Joshua 6:24

KJV

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they burnt {H8313} the city {H5892} with fire {H784}, and all that was therein: only the silver {H3701}, and the gold {H2091}, and the vessels {H3627} of brass {H5178} and of iron {H1270}, they put {H5414} into the treasury {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they burned the city to ashes with everything in it, except for the silver, the gold and the brass and iron utensils, which they put in the treasury of the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house.

American Standard Version

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein; only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:24 describes the climactic moment of Jericho's destruction, where the city and all its contents, save for specific precious metals, were utterly consumed by fire. This act was a direct fulfillment of God's `cherem` (devotion to destruction) command, signifying divine judgment against Canaanite wickedness and demonstrating Israel's absolute obedience. The consecrated silver, gold, brass, and iron were set apart and dedicated to the treasury of the tabernacle, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and ownership over the spoils of this miraculous victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:24 concludes the dramatic narrative of the fall of Jericho, the first city conquered by Israel after crossing the Jordan River. The preceding verses detail God's unique and miraculous instructions for its capture: a seven-day siege involving silent marches, culminating in a great shout and the collapse of the city walls ([Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho's Walls")). This verse specifically executes the `cherem` command given by God through Joshua in [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17-19 - The Cherem Command for Jericho"), which stipulated the complete destruction of the city and its inhabitants, with only Rahab and her household spared ([Joshua 6:22-23](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22-23 - Rahab's Deliverance")). The careful preservation of specific metals for God's treasury stands in stark contrast to the general destruction and foreshadows the severe consequences of Achan's later disobedience regarding the `cherem` in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was not merely a military campaign but a "holy war" initiated by Yahweh as an act of divine judgment against the deeply entrenched idolatry and abominable practices of the Canaanite peoples, which included child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and other detestable rituals ([Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not for Israel's Righteousness")). The `cherem` (חֵרֶם) principle, often translated as "devotion to destruction" or "the ban," meant that certain entities or objects were irrevocably set apart for God, usually for destruction, to prevent Israel's contamination by pagan influences. Jericho, as the first city conquered, served as a "firstfruits" offering to God, symbolizing His ownership of the entire land and the initial spoils of the conquest. The city's strategic location at the entrance to Canaan made its capture a crucial symbolic and practical victory for the Israelites.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, demonstrating God's absolute intolerance for sin and His righteous wrath against the wickedness of the Canaanites. The `cherem` principle establishes a boundary between God's holy people and the corrupting influences of the surrounding nations. Secondly, it emphasizes **Absolute Obedience to God's Commands**. The Israelites' meticulous adherence to God's specific, seemingly irrational instructions for Jericho's fall, and the subsequent execution of the `cherem`, underscores the paramount importance of trusting and obeying God without reservation, a theme consistently reinforced throughout the book, especially in contrast to later failures like that of Achan in [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Disobedience"). Finally, the dedication of the precious metals to "the treasury of the house of the LORD" powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereignty and Ownership**. It asserts that all victory, and indeed all possessions, ultimately belong to God, and that the spoils of war, particularly the "firstfruits," were to be consecrated to Him, not plundered for personal gain. This act consecrated the initial spoils of the conquest to God, setting a precedent for future victories and acknowledging His provision and authority over all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burnt (שָׂרַף, _sarap'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies "to burn," "to consume with fire." In this context, it denotes a complete and destructive conflagration, emphasizing the totality of the judgment enacted upon Jericho. Fire often symbolizes divine judgment and purification in biblical narratives, indicating a thorough cleansing and obliteration of that which is deemed unholy or devoted to destruction.
* **treasury (אוֹצָר, _'otsar'_):** This noun refers to a "storehouse," "treasury," or "magazine." In the context of the "house of the LORD," it designates the designated storage area within the tabernacle complex where valuable items dedicated to God were kept. These items, often spoils of war or freewill offerings, were consecrated for the maintenance of the sanctuary and the support of its services, signifying their sacred status and God's exclusive claim over them.
* **house of the LORD (בֵּית יְהוָה, _beit Yahweh_):** This phrase refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel. It was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. Placing the consecrated metals into its treasury underscored that these items were not merely spoils of war but sacred offerings, devoted entirely to God's service and glory, acknowledging His dwelling among His people and His role as the source of their victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein:"** This clause describes the comprehensive execution of the `cherem` command. The phrase "all that was therein" emphasizes the totality of the destruction, encompassing structures, possessions, and inhabitants (except for Rahab and her family). This was not a partial conquest but a complete obliteration, a visible manifestation of God's righteous judgment against the entrenched wickedness of Jericho and a stark warning against idolatry. The use of fire signifies a purifying and final act of devotion to destruction, leaving nothing to be plundered for personal gain by the Israelites.
* **"only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD."** This second clause highlights the specific exception to the general destruction. These precious and durable metals were spared from the fire because they could be purified and consecrated for sacred use. Their dedication to the "treasury of the house of the LORD" (the Tabernacle) underscores God's ultimate ownership of all things, even the spoils of war. As the "firstfruits" of the conquest, these items were set apart as holy to God, acknowledging His power in granting the victory and His right to receive the best of the spoils. This act also served to prevent Israel from being tempted by the riches of the conquered city and to reinforce their dependence on God alone.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:24 employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all that was therein," which, while indicating comprehensive destruction, might be understood as emphasizing the totality of the `cherem` rather than a literal atom-by-atom annihilation, particularly given the specific exception of the metals. **Symbolism** is profoundly present: the act of burning the city with fire symbolizes divine judgment, purification, and the eradication of sin and idolatry. Fire, in this context, is an agent of God's wrath and a means of consecration through destruction. The precious metals themselves carry **symbolic** weight, representing the "firstfruits" of the conquest and God's ultimate ownership over all wealth and victory. Their placement in the Tabernacle's treasury further symbolizes their consecration and dedication to God's service. Finally, there is a powerful **contrast** between the complete destruction of the city and its inhabitants, and the careful preservation and dedication of specific valuable items, highlighting God's meticulous instructions and His distinct purposes for different aspects of the spoils.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:24 is a profound theological statement on God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty. The `cherem` principle, executed here, reveals a God who is utterly separate from sin and will not tolerate the pervasive wickedness that characterized the Canaanite nations. This act of judgment was not arbitrary but a righteous response to centuries of moral depravity, serving as a stark warning against idolatry and rebellion. Simultaneously, the dedication of the precious metals to God's treasury underscores His ultimate ownership of all things and His right to receive the "firstfruits" of all blessings and victories. It teaches Israel, and us, that true prosperity and security come from acknowledging God's provision and consecrating our resources to His purposes, rather than accumulating them for selfish gain. This passage thus balances the severity of divine judgment with the gracious provision and sovereign claim of a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy the Nations")
* [Leviticus 27:28-29](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28-29 - Devoted Things")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring the Lord with Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:24 calls believers to a radical understanding of God's holiness and a profound commitment to obedience. Just as Israel was commanded to utterly separate from the corrupting influences of Canaan, we are called to identify and eradicate "Jerichos" in our own lives—those areas, habits, or desires that stand in opposition to God's will and threaten to defile our walk with Him. This requires a willingness to submit to God's specific commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive or demand significant sacrifice. The dedication of the precious metals to the Lord's treasury also serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate ownership over all we possess. It challenges us to consider what "firstfruits" or "treasures" we are holding back from Him, whether it be our time, talents, or material resources. Our lives, like the consecrated metals, are to be set apart for God's glory, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting that true provision and blessing flow from honoring Him first. This passage encourages us to live lives of complete consecration, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, to be used for His kingdom purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the `cherem` principle, as seen in Joshua 6:24, challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a radical "burning" or separation from things that hinder your spiritual growth, similar to the destruction of Jericho?**
* **What "silver, gold, brass, and iron"—meaning your resources, talents, or time—are you called to dedicate to the "treasury of the house of the LORD" (His kingdom) today?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command such total destruction (cherem) at Jericho?**

