What role does faith play in following God's instructions in Joshua 6:3?

Setting the scene

“March around the city, with all the men of war circling the city once. Do this for six days.” (Joshua 6:3)

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God’s instruction in Joshua 6:3

- The command is clear, unusual, and entirely strategic—yet it has no obvious military logic.

- Israel’s success will hinge not on human ingenuity but on trusting God’s word exactly as given.

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Faith steps into the unknown

- Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.”

- At Jericho, Israel sees high walls, not cracks or weaknesses; faith accepts God’s unseen plan over visible obstacles.

- Hebrews 11:30 ties the fall of Jericho directly to faith: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.”

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Obedience proves faith

- Genuine faith produces action (James 2:17): “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

- Joshua and the warriors rise early each day, march, and return to camp—no shortcuts, no edits to God’s order.

- Their silent, disciplined obedience says, “We believe God will do what He promised” (compare Romans 4:20-21).

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Lessons for today

- Faith embraces God’s instruction even when it conflicts with human reasoning (Proverbs 3:5-6).

- Faith acts persistently; six silent days precede the breakthrough, teaching us to persevere.

- Faith focuses on God’s character, not on circumstances—He had already declared Jericho “delivered” (Joshua 6:2).

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Practical ways to cultivate that faith

• Immerse in Scripture: the more you know God’s voice, the easier it is to trust His directives.

• Recall past victories: remembering earlier deliverances strengthens confidence for the next obedience step (1 Samuel 17:37).

• Commit to wholehearted obedience: decide in advance to carry out God’s Word precisely, without negotiation.

• Walk in community: Israel marched together; fellowship bolsters faith and steadies wavering hearts (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Faith in Joshua 6:3 is not a passive feeling; it is the active, day-by-day choice to take God at His word and step forward, trusting Him to topple the walls no human effort could budge.