What is the meaning of Joshua 6:21? With the edge of the sword • The phrase spotlights the very real, physical instrument God used to carry out His judgment on Jericho. Scripture treats this as historical fact, not symbolism. • Hebrews 11:30-34 recalls how “By faith the walls of Jericho fell…,” then notes that some “escaped the edge of the sword,” underscoring the sword as a tangible tool in God’s plan. • Judges 1:8 shows Israel later taking Jerusalem “by the edge of the sword,” reinforcing a consistent pattern of conquest commanded by the LORD (cf. Deuteronomy 7:2). • The sword imagery reminds us that sin’s wages are death (Romans 6:23) and that God alone decides when justice must be executed. they devoted to destruction • “Devoted” means set apart exclusively for God—either for sacred use or for removal from His holy land (see Leviticus 27:28). • Deuteronomy 20:16-18 commanded Israel to “not leave alive anything that breathes” in the Canaanite cities so those peoples could not “teach you to do all the detestable things they do.” • First Samuel 15:3 shows the same mandate against Amalek; Saul’s partial obedience there highlights why total obedience in Jericho mattered. • Joshua 6:17 explains that Jericho itself was “devoted to the LORD,” meaning the city became an offering of judgment demonstrating God’s holiness. everything in the city • The scope was total—nothing and no one left out. This pictures complete separation from what defiles (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Deuteronomy 2:34 and 3:6 record earlier victories where Israel “left no survivor,” illustrating that Jericho’s destruction was not an isolated event but part of God’s long-stated policy for Canaan. • The totality underscores God’s absolute claim over His people’s environment; compromise would invite idolatry (Joshua 23:12-13). • For believers today, it calls for decisive removal of sin’s footholds (Colossians 3:5). man and woman, young and old • God judged the entire population because the culture as a whole was saturated with iniquity (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 12:31). • The Bible repeatedly shows that judgment can fall on all ages when sin is corporate (Genesis 7:21-23; Jonah 3:5-9 gives the contrasting picture of entire-city repentance). • While sobering, this reveals God’s sovereign right as Creator and Judge (Psalm 24:1; Psalm 9:7-8) and foreshadows the final judgment where every person stands accountable (Revelation 20:12-13). • It also magnifies the mercy extended to Rahab and her family (Joshua 6:22-23), proving that faith saves even amid widespread judgment (Hebrews 11:31). oxen, sheep, and donkeys • Even livestock were destroyed to eliminate every trace of the Canaanite economy, worship, and way of life (Exodus 34:13-15). • Animals often functioned in pagan sacrifice; removing them prevented syncretism (Deuteronomy 7:5). • First Samuel 15:9 shows the danger of sparing livestock—Saul kept the best animals and was rebuked. Jericho stands as the positive example. • This illustrates the principle that holiness affects property and possessions, not just people (Proverbs 3:9; Romans 12:1). summary Joshua 6:21 records the thorough, God-directed judgment on Jericho. By the literal sword, Israel carried out a total devotion to destruction—people and animals alike—so nothing of the corrupt Canaanite culture remained. The passage highlights God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, the necessity of full obedience, and the mercy available to those who trust Him. |
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