The capture of Jericho by ancient Israel continues to thrill the hearts of those who trust the power of God to save. The Biblical narrative of Jericho’s fall gives us a good look at important principles and powers that remain relevant to receive God’s blessing of salvation.

First, we acknowledge it was God who caused the walls of Jericho to fall. God said to Joshua, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor” (Josh. 6:2). God’s power and grace were at work in Israel’s victory over Jericho. Likewise, our victory over sin occurs because God is gracious toward us. We are made to marvel at His love and mercy that forgives us of every sin (Eph. 2:1-7). Like Israel, we have every reason to trust the grace of God.

Second, we acknowledge God expected Israel to do certain things to obtain victory by His grace. God told Israel to march around Jericho once a day for six days (Josh. 6:3). The ark of the covenant was to lead the way, with seven priests bearing seven trumpets. On the seventh day, after going around the city seven times, the trumpets were to sound, the people were to shout, and the wall would fall flat (Josh. 6:4-5). Israel obeyed God and it happened as God said it would (Josh. 6:12-20). This called for great faith on Israel’s part. From all outward appearances, what God commanded them to do would not cause the walls to collapse. Indeed, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down” (Heb. 11:30).

Israel received God’s grace when she obeyed God’s word in faith. That same principle holds true today. God’s word teaches us of God’s grace and how we may receive it in our lives. The plan of salvation is plainly revealed in the gospel. There are things we must do: Hear the gospel, believe it, repent of sins, confess faith in Jesus Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Rom. 10:17; John 8:24; Luke 13:5; Rom. 10:9-10; Mark 16:16). To be saved by grace we must obey Christ in faith (Eph. 2:8; Heb. 5:9; James 2:24). This remains true after becoming a Christian (Tit. 2:11-12).

Do not resist God’s grace. Obey His word by faith and the wall of sin that separates you from God will fall down. 

For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him (2 Sam. 14:14, NKJV).

Absalom, king David’s son, had fled into exile after murdering his brother Amnon in vengeance for raping his sister, Tamar (2 Sam. 13:14, 22, 38-39). Today’s passage records the words of a wise woman whom Joab conscripted to persuade David to let Absalom return from his banishment (2 Sam. 14:1-24). They are poignant and persuasive.

Death is coming to us all and its effects cannot be undone – like so much water spilled on the ground (Heb. 9:27). God is the Giver of life, not the One who wants to take it from us (Gen. 2:7). God takes no pleasure in the death of sinners (Ezek. 18:31-32). Sin causes spiritual death (Gen. 2:15; Rom. 6:23). But God, in His great mercy, devised a plan that gives spiritual life from sin’s death through His Son Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:4-12; 2:1-7). Sin separates us from our heavenly Father, banished from the close fellowship He desires. God calls sinners to come to Him by the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9). David allowed Absalom to return from exile. God’s plan of redemption in Christ ends our spiritual banishment to end so we may walk in sweet fellowship with Him (Eph. 2:13; 1 John 1:6-7). Praise be to God for the abundant love and mercy He gives us in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Sword Tips #2279)