MPV Commentary

The City Compassed Six Days.

The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets passed on before the Lord, leading the procession in deep and solemn silence. This was in accordance with Joshua's earlier instructions to refrain from all acclamation and noise until he gave a signal. The sight must have been unusual: armed men marching without striking a blow or engaging in battle. It is likely that the people of Jericho mocked this spectacle.

The second day's procession followed the same pattern as the first, with Joshua rising early and the priests taking up the ark of the Lord. This was repeated on all six subsequent days, with the militia making seven circuits around the city each time. However, it is unlikely that two million people could have participated in these daily marches.

On the seventh day, the Israelites rose early and made their final circuit around the city. At this point, Joshua gave the signal for the people to shout, declaring that the Lord had given them the city. This delay was a test of their faith and obedience, which is celebrated by the apostle in Hebrews 11:30.

The city would be accursed, meaning it would be devoted to destruction. When a hostile city was placed under this ban, its inhabitants and animals were killed, and no booty could be taken. The idols and precious ornaments on them were burned, and everything was either destroyed or consecrated to the sanctuary. Joshua pronounced this ban on Jericho by divine direction, justified by the city's inhabitants resisting the light of God's recent miracle at the Jordan.

The severity of the doom was in accordance with the requirements of a holy, just, and good law. The destruction of Jericho would also serve as a warning to other cities, paralyzing their defenses and facilitating the conquest of the land. This military miracle demonstrated that it was not done by human power but by God's power and anger.

The Israelites were instructed to keep themselves from the accursed thing, meaning they could not take any spoil from Jericho. A violation of this order would render the guilty persons obnoxious to the curse and bring distress upon all Israel by provoking divine displeasure.

The Walls Fall Down.

As the priests blew their trumpets towards the close of the seventh circuit, Joshua gave the signal for the people to shout. The walls of Jericho fell down, burying many of its inhabitants in the ruins while the besiegers rushed in and destroyed everything animate and inanimate. This event was seen as a righteous judgment by God against the incorrigible idolaters who inhabited Canaan.

The use of the sword as an instrument of punishment was a demonstration of mercy mingled with judgment, allowing time for others to repent before their turn came.