Today’s Chapters: Joshua 6-10
Pete’s Thoughts:
Joshua 6
This chapter is so famous there are songs sung about it. But take a moment to look at the details and put yourself in the position of the people involved. Jericho was the first major city that the nation of Israel came to after crossing the Jordan River. God spoke to Joshua and promised that the city would fall to them. However, there would be no sword-blow struck, there would be no clash of mighty warriors, instead the people would march around the city for seven days and the walls would fall down. Imagine Joshua’s face when he heard this for the first time. I’m sure he trusted God to do what He said but it seems like a very strange way to attack a city. Think about what it would be like to be inside the city. You have heard of the Israelites and how God fights for them and now they are coming after your city. Fear has gripped the population and they are expecting either a battle or at least a deadly siege. Instead, the roaming nation approaches but does not attack. They set themselves in order and slowly begin to march their way around your city. I can imagine the people inside the city could not contain their laughter when they saw what was happening. The mocking would be tremendous and the jokes would fly. For six days this occured. But on the seventh, as you know the story, the people marched around seven times and shouted and blew their horns and the walls came tumbling down… All the mocking ceased, the jokes ended, the laughter died on the lips of the dead. God took what seemed foolishness and turned it to His glory. What has He asked you to do that may seem crazy but He has a plan to do great things through it and through you?
Joshua 7
One of the greatest things about the Bible is that it clearly displays both the greatness of man as well as his darkest moments. This chapter illustrates how one man’s sin can so greatly impact an entire nation. Coming off the amazing victory of Jericho, the nation of Israel is looking forward to another great win at Ai. Instead they were defeated because one man sinned. After Achan’s sin was found out, the people stoned him and then burned his body and the raised a large heap of stones over it. Yesterday we read about the 12 stones the leaders of the Israelites pulled from the Jordan River to set up a memorial of what God had done. Here they have a new memorial pile to remind them of what happens to those who sin against God Almighty.
Joshua 8
After dealing with Achan, the nation was finally able to defeat Ai. I wonder what the people of Ai were thinking when they saw the Israelites returning to fight again. They had no idea the change in power that they were facing. Before it had been the nation by themselves now they had the King of the Universe fighting for them.
Joshua 9
Joshua shows his character in this chapter. He could easily have ignored the commitment that he made with the Gibeonites and attacked them. Instead, even though it hurt him to stick to it, he upheld his commitment. Doing so showed the godless nation what it meant to follow a God who always keeps His word – you keep your own word to bring Him glory.
Joshua 10
It is amazing to consider that God actually stopped the sun from setting for an entire day while the nation battled. All because Joshua asked. What does God desire to do for us if we would only ask Him.
