March 4, 2025
Jericho, Achan, Ai, & the Gibeonites — oh my!
Joshua 6-9
Missy Marucci
Big Book Idea
God's instruction is given intentionally and leads to flourishing.
Key Verse | Joshua 9:14-15
So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Joshua 6-9
Chapter 6
The Fall of Jericho
1 Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, 1 6:5 Hebrew under itself; also verse 20 and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” 6 So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.” 7 And he said to the people, “Go forward. March around the city and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the LORD.”
8 And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the LORD went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD following them. 9 The armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually. 10 But Joshua commanded the people, “You shall not shout or make your voice heard, neither shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.” 11 So he caused the ark of the LORD to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp.
12 Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. 13 And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD walked on, and they blew the trumpets continually. And the armed men were walking before them, and the rear guard was walking after the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets blew continually. 14 And the second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. So they did for six days.
15 On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. 17 And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. 2 6:17 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 18, 21 Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. 18 But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. 19 But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD.” 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword.
22 But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” 23 So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. And they brought all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel. 24 And they burned the city with fire, and everything in it. Only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. 25 But Rahab the prostitute and her father's household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
26 Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.
At the cost of his firstborn shall he
lay its foundation,
and at the cost of his youngest son
shall he set up its gates.”
27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land.
Chapter 7
Israel Defeated at Ai
1 But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel.
2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.” 4 So about three thousand men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai, 5 and the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord God, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?”
The Sin of Achan
10 The LORD said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. 3 7:12 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction) I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. 13 Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the LORD, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.” 14 In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. And the tribe that the LORD takes by lot shall come near by clans. And the clan that the LORD takes shall come near by households. And the household that the LORD takes shall come near man by man. 15 And he who is taken with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he has done an outrageous thing in Israel.’”
16 So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel near tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was taken. 17 And he brought near the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was taken. And he brought near the clan of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was taken. 18 And he brought near his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. 19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise 4 7:19 Or and make confession to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” 20 And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, 5 7:21 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was hidden in his tent with the silver underneath. 23 And they took them out of the tent and brought them to Joshua and to all the people of Israel. And they laid them down before the LORD. 24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver and the cloak and the bar of gold, and his sons and daughters and his oxen and donkeys and sheep and his tent and all that he had. And they brought them up to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The LORD brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from his burning anger. Therefore, to this day the name of that place is called the Valley of Achor. 6 7:26 Achor means trouble
Chapter 8
The Fall of Ai
1 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.”
3 So Joshua and all the fighting men arose to go up to Ai. And Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out by night. 4 And he commanded them, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you remain ready. 5 And I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. And when they come out against us just as before, we shall flee before them. 6 And they will come out after us, until we have drawn them away from the city. For they will say, ‘They are fleeing from us, just as before.’ So we will flee before them. 7 Then you shall rise up from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will give it into your hand. 8 And as soon as you have taken the city, you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you.” 9 So Joshua sent them out. And they went to the place of ambush and lay between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai, but Joshua spent that night among the people.
10 Joshua arose early in the morning and mustered the people and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. 11 And all the fighting men who were with him went up and drew near before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai. 12 He took about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. 13 So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley. 14 And as soon as the king of Ai saw this, he and all his people, the men of the city, hurried and went out early to the appointed place 7 8:14 Hebrew appointed time toward the Arabah to meet Israel in battle. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. 16 So all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn away from the city. 17 Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel.
18 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. 19 And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it. And they hurried to set the city on fire. 20 So when the men of Ai looked back, behold, the smoke of the city went up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that, for the people who fled to the wilderness turned back against the pursuers. 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. 22 And the others came out from the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. And Israel struck them down, until there was left none that survived or escaped. 23 But the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him near to Joshua.
