Study 11: Joshua 6: 1-14

The sermon, Study 11 on Joshua chapter 6, explores the significant themes of obedience and faith in the context of the battle of Jericho. Trent illuminates how this pivotal event is not just a historical military victory but a profound demonstration of God's promises being fulfilled through the obedience of His people. He emphasizes Joshua's role as a leader who meticulously adhered to God's commands, thereby inspiring his followers to place their trust in God’s perfect timing and overarching plan. This account underlines the pivotal truth that genuine triumph in the life of believers stems from unwavering obedience to God. Trent calls The body to introspectively consider areas in their lives where increased faith and adherence to God's will are necessary. The sermon concludes with an invitation for believers to deepen their commitment to follow God's guidance, confident that He is invariably orchestrating their ultimate good and His glory.

Sermon Outline

Introduction: Context and Prayer

• [00:00-04:34] Introduction to the sermon, personal anecdotes, and a prayer for Trent's brother.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Joshua 6

• [04:34-06:08] Introduction to Joshua Chapter 6, focusing on the familiar story of the battle of Jericho and its significance. Trent explains the plan to break the chapter into two parts for detailed study.

Chapter 2: Detailed Scripture Reading

• [06:08-09:10] Trent reads Joshua 6:1-5, detailing the divine strategy given to Joshua for taking Jericho, emphasizing the unusual but precise instructions involving the Ark and trumpets.

Chapter 3: Obedience and Trust

• [09:10-12:11] Discussion on the necessity of obedience and trust in God’s seemingly irrational commands. The significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the role of the priests in the battle strategy.

Chapter 4: Strategy and Preparation

• [12:11-15:30] Exploring the strategy of silent marching around Jericho, the symbolism of the trumpets, and the spiritual preparation involved in following God's plan without questioning.

Chapter 5: Application to Modern Faith

• [15:30-18:46] Application of the story’s lessons to contemporary Christian life, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faith, and patience in spiritual battles today.

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Reflection

• [18:46-20:31] Conclusion of the first part of the sermon, reflection on the power of God in overcoming obstacles, and a call for personal reflection on obedience and trust in God.

Scripture References

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

• This passage speaks about the spiritual battle and the divine power given to believers to demolish strongholds. In the context of the sermon on Joshua 6, it likely emphasizes the need for spiritual warfare and obedience to God's strategies to overcome obstacles.

Genesis 7-8 (Noah and the Ark)

•  The reference to Noah and the Ark could symbolize the concept of salvation and obedience to God's commands even when they seem unconventional. In the sermon on Joshua 6, this story might highlight the importance of following God's instructions even if they seem unusual.

Isaiah 55:8-9

• These verses discuss the difference between human thoughts and God's thoughts, emphasizing God's higher ways. In relation to Joshua 6, this reference could underscore the need to trust in God's wisdom and follow His unconventional strategies for victory.

1 Corinthians 1:27

• This verse speaks about God using the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the strong. In the context of the sermon, it may suggest that God's ways and strategies can often appear foolish to human understanding but result in victory and glory for God.

Ezekiel 18:23

• The passage in Ezekiel emphasizes God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live. Applied to the sermon on Joshua 6, it could reflect God's mercy and patience in giving the people of Jericho time to repent before their destruction.

2 Peter 3:9

• This verse highlights God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance. In the sermon on Joshua 6, it could reinforce the idea of God's grace and mercy in giving opportunities for repentance and change before judgment.
  

Reflection Questions

• Obedience Over Logic:

• Introduction: Trent highlighted the Israelites' obedience to God's unusual military tactics in the battle of Jericho.

• Read: Proverbs 3:5-6

• Question: Reflect on a situation in your life where God is calling you to obedience that might defy human logic. How can you apply the lesson of unconditional obedience in this situation?

• Silent Marching:

• Introduction: The Israelites were instructed to march silently around Jericho, reflecting a deep trust in God's plan without outward expression.

• Read: 1 Peter 2:23

• Question: How does this concept of silent obedience speak to the ways you approach challenges or conflicts? Are there areas in your life where you need to practice more silent trust in God rather than asserting your own voice?

• Spiritual Preparation:

• Introduction: The preparation involving the Ark of the Covenant was crucial for the Israelites, symbolizing God’s presence and guidance.

• Read: Ephesians 6:10-18

• Question: How do you prepare spiritually for the battles or challenges you face? What role does prayer, scripture reading, or community support play in your preparation?

• Perseverance in Obedience:

• Introduction: The Israelites had to march for six days without seeing any immediate results, testing their faith and persistence.

