Joshua 6:24

Context of Joshua 6:24

This verse describes the culmination of the divine judgment executed upon the city of Jericho, the first city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Following God's specific and miraculous instructions—marching around the city for seven days, culminating in the blast of trumpets and a great shout—the formidable walls of Jericho collapsed (Joshua 6:20). The command given to the Israelites was to utterly destroy the city and everything within it, an act known as `cherem` (devotion to destruction), reserving only specific precious metals for God's treasury. This was not a typical military conquest but a holy war, an act of judgment against the Canaanites' deep-seated idolatry and wickedness, and a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Judgment and the `Cherem` Principle: The burning of Jericho and all its contents (except specific metals) was a direct execution of God's judgment. The Hebrew term `cherem` (חֵרֶם), often translated as "devoted thing" or "ban," signifies that something is set apart for God. In this context, it meant utter destruction for the city and its inhabitants, symbolizing God's absolute holiness and intolerance for sin, particularly the abominable practices of the Canaanites. The only exceptions were items that could be purified and dedicated to God's service.
• Absolute Obedience to God's Commands: The Israelites' actions demonstrate their strict adherence to the explicit instructions given by God through Joshua. This obedience was crucial for their success and for maintaining their covenant relationship with the LORD. The severity of the destruction underscores the importance of obeying God's specific, sometimes difficult, commands without reservation, as seen in the later consequences of Achan's disobedience in the following chapter.
• God's Sovereignty and Ownership: The command to put the silver, gold, brass, and iron into "the treasury of the house of the LORD" highlights God's ultimate ownership over all things, even the spoils of war. These valuable items, unlike other possessions, were not to be plundered for personal gain but consecrated to God, acknowledging His provision and authority. This act consecrated the first spoils of the conquest to God, setting a precedent for future victories.

Linguistic Insights

The term `cherem` (חֵרֶם) is central to understanding this passage. It implies more than mere destruction; it means "to utterly destroy," "to devote," or "to set apart as sacred." When applied to cities or people, it meant they were consecrated to God for destruction due to their extreme wickedness, preventing Israel from being corrupted by their practices. When applied to valuable items, it meant they were consecrated to God for His sanctuary, making them taboo for common use.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joshua 6:24 offers profound lessons:

• Radical Obedience: Just as the Israelites were called to full obedience, believers are called to trust and obey God's commands, even when they are challenging or counter-cultural. This often means separating ourselves from the "world" and its corrupting influences (Romans 12:2).
• God's Holiness and Justice: The passage reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against sin. While we live under grace, the principle that sin has consequences remains.
• Giving God Our "Firstfruits": The dedication of the choicest metals to the LORD's treasury serves as a reminder to give God our best, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in our lives. It emphasizes that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him.