“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29, ESV
I think Joshua 6 teaches us a lot about the nature of justification. It relates to this passage, I think, saying a lot about what we have been given in the fullness of the Christ. There is a treatment also in Colossians 2 woth checking out, regarding our need to stay in Christ and how that our faith has taken away the debt that was held against us! Amen.
The Israelites are instructed to destroy every living person in Jericho, and they do. Immediately, we are confronted with one of the hardest things in the Old Testament to understand in our day. Why would God destroy these people? It seems so harsh. It paints a picture of an angry and vengeful God, which is much different than the New Testament presentation of the gospel of Christ. It also
brings to the discussion the topic of ethnic cleansing. Was Israel, or was God, participating in this kind of behavior?
We tend to read modern conceptions into the biblical text. Reality is composed of our own experiences and perceptions. We try to understand things from where we are or where we’ve been. After all, what else can we do? But part of studying the word of God is attempting to think God’s thoughts after him. We live a faith seeking understanding. That being the case, we must remain teachable. We are not looking to forge the Bible into a shape we like, but to be molded by it. Our approach is to attempt to understand God’s message.
With that in mind, what answers does God provide regarding the destruction of Jericho? I find several pieces of information. 1.) Before the Israelites ever got to Jericho, there was fear of judgment looming in the city. 2.) God’s covenant is not with Israel alone, but with all those who will follow him. 3.) Secret things belong to God and only those things revealed belong to us.
First, Jericho was not without warning. Joshua sent spies to scope the land and people. His spies were protected by Rahab when the town guards came for them. Rahab wasn’t living holy, according to Scripture. She was a prostitute. Yet, she was justified and spared because of her faith or hope in God. Rahab knew judgment was coming and acknowledged it (Jos 1:9). The rest of the city did not. In time, God’s wrath confronts those who are against him.
Rahab’s behavior shows recognition of sin and of God’s authority. This leads to the second point: God told Israel that it is not only with them that he is making his covenant (Deu 29:14). Entering into covenant with God takes submission and honoring him as God: the king of the covenant. Part of that honoring is to observe his commands: to love him (i.e. do acts of love unto him). Because Rehab behaved that way, she was spared even though she was not an Israelite and was not perfect as far as what is required to be holy. Well, thank God! Maybe there is hope for me! She was protected under the covenant. All of Jericho had
this same opportunity, and refused it. Look at how this concept is present here in the first books of the Bible, not just later in the New Testament.
Finally, God has reserved some matters for himself. He has not disclosed everything to us. What we can know is what he has revealed to us (Deu 29:29). The rest of the way we have to walk out by faith. A child does not understand the parent’s command,
but, when obeyed, that parent saves the child from much harm. Afterwards, the child will see the fullness of the fruit and reason
for the commands.
When we follow God and his commands we will reap the fullness of them. Understanding is not a requirement except for perhaps in basic terms. That is, if we faint not in keeping the command to love God regardless of understanding His ways. We are justified by our love of God and His love of us who love Him. What circle of love! It was never about a certain ethnicity. It has always been about faith as a response to God’s love toward us.
Even though we do not understand right now, what is taking place in our lives is about responding lovingly to our God. Continue in those things God has led you to. In due season, you will reap a harvest you did not foresee. And oh how good his harvest season is! Love in Christ, Saints.
