Meaning of Joshua 6:21

Joshua 6:21 describes the complete destruction of Jericho, a city that had been cursed by Joshua according to divine command. This act of cherem, or devoted destruction, was a radical and absolute consecration of the city and its inhabitants to the Lord, meaning nothing was to be spared for human use or benefit. The verse explicitly states that everything living within the city, from the oldest to the youngest, and all the livestock, was put to the sword. This was not a spontaneous act of violence but a divinely ordained judgment upon a city whose inhabitants were deeply entrenched in Canaanite idolatry and wickedness, a people against whom God had declared war through His chosen people, Israel. The severity of this judgment underscores the absolute holiness of God and His intolerance for sin, especially when it posed a threat to the spiritual purity of His covenant people and the fulfillment of His promises.

Context and Background

The conquest of Jericho is the opening act of Israel's military campaign in the Promised Land, following their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Jericho was a formidable, walled city, strategically positioned to control access into the land. God's instructions for its destruction were highly unusual: a week of circumambulation, with the final day involving seven circuits and a great shout, culminating in the collapse of the walls. This entire process was designed to demonstrate God's power and to instill fear in the hearts of the Canaanites. The command for cherem was given prior to the conquest (Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20:16-18), and Jericho was the first city designated for this total destruction. The narrative emphasizes that Israel was an instrument of God's judgment against the pervasive sin of the Canaanites, who had been given ample time to repent but had not.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are divine judgment, obedience, and consecration. God's judgment is portrayed as absolute and unwavering against entrenched sin and rebellion. The Israelites' obedience, even to seemingly bizarre commands, is paramount for success. The concept of cherem highlights the idea of total consecration to God, where even the spoils of war were forbidden to Israel, and everything was to be destroyed or returned to God. This act served as a stark warning and a testament to God's power and sovereignty.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse speaks to the absolute nature of God's holiness and His righteous judgment against sin. For believers today, it can represent the necessity of a radical separation from sin and worldly corruptions. Just as Jericho was utterly devoted to God and removed from Israel's possession, so too are believers called to consecrate themselves entirely to God, putting to death sinful desires and practices that hinder their spiritual walk and witness. It underscores the spiritual warfare believers engage in, where complete reliance on God and obedience to His Word are essential for victory over sin and its consequences.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Joshua 6:21 is a foundational event in the Old Testament, setting the stage for Israel's conquest and establishment in the Promised Land. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, but also His justice in dealing with those who opposed His will. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate conquest of sin and death through Jesus Christ, who likewise faced a divine judgment on behalf of humanity. The concept of "devoting" something to God finds echoes in the New Testament's call for believers to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), a concept of complete consecration.

Analogies

One analogy for cherem could be the complete eradication of a dangerous disease from a community. The disease, like the sin of Jericho, is so destructive and pervasive that it must be entirely eliminated to protect the health and well-being of the community. Another analogy is the burning of contaminated materials during a plague to prevent further spread; the materials themselves are not inherently evil, but their contamination makes them a threat that must be neutralized completely.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely linked to Deuteronomy 7:1-2 and 20:16-18, which outline the principles of cherem for the nations inhabiting Canaan. It also relates to the subsequent accounts of Israel's struggles when they failed to fully obey this command, such as the incident with Achan in Joshua 7, who took forbidden spoils from Jericho, bringing divine wrath upon Israel. In the New Testament, the principle of absolute separation from sin is found in verses like 1 Corinthians 5:13, which speaks of removing evil from the community, and 2 Corinthians 6:17, which commands believers to "come out from them and be separate." The ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment against sin is seen in the cross of Christ, where He bore the full wrath of God for the sins of the world.