24 When Israel had finished killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the open wilderness where they pursued them, and all of them to the very last had fallen by the edge of the sword, all Israel returned to Ai and struck it down with the edge of the sword. 25 And all who fell that day, both men and women, were 12,000, all the people of Ai. 26 But Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted all the inhabitants of Ai to destruction. 8 8:26 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction) 27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their plunder, according to the word of the LORD that he commanded Joshua. 28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it forever a heap of ruins, as it is to this day. 29 And he hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening. And at sunset Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree and threw it at the entrance of the gate of the city and raised over it a great heap of stones, which stands there to this day.
Joshua Renews the Covenant
30 At that time Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, 31 just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. 33 And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived 9 8:35 Or traveled among them.
Chapter 9
The Gibeonite Deception
1 As soon as all the kings who were beyond the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, heard of this, 2 they gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel.
3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, 5 with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. 6 And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.” 7 But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live among us; then how can we make a covenant with you?” 8 They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” 9 They said to him, “From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the LORD your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon the king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth. 11 So our elders and all the inhabitants of our country said to us, ‘Take provisions in your hand for the journey and go to meet them and say to them, “We are your servants. Come now, make a covenant with us.”’ 12 Here is our bread. It was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for the journey on the day we set out to come to you, but now, behold, it is dry and crumbly. 13 These wineskins were new when we filled them, and behold, they have burst. And these garments and sandals of ours are worn out from the very long journey.” 14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
16 At the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, they heard that they were their neighbors and that they lived among them. 17 And the people of Israel set out and reached their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18 But the people of Israel did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Then all the congregation murmured against the leaders. 19 But all the leaders said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we may not touch them. 20 This we will do to them: let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath that we swore to them.” 21 And the leaders said to them, “Let them live.” So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
22 Joshua summoned them, and he said to them, “Why did you deceive us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell among us? 23 Now therefore you are cursed, and some of you shall never be anything but servants, cutters of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.” 24 They answered Joshua, “Because it was told to your servants for a certainty that the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you—so we feared greatly for our lives because of you and did this thing. 25 And now, behold, we are in your hand. Whatever seems good and right in your sight to do to us, do it.” 26 So he did this to them and delivered them out of the hand of the people of Israel, and they did not kill them. 27 But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place that he should choose.
Footnotes
[1] 6:5 Hebrew under itself; also verse 20[2] 6:17 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 18, 21
[3] 7:12 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction)
[4] 7:19 Or and make confession
[5] 7:21 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
[6] 7:26 Achor means trouble
[7] 8:14 Hebrew appointed time
[8] 8:26 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction)
[9] 8:35 Or traveled
Table of Contents
Introduction to Joshua
Timeline
Author and Date
While this book mentions Joshua writing (8:32; 24:26), it does not claim he wrote the book. The repeated references to something existing “to this day” (see 4:9; 5:9; 6:25; etc.) seem to suggest that there was a significant lapse of time between the events recorded in the book and the time when the writing of the book was completed. The final writing may have taken place in the time of the exile (post-587 B.C.), but the writing probably began much earlier.
Theme
Joshua records part two of God’s grandest work of redemption in the OT period. In part one (the Pentateuch), the Lord redeemed his people out of slavery in Egypt and formalized his covenantal love for them at Sinai. Moses led the people during that time. Now in part two, under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord brings his people into the Land of Promise and gives them rest.
Purpose and Background
The book of Joshua seeks to explain God’s purpose in the events surrounding Israel’s capture of and settlement in Canaan. Those events are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such an account would have been relevant to ancient Israel from its earliest arrival in Canaan, and to every generation of God’s people to the present day.
Joshua comes immediately after the Pentateuch and in many ways completes its story. The theme of the first five books of the Bible is the progressive fulfillment of the “patriarchal promise,” made first to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3) and repeated to his son Isaac (Gen. 26:2–4) and his grandson Jacob (Gen. 28:13–15; etc.). The Lord promised Abraham and his descendants that they would be blessed and would become a blessing to others, that they would grow to become a great nation, and that they would be given a land of their own—and that these blessings would be enjoyed within a close covenant relationship with God.
