What is the meaning of Joshua 6:24? Then the Israelites burned up the city “Then the Israelites burned up the city” (Joshua 6:24). • God had told Joshua, “The city and everything in it are devoted to the LORD” (Joshua 6:17). Following through with fire showed literal obedience to that command, much like Moses had instructed Israel to “destroy completely” the pagan strongholds of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:2; 20:16-18). • The flames made a visible declaration that Jericho belonged to the LORD for judgment, comparable to Elijah’s altar that was consumed by fire to prove God’s ownership (1 Kings 18:38). • By burning Jericho, Israel confirmed that victory was not for their enrichment but for God’s glory (Psalm 115:1). and everything in it “and everything in it” (v. 24b). • The phrase underscores the totality of the ban—nothing living, valuable, or trivial escaped destruction (cf. Numbers 21:2-3). • This mirrors the command Saul failed to obey regarding Amalek (1 Samuel 15:3, 9). Where Saul spared choice plunder, Israel here obeyed fully, illustrating the blessing tied to complete obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). • Such thoroughness warned Israel against later idolatry; anything left alive or intact could tempt them (Deuteronomy 7:25-26; 1 John 5:21). However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron “However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron” (v. 24c). • God had pre-assigned these metals for Himself (Joshua 6:18-19). They were considered holy, like the firstfruits He claimed in Exodus 23:19 and Proverbs 3:9. • Setting apart precious metals foreshadowed later temple treasures gathered by David (2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Chronicles 18:11). • The contrast—burning everything else yet preserving these metals—shows the difference between cursed objects and consecrated ones (Leviticus 27:28). into the treasury of the LORD’s house “into the treasury of the LORD’s house” (v. 24d). • Even before a permanent temple existed, Israel maintained a dedicated store for worship (Exodus 35:21; Joshua 22:8). • Depositing the metals signaled that victory resources belong to God first; only afterward can His people enjoy their inheritance (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Chronicles 31:12). • This act set a precedent later echoed when Hezekiah and Josiah restored temple treasuries (2 Chronicles 31:11-12; 34:9), and ultimately points forward to believers laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). summary Joshua 6:24 shows Israel’s wholehearted obedience—destroying Jericho exactly as commanded while dedicating every valuable metal to God’s treasury. The verse teaches that victory, possessions, and future security all belong to the LORD. When His people honor Him first, they testify to His holiness and safeguard themselves from idolatry and pride. |
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