Do Not Rebuild a Fallen Jericho

O. T. #457  "Do Not Rebuild a Fallen Jericho"
February 11, 2015
Joshua 6-Part 3
At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho...   Joshua 6;26a

LET IT GLOW

God has blessed me and my family so much. Every time I wake up breathing, I praise Him. Every breath I take has meaning and purpose. When God brings down my Jericho's, (fear) I am to not rebuild them, as Israel was told.

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country. (verse 27)

Liberty Bible Commentary enlightens us:
Undoubtedly, the purpose of God's mysterious method for seizing Jericho was designed to:

• test Israel's obedience to the will of God;
• would strike even greater fear in the hearts of the enemy when the walls fell;
• reaffirm entrenched in Israel's mind that Jehovah, who had been with Moses, was now with Joshua in the same relationship.

In the above verse, fame refers to a report; noised means to prostrate oneself (in homage); fall down.

Sounds like the Canaanites were afraid of Joshua and his God. The report of the events in Jericho spread like wildfire through their country. Wouldn't that make them afraid that the same things could happen to them and their city?

Nothing can more raise a man's reputation nor make him appear more truly great than to have the evidences of God's presence with him.  (Matthew Henry)

What kind of fame do we have with those around us-faith in our God or not; obedience to our God or not? Do they feel God's presence in our life?

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the LORD.  Zechariah 4:6

Unless it come through the power of God's indwelling spirit it will fall flat. Lucy Swindoll was talking about friendliness, kindness, and sweetness daily being cranked out.

LET IT GROW

Jericho was condemned to a perpetual desolation. Its ruins was to remain a standing monument of His wrath against the Canaanites(Henry)

It was given by divine appointment. Rebuilding the city and wall was forbidden by God with a curse attached, including Israel and others.

The object of this solemn vow was to preserve Jericho as a spot devoted to God forever. The people took an oath to not rebuild the city. However, in 1 Kings 16:34, we read of Hiel attempting to rebuild the wall of Jericho. It came at a price to him, though. Some say that Hiel's oldest son died when the foundation was laid; the youngest son was killed when the gates were erected; the rest of his sons died during the refortification of the city. (Falwell)

Wiersbe gives us some practical points to consider when we face our own "Jericho":

• The soldier who wants to fight the best must bow the lowest before the battle. We win our battles on our knees and faces before the Lord.
• No one can take a city alone. Joshua needed the cooperation of the priests and people together to overcome the enemy.
• When we follow God's methods, He wins the battle and He gets the glory. When we use our schemes and systems, we might get the glory but the victory never lasts.
• Unbelief looks at the walls and giants, but faith looks to the Lord.
• We see the grace of God at work even in judgment, for Rahab and her family were saved by faith.

Are you facing any Jericho's?


LET IT GO

Spread God's fame, not mine; speak of His wondrous works.

Stay faithful to God.

Watch Him bring down my Jericho.