By the end of the Pentateuch, Israel has been brought into a covenant relationship with the Lord and has become a great people. But they remain outside the Land of Promise, on the plains of Moab. Forty years before, the Lord had chosen Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt and to bring them to the land he had promised (Ex. 3:6–8; 6:2–8). Now, after so many years of wandering, Joshua, the “new Moses” (Josh. 1:1–9), is to lead God’s people into the land, take it, and divide it among them as their inheritance from the Lord.
Key Themes
- The Lord’s continuing presence as the key to strength and courage (e.g., 1:5, 9).
- The importance of the Lord’s instructions for succeeding in one’s mission and acting with wisdom (1:7–8).
- The ability of the Lord to save the “outsider” (Rahab), and the danger of the “insider” falling away (Achan; see chs. 2 and 7).
- The Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment (e.g., 10:42; 11:19–20).
- The danger of failing to ask the Lord (e.g., 9:14).
- The Lord as Protector of the covenant (e.g., 10:1–15, especially v. 11).
- The unity of the people of God (18:1–10; 22:34).
- The sovereignty of God in giving his people a place and rest (1:13; 11:23; 21:43–45).
- The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises (1:2; 21:43–45).
- The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone (ch. 24).
Outline
- Crossing into the Land (1:1–5:15)
- Taking the Land (6:1–12:24)
- Dividing the Land (13:1–21:45)
- Serving the Lord in the Land (22:1–24:33)
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
Fact: How did the people of Israel consecrate themselves?
How did the people of Israel consecrate themselves? The people of Israel were often instructed to consecrate themselves in preparation to meet with God. Sanctifying, or “separating” oneself included washing one’s clothes and temporarily abstaining from sexual relations (3:5; Ex. 19:14–15).
Fact: Jericho
The Jericho mentioned in 20:29 was about a mile (1.6 km) south of the Jericho that was destroyed when the Israelites conquered Canaan (Joshua 6). This new Jericho included a palace of Herod the Great. When the winters grew cold and damp in Jerusalem, Herod would go there to enjoy Jericho’s warm, dry climate. His palace included gardens, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, and even a chariot race course.
Fact: Jericho
Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world. At about 750 feet (229 m) below sea level, it is also one of the lowest cities in the world. Jericho receives only a few inches of rainfall each year, and yet it was an oasis for travelers because of its abundant supply of spring water. Jericho is often referred to as the “city of palms” (see Deut. 34:3).
Fact: Ambush
Ambush. Battles were sometimes won by deceptive military strategy rather than by brute strength. If an army had smaller numbers or was unfamiliar with the territory, an ambush (8:2) was a great way to “even the odds.”
Fact: Mount Gerizim
Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal make up the sides of the east-west pass into the Valley of Shechem. When Joshua conquered central Israel, he used these mountains as symbols, pronouncing blessings from Mount Gerizim and punishments from Mount Ebal (Josh. 8:30–35). Perhaps because of its historical importance, Jotham chose Mount Gerizim as the place to tell his prophetic story about the trees and the bramble bush (Judg. 9:7–21).
Fact: Wineskins
Wineskins used for storing and pouring wine (9:13) were made from the skin of a goat or other animal. Jesus uses wineskins as a metaphor to contrast the outdated religious rules of the Pharisees and the new life that he brings (Matt. 9:17).
Fact: Bankers
The bankers (25:27) were probably money-changers, who would charge for their services. It was rare for people to have money or treasure to invest, but if they did, they buried it (Josh. 7:21), had a friend or neighbor guard it (Ex. 22:7), or kept it in a temple.
