What lessons can we learn about God's judgment from Joshua 6:26? Text of Joshua 6:26 “Then Joshua made the people take an oath: ‘Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.’ ” Setting and Background • Jericho has just fallen by a miraculous act of God (Joshua 6:1-20). • Total destruction was commanded so the city would never rise again as a center of idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • Joshua, speaking under divine authority, pronounces a curse that places God’s judgment on anyone who defies His victory. Lessons on God’s Judgment • God’s judgment is certain. – The oath is stated in absolute terms; it will happen exactly as spoken (cf. Numbers 23:19). • Judgment can be delayed but never denied. – The curse lingered for centuries until Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho in Ahab’s day (1 Kings 16:34). • God judges defiance of His revealed will. – Rebuilding Jericho was more than construction—it was open rebellion against what God had declared untouchable. • Judgment is precise and proportional. – The cost matched the offense: the eldest and youngest sons representing an entire family line, showing that sin devastates posterity (Exodus 20:5). • God intertwines judgment with covenant faithfulness. – He protects His people by warning them, then vindicates His word when warnings are ignored (Deuteronomy 28:15, 63). • God’s mercy remains available before judgment falls. – Hiel had ample opportunity to recall Joshua’s oath; his refusal highlights human responsibility (2 Peter 3:9). Historical Fulfillment 1 Kings 16:34 records the exact outcome: “During the days of Ahab, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.” • Identical wording underlines literal fulfillment. • The delay of roughly five centuries magnifies God’s perfect memory and unwavering justice. Supporting Scriptures on God’s Unfailing Judgment • Galatians 6:7—“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” • Hebrews 10:30-31—“‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Romans 2:4-5—Kindness invites repentance, yet stored-up wrath comes to the unrepentant. Living in Light of These Truths • Treat God’s word with reverent obedience; He means exactly what He says. • Resist rebuilding the “Jerichos” of former sin; what God has condemned must remain destroyed. • Remember that hidden or delayed consequences will still arrive; cling to Christ, who bore judgment for us (Isaiah 53:5). • Teach the next generation that God’s past judgments validate His future promises, encouraging holy fear and confident faith (Psalm 78:6-8). |
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