Joshua 5:13-6:27

February 29, 2004

God Fought the Battle of Jericho           

(This outline influenced by Dale Davis, Joshua: No Failing Words)

Every quarter there comes across my desk a journal geared for those in ministry. The articles offer various solutions to the common problems of burnout, the struggles of ministry, the burden of serving. But when I open it up, I first seek out not the spiritual nourishment it offers, but the cartoons humorously depicting life under the steeple. I shared one cartoon with the pulpit committee in which a puzzled looking man standing at the pulpit announces to the congregation: ‘And tonight, our pulpit search committee will be combining with our youth group for a very unique scavenger hunt…” As we just heard from John, the committee’s work is moving along nicely, so we may not have to resort to that suggestion.

Another cartoon illustrates a problem our passage this morning creates for some. There is a high walled city in the background, presumably Jericho and two ancient military officers conferring over a plan of battle in the foreground. One officer turns to the other with the question: “What would Jesus do?”

That punch line, the mantra of some, summarizes the angst of many over biblical conquests. As we read stories of wholesale slaughter we understandably wonder: “Doesn’t this run contrary to the very mind and spirit of Jesus?” Yet that mind of Jesus is rather conveniently left undefined so that we can fill it with our own soft and malleable images that comfort, but never confront us.

If we jump into the narrative at this point, forgetting the context in which these battles are fought, we will do an injustice to the character of God; an injustice to both his justice and mercy.

When God promised this land to Abram in Genesis 15, it was promised to his descendents who were to return in the fourth generation for the iniquity of the Amorites was not complete. God was patient for hundreds of years, allowing them to continue detestable practices. It would be the descendents of Abraham who would be used by God to punish them for their immorality as described in Deuteronomy 18:9-14.

The sinful practices listed here focus on their desire to obtain the divine plan, to know the mind of God beyond what God has already revealed. For this, Israel would be guiltless in the dispossession of the nations, for they will serve as a tool of God’s punishment for sin.

Yet we, like the nations disposed from the land, fall into the same trap. While perhaps not resorting to the same immorality, we do engage in similar idolatry, wanting to know the plan, being in control of the events, serving our own wills and whims, instead of following our sovereign Lord. The first battle Israel faced in the Promised Land makes clear what their perspective was to be. It also sets the tone for how we must view our lives, living under the authority of our God, submitting to his power.

While such surrender is at first frightening, it is, in the end, the best place for us always to be. It is only when we recognize that God leads the way in our lives for his own glory, then we can rest in the comfort of his guidance. We will cease to be concerned about the details of how and worship the who, our focus is not on the plan, but the person. READ Joshua 5:13-6:5; 6:15-21 

Israel crossed the Jordan, camped on the plains of Jericho, circumcised all their men, and celebrated the Passover. They are now prepared. No doubt talk in the camp was spreading how and when the attack would commence. Buoyed by the hand of God in their lives and the fear of the surrounding nations, one can imagine their boasting of an easy conquest.

Joshua, perhaps on a walk collecting his thoughts, encounters a menacing foe, a man with a drawn sword. Joshua’s question is understandable: whose side are you on? The response sets the tone for what is to follow – “No!” Joshua’s question is out of line. It is not whose side is he on, but who he is; the captain of the Army of the Lord. With no explanation he announces that he has come, the time for talk is over. Joshua responds appropriately, falling in worship on the ground, at last asking the correction question: “What does your lord say to his servant.

In the context of worship Joshua is prepared to follow the directions of his God.

The situation appears difficult. The city is shut up. A siege could take time and cost lives, but God is clear as to the outcome: the city is in your hand. How? The plans are laid out, but they are not military campaigns and strategies. Instead they reinforce the position of God’s sovereignty. What Joshua is to know, what we are to never forget is God’s position in our lives. God’s position is always far more critical than God’s plans. We must know God’s position of sovereign authority. But far too often, we want the plan, the know-how to escape.   

You must know God’s position of sovereign authority.

God’s authority is expressed in personal presence

When God promised Joshua to never leave him or forsake (1:5), Joshua was instructed concerning God’s presence. Now he will experience God’s presence. But God’s presence is not designed for Joshua’s comfort and ease, not for his personal peace and prosperity. Rather, God’s presence expressed God’s authority. Look at the confrontation in Joshua 5:13ff.