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
Joshua 1:1–9 as a “Table of Contents” for the Rest of the Book
| “Table of Contents” Item: | Corresponds To: |
|---|---|
| “arise, go over this Jordan . . . into the land that I am giving . . . to the people of Israel” (1:2–5) | Israel conquers Canaan (1:10–12:24) |
| “you shall cause this people to inherit the land” (1:6) | Israel’s inheritance distributed (chs. 13–21) |
| “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law . . .” (1:7–9) | Covenant renewal (chs. 22–24) |
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
Rahab
Rahab was a Gentile prostitute who lived in Jericho. When Joshua sent two spies to gather information about the city, she hid the men from the king. She also deceived the men who came looking for the spies. She convinced them to leave the city in pursuit of the spies, who were actually hidden on her roof. She demonstrated a remarkable awareness of Israel’s history and of the Lord’s intention to give Israel the land of Canaan. In response to her kindness, Joshua spared Rahab and her household when Israel destroyed Jericho. Rahab was Boaz’s mother and is one of four women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. She is commended in the NT for her faith and for her good works. (Joshua 2:10–11)
Fact: Jericho
Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world. At about 750 feet (229 m) below sea level, it is also one of the lowest cities in the world. Jericho receives only a few inches of rainfall each year, and yet it was an oasis for travelers because of its abundant supply of spring water. Jericho is often referred to as the “city of palms” (see Deut. 34:3).
Josh. 6:1–2 Jericho is one of the oldest known fortified cities in the ancient Near East. It is about 750 feet (229 m) below sea level. Well supplied with spring water, Jericho was an oasis and was sometimes referred to as the “city of palms” (Judg. 1:16). The name “Jericho” sounds like the Hebrew word for “moon,” so Canaanite Jericho may have been a center of moon worship. If so, the Lord’s destruction of Jericho would have suggested victory over the false gods of Canaan.
Josh. 6:5 and the wall of the city will fall down flat. Archaeologists have explored the site of Jericho for many years. Many aspects of their findings seemed to fit the biblical description of the city’s destruction, but there are differences of opinion about the age of the ruins. Even so, the various proposed dates for Jericho’s fall are all within the range of possible dates for Israel’s exodus from Egypt and conquest of Canaan (see note on 1 Kings 6:1).
Josh. 6:17–18 devoted to the LORD for destruction. See notes on Lev. 27:28–29; Deut. 2:34–35; 20:16–18. This order to destroy every living thing was not a license to kill indiscriminately in other warfare situations, because cities outside the Land of Promise were to be treated more leniently (Deut. 20:10–15). Rather, this was a specific order intended to punish the Canaanites, whose wickedness had become complete (Gen. 15:16; Lev. 18:1–3). The decree of destruction was also to protect the Israelites from worshiping other gods because of Canaanite influence (Deut. 7:1–6). Jericho’s destruction was not a general guideline for the conduct of war. Instead, it is a picture of what will happen in the final judgment to all who continue to rebel against God. Nor can the destruction of Jericho or of the Canaanites in general be seen as a case of ethnic cleansing, for the Lord warns that if Israel does not totally destroy Jericho, the camp of Israel itself will become a thing for destruction. Furthermore, Canaanites such as Rahab (Joshua 2) and the Gibeonites (ch. 9) who devote themselves to the Lord are spared, while Israelites who defy the Lord, such as Achan (ch. 7), are killed.
Josh. 6:20 So the people shouted. Hebrews 11:30 commends the people’s faith: they believed the promise of Josh. 6:2–5 and showed their faith by obeying the instructions.
Josh. 6:21 devoted . . . to destruction. See note on vv. 17–18.
Josh. 6:23 Rahab . . . and all who belonged to her are spared, in keeping with the promise in 2:14, 17–20. Their placement outside the camp of Israel is apparently temporary (see 6:25).
Josh. 6:26 Jericho’s ruins are to serve as a warning to Israel. Any attempt to rebuild the city, therefore, will defy the Lord’s rule. For the fulfillment of Joshua’s curse, see 1 Kings 16:34.
Josh. 6:1–27 As the first city to be taken in Canaan, Jericho was to be completely dedicated to the Lord, as a kind of symbolic “firstfruits” (compare Lev. 23:10). The people of Israel were to take no goods and were to leave no survivors. See note on Josh. 6:17–18.
