WHY?
Moses had passed away and now Joshua was in command of a very large group of people who had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. (God used these wanderings to spread the stories of what he had done for Israel throughout the region Joshua 2:9-11) The generation that had failed so miserably not long after the exodus from Egypt had now all passed on. They were given permission from God to cross the Jordan and begin taking their promised land. God ordered them to cross the Jordan river, which was done miraculously on dry ground, much like the Red sea. (Joshua Chapter 1 the changing of command, and the three-day prep for the people to move out Spies sent out and camp moved up to Jordan river)
Joshua sent two spies into Jericho to recon and look for weakness of the city. These spies met up with Rahab, a local prostitute who would be able to answer many of their questions. What they also got was a confession of faith in Israel's God, and a commitment of service to the LORD from Rahab. (Joshua 2:11-13) As an act of faith, she hid them from the authorities when they came knocking and in exchange the spies told her they would spare her and her entire family. (Joshua Chapter 2)
Upon crossing the Jordan river, (Joshua chapters 3-4) Israel set up camp while Joshua went to look out at Jericho. At this time the incarnate form of Jesus appeared in full battle garb, Joshua recognized him as God, fell on his knees and worshiped him. (Joshua 5:13-15) God then provided Joshua with the battle plan for Jericho. It was a unique plan, one that seemed to man to make little sense. God ordered him to have the entire army march around the city one time with the Ark of the Covenant and then go back to camp. This they would do for six days. On the seventh day they would march around the city seven times and then blow the trumpets and the walls would fall down and they would take the city. (Joshua 6:1-5) Joshua and the people, without argument, woke up early the next day to begin their march. They obeyed God's commands and on the seventh day Jericho was destroyed.
The question I like to ask is why? Why did God choose this plan for Jericho's destruction? Why did he have Israel go back to camp after each day’s march. Militarily this doesn't work, because the camp would not be set near the city so the enemy could have escaped, attacked, or resupplied. Why didn't God just have the city destroyed on the first day? Why?
Some would say that it was God's way of proving Israel's faith in him, and this could very well be true. Although Israel did not argue or hesitate when the LORD said cross the Jordan on dry land, they just did so. They didn't blink an eye with this plan for Jericho they just obeyed. I would say testing their faith may be part of it, but this new generation proved they were committed and obedient to God. (Joshua 1:16-18)
The answer may be found, by looking at who did survive Jericho. Rahab and her family were spared the destruction. When Rahab spoke with the spies, she mentioned how all that God had done for Israel was known in Jericho, and the men of the city had lost hope. God had used the forty years of wandering as an opportunity for the stories of his provision and strength to make their way to the promised land. This land sits right on a main trade route for the entire region. Of course, the inhabitants had heard about the plagues, God destroying the entire Egyptian army, and his provision for his people in a giant wasteland. He also had brought them many military victories on the opposite side of the Jordan. All of Jericho was concerned about this unstoppable God and his people. (Joshua 2:9-11) The citizens of Jericho did have choices and by delaying judgment, God gave them the time to make the right choice.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Unfortunately, they didn't do what was right. When Israel returned to camp at night the citizens of Jericho could have opened the gates gone to the camp and confessed that Israel's God was the one true God. They could have committed themselves to serving him, and become his people like Rahab. They were given every opportunity to do so, but for one reason or another they chose not to. Was it pride, stubbornness, outright rebellion towards God, or just apathy that kept the people of Jericho from accepting God's salvation? Why do people today refuse to submit to God's authority? God had Israel go around one time a day for six days so the people of Jericho would have every chance possible to declare their faith, but God is both love, and righteousness, and had to finally bring judgment to the city. Today Christians often ask why does God allow so much sin to permeate the world instead of bringing judgment on mankind for his evil. The story of Jericho explains to us why he is so patient, and why it is so important for everyone to confess that they are a sinner, and accept the gift of salvation that Jesus has paid for. Yet today as the final days of opportunity tick down men still refuse, even though judgment is quickly coming. WHY?
