“And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.”– Joshua 6:21 (KJV)
“They completely destroyed everything in it, men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, donkeys, and everything else. They killed them all with the sword.”– Joshua 6:21 (NLT)
“They killed everyone in the city, men and women, young and old, and every cow, sheep, and donkey—they killed them all.”– Joshua 6:21 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 6:21 Mean?
In Joshua 6:21, we are presented with a powerful and challenging moment in biblical history. This verse describes the aftermath of the conquest of Jericho, where Joshua led the Israelites to victory under divine guidance. The Israelite army followed God’s instructions precisely, which led to the destruction of the city and its inhabitants. At first glance, this verse can evoke a mix of emotions, including confusion, sadness, and even disbelief. We see a city that was entirely devoted to destruction, with people, animals, and possessions all taken out.
What does this mean for us today? While the physical destruction seems harsh, it raises significant questions about obedience, faith, and God’s purposes. The event illustrates the seriousness of God’s command to the Israelites regarding the land He promised them. Jericho symbolized a crucial step into the Promised Land, which God had given them, and the command to destroy everything in Jericho was part of a larger plan. This plan highlighted God’s holiness and the urgency of dealing with sin and rebellion, as Jericho was a city given over to idol worship and immorality. Ancient practices like these stand in stark contrast to the righteousness that God calls us to maintain.
Joshua 6:21 Explanation and Commentary
Joshua 6:21 comes from a historical narrative that emphasizes the Israelite’s military victory as they entered the Promised Land. This victory is attributed to the miraculous intervention of God, as demonstrated by the collapsing walls of Jericho. It serves as a reminder that the Israelites’ success was rooted in their faithfulness to God’s guidance. When they obeyed the specific commands given to them, they experienced incredible victories.
We often find ourselves in situations where we need to choose obedience over understanding the entire picture. Just as the Israelites were called to trust in God’s elaborate plan, we too are often asked to step out in faith. Joshua 6:21 calls us to reflect on our own lives and the things that may need to be “destroyed” or let go of. God calls us to remove influences that draw us away from Him, even if it means making difficult choices.
The gruesome action described in this verse can be unsettling. However, we must approach these events with a broader understanding of biblical narrative and theology. The destruction in Jericho was not an act of mere violence; it was a necessary step in establishing a community that aligned with God’s covenant. We are reminded that God desires a people who fully commit to Him and reject what leads to sin. Just as Jericho’s destruction was a warning, we must be vigilant against the influences in our lives that distract us from our relationship with God.
Context of Joshua 6:21
To fully grasp Joshua 6:21, we should examine its context within the broader story of Israel’s journey. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years after escaping slavery in Egypt. God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, but it required their faith and obedience to claim it. Jericho represented the first city to conquer in this new land, and this victory served as a testimony of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Prior to this moment, Joshua assembled the people and instructed them to follow God’s vision for victory. They marched silently around the city once per day for six days, then on the seventh day, they marched seven times, followed by a loud shout. This method challenged their understanding of how a battle should be won but showcased the promise that God does not rely on human strategy but divine intervention. This context leads us to appreciate Joshua 6:21 not merely as destruction but as a crucial moment of obedience leading to God’s long-term plan.
The account gives us insight into the seriousness of God’s mission for His people. It also emphasizes the importance of faith. The walls of Jericho fell not because of the Israeli army’s might but from their obedience to God’s commands. This gives us a valuable lesson: true strength comes from unwavering faith in God, even when we cannot see the outcome.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 6:21
When examining Joshua 6:21 closely, we can break it down into key components that shed light on its meaning. First, the word “utterly destroyed” points to the complete nature of this destruction, demonstrating that there was no room for compromise. The Israelites were to leave nothing untouched, emphasizing the seriousness of God’s command.
Next, we see the reference to “all that was in the city.” This phrase encapsulates everything: men, women, and children. While steeped in context, this part of the verse often leads to discomfort regarding the morality of such actions. It reminds us how God dealt with nations that opposed Him and highlights the gravity of sin that can lead societies to moral corruption.
Animals, too, played a role in the narrative. They represented resources and livelihood, and their destruction reinforces that sin has far-reaching impacts. None remain untouched when God’s judgment occurs. The use of the sword signifies action taken; it wasn’t passive but an active measure taken against the resistance to God’s intentions. This reinforces the point that faith often requires vigorous effort and adherence to God’s plan.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 6:21
As we reflect on Joshua 6:21, several valuable lessons emerge. We learn about the need for total commitment to God. In varying aspects of our lives, we sometimes hold on to parts that do not align with God’s will. This scripture challenges us to let go of anything in our lives that leads us away from His plans and purposes.
Another lesson is the importance of obedience. The Israelites succeeded because they listened to God’s commands without deviation. In our own lives, we may often hesitate to act, waiting for confirmation or feeling unsure. This verse teaches us that steadfast faith in obedience leads to triumph, even if the pathway seems unclear or challenging.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the importance of divine judgment. The destruction in Jericho reminds us that God will uphold justice against all forms of rebellion against Him. As modern readers, we are called to invite God into our decisions, asking whether our actions reflect His heart.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Joshua 6:21 prompts deep thoughts about faith, obedience, and the significance of completely surrendering to God’s will. While the destruction of Jericho can appear harsh, it serves as a foundational lesson illustrating the commands of God, the urgency of divine plans, and the necessity of radical obedience in our walk with Him. This story invites us to examine our own lives, assessing what we might need to surrender in our relationship with God.
As we ponder the lessons of faith in Joshua 6:21, let’s commit to obeying God wholeheartedly in our lives, embracing what He has in store. We are encouraged to explore the lessons found in other biblical accounts too, such as John 7:13 about being bold in our faith or Numbers 13:23 that reminds us of God’s guidance as we seek His leading in our choices. The journey of faith reminds us that even when circumstances seem challenging, God is always faithful.