The City of Jericho
Jericho (Tell es-Sultan) is perhaps the oldest city on earth, and it is the lowest city on the surface of the planet (c. 750 feet /229 m below sea level). Jericho has undergone massive excavation work; major digs were led by Ernst Sellin and Carl Watzinger (1907–1909, 1911), John Garstang (1930–1936), and Kathleen Kenyon (1952–1958). Many important finds have been made at the site, one of the most notable being a city wall, some 4.5 feet (1.5 m) wide, attached to a monumental round stone tower. These are some of the earliest fortifications known to mankind. The diagram below portrays some of the remains from the excavations at Jericho from various periods of her history. Thus, the outer city wall comes from the Late Middle Bronze Age (2000–1550 B.C.) whereas the inner city wall dates to the Early Bronze Age (3200–2200 B.C.). Jericho was the first city west of the Jordan captured by the Israelites under the command of Joshua (Joshua 6). Whether or not there exist archaeological remains from that destruction is a hotly debated issue among archaeologists. Following the Israelite destruction, Jericho was abandoned for centuries until a new settlement was established by Hiel the Bethelite in the ninth century B.C. (1 Kings 16:34).
Fact: Jericho
The Jericho mentioned in 20:29 was about a mile (1.6 km) south of the Jericho that was destroyed when the Israelites conquered Canaan (Joshua 6). This new Jericho included a palace of Herod the Great. When the winters grew cold and damp in Jerusalem, Herod would go there to enjoy Jericho’s warm, dry climate. His palace included gardens, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, and even a chariot race course.
Rahab
Rahab was a Gentile prostitute who lived in Jericho. When Joshua sent two spies to gather information about the city, she hid the men from the king. She also deceived the men who came looking for the spies. She convinced them to leave the city in pursuit of the spies, who were actually hidden on her roof. She demonstrated a remarkable awareness of Israel’s history and of the Lord’s intention to give Israel the land of Canaan. In response to her kindness, Joshua spared Rahab and her household when Israel destroyed Jericho. Rahab was Boaz’s mother and is one of four women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. She is commended in the NT for her faith and for her good works. (Joshua 2:10–11)
Josh. 7:1 But the people of Israel broke faith. See note on 1 Chron. 2:3–8. While Achan is the actual sinner, Israel as a covenant community is held responsible for sin in its midst. The anger of the LORD leads to Israel’s first defeat in Canaan. Despite his fine Israelite pedigree (of the tribe of Judah), Achan’s sin harms his family and his people.
Josh. 7:2–5 For a second time (see 2:1) Joshua sent men to spy out the land. But this spying mission proves disastrous, and in the battle thirty-six of their men die. As a result, the hearts of the people melted and became as water. This recalls earlier descriptions of Canaanite morale when they heard news of the approaching Israelites (2:11; 5:1).
Josh. 7:6–9 After tearing his clothes (a sign of distress and mourning; see Gen. 37:29, 34), Joshua challenges God: If God’s promises fail, Joshua insists, it will damage your great name. On the issue of Israel’s fate and the Lord’s reputation, see Num. 14:13–16; Deut. 9:26–29.
Josh. 7:10–12 Get up! . . . Israel has sinned. The Lord focuses on the real reason for Israel’s defeat. They have transgressed my covenant. They have taken some of the devoted things (see note on 6:17–18), stolen, lied, and put them among their own belongings. All of these things are explicitly forbidden in the Law of Moses (Deut. 7:25–26). When God assured Joshua of victory in Canaan (Josh. 1:7–8), he made it clear that the people needed to follow his law for this to happen.
Josh. 7:13 Consecrate yourselves. See note on 3:5.
Josh. 7:14 takes by lot. It is likely that God indicated his choice by lot (or by Urim and Thummim; see note on 1 Sam. 14:41–42).
Josh. 7:15 The sinful one makes himself and all that he has liable to the same treatment that the devoted things would receive. The “devoted things” are “all that is within” Jericho, which was to be “devoted” to the Lord for “destruction” (see 6:17–18 and note).
Josh. 7:19 Joshua’s demand that Achan give glory to the LORD God and give praise to him is probably not commanding worship but preparing Achan to tell me now what you have done. The word “praise” can imply confession as well as adoration.
Josh. 7:21 The five pounds of silver and a pound and a quarter of gold that Achan saw among the spoil is worth about what an average worker would have earned in a lifetime.
