that is, the walls were broken down to the foundations.

When God is with His people, there is no distress. The ark is no more, nor the priests with trumpets, but God is near His people and gives them clear evidences of it. His grace is upon His people. Would not those people, by that same faith, shout, even though the gates are still closed? With my God I can leap over a wall and run through a troop. Yes, the enemy often seems to be strong and powerful, and it can be that the violence of the enemy fills God’s people with fear and trembling. But the exercises of the presence of the Lord cause us to forget everything of the enemy and every one who is an enemy. In the exercise of faith, God’s people may acknowledge with the poet,

Jehovah is my strength and tower,
He is my happiness and song.

Before faith no enemy can stand, no fortress is impregnable; faith overcomes the world. Those triumphs of faith are the firstfruits of the complete triumph which is prepared for the people of God.

Oh, people of God, think back on your way. See how often the Lord gave deliverance in times of great distress, and set you at liberty. Should that not encourage and comfort you in the great conflict which continues here below? For as long as God’s people remain here on earth, they must battle against the three-headed enemy. In that battle the gates are so often closed, and from all sides is heard, “You will never get in!” But has not the Lord given deliverance time after time? And should not our souls trust in Him who cannot lie?

Come, people of God, the trumpet is already blowing; your victory is near. Christ fought that battle in His death, so that by faith in Him you might be the conqueror. His strength was glorified in you when He drew you out of the world and death; when He stripped you of everything to glorify His work; when He delivered time after time. May your eyes be enlightened to look upon Him. May your soul follow Him in quiet confidence. His victory is complete, and soon He shall make you a partaker of His complete victory.

Then no enemy shall distress you any more; then the walls and gates with doors and bars shall never be closed for you again. You shall wear the crown of eternal victory. Oh, may the Lord comfort you with His grace and grant you a little of that faith which can cast down strong walls and towers, so that your voice may also be heard, as that of Israel, to declare the salvation of the Lord. “This people have I formed for Myself,” says the Lord, “and they shall show forth My praise.”

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The Walls of Jericho

Bekijk de hele uitgave van maandag 1 juni 1998

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's