What role did the Israelites' unity play in the walls of Jericho falling? The scene at Jericho “So when the people heard the blast of the ram’s horn, they raised a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The people charged straight into the city, every man straight ahead, and they captured the city.” (Joshua 6:20) Unity on display • Every tribe—armed men, priests, and civilians—followed one strategy, not competing plans (Joshua 6:3-5). • One schedule: six silent days of marching, then seven laps on day seven. • One discipline: silence until the exact moment to shout (v. 10). • One voice: the entire nation shouted together (v. 20). • One advance: “every man straight ahead,” no jostling for glory. • Result: the wall “collapsed,” literally “fell beneath itself,” leaving a clear path. Scriptural echoes of corporate obedience • Psalm 133:1—“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity!” • Exodus 17:11-13—Israel prevails when Moses’ arms are supported together by Aaron and Hur. • 2 Chronicles 20:13-22—Judah sings as one, and God routes the enemy. • Acts 2:1-2—“They were all together in one place…and suddenly there came a sound from heaven.” • John 17:21—Jesus prays “that they may all be one…so that the world may believe.” Why unity mattered at Jericho • It confirmed faith. No single warrior could claim the victory; only God could drop a fortified wall when His people acted as one. • It amplified obedience. A fragmented army might have blown horns too soon or stopped halfway; united timing fulfilled the exact word of the Lord. • It silenced doubt. Group solidarity kept individual fears from spreading. • It displayed God’s character. The covenant community mirrored the oneness within the Godhead (Deuteronomy 6:4). • It protected the weak. Marching shoulder-to-shoulder prevented stragglers from becoming easy targets. Cautions from the next chapter • Achan’s solo disobedience (Joshua 7) broke unity and led to defeat at Ai. • One person’s sin fractured corporate blessing—proof that unity must be both outward and inward. Applications for today • Seek shared obedience to God’s Word rather than personal agendas. • Guard corporate worship from distractions that splinter focus. • Resolve conflicts quickly (Ephesians 4:3) so the “shout” of praise remains unhindered. • Remember that victories God intends for His people often hinge on collective faith, not lone-ranger effort. |
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