Joshua 6:1
Verse
Context
The Walls of Jericho
1Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
Sermons
Brent Yim
Robert B. ThompsonPhil Beach Jr.Phil Beach Jr.Richard E. Bieber
J. Wilbur Chapman
George WarnockSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now Jericho was straitly shut up - The king of Jericho, finding that the spies had escaped, though the city was always kept shut by night, took the most proper precaution to prevent every thing of the kind in future, by keeping the city shut both day and night, having, no doubt, laid in a sufficiency of provisions to stand a siege, being determined to defend himself to the uttermost.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When Joshua had taken off his shoes, the prince of the army of God made known to him the object of his coming (Jos 6:2-5). But before relating the message, the historian first of all inserts a remark concerning the town of Jericho, in the form of an explanatory clause, for the purpose of showing the precise meaning of the declaration which follows. (Note: If there is any place in which the division of chapters is unsuitable, it is so here; for the appearance of the prince of the angels does not terminate with Jos 5:15, but what he had come to communicate follows in Jos 6:2-5, and Jos 6:1 merely contains an explanatory clause inserted before his message, which serves to throw light upon the situation (vid., Ewald, 341). If we regard the account of the appearance of the angel as terminating with Jos 5:15, as Knobel and other commentators have done, we must of necessity assume either that the account has come down to us in a mutilated form, or that the appearance ceased without any commission being given. The one is as incredible as the other. The latter especially is without analogy; for the appearance in Act 10:9., which O. v. Gerlach cites as similar, contains a very distinct explanation in Act 10:13-16.) This meaning is to be found not merely in the fact that the Lord was about to give Jericho into the hands of the Israelites, but chiefly in the fact that the town which He was about to give into their hands was so strongly fortified. Jos 6:1 "Jericho was shutting its gates (vid., Jdg 9:51), and closely shut." The participles express the permanence of the situation, and the combination of the active and passive in the emphatic form מסגּרת (lxx συγκεκλεισμένη καὶ ὠχυρωμένη; Vulg. clausa erat atque munita) serves to strengthen the idea, to which still further emphasis is given by the clause, "no one was going out and in," i.e., so firmly shut that no one could get out or in. Jos 6:2-5 "And the Lord said to Joshua:" this is the sequel to Jos 5:15, as Jos 6:1 is merely a parenthesis and Jehovah is the prince of the army of Jehovah (Jos 5:14), or the angel of Jehovah, who is frequently identified with Jehovah (see Pentateuch, pp. 106ff.). "See, I have given into thy hand Jericho and its king, and the mighty men of valour." ("Have given," referring to the purpose of God, which was already resolved upon, though the fulfilment was still in the future.) "The mighty men of valour" (brave warriors) is in apposition to Jericho, regarded as a community, and its king. In Jos 6:3-5 there follows an explanation of the way in which the Lord would give Jericho into the hand of Joshua. All the Israelitish men of war were to go round the town once a day for six days. אחת פּעם ... הקּיף, "going round about the city once," serves as a fuller explanation of סבּותם ("ye shall compass"). As they marched in this manner round the city, seven priests were to carry seven jubilee trumpets before the ark, which implies that the ark itself was to be carried round the city in solemn procession. But on the seventh day they were to march round the town seven times, and the priests to blow the trumpets; and when there was a blast with the jubilee horn, and the people on hearing the sound of the trumpet raised a great cry, the wall of the town should fall down "under itself." The "jubilee trumpets" (Eng. Ver. "trumpets of rams' horns") are the same as the "jubilee horn" (Eng. Ver. "rams' horn") in Jos 6:5, for which the abbreviated form shophar (trumpet, Jos 6:5; cf. Exo 19:16) or jobel (jubilee: Exo 19:13) is used. They were not the silver trumpets of the priests (Num 10:1.), but large horns, or instruments in the shape of a horn, which gave a loud far-sounding tone (see at Lev 23:24; Lev 25:11). For בש תּקע, blow the trumpet (lit. strike the trumpet), in Jos 6:4, בּקּרן משׁך, draw with the horn, i.e., blow the horn with long-drawn notes, is used in Jos 6:5 (see at Exo 19:13). The people were then to go up, i.e., press into the town over the fallen wall; "every one straight before him," i.e., every one was to go straight into the town without looking round at his neighbour either on the right hand or on the left (vid., Jos 6:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now Jericho was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel,.... Or "it shut up", or "was shutting, and was shut up" (u); that is, the king and the inhabitants shut it up within; the Targum says with iron doors, and bars of brass, and it was blocked up without by the children of Israel: none went out and none came in; none of their forces went out to make a sally on the Israelites, or to seek to make peace with them; nor any of their neighbours went in to them, to carry them any provision, or to assist them, or to be sheltered by them, not being able to do it because of the camp of Israel. (u) "claudens et clausa", Montanus, Vatablus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a contest between God and the men of Jericho, and their different resolutions, upon which it is easy to say whose word shall prevail. I. Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master, Jos 6:1. It was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel. It did shut up, and it was shut up (so it is in the margin); it did shut up itself, being strongly fortified both by art and nature, and it was shut up by the obstinacy and resolution of the inhabitants, who agreed never to surrender nor so much as sound a parley; none went out as deserters or to treat of peace, nor were any admitted in to offer peace. Thus were they infatuated, and their hearts hardened to their own destruction - the miserable case and character of all those that strengthen themselves against the Almighty, Job 15:25. II. God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly, The captain of the Lord's host, here called Jehovah, taking notice how strongly Jericho was fortified and how strictly guarded, and knowing Joshua's thoughts and cares about reducing it, and perhaps his fears of a disgrace there and of stumbling at the threshold, gave him here all the assurance he could desire of success (Jos 6:2): See, I have given into thy hand Jericho. Not, "I will do it, but, I have done it; it is all thy own, as sure as if it were already in thy possession." It was designed that this city, being the first-fruits of Canaan, should be entirely devoted to God, and that neither Joshua nor Israel should ever be one mite the richer for it, and yet it is here said to be given into their hand; for we must reckon that most our own which we have an opportunity of honouring God with and employing in his service. Now. 1. The captain of the Lord's host gives directions how the city should be besieged. No trenches are to be opened, no batteries erected, nor battering rams drawn up, nor any military preparations made; but the ark of God must be carried by the priests round the city once a day for six days together, and seven times the seventh day, attended by the men of war in silence, the priests all the while blowing with trumpets of rams' horns, Jos 6:3, Jos 6:4. This was all they were to do. 2. He assures them that on the seventh day before night they should, without fail, be masters of the town. Upon a signal given, they must all shout, and immediately the wall should fall down, which would not only expose the inhabitants, but so dispirit them that they would not be able to make any resistance, Jos 6:5. God appointed this way, (1.) To magnify his own power, that he might be exalted in his own strength (Psa 21:13), not in the strength of instruments. God would hereby yet further make bare his own almighty arm for the encouragement of Israel and the terror and confusion of the Canaanites. (2.) To put an honour upon his ark, the instituted token of his presence, and to give a reason for the laws by which the people were obliged to look upon it with the most profound veneration and respect. When, long after this, the ark was brought into the camp without orders from God, it was looked upon as a profanation of it, and the people paid dearly for their presumption, Sa1 4:3, etc. but now that it was done by the divine appointment it was an honour to the ark of God, and a great encouragement to the faith of Israel. (3.) It was likewise to put honour upon the priests, who were appointed upon this occasion to carry the ark and sound the trumpets. Ordinarily the priests were excused from war, but that this privilege, with other honours and powers that the law had given them, might not be grudged them, in this service they are principally employed, and so the people are made sensible what blessings they were to the public and how well worthy of all the advantages conferred upon them. (4.) It was to try the faith, obedience, and patience, of the people, to try whether they would observe a precept which to human policy seemed foolish to obey and believe a promise which in human probability seemed impossible to be performed. They were also proved whether they could patiently bear the reproaches of their enemies and patiently wait for the salvation of the Lord. Thus by faith, not by force, the walls of Jericho fell down. (5.) It was to encourage the hope of Israel with reference to the remaining difficulties that were before them. That suggestion of the evil spies that Canaan could never be conquered because the cities were walled up to heaven (Deu 1:28) would by this be for ever silenced. The strongest and highest walls cannot hold out against Omnipotence; they needed not to fight, and therefore needed not to fear, because God fought for them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:1 Jericho guarded two important entrances into the heart of the hill country. If the Israelites did not conquer the city first, they would leave a well-armed enemy at their back, standing between the Israelite forces and their families encamped at Gilgal. They had to conquer Jericho first.
Joshua 6:1
The Walls of Jericho
1Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Faithfulness of God
By Brent Yim1.1K57:38JOS 6:1
This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God, highlighting the importance of surrendering to Him and trusting in His promises. It explores the story of Rahab, showcasing how faith and obedience can lead to salvation and blessings for oneself and even extended to family members. The message encourages believers to heed God's warnings, avoid resurrecting past strongholds, and trust in His faithfulness to bring victory and fame to those who honor Him.