Fact: Bankers
The bankers (25:27) were probably money-changers, who would charge for their services. It was rare for people to have money or treasure to invest, but if they did, they buried it (Josh. 7:21), had a friend or neighbor guard it (Ex. 22:7), or kept it in a temple.
Josh. 7:1–26 Chapter 7 tells how Joshua launches an unsuccessful attack on the city of Ai. There is no mention either of a divine order to do so or of anyone inquiring of the Lord about the proposed action.
Josh. 7:24–26 The word them (vv. 24, 25) might well include Achan’s children, but this is uncertain. Verse 15 only says “all that he has” and this could be what “them” refers to. all Israel stoned him. This execution involved the entire community because everyone had been defiled and needed to be purified. It also freed any individual from acting as sole executioner. The heap of stones over Achan will remind Israel of its potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences of such apostasy.
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
Fact: How did the people of Israel consecrate themselves?
How did the people of Israel consecrate themselves? The people of Israel were often instructed to consecrate themselves in preparation to meet with God. Sanctifying, or “separating” oneself included washing one’s clothes and temporarily abstaining from sexual relations (3:5; Ex. 19:14–15).
Josh. 8:2 its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder. God has the right to determine the nature and extent of destruction in any given instance. For example, in Deuteronomy 20 the treatment of cities outside the land of Canaan is less severe than that of cities within the land.
Josh. 8:3–4 Thirty thousand men may seem to be a large number to lie in ambush. Possibly the Hebrew word “thousand” should be understood in the alternative sense of “military unit.” And, the 30 “thousands” or “units” may not all have been involved in the ambush (see v. 12).
Josh. 8:12 Perhaps the 5,000 men (or 5 units) set in ambush represent a section of the force mentioned in vv. 3–4, and the other 25,000 men (or 25 units) make up the main attack force. If so, this may help to explain why the king of Ai falls for the deception. Israel appears to be attempting the same direct approach of ch. 7, but with more than eight times as many troops.
Josh. 8:18–20 Stretch out the javelin . . . toward Ai. Perhaps this served as a signal to the men in the ambush to attack the city. This action symbolizes the Lord’s giving the city into Joshua’s hand.
Josh. 8:28–29 heap of ruins. . . . heap of stones. Both “heaps” remain to this day—that is, to the time the text was written.
Josh. 8:32 Joshua wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, creating a fourth stone monument in the land (see note on 4:20). This was a reminder to Israel to obey God’s law (see 1:7–8).
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
Josh. 8:30–33 Mount Ebal, along with its counterpart Mount Gerizim (see Deut. 11:29), is some 20 miles (32 km) north of Ai, near Shechem. Israel’s ancestors had ties to Shechem beginning with Abraham (Gen. 12:6–7; also Jacob, in Gen. 33:18–20; 34:1–31). These associations may help explain how Israel is able to hold a covenant renewal there, apparently without having to capture it first.
Josh. 8:34 For the blessing and the curse, see Deuteronomy 28.
Josh. 8:1–35 Having been defeated in Ai (ch. 7), Israel now follows God’s instructions and is successful.
Josh. 8:30–35 For Moses’ instructions regarding the event recorded here, see Deut. 27:1–8. Joshua carefully complies with these directions.
Fact: Ambush
Ambush. Battles were sometimes won by deceptive military strategy rather than by brute strength. If an army had smaller numbers or was unfamiliar with the territory, an ambush (8:2) was a great way to “even the odds.”
Fact: Mount Gerizim
Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal make up the sides of the east-west pass into the Valley of Shechem. When Joshua conquered central Israel, he used these mountains as symbols, pronouncing blessings from Mount Gerizim and punishments from Mount Ebal (Josh. 8:30–35). Perhaps because of its historical importance, Jotham chose Mount Gerizim as the place to tell his prophetic story about the trees and the bramble bush (Judg. 9:7–21).
Josh. 9:3 Archaeologists have confirmed that Gibeon was 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Jerusalem.