• Read: Hebrews 11:1, 6

• Question: Can you think of a time when you had to persist in faith and obedience without seeing any visible outcomes? How did you feel during this process, and what was the result?

• Divine Strategy vs. Human Strategy:

• Introduction: Trent discussed the difference between God’s strategy and human strategies, particularly in how the Israelites were to approach Jericho.

• Read: Isaiah 55:8-9

• Question: Reflect on a time when following God’s strategy seemed counterintuitive or challenging. How did following His lead differ from what you or others might have logically planned? What was the outcome?

Word Study

סָגַר (Sagar)

• Reference: Joshua 6:1; Genesis 7:16

• Meaning: "Sagar" means "to shut" or "to close." In Joshua 6, it describes Jericho being securely closed, with no one able to enter or leave. This term is also used in Genesis 7:16 to describe God shutting Noah and his family inside the ark, securing them from the impending deluge.

• Implication: The use of "sagar" in both contexts symbolizes both protection and isolation orchestrated by divine command. In Noah’s case, the ark was a means of salvation from the flood, effectively a 'box' of salvation. Conversely, for those outside the ark, it represented finality and destruction. Similarly, the closing of Jericho's walls could be seen as protection for Israel (keeping the corruption of Jericho from affecting them) and as sealing the fate of those within the city.

• Reflection Question: Reflect on the dual nature of God's protective measures in your life. How have situations that felt confining actually served as divine protection? Can you identify any 'closed doors' that might be both a form of divine isolation and protection?

שׁוֹפָר (Shofar)

• Reference: Joshua 6:4

• Meaning: The "Shofar" is a ram's horn used as a trumpet in biblical times, signaling important events, gathering troops, or announcing feasts. In Joshua 6, the shofar is blown by the priests during the siege of Jericho, signifying God's power and presence and serving as a divine call to action.

• Reflection Question: How can you be more attentive to God’s call in your daily life? What does 'hearing the shofar' look like in your personal spiritual journey?

תֵּקַע (Teqa)

• Reference: Joshua 6:20

• Meaning: "Teqa" typically refers to the sound of the trumpet or the act of blowing the trumpet. In the narrative of Jericho, this sound symbolizes the climax of God's intervention when the walls fell down, representing a powerful divine intervention triggered by human obedience.

• Reflection Question: How does God’s power manifest in response to your obedience? Can you identify a situation where your obedience to God’s commands could lead to a breakthrough?

Exegesis Opportunities

1. The Role of Silence in Divine Victory

• Study Focus: Explore the role of silence in biblical narratives where God orchestrates a victory or delivers His people. Compare the silent march around Jericho with other instances where silence is commanded or exemplified in the Bible, such as in the siege of Ai (Joshua 8) or the quiet waiting before the revelation at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).

• Scripture References: Joshua 6:10, Joshua 8:1-35, Exodus 19:1-25

• Questions for Study:

• What does silence symbolize in these contexts?

• How does silence facilitate or reflect the people’s obedience to God?

• What might the discipline of silence teach us about our relationship with God and His plans?

1. Divine Strategies versus Human Strategies

• Study Focus: Analyze and contrast divine instructions given in military contexts throughout the Old Testament, focusing on how these strategies differ from human expectations and methods. Consider the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), Gideon’s reduction of his army (Judges 7), and David’s reliance on God’s timing against the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:19-25).

• Scripture References: Joshua 6:1-27, Judges 7:1-22, 2 Samuel 5:19-25

• Questions for Study:

• How do these stories illustrate the principle that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)?

• What are the outcomes when leaders follow God’s unconventional strategies?

• In what ways might these biblical strategies inform modern spiritual or life battles?

1. The Significance of the Six Days of Marching

• Study Focus: Delve into the symbolic and theological implications of the Israelites marching around Jericho for six days before the walls fell on the seventh day. This study will explore how the number of days and the act of marching itself reflect themes of patience, preparation, and trust in divine timing. Compare these themes to other biblical events where the number of days or actions has symbolic or theological importance.

• Scripture References: Joshua 6:1-14, Genesis 1:1-31 (Creation week), Exodus 24:16 (Moses on Mount Sinai)

• Questions for Study:

• Why did God command the Israelites to march for six days without immediate results? What might this teach us about the nature of faith and obedience in seemingly fruitless situations?

• How do the six days of marching prepare both the Israelites and the inhabitants of Jericho spiritually and emotionally for what was to come?

• In what ways does the sequence and duration of actions in biblical narratives, like the six days of creation or Moses waiting on Mount Sinai, illuminate the concept of divine order and timing?