(A) The archaeology of the fall of Jericho. The archaeological site of Jericho (Joshua 5) is incredible to look at and study. There are many different things about the site that line up specifically with the Bible's description of the conquest. We see a totally collapsed outer wall, above a slope, where the rubble of the wall would have acted as a ramp heading into the city. We see large stores of carbonized (burned) grain--showing that the city was burned with fire, that it was taken at harvest time around when passover takes place, that the city was taken suddenly before the grain could be used, and that the group who took the city inexplicably (unless you are reading the Bible) decided to burn the city with all its belongings rather than taking the grain for themselves to eat. You can see more here. As we go through the books of Joshua and Judges, we're going to see with a little more regularity how the archaeological record and the Biblical history line up and lock together in incredible ways.
(B) The commander of the Lord's armies. I really find this interaction from Joshua 5 interesting, where Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's armies. That angelic(?) commander makes it clear that he is not for Israel's armies, or for the armies of Canaan, but rather that he is on God's side. Then he tells Joshua to remove his sandals and to worship God, for he is standing on holy ground. Some will say that this is an Old Testament appearance of Jesus--the "Angel of the LORD" who often speaks in first person as God, many times in Genesis and then also in other parts of Biblical history. That could be true here, but I don't see anything in this passage that would specifically make me think that's the case here. Instead the commander of God's armies is here to show Joshua that this battle is God's, and that's why Joshua will succeed: because he's doing what God is already choosing to bless. How often do we seek to have God bless us and what we are doing, rather than trying to do what God appears to be blessing? How often have we asked whether God is on our side, rather than trying to discern what he is up to and attempting to get on his side?
(B) The commander of the Lord's armies. I really find this interaction from Joshua 5 interesting, where Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's armies. That angelic(?) commander makes it clear that he is not for Israel's armies, or for the armies of Canaan, but rather that he is on God's side. Then he tells Joshua to remove his sandals and to worship God, for he is standing on holy ground. Some will say that this is an Old Testament appearance of Jesus--the "Angel of the LORD" who often speaks in first person as God, many times in Genesis and then also in other parts of Biblical history. That could be true here, but I don't see anything in this passage that would specifically make me think that's the case here. Instead the commander of God's armies is here to show Joshua that this battle is God's, and that's why Joshua will succeed: because he's doing what God is already choosing to bless. How often do we seek to have God bless us and what we are doing, rather than trying to do what God appears to be blessing? How often have we asked whether God is on our side, rather than trying to discern what he is up to and attempting to get on his side?
RESPOND | WHAT IS OUR PART?
How can we respond in our worship, attitude, and actions? In our worship, we can thank God for arranging all of this archaeological evidence to support us in our faith. That so much of the history that pertains to the Bible has actually been preserved is, I would say, miraculous. In our actions, we can look for what God is blessing -if it lines up with his word- and join what he is doing in each new season. In our attitudes, we can be firm in our faith and resolute to go out to whatever God would call us to.
PRAY | HOW DOES THIS LEAD US TO CONNECT WITH GOD?
P = Praise. Thank God for his provision, his goodness, and his willingness to enter into human history and to act on our behalf.
R = Repent. Is there anything in your thoughts, attitudes, or actions that today's reading is highlighting for you as something to take to God so that he can transform you in that area? Spend some time in repentance and give that over to God in humility.
A = Ask. There are probably many things that you need today. Don't be afraid to ask him.
Y = Yield. Now that you have asked, remember that God is a good father. He knows what you need most. So tell him, "not my will, but yours be done."
Y = Yield. Now that you have asked, remember that God is a good father. He knows what you need most. So tell him, "not my will, but yours be done."
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