Joshua 6:21, commentary and pictures

Joshua 6:21 belongs to the overthrow of Jericho, which was the first step in the conquest of Canaan and was undertaken by divine instruction after the city was given into Israel's hand. Israel accomplished that overthrow by marching out from Gilgal, their first encampment in the promised land from which the conquests began. God Himself directed the taking of the city as the Mighty General, commanding both heavenly and human agencies and combining them in the victory. He fought for Israel by simple means against a bold, warlike people, gaining a victory with no equal in the history of nations.

The plan for bringing down the walls gave no human agent credit, for they fell by God's power alone. No human hand could therefore claim the victory, and the glory belongs to God alone. The utter killing of every living thing in the city, man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and ass, was a devoted sacrifice to God as the firstfruits of the land. This was because the conquest was wholly the Lord's and was not gained by Israel's own power. Israel fought not for themselves, for riches, or for self-exaltation, but simply as instruments to execute the will of God for the glory of Jehovah their King.

Only faithful Rahab with her household was spared, in fulfillment of the promise of the spies. The city itself was burned, with its palaces, temples, dwellings, draperies and garments. What fire could not destroy, the silver and gold and vessels of brass and iron, was devoted to the service of the tabernacle. Success comes not from human wisdom, skill, or the customs and warfare of the world, but from the help of God working with human effort. Humble trust in God and faithful, implicit obedience to His will are therefore the only sure ground of success, as essential for the Christian in spiritual warfare as they were for Joshua in battle, glorifying God's name, strengthening faith, and bringing enemies to shame and confusion.