When God refuses to answer Joshua’s question in 5:14, he declares himself non-partisan. God is not at the beck and call of political party or denomination. He is not a genie in the bottle to solve our personal problems and then be tucked away for the next time we find ourselves in trouble. It is not whether God is on my side, but whether I am willing to place myself under the sovereign authority of the Lord God.

While Joshua’s question is denied, what Joshua needs most is present. The One before him is the Captain of the army of the Lord. Given Joshua’s response of worship, theologians surmise this is not just an angelic visitor, but the pre-incarnate Christ, the Son of God.

While Joshua was the general of the Israelites, God was indeed the Commander-in-Chief, who answers to no one. The army of the Lord (14,15) is the saba’, often translated the hosts, as seen in Psalm 148:2. In Luther’s great hymn, A Mighty Fortress pictures the truth of this passage:

Notice what the Captain of the Lord’s army says: “Now I have come.”

That is enough. No need to worry. His presence elicits worship as Joshua falls to the ground. His personal presence makes it clear that the battle is already won. But 6:1 paints a desperate situation. The city is shut up tight. What are their options? Engage in a lengthy siege to starve them out? Tunnel under the walls? Ram the gates, forcing their way in? But God’s words are encouraging; v2 “See, I have given Jericho…” as though it was already done. God’s presence is sufficient to calm every worry despite the fears that overwhelm.

As you face the impossible situation, unable to see how real change will take place around you, within you, it is all too tempting to demand of God: “Whose side are you on? Are you for me or against me?” But his answer is always: “No!”

What God demands is not that you fret and stress over every minutia of life, not that you wrestle with each demon within or all the problems of job, friends or family. The place God wants you to be as you face the impossible task of living a life that pleases Him, is to be stretched out before him in worship and adoration. To know his presence is here and is real. Do you trust him as you struggle with your kids, not knowing what to do? The commander of the Lord’s army has come. The constant battle with images and lusts rage on. What is your game plan for riding your mind of them? Begin with the truth that he has given you Jericho in your hand and he, not you, will be victorious. Are you plagued with memories of past failures that keep you from living with any joy? Remove those sandals; begin with God’s authoritative presence.

The trouble is we see, we feel, we know our own struggles and fears far better than God’s presence. “Human need is always more apparent than God's presence for the same reason that the earth always looks flat. The human need is very visible in the sickness, the loneliness, the boredom, and the busyness, while all the signs and symbols of God's word and presence are several miles away in the church sanctuary.” But we must never allow our need to crowd out the knowledge of his loving presence. (from E Peterson in Under the Unpredictable Plant. Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no. 10.)

God’s authority is seen in the covenant

God lays out for Joshua what is to be done. Once again in the midst of a dangerous military campaign we have the anti-campaign. What is critical for Joshua and Israel are not the plans, but the person behind those plans. They must see God’s authority not their success, so God orders the conquest of Jericho to be done so that the emphasis falls on God’s grace, not their effort.

The Ark of the Covenant goes out front. The token of God’s presence leads the way. It contains the law of God which reminds the people of their obligation to honor God with their lives, but also that God has promised to make satisfaction for their sin.

In this God’s grace and justice are proclaimed. If anyone needed a reminder of why judgment would fall on that city, it would be found not in the might or moral rectitude of Israel, but in the demands of God’s Law. Israel, just like the Canaanites, just like you and I, are condemned by that Law. But the Ark which bore the testimony of our failure shows us how God’s grace is ours.

God’s people circled Jericho once a day for six days and then on the seventh seven times. But the emphasis is not on the people, but the ark. Accompanying the Ark were the priests, men normally excused from war, but here they called attention with rams’ horns, focusing upon God’s promise.

I can imagine the look of disbelief on the faces of Joshua’s military commanders after he relayed the non-plan. The people were to do nothing until the very end when all they had to do was shout. With those voices raised in unison the walls would fall down flat (5). Even that was a reminder that it was God giving them the victory. The walls would not topple over from the sheer volume of their war yell, but fall flat, as though smashed by the very hand of God coming from heaven.

The principle remains today. God’s plan of salvation and deliverance is not a plan that man would design if he could or could if he would because of his basic alienation from God and proneness to depend on his own solutions.

