Commentary on Joshua 6:20

Joshua 6:20 states: "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." This verse captures a moment of divine intervention and military triumph, symbolizing faith, obedience, and the power of God in the face of formidable obstacles.

Contextual Background

The historical context of this passage is pivotal. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, are poised to enter the Promised Land and face the fortified city of Jericho. The narrative encapsulates the transition from wilderness wandering to the establishment of a nation in Canaan. The city of Jericho, with its imposing walls, represented a significant challenge, yet it was also a test of faith and obedience for the Israelites.

Main Themes and Insights

• Faith and Obedience: Both Matthew Henry and Adam Clarke emphasize that the Israelites’ actions exemplified deep faith in God's promises. Their obedience to the seemingly irrational command to march around the city and shout demonstrates how faith often precedes understanding.
• The Power of Sound: The blowing of trumpets signifies the presence of God among His people. Albert Barnes highlights that the trumpets were not merely instruments of war but also vehicles of divine proclamation. The sound signifies a call to worship and a declaration of God’s sovereignty.
• Divine Intervention: The miraculous nature of the walls falling is a theme prevalent in the commentaries. It illustrates the principle that human effort alone is inadequate without God’s intervention. Clarke notes that the collapse of the walls underscores God's omnipotence and His willingness to act on behalf of those who trust in Him.
• Covenantal Promises: The conquest of Jericho connects to the broader theme of God fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. Henry draws attention to the faithfulness of God to His word, showing that the victory at Jericho was part of His divine plan to establish Israel in the land He had promised.

Detailed Analysis

This verse serves as a climactic point in Israel's military campaign. Here, the act of shouting is filled with theological significance. The shout represents the culmination of faith and obedience. As Barnes points out, the shout was not a mere battle cry, but a proclamation of faith in God’s promise that He would deliver Jericho into their hands.

The command to march around the city repeatedly is an unusual military strategy. Clarke remarks on the absurdity of such an approach from a human perspective. However, this command serves as a reminder that God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans often defy human logic. The Israelites responded to this command, showcasing their trust in God, which made the subsequent victory all the more profound.

Theological Implications

• The Nature of Worship: The act of shouting as an act of worship is significant. It demonstrates that worship can take various forms, including vocal expressions of praise and faith. The excitement and faith of the Israelites are palpable, embodying an enthusiastic response to God's salvation.
• Collective Accountability: This verse illustrates the communal aspect of faith. The Israelites acted as one body, which emphasizes the importance of unity and collective faith in God’s promises. This unity is crucial for the church today, as it reflects the body of Christ working together to accomplish God’s mission.

Application for Today’s Readers

For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, Joshua 6:20 is not merely a historical account but a source of inspiration and reflection for contemporary faith. It serves as a reminder that:

• True faith often requires stepping out in obedience to God's commands, even when they seem illogical.
• Worship can take many forms, and should be rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
• God’s power transcends human limitations, and the victories we seek in life often require both our action and trust in divine intervention.
• As a community of believers, we must move together in faith, acknowledging our collective role in God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

In summary, Joshua 6:20 encapsulates vital themes of faith, obedience, communal worship, and divine intervention. The victory over Jericho serves both as a historical account and a theological reminder of God's faithfulness and power. This verse encourages believers to engage in a faith that acts, worship that shouts, and a community that moves as one under God's guidance.