August 3

Introduction

Joshua 6:1–27: Today’s reading recounts the fall of Jericho, a walled city a few miles west of the Jordan River. For six days the Israelite army marched around the city. On the seventh day, when the priests blew the trumpets, the people marched around the city seven times. When Joshua gave the signal, the priests blew the trumpets again and all the people shouted as loud as they could. The walls of Jericho collapsed, and everyone in the city was killed. Only Rahab and her household were spared.

Today’s Key Verse: Joshua 6:17a

[Joshua said:] “The city and everything in it must be totally destroyed as an offering to the LORD.”

Reflect

Destroying a city and everything in it showed that these things belonged to the LORD and could not be used by humans. These actions signaled a complete break with Jericho’s pagan culture; a culture which had been condemned by God. God’s people needed to be loyal to God alone (see also Deuteronomy 20:16–18). What instructions did Joshua receive from the LORD (verses 2–5)? How had Rahab helped the Israelites (verse 25)? What did Joshua do in return for her help (verses 22–23)?

Pray

God of power and might, I place my faith in you, trusting in the breadth and depth of your love. May my words and actions this day serve as an offering to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Joshua 22:1–9: Joshua speaks to the tribes east of the Jordan River.