World War II witnessed the use of various military strategies by both the Allies and the Germans. The Germans often used what is referred to as the Blitzkrieg. This was a strategy that involved using many armored vehicles, air strikes, and ground troops to break enemy lines quickly. The Allies, on the other hand, used a combination of land and air-based strategies. For example, in April 1942 the Allies strategically bombed various areas in Japan. The United States also used land-based strategies such as massive ground troop invasions.
When it came time for the Israelites to overtake Jericho, the Lord used what we might call an unusual strategy. The purpose behind this was to test their faithfulness in following His instructions, regardless of whether it made sense or not. The Lord’s strategy, as described in Joshua 6:3-6, was for them to first march around the city for six days. Then, on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times as the priests blew their trumpets. At the blowing of the final trumpet, the city would be leveled flat. Obviously, the “Lord’s unusual battle plan was so impossible in the world’s eyes that when Jericho fell, He alone would get the credit.”[1]
“In this portion we see the triumph of faith. Israel was doing God’s work in his way, no matter how foolish the marching must have seemed.”[2]
“God’s plan for the conquest of Jericho was seemingly foolish, but it worked. God delights in using weakness and seeming foolishness to defeat His enemies and glorify His name.”[3]
The Lord uses various means to accomplish His purposes. Some of those will make sense to us while others will not. What the Lord expects from us is to have faith in Him and His Word. The more we grow in doing this the more we grow in our faith and trust.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven