In the Book of Joshua, chapters 6 to 10 continue the dramatic narrative of Israel’s conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. These chapters showcase God’s direct intervention in the battles of the Israelites, the destruction of Jericho, the consequences of disobedience, and the miraculous victory over multiple Canaanite kings. The recurring themes of obedience, judgment, and divine guidance are woven throughout these chapters, as Israel progresses in its mission to claim the Promised Land.
Joshua 6: The Fall of Jericho
Joshua 6 is perhaps one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible, recounting the miraculous fall of Jericho. God instructs Joshua on a unique strategy for conquering the fortified city. The Israelites are to march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and at the end, the priests will blow the trumpets and the people will shout loudly. God promises that when they do this, the walls of Jericho will fall flat.
Joshua leads the Israelites in obeying these instructions precisely. On the seventh day, after the final lap around the city, the trumpets sound, the people shout, and the walls of Jericho collapse just as God had said. The Israelites then enter the city and destroy everything, sparing only Rahab and her family, as promised due to her assistance to the spies (Joshua 2). The chapter concludes with Joshua pronouncing a curse on anyone who attempts to rebuild the city, further emphasizing the significance of Jericho’s fall as part of God’s judgment on Canaan.
Joshua 7: The Sin of Achan and Defeat at Ai
In Joshua 7, the narrative shifts to a sobering lesson on the consequences of disobedience. Despite their success at Jericho, the Israelites face a crushing defeat at the small city of Ai. Joshua sends spies to Ai, and based on their recommendation, a small force of about three thousand men is sent to attack the city. However, they are routed, and thirty-six Israelites are killed.
Joshua, distressed by the unexpected loss, seeks God’s counsel. God reveals that Israel has sinned by violating the command to destroy everything in Jericho. Specifically, a man named Achan has taken some of the “accursed things” (forbidden spoils), thus bringing God’s anger upon the entire nation.
Following God’s instructions, Joshua holds an inquiry to identify the guilty party. Achan is discovered, and he confesses to stealing a beautiful Babylonish garment, silver, and gold. In response, Joshua and the Israelites stone Achan and his family, then burn their bodies along with the stolen items. This act of judgment removes the curse from Israel, restoring their standing with God.
Joshua 8: The Victory at Ai and Renewal of the Covenant
After dealing with the sin of Achan, Joshua 8 recounts the successful conquest of Ai. This time, God gives Joshua a strategy involving an ambush. Joshua sets a trap by placing some of his men behind the city while the main force pretends to retreat, drawing out Ai’s forces. When the men of Ai pursue Joshua’s forces, the ambushers set the city on fire. With the city in flames and the forces of Ai caught between two groups of Israelites, the battle ends in a decisive victory for Israel.
Following the destruction of Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites in a significant religious act. He builds an altar to the Lord on Mount Ebal, as Moses had commanded in the Law, and the Israelites offer sacrifices to God. Joshua then copies the Law of Moses onto stones and reads the blessings and curses of the Law to the entire nation. This moment signifies Israel’s recommitment to their covenant with God, emphasizing that their success in the Promised Land depends on their obedience to His commandments.
Joshua 9: The Deception of the Gibeonites
Joshua 9 introduces a diplomatic twist to the narrative with the story of the Gibeonites. Fearing the Israelites after hearing of the destruction of Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites decide to deceive Joshua and the leaders of Israel. They pretend to be ambassadors from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying old provisions to make it seem as though they had traveled a great distance. Their goal is to make a peace treaty with Israel.
Without consulting the Lord, Joshua and the Israelite leaders make a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites, believing their story. However, three days later, the Israelites discover that the Gibeonites are actually from a nearby city. Despite their deception, the Israelites honor the covenant they made, but Joshua curses the Gibeonites, making them “hewers of wood and drawers of water” for the congregation (Joshua 9:27 KJV). This story highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and the consequences of acting hastily without divine counsel.
Joshua 10: The Battle of Gibeon and the Miracle of the Sun Standing Still
Joshua 10 recounts one of the most miraculous military victories in the Bible, known as the Battle of Gibeon. After learning that the Gibeonites have made peace with Israel, a coalition of five Amorite kings—led by the king of Jerusalem—joins forces to attack Gibeon in retaliation. The Gibeonites, now allies of Israel, call on Joshua for help.
Joshua leads the Israelite army on a swift march from Gilgal to Gibeon, and the Lord assures him of victory. As the Israelites engage the Amorite forces, God intervenes by sending a hailstorm that kills more of the enemy than the Israelites do by the sword. In one of the most remarkable events in the Old Testament, Joshua prays for the sun to stand still so that the Israelites can complete their victory before nightfall. God answers Joshua’s prayer: “So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day” (Joshua 10:13 KJV). This divine intervention allows the Israelites to thoroughly defeat the Amorite kings.
The chapter concludes with the capture and execution of the five kings who had fled and hidden in a cave. Joshua then leads the Israelites in a series of conquests, defeating several more cities in southern Canaan. The narrative emphasizes that the victories are a result of God’s direct involvement, fulfilling His promise to give the Israelites the land.
Conclusion
Joshua 6 to 10 is a vivid depiction of the Israelites’ journey through conquest and spiritual growth. From the miraculous fall of Jericho to the divine intervention at Gibeon, these chapters show God’s active role in guiding and fighting for His people. However, they also serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the sin of Achan and the deception of the Gibeonites. Through these accounts, the theme of faith and obedience to God emerges as central to Israel’s success in the Promised Land. The victories Israel experiences are not merely the result of military might but are a direct manifestation of God’s power and covenant promises.
