Joshua 6:1-5
The city of Jericho was one of the oldest cities in the world. In some places it had fortified walls up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick. Jericho was a symbol of military power and strength---the Canaanites considered it invincible.
But the Canaanites heard about the Israelites' God, "We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror." Joshua 2:9. In Joshua 6:4 it says, "Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn..." What is important about this verse is that the Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence and power and was placed inside the holy of holies [where God dwelled]. The ram's horn, also known as a [shofar], was blown for several reasons but one was to summon warriors to battle and signaled the beginning of an attack [which was the case in Joshua 6]. When the "loud blast" happened it signaled the onset of the attack--psychological warfare intended to create panic and confusion.
Many of us have our own fortified walls that need to be conquered. Whether it be gossip, self-image, trust, lust, greed, envy, bitterness, troubled marriage, unruly kids, drugs, alcohol, etc..... As long as you trust in your own knowledge and strength the fortified wall and your enemy will laugh at you. You always need to bring God with you [the Ark of the Covenant].
As for the shofar not only was it used to summon the warriors for battle but also it was used to summon worshippers to the Temple. It was also used in regular Temple worship. The only way we can defeat our enemy/fortified wall is to really exalt the name of Christ.
Read Psalm 98
1 comment:
Thanks for the encouragement to let God break down those fortified walls I have built in my life. Every sin is another brick in the wall. Only God can release me from the prison I have built around myself. I can't do anything apart from Him. He alone can set me free! Great message!
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