Theological Commentary: Click Here
Today we get
the opportunity to read the start of one of the iconic stories in the
Bible. Most people who were raised in a
family grew up in church singing “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho.” It starts here with the spies heading into
Jericho to scout.
This is a
great first move on Joshua’s behalf. He
shows wisdom in scouting out the land.
He shows wisdom in sending the spies to Jericho to see about its
defenses. He shows wisdom in choosing
scouts who can think for themselves and who will get intel on the mood of the
people and not just the defensive arrangements. Joshua demonstrates why the people were
wise to follow him and encourage him to be strong and courageous.
Yet, I think
that there is more to this story than just good human leadership. Do you hear what Rahab says? She knows that God is with the people. She knows that He will give the land into
their hands. Before the Hebrew people
have stepped into the land, the native Canaanites are already becoming
convinced that the Hebrew people are here to dominate.
In other
words, God is keeping His promises. God
has gone before the Hebrew people and He has already begun to fight the battle
for them. He has already begun to set up
their success.
This is
largely what the Old Testament is about and even more specifically what the
book of Joshua is about. God keeps His
promises. Our job is to be obedient as
Joshua is obedient here. In fact, to
come back full circle, it is his obedience that allows him to be called wise.
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