Taking of Jericho
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to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they
are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are
come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he
fall.”
Many who, like ancient Israel, profess to keep God’s command-
ments have hearts of unbelief while outwardly observing the statutes
of God. Although favored with great light and precious privileges,
they will nevertheless lose the heavenly Canaan, even as the rebellious
Israelites failed to enter the earthly Canaan that God had promised
them as the reward of their obedience.
As a people we lack faith. In these days few would follow the
directions given through God’s chosen servant as obediently as did the
armies of Israel at the taking of Jericho. The Captain of the Lord’s
host did not reveal Himself to all the congregation. He communicated
only with Joshua, who related the story of this interview to the He-
brews. It rested with them to believe or to doubt the words of Joshua,
to follow the commands given by him in the name of the Captain of
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the Lord’s host, or to rebel against his directions and deny his author-
ity. They could not see the host of angels, marshaled by the Son of
God, who led their van; and they might have reasoned: “What un-
meaning movements are these, and how ridiculous the performance of
marching daily around the walls of the city, blowing trumpets of ram’s
horns meanwhile! This can have no effect upon those strong towering
fortifications.”
But the very plan of continuing this ceremony through so long a
time prior to the final overthrow of the walls afforded opportunity for
the increase of faith among the Israelites.
They were to become thoroughly impressed with the idea that their
strength was not in the wisdom of man, nor in his might, but only in
the God of their salvation. They were thus to become accustomed to
putting themselves out of the question and relying wholly upon their
divine Leader.
Would those who today profess to be God’s people conduct them-
selves thus under similar circumstances? Doubtless many would wish
to follow out their own plans and would suggest other ways and means
of accomplishing the desired end. They would be loath to submit to so
simple an arrangement and one that reflected upon themselves no glory