The NIV 365 Day Devotional
A Military Campaign Like No Other
The Israelites’ abysmal failures in the Desert of Sinai (see Numbers and Deuteronomy) traced back to a simple matter of disobedience. Led by a cloud each day and a pillar of fire each night, they had unmistakable divine guidance. Yet they insisted on choosing their own way over God’s. Will the next generation, their children, respond any differently now that they are marching through the promised land?
The residents of Canaan, who have long heard about the Israelites’ plan to conquer them, brace for the worst. Citizens of Jericho, the first city in the invaders’ path, barricade themselves within the walls of the city and await the expected attack. Instead, they watch dumbfounded as the Israelites apparently conduct worship rather than military maneuvers.
God has put the Israelites’ obedience to the test. Instead of storming the walls, they must circle them in procession. Rather than swords, they use trumpets. The bizarre tactics of the Israelites in besieging Jeri cho leave no doubt that God alone is in charge. An army can hardly take credit for victory when it merely marches around in circles and shouts.
Taken from the NIV Student Bible.