As created in the image of God we are problem solvers. Yet the fall so twisted us that our gaze is only upon ourselves. The result is that when we face a problem we can never look an inch beyond our own skills and abilities. But in this crucial area God commands us to not look to ourselves, rather we must look to him.

Our default mode introduces us in the equation rather than faith unencumbered by works on Christ alone. The gospel of free grace is ridiculed as easy believism, yet for those who look to Christ alone soon realize, there is nothing easy about simply trusting in Christ. It goes against every grain of our being.

When you stand facing a marriage that is crumbling, communication is icy or harsh … the gut reaction is either fight or flight. But rarely do we stop and consider the place of God’s covenant in the context of our faltering relationships. We want a plan, but we’ve forgotten the person.

God calls us to place our focus not on the Jericho that lies before us, but the gospel of grace that goes in front of us. The first response to any problem is worship. In that you see your personal failure of God’s just demands, so you repent, confess sin. But confession is not merely naming failures, but taking those failings to the cross and seeing what Christ has done for you there. With that as your framework, knowing your position before God is secure, you may then step forward. But how are we able to do that? How are we gripped with the understanding that the presence of God is ours because of God’s promise to us in Christ?

God’s authority against sin is never to be minimized

While Joshua 6 and its reminder of God’s presence is a tremendous comfort for us, we can not ignore the destruction which took place of all living things in that city. This is an aspect we don’t like to think about, yet its presence demands our attention. In v17 Joshua reminds the people what they are to do: the city is to be devoted to destruction, all except Rahab and her family.

As mentioned at the outset, Israel is not a land hungry tribe displacing innocent people. For generations God’s patience was tested by their hideous debauchery. The destruction of this people was a punishment for their sin. In the same way, we must never soften our offenses before God, excusing our practices as merely cultural expressions, habits or lifestyle choices. The wonder of God’s grace can only be understood when we measure it against our horrific crimes against God. What one of us can excuse ourselves, thinking that we deserve any better, were it not for God’s grace poured out on us?

The ban was universal, but not absolute, for Rahab and her extended family were allowed to live as she hide the spies and professed her faith in the God of Israel. Once again God’s grace is magnified in light of his judgment. The ban also sets the stage for what will come next week, for while it may be easy for us to point our fingers at the immorality of others, the temptation remains also present in us as well. God’s judgment is not just for those outside God’s people, but is severe when those professing faith reject God’s gracious warnings.

How are we to look at this today? We don’t justify this slaughter today either by church or nation. But what is here is for our instruction. As Jesus said he came not to destroy men’s lives, but that they may have life and have it abundantly.(Jn 10:10).

Like the armies of Israel we are called to conquest, but not one of flesh and blood. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10 that although we live our lives in this physical world, our warfare is not the same. Like Joshua on the plains of Jericho, we must learn that conquest is not according to our plan, but by God’s design. Our tactic is to tear down the philosophical presuppositions of this world, point out the irrational and deadly reasoning of our age wherein God’s Law is denied and his grace is rejected. While those around us soften sin and insist their own goodness will enhance their standing for all eternity, we must emphatically say no.

In many ways our world is like Mohammed al-Sahhaf, Hussein’s Minister of Information. You may recall how last year as coalition forces seized Baghdad’s Saddam Airport, renaming it Baghdad International, began flying planes in, al-Sahhaf said: “We butchered the force present at the airport." The next day, April 7^th as US troops penetrated central Baghdad and stormed Saddam’s Republican Palace, al-Sahhaf was quoted saying: “There is no presence of the American columns in the city of Baghdadat all. We besieged them, and we killed most of them."

Referred to as Baghdad Bob by the media, his efforts to explain away coalition force victories as illusions were comical. The simple repeating of mantras of self esteem, of personal achievement, of acceptability to God on one’s own merit will never do. We are all Baghdad Bob’s trying to establish our own record, but it is always comically sad.

With the gospel we are on the offensive, taking ground, moving forward. We are engaged not in a military campaign, but like Israel of old, we fix our eyes upon the promise of the gospel, knowing God’s presence is the answer to sins we face in our life. We hold out that promise to those we meet each and every day. With God as our guide, we know we shall never fail.