Josh. 9:4 Cunning implies cleverness and calculation.
Josh. 9:6 The Gibeonites claimed that they came from a distant country. This suggests they were aware that the Israelites were to be more lenient toward cities outside the Land of Promise, while destroying cities within the land (Deut. 20:10–18).
Josh. 9:7 The Hivites are included in the lists of Deut. 20:17 (those to be devoted “to complete destruction”) and Josh. 9:1–2 (those determined to “fight against Joshua and Israel”). The Gibeonites may have been a subgroup of a larger Hivite population in Canaan.
Josh. 9:14 The notice that Israel did not ask counsel from the LORD helps explain how Israel was deceived. Israel’s leaders trusted their impressions instead of seeking direction from the Lord.
Josh. 9:18 the leaders . . . had sworn. Oaths that establish a covenant relationship must be kept (compare Gen. 26:26–31; 2 Sam. 21:7; Ezek. 16:59–60).
Josh. 9:23 The Gibeonite deceivers are declared to be cursed, to be cutters of wood and drawers of water. Yet Joshua assigns them to the house of my God. Supplying wood and water for the sacrificial system in Israel would indeed be hard work, but to be closely associated with the house of God would have been considered a blessing (Ps. 84:10).
Josh. 9:1–27 Having failed to consult the Lord, Israel is tricked into making a peace covenant with the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites claimed to be from a “distant country” (v. 6) but were actually Canaanites, with whom the Israelites were forbidden to make treaties (Deut. 7:1–2). The Gibeonites express belief in the power and supremacy of the Lord, which eases the tension created by their being allowed to remain in the land.
Josh. 9:27 in the place that he should choose. See Deut. 12:5. Shiloh appears to have served as Israel’s central sanctuary from the time of Joshua (see Josh. 18:1) until the fall of Shiloh just prior to the monarchy (1 Sam. 4:3; compare Ps. 78:60; Jer. 7:12).
Fact: Wineskins
Wineskins used for storing and pouring wine (9:13) were made from the skin of a goat or other animal. Jesus uses wineskins as a metaphor to contrast the outdated religious rules of the Pharisees and the new life that he brings (Matt. 9:17).
How can the God of the Old Testament be good with all this death and destruction?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Joshua 6-9
In Joshua 9, the Israelites make a covenant with the Gibeonites, who present themselves as travelers from a far-off land. The Israelites make this covenant without seeking God's guidance. It appears that the Israelites presume to know what God would have them do in this situation so they proceeded on their own. What they did not know is that the Gibeonites had heard of the Israelites' victories over Jericho and Ai and were in fear for their own lives. The Gibeonites knew that the Israelites' God had commanded them to destroy all the inhabitants of the land, but the covenant the Israelites made prevented them from following through with that command.
God had previously made it clear to the Israelites that He would be with them and not forsake them, but they had to be careful to obey all that had been commanded of them (Joshua 1:7-9). God desires our full devotion and obedience to His instructions, which are given intentionally and lead to flourishing.
Just like the Israelites, there have been situations in my life when I fail to seek the Lord's counsel. This often results in increased anxiety or trouble. Fortunately, we have multiple examples in Scripture of Jesus seeking the Father and submitting to His will. I am reminded of Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asks for the cup to pass from Him. Jesus, the Son of God, trusted that the Father's plan of redemption was worth the pain and suffering He would endure on the cross. He was obedient to the Father's instruction so that we could be reconciled. Although we may not always see the fruit of our obedience, we can trust that our Heavenly Father's instructions are trustworthy and perfect (Psalm 19:7).
This month's memory verse
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
– 1 Samuel 16:7
Discussion Questions
1. Are there any situations in your life in which you are living contrary to the Lord's instructions? If so, I challenge you to confess them to the Lord and other believers around you (James 5:16).
2. What situations in your life have you deemed too small or unimportant to seek the Lord? What steps can you take this week to seek the Lord in these areas of your life?
3. Are there any of God's instructions that you doubt are trustworthy and perfect? What truths about God and His character can you cling to as you fight these doubts?