Answer: God commanded the `cherem` at Jericho primarily as an act of divine judgment against the extreme wickedness and moral depravity of the Canaanite peoples. Their practices, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and pervasive immorality, had reached a point where God's patience was exhausted, and their land was said to "vomit out" its inhabitants ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Nations")). The `cherem` also served to protect Israel from spiritual contamination; by utterly destroying the Canaanite cities and their contents, God sought to prevent His people from adopting the pagan practices that had corrupted the previous inhabitants ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy the Nations")). Furthermore, it was a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty, power, and faithfulness to His covenant promises, establishing His authority over the land and its inhabitants.

**What was the "treasury of the house of the LORD"?**

Answer: The "treasury of the house of the LORD" refers to the designated storage areas within the Tabernacle complex (and later the Temple) where valuable items consecrated to God were kept. These items included precious metals, vessels, and other offerings that were set apart for sacred use. They were not for personal gain or common use but were dedicated to the maintenance, adornment, and service of the sanctuary. This treasury symbolized God's ownership of all wealth and His provision for the needs of His worship. The inclusion of Jericho's precious metals in this treasury underscored that even the spoils of war were ultimately God's property and were to be used for His glory and the support of His dwelling place among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:24, with its depiction of divine judgment, total destruction, and the consecration of precious items, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The `cherem` principle, which pronounced utter destruction upon that which was devoted to God's judgment, foreshadows the radical judgment against sin that was fully poured out on Christ Himself. On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate "devoted thing," bearing the full wrath of God against humanity's sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from eternal destruction ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, Christ utterly destroyed the power of sin and death, conquering the spiritual "Jericho" that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Furthermore, just as the precious metals were set apart for the "treasury of the house of the LORD," believers in Christ are now set apart and consecrated to God, purchased by His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Our lives, once devoted to sin, are now "living sacrifices," holy and acceptable to God, offered into His spiritual "treasury" for the advancement of His kingdom ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Thus, Jericho's fall points to Christ's decisive victory over evil and His work of making us holy possessions for God's eternal glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 8:28

And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, [even] a desolation unto this day.

2 Kings 25:9

And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great [man's] house burnt he with fire.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Deuteronomy 13:16

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Revelation 18:8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

Joshua 6:19

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.