Joshua Chapters 4 to 6
Remembering God’s Faithfulness, Trusting His Ways, and Watching God Fight for His People
As we continue in the Book of Joshua chapters 4–6, Israel has just crossed the Jordan River — a miraculous moment marking the transition from wilderness wandering to entering God’s promise.
These chapters are not merely historical accounts of Israel’s early victories. They reveal profound truths about God’s character, human faith, remembrance, obedience, and the way God accomplishes His purposes.
Here, we see God teaching Israel — and us — that victory comes not through human strength, but through trust and obedience.
Joshua 4 — Stones of Remembrance: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
After Israel crosses the Jordan, God commands Joshua to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial.
“In the future, when your children ask… tell them…” (Joshua 4:6–7)
This is deeply significant.
God intentionally establishes visible reminders so future generations will remember what He has done.
This reveals something important about human nature:
We forget quickly — even when God has done great things.
Israel had seen:
- The crossing of the Red Sea
- Provision in the wilderness
- Victory over enemies
- Now the crossing of the Jordan
Yet God knows they will need reminders.
This connects to a recurring biblical theme:
God repeatedly calls His people to remember.
- Deuteronomy repeatedly calls Israel to remember
- Jesus Christ institutes communion saying “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke)
Remembering strengthens faith.
The Priests Stand in the Water
The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand in the river until everyone crosses.
This is powerful imagery:
- God’s presence remains until everyone is safe
- God completes what He begins
- God’s leadership is patient and faithful
This shows us that God does not abandon His people halfway — He stays until the work is complete.
This echoes Philippians — God completes the good work He begins.
Joshua 5 — Preparation Before Victory
Before Israel attacks Jericho, something unexpected happens.
God tells them to pause.
Instead of rushing into battle, Israel:
- Observes circumcision
- Celebrates Passover
- Reaffirms covenant identity
This is deeply meaningful.
God is teaching:
Spiritual preparation comes before spiritual victory.
After 40 years in the wilderness, this new generation renews their covenant relationship with God.
This shows that victory is not about military strength — it begins with spiritual alignment.
The Commander of the Lord’s Army
Joshua encounters a mysterious figure:
“Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13)
The figure replies:
“Neither… I am the commander of the army of the LORD.”
This moment is profound.
Joshua realizes this is a divine encounter and falls in worship.
Many scholars see this as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.
This reveals something important:
Joshua initially asks:
“Are you on our side?”
But the deeper question is:
Are we on God’s side?
This teaches us:
God is not aligned with human agendas — we must align with God’s purposes.
Joshua 6 — The Fall of Jericho: God’s Unusual Strategy
Now Israel approaches Jericho, a heavily fortified city.
From a human perspective, Israel needed:
- Weapons
- Military strategy
- Siege tactics
Instead, God gives an unusual command:
- March around the city for six days
- On the seventh day, march seven times
- Blow trumpets
- Shout
This seems unconventional.
But God is teaching something powerful:
Victory comes through obedience, not human logic.
Faith in Action
Israel obeys without questioning.
This required:
- Patience
- Trust
- Faith
They march silently day after day — trusting God even when nothing seems to happen.
This reflects a deep spiritual truth:
Faith often involves obedience before visible results.
This connects to Hebrews:
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell…”
Victory came through faith.
Rahab’s Deliverance
As Jericho falls, Rahab and her family are spared.
This is beautiful.
Rahab:
- Was outside Israel
- Chose faith
- Was saved
This reflects God’s grace.
Rahab’s story reminds us:
God saves those who trust Him, regardless of background.
She later becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew).
This shows God’s redemption story unfolding.
What These Chapters Reveal About God
1. God Wants His People to Remember
Memorial stones remind future generations.
2. God Prepares Before Victory
Spiritual readiness comes before battles.
3. God Leads the Battle
Commander of the Lord’s army appears.
4. God Uses Unlikely Methods
Marching around Jericho demonstrates trust.
5. God Saves Those Who Believe
Rahab’s faith leads to deliverance.
What This Means for Us Today
Joshua 4–6 teaches us:
- Remember God’s past faithfulness
- Prepare spiritually before major decisions
- Trust God’s ways even when they seem unusual
- Walk in faith before seeing results
- Believe that God fights for His people
Just like Israel, we face “Jericho moments” — obstacles that seem impossible.
God calls us to trust Him, obey, and watch Him move.
Deeper Reflection
These chapters show a pattern:
- Remember God’s faithfulness
- Prepare spiritually
- Trust God’s strategy
- Experience victory
This pattern still applies today.
God leads us through:
- Remembrance
- Preparation
- Obedience
- Breakthrough
Reflection Questions
- What “memorial stones” remind you of God’s faithfulness?
- Are you preparing spiritually for the battles ahead?
- Where is God asking you to trust Him even when