March 1, 2025 - Joshua 6-8

The fall of Jericho is one of those Bible stories that, seemingly, everyone knows and sings about.  You know how it goes.

You may talk about the men of Gideon;

you may talk about the men of Saul;

there's none like good old Joshua,

at the battle of Jericho.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,

and the walls came tumbling down.

The spies were sent into the land.  We know how that story proceeds with the spies sent into Jericho and their encounter with Rahab, Achan’s sin and Israel’s defeat at Ai, the judgment of Achan and, then, “the Lord turned from his burning anger” (7:26).  Consequently, the people were then able to defeat Ai in a return bout, and the covenant between God and Israel was renewed.  In all these stories, I find one particular verse standing out:  “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land” (6:27).  God was good on his promise to be with Joshua, and Joshua accomplished such great things that, throughout the land, he was famous.  Oh, for more men like Joshua!

We can shout before the battle,

Glory be to Jesus’ name!

For we have the blessed promise,

And the victory we claim;

City walls will fall before us,

All our foes will flee away,

When they hear God’s mighty army

Shouting on its conq’ring way.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

We the victor’s pathway tread;

Glory for the present triumph,

And for victories ahead.   -- Henry J. Zelley (19th century)