Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

God Takes Jericho

Bryan Schneider · February 5, 2022

Joshua 5:13

sharonrpc.org/sermons/god-takes-jericho

Summary

The commander of the Lord's army confronts Joshua before Jericho, showing that Joshua must submit to God's holiness rather than recruit God to Israel's side.
Jericho's strange battle plan removes confidence in ordinary strength and calls Israel to trust and obey the Lord who marches in their midst.
The city's judgment displays God's holiness and patient justice, while Rahab's rescue shows mercy to a believer gathered into God's people.
Jericho is the Lord's firstfruits, and its fall is his victory and gift rather than Israel's achievement.
Jesus is the ultimate Commander who conquers sin and death, brings outsiders near, and leads his people toward the everlasting city.

Do I ask God to support my plans, or bow first to receive the holy Commander's orders?
Where does obedience seem foolish because I trust visible power more than God's Word?
How do Jericho's judgment and Rahab's rescue hold divine holiness and mercy together?
Am I following Jesus in loving obedience from the victory he has already won?

Commander of the Lord's army: The holy divine warrior before whom Joshua bows and from whom Israel receives its orders.
Firstfruits: Jericho as the first conquest devoted wholly to God in acknowledgment that the land and victory belong to him.
Rahab: The Canaanite woman whose faith receives mercy and a place among God's covenant people.