Preparing for the Conflict
By Robert B. Thompson5541:00:52JOS 6:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord. He highlights the need for internal conquest, where we allow Jesus to give us victory over our wrongdoings. Once we are ready, God will bring his law and righteousness into the earth through his army. The speaker also challenges the belief that simply going through the Four Steps of Salvation guarantees salvation, emphasizing that the Bible envisions an army of faithful and righteous individuals.
Spiritual Warfare - Perseverance
By Phil Beach Jr.3152:00Spiritual WarfarePerseveranceJOS 6:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of perseverance in spiritual warfare, drawing from the story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho. He outlines three key aspects: the necessity of patience, the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the need for increased prayer leading up to victory. Beach encourages believers to surround their personal 'Jerichos' with prayer and to remain steadfast even when results are not immediately visible. He reminds the congregation that true strength comes from reliance on the Holy Spirit and that enduring through spiritual battles ultimately benefits the church and glorifies God.
Spiritual Warfare - He Helpeth
By Phil Beach Jr.2938:29Intercessory PrayerSpiritual WarfareJOS 6:1EPH 6:12Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of spiritual warfare, urging believers to stand firm on God's promises and engage in intercessory prayer. He draws parallels between the Israelites' preparation at Gilgal and the necessary spiritual disciplines Christians must practice, such as spiritual circumcision, celebrating Christ as our Passover, and walking in truth. Beach highlights that victory over spiritual Jerichos—representing sin and demonic strongholds—requires faith, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He encourages the congregation to take hold of God's Word and combine it with the power of the Holy Spirit to confront and overcome the works of the devil. Ultimately, he reminds believers that the battle belongs to the Lord, and through trust and obedience, they can achieve spiritual victory.
Jericho
By Richard E. Bieber0JOS 6:1MAT 9:36MAT 10:1LUK 4:18JHN 4:35Richard E. Bieber delivers a powerful sermon on the significance of everyday tasks in fulfilling God's purpose of shaking the city of Babylon. He emphasizes that caring for children, working, and doing chores are all part of the spiritual battle to bring God's kingdom on earth. Drawing inspiration from the story of Jericho, he explains the three stages of taking the city: patient observation, unified praise, and conquering evil by freeing the captives.
Five Kings in a Cave
By J. Wilbur Chapman0GEN 3:15JOS 1:5JOS 6:1JOS 8:1JOS 10:8JOS 10:12ROM 8:311CO 10:13JAS 4:71JN 1:9J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the practical and helpful illustrations from the history of the children of Israel, emphasizing the importance of learning from their story as examples for us today. He delves into various incidents such as the crossing of the Jordan River, Rahab's faith, the warning from Achan's sin, the deception of the Gibeonites, and the victory over the Amorites. Chapman highlights the sure deliverance God provides in our battles against sin, drawing parallels between the struggles of the Israelites and our own battles with our old nature, the world's influences, and individual sins. He concludes with a call to put our sins at the feet of Jesus, expecting complete deliverance and victory.
A Crippled Army Against the Canaanites
By George Warnock0JOS 5:2JOS 6:1PSA 20:71CO 1:272CO 12:9George Warnock preaches about the unconventional ways in which God worked through the second generation of Israel after the Exodus. Despite being unskilled in war, God commanded all the young men to be circumcised, leaving the armies of Israel incapacitated and exposed. This act of obedience led to the terror of the Lord gripping the inhabitants of Jericho. Additionally, their unconventional war tactics of priests in white robes, carrying a little box covered with gold, and blowing trumpets, resulted in the walls of Jericho falling flat, showcasing how God uses weakness and foolishness to display His power.
The Capture of Jericho
By T. Austin-Sparks0JOS 6:1MAT 13:3JHN 17:51CO 1:271CO 12:9PHP 3:14T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the significance of the capture of Jericho in the Book of Joshua, symbolizing the transition to a new ground of resurrection life and complete separation from the world's power. The chapter illustrates God's desire for His people to be absolutely separated from worldly authority, out of His love and care. The story of Jericho emphasizes the importance of spiritual completeness and the power of Christ over all other forces, requiring believers to be on heavenly ground to experience His strength and sufficiency.
Positive Divine Law
By Benjamin Franklin0GEN 22:1EXO 12:1NUM 21:8JOS 6:1MRK 16:16Benjamin Franklin preaches about the distinction between positive divine law and moral law, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments even when they may not seem to have intrinsic value or reason. He uses examples from the Bible, such as the obedience of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and the Israelites' obedience in various situations, to illustrate the significance of faith and submission to divine authority. Franklin highlights the trials of faith faced by individuals like Naaman, Joshua, and those who were commanded to be baptized, showing that true obedience requires trust in God's wisdom and authority, even when His commands may not be fully understood.
