So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.
This closing word belongs to the taking of Jericho, which set out from Gilgal as part of Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. Before the attack Joshua was given divine guidance with the assurance that the city had been placed in his hand, and the Lord's presence went with him on the mission. The taking of the city was carried out under God's command and plan, joining heavenly and human agents together, while the human agents still had their assigned part to do.
No human hand threw down the walls, so the fall of Jericho was not a human achievement and the glory of it belonged to God alone. The Lord was with Joshua, and after Jericho his fame was spread abroad throughout all the country. When the report went out, the surrounding nations were afraid to learn that simple means had prevailed over power and skill, so that all felt the victory could only be ascribed to God alone.
By this God's name was glorified, the faith of Israel was strengthened, and its enemies were put to shame and confusion. With the overthrow of the Midianites, this conquest stands as a victory unlike any in the history of nations and unlike the warfare of heathen generals. It shows that God directs the work, and that human agents must depend on Him rather than take to themselves the credit for what He accomplishes.
The only sure ground of success is God's help working together with human effort. Those who trust in their own wisdom and skill will be disappointed, while humble trust in God and faithful obedience to His will are as essential for Christians in spiritual warfare as they were for Joshua at Jericho.
This closing word belongs to the taking of Jericho, which set out from Gilgal as part of Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. Before the attack Joshua was given divine guidance with the assurance that the city had been placed in his hand, and the Lord's presence went with him on the mission. The taking of the city was carried out under God's command and plan, joining heavenly and human agents together, while the human agents still had their assigned part to do.
No human hand threw down the walls, so the fall of Jericho was not a human achievement and the glory of it belonged to God alone. The Lord was with Joshua, and after Jericho his fame was spread abroad throughout all the country. When the report went out, the surrounding nations were afraid to learn that simple means had prevailed over power and skill, so that all felt the victory could only be ascribed to God alone.
By this God's name was glorified, the faith of Israel was strengthened, and its enemies were put to shame and confusion. With the overthrow of the Midianites, this conquest stands as a victory unlike any in the history of nations and unlike the warfare of heathen generals. It shows that God directs the work, and that human agents must depend on Him rather than take to themselves the credit for what He accomplishes.
The only sure ground of success is God's help working together with human effort. Those who trust in their own wisdom and skill will be disappointed, while humble trust in God and faithful obedience to His will are as essential for Christians in spiritual warfare as they were for Joshua at Jericho.