Study 12: Joshua 6: 15 - 27

In Study 12 on Joshua 6:15-27, "Divine Strategy vs. Human Strategy," Trent explores the stark contrasts between God's divine plans and human tactics through the biblical account of Jericho. He emphasizes the power of silent obedience, highlighting how the Israelites' faith-driven silence and subsequent shout led to the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls. Trent stresses that true worship is deeply rooted in obedience, not in the outward expression of faith but in a steadfast commitment to follow God's commands, no matter how unconventional they appear. By drawing on Rahab's story of redemption and the strategic silence commanded to the Israelites, Trent calls on the body to trust in God's higher ways and to see divine strategies as opportunities for profound spiritual victories and growth.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Overview of the Book of Joshua (00:)

00:20: Introduction to studying the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter six's events.

02:06: Description of Jericho as a fortified city.

04:59: Discussion on the strategy of marching around the city.

Chapter 2: The 7th Day Strategy (05:)

05:21: Emphasis on the command to shout on the 7th day after six days of silence.

11:00: Application of the silence on the first six days and shouting on the 7th day.

12:47: Explanation of the obedience shown on the 7th day.

Chapter 3: The Significance of Obedience (15:)

15:35: Highlighting the importance of listening and obeying God's commands.

17:30: Identifying stumbling blocks and the need for obedience.

19:28: Discussing the grace and personal cost associated with obedience.

Chapter 4: Covenant and Mercy (40:)

40:05: Discussion on making covenants and oaths of mercy.

41:56: Drawing parallels with other biblical references on mercy and covenants.

44:33: Reflecting on the significance of mercy and grace in actions.

Chapter 5: Encouragement and Leadership (50:)

50:36: Reiteration of the importance of strength and courage in leadership.

51:54: Drawing parallels between previous and current leadership guidance.

55:07: Encouragement towards obedience and the integrity of God's word.

Scripture References

• Joshua 6:15-16 (08:25) - Joshua instructs the army to shout, signaling victory given by the Lord, illustrating that true worship is rooted in obedience.
  

• Romans 12:1 (12:47) - This scripture emphasizes presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, showcasing that true worship is deeply connected to obedience.

• Hebrews 11:6 (16:26) - It highlights the importance of faith and obedience in pleasing God, relating to God's faithfulness when we obey His commands.

• Hosea 6:6 (36:03) - Hosea's message about desiring mercy over sacrifice is discussed, emphasizing God's preference for mercy and compassion.

• Matthew 12:7 (36:26) - Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 to emphasize the importance of mercy over sacrifice, highlighting God's desire for mercy and grace.

• Jonah 4:2 (42:27) - Jonah acknowledges God's gracious and merciful nature, used in the sermon to showcase God's character of mercy and compassion.

• Joshua 1:5, 1:9 (51:39) - Joshua is reassured of God's presence and guidance, connecting this to God's constant presence, providing strength and assurance.

• Matthew 28:19-20 (52:44) - The Great Commission calls for making disciples of all nations, emphasizing obedience and the assurance of Jesus' constant presence.
  

Reflection Questions

1. Introduction: The sermon discusses the unique and divine strategy that God used at Jericho, emphasizing obedience over conventional tactics.

Read: Joshua 6:15-16

Question: Reflect on the silent marches around Jericho before the shout on the seventh day. How does this demonstrate the power of obedience even when God's commands seem unusual or difficult to understand?

2. Introduction: The sermon highlights the importance of silence as part of Israel's obedience to God's command.

Read: Joshua 6:10

Question: Consider the instruction for silence given to the Israelites. How does maintaining silence in your own life during difficult times help you focus on God’s promises and commands?

3. Introduction: The sermon connects true worship with obedience, as shown in the Israelites’ compliance with God's battle strategy.

Read: Romans 12:1-2

Question: Reflect on how presenting your body as a living sacrifice can be a form of worship. How does this align with the idea of obedience in your spiritual journey?

4. Introduction: The sermon explains how God’s plans, though sometimes seeming illogical, lead to greater victories and revelations of His faithfulness.

Read: Isaiah 55:8-9

Question: Think about a time when God’s plan in your life seemed unclear or unreasonable. How did the outcome reflect God's wisdom and your growth in trusting Him?

5. Introduction: The sermon encourages reflection on God's mercy, as exemplified by the sparing of Rahab and her family for her faith and obedience.

Read: Hebrews 11:31

Question: Rahab's story involved a radical act of faith that led to her salvation and that of her family. How does her example inspire you to act on faith even when the stakes are high or the outcome uncertain?

Word Study

1. Shofar (שופר)

- Translation: Ram's horn

- Meaning/Definition: The shofar is a musical instrument made from a ram's horn, used in biblical times primarily to signal and communicate during war and religious ceremonies. In the context of the sermon, it is used by the Israelites to signal the commencement of their attack on Jericho.

- Implication: The shofar symbolizes a call to action and obedience, signaling God's intervention and the people’s response to His command. It represents a physical reminder of spiritual readiness and alertness.

- Reflection Question: How can you be more attentive to the "shofars" in your own life, the calls to action that God places before you? How do you respond when God calls you to act?

2. Hesed (חסד)

- Translation: Lovingkindness, steadfast love, mercy

- Meaning/Definition: Hesed refers to a deep, loving commitment that involves loyalty and faithfulness, often used to describe God's covenantal love for His people. This term encapsulates God's unwavering mercy and grace toward humanity.

- Implication: God’s hesed is evident in His patient strategies, such as the march around Jericho, where His approach is not about immediate judgment but about providing opportunities for repentance and salvation, as seen in the story of Rahab.

- Reflection Question: In what ways have you experienced God’s hesed in your life, and how does this influence your understanding of God's character and your relationship with Him?

3. Emunah (אמונה)

- Translation: Faith, faithfulness

- Meaning/Definition: Emunah encompasses both the act of faith and the attribute of faithfulness. It involves trust, steadiness, and the continuity of dependence on God.

- Implication: Emunah is crucial in understanding the Israelites’ silent marches around Jericho. Their faith was not passive but involved a committed, continual act of obedience to God’s seemingly irrational command.

- Reflection Question: How can you cultivate a deeper emunah in your daily life, especially when faced with tasks or trials that seem illogical or challenging?

These studies not only delve into the linguistic roots of key Hebrew terms but also invite personal reflection on how these biblical concepts apply to modern faith practices.