By Faith the Walls of Jericho Fell Down
By Joshua Daniel0JOS 1:7JOS 5:13JOS 6:1PRO 28:13HEB 11:30JAS 4:81JN 1:7Joshua Daniel preaches on the heroes of faith, focusing on Joshua's characteristics that made him a hero of faith. He emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous in obeying the Lord, meditating on God's Word to combat negative thoughts, and exercising faith even in seemingly impossible situations like the walls of Jericho. Joshua's example teaches us the significance of true fellowship with God's servants, crucifixion of self, and submission to God's will for spiritual growth and leadership.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now Jericho was straitly shut up - The king of Jericho, finding that the spies had escaped, though the city was always kept shut by night, took the most proper precaution to prevent every thing of the kind in future, by keeping the city shut both day and night, having, no doubt, laid in a sufficiency of provisions to stand a siege, being determined to defend himself to the uttermost.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When Joshua had taken off his shoes, the prince of the army of God made known to him the object of his coming (Jos 6:2-5). But before relating the message, the historian first of all inserts a remark concerning the town of Jericho, in the form of an explanatory clause, for the purpose of showing the precise meaning of the declaration which follows. (Note: If there is any place in which the division of chapters is unsuitable, it is so here; for the appearance of the prince of the angels does not terminate with Jos 5:15, but what he had come to communicate follows in Jos 6:2-5, and Jos 6:1 merely contains an explanatory clause inserted before his message, which serves to throw light upon the situation (vid., Ewald, 341). If we regard the account of the appearance of the angel as terminating with Jos 5:15, as Knobel and other commentators have done, we must of necessity assume either that the account has come down to us in a mutilated form, or that the appearance ceased without any commission being given. The one is as incredible as the other. The latter especially is without analogy; for the appearance in Act 10:9., which O. v. Gerlach cites as similar, contains a very distinct explanation in Act 10:13-16.) This meaning is to be found not merely in the fact that the Lord was about to give Jericho into the hands of the Israelites, but chiefly in the fact that the town which He was about to give into their hands was so strongly fortified. Jos 6:1 "Jericho was shutting its gates (vid., Jdg 9:51), and closely shut." The participles express the permanence of the situation, and the combination of the active and passive in the emphatic form מסגּרת (lxx συγκεκλεισμένη καὶ ὠχυρωμένη; Vulg. clausa erat atque munita) serves to strengthen the idea, to which still further emphasis is given by the clause, "no one was going out and in," i.e., so firmly shut that no one could get out or in. Jos 6:2-5 "And the Lord said to Joshua:" this is the sequel to Jos 5:15, as Jos 6:1 is merely a parenthesis and Jehovah is the prince of the army of Jehovah (Jos 5:14), or the angel of Jehovah, who is frequently identified with Jehovah (see Pentateuch, pp. 106ff.). "See, I have given into thy hand Jericho and its king, and the mighty men of valour." ("Have given," referring to the purpose of God, which was already resolved upon, though the fulfilment was still in the future.) "The mighty men of valour" (brave warriors) is in apposition to Jericho, regarded as a community, and its king. In Jos 6:3-5 there follows an explanation of the way in which the Lord would give Jericho into the hand of Joshua. All the Israelitish men of war were to go round the town once a day for six days. אחת פּעם ... הקּיף, "going round about the city once," serves as a fuller explanation of סבּותם ("ye shall compass"). As they marched in this manner round the city, seven priests were to carry seven jubilee trumpets before the ark, which implies that the ark itself was to be carried round the city in solemn procession. But on the seventh day they were to march round the town seven times, and the priests to blow the trumpets; and when there was a blast with the jubilee horn, and the people on hearing the sound of the trumpet raised a great cry, the wall of the town should fall down "under itself." The "jubilee trumpets" (Eng. Ver. "trumpets of rams' horns") are the same as the "jubilee horn" (Eng. Ver. "rams' horn") in Jos 6:5, for which the abbreviated form shophar (trumpet, Jos 6:5; cf. Exo 19:16) or jobel (jubilee: Exo 19:13) is used. They were not the silver trumpets of the priests (Num 10:1.), but large horns, or instruments in the shape of a horn, which gave a loud far-sounding tone (see at Lev 23:24; Lev 25:11). For בש תּקע, blow the trumpet (lit. strike the trumpet), in Jos 6:4, בּקּרן משׁך, draw with the horn, i.e., blow the horn with long-drawn notes, is used in Jos 6:5 (see at Exo 19:13). The people were then to go up, i.e., press into the town over the fallen wall; "every one straight before him," i.e., every one was to go straight into the town without looking round at his neighbour either on the right hand or on the left (vid., Jos 6:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now Jericho was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel,.... Or "it shut up", or "was shutting, and was shut up" (u); that is, the king and the inhabitants shut it up within; the Targum says with iron doors, and bars of brass, and it was blocked up without by the children of Israel: none went out and none came in; none of their forces went out to make a sally on the Israelites, or to seek to make peace with them; nor any of their neighbours went in to them, to carry them any provision, or to assist them, or to be sheltered by them, not being able to do it because of the camp of Israel. (u) "claudens et clausa", Montanus, Vatablus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a contest between God and the men of Jericho, and their different resolutions, upon which it is easy to say whose word shall prevail. I. Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master, Jos 6:1. It was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel. It did shut up, and it was shut up (so it is in the margin); it did shut up itself, being strongly fortified both by art and nature, and it was shut up by the obstinacy and resolution of the inhabitants, who agreed never to surrender nor so much as sound a parley; none went out as deserters or to treat of peace, nor were any admitted in to offer peace. Thus were they infatuated, and their hearts hardened to their own destruction - the miserable case and character of all those that strengthen themselves against the Almighty, Job 15:25. II. God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly, The captain of the Lord's host, here called Jehovah, taking notice how strongly Jericho was fortified and how strictly guarded, and knowing Joshua's thoughts and cares about reducing it, and perhaps his fears of a disgrace there and of stumbling at the threshold, gave him here all the assurance he could desire of success (Jos 6:2): See, I have given into thy hand Jericho. Not, "I will do it, but, I have done it; it is all thy own, as sure as if it were already in thy possession." It was designed that this city, being the first-fruits of Canaan, should be entirely devoted to God, and that neither Joshua nor Israel should ever be one mite the richer for it, and yet it is here said to be given into their hand; for we must reckon that most our own which we have an opportunity of honouring God with and employing in his service. Now. 1. The captain of the Lord's host gives directions how the city should be besieged. No trenches are to be opened, no batteries erected, nor battering rams drawn up, nor any military preparations made; but the ark of God must be carried by the priests round the city once a day for six days together, and seven times the seventh day, attended by the men of war in silence, the priests all the while blowing with trumpets of rams' horns, Jos 6:3, Jos 6:4. This was all they were to do. 2. He assures them that on the seventh day before night they should, without fail, be masters of the town. Upon a signal given, they must all shout, and immediately the wall should fall down, which would not only expose the inhabitants, but so dispirit them that they would not be able to make any resistance, Jos 6:5. God appointed this way, (1.) To magnify his own power, that he might be exalted in his own strength (Psa 21:13), not in the strength of instruments. God would hereby yet further make bare his own almighty arm for the encouragement of Israel and the terror and confusion of the Canaanites. (2.) To put an honour upon his ark, the instituted token of his presence, and to give a reason for the laws by which the people were obliged to look upon it with the most profound veneration and respect. When, long after this, the ark was brought into the camp without orders from God, it was looked upon as a profanation of it, and the people paid dearly for their presumption, Sa1 4:3, etc. but now that it was done by the divine appointment it was an honour to the ark of God, and a great encouragement to the faith of Israel. (3.) It was likewise to put honour upon the priests, who were appointed upon this occasion to carry the ark and sound the trumpets. Ordinarily the priests were excused from war, but that this privilege, with other honours and powers that the law had given them, might not be grudged them, in this service they are principally employed, and so the people are made sensible what blessings they were to the public and how well worthy of all the advantages conferred upon them. (4.) It was to try the faith, obedience, and patience, of the people, to try whether they would observe a precept which to human policy seemed foolish to obey and believe a promise which in human probability seemed impossible to be performed. They were also proved whether they could patiently bear the reproaches of their enemies and patiently wait for the salvation of the Lord. Thus by faith, not by force, the walls of Jericho fell down. (5.) It was to encourage the hope of Israel with reference to the remaining difficulties that were before them. That suggestion of the evil spies that Canaan could never be conquered because the cities were walled up to heaven (Deu 1:28) would by this be for ever silenced. The strongest and highest walls cannot hold out against Omnipotence; they needed not to fight, and therefore needed not to fear, because God fought for them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:1 Jericho guarded two important entrances into the heart of the hill country. If the Israelites did not conquer the city first, they would leave a well-armed enemy at their back, standing between the Israelite forces and their families encamped at Gilgal. They had to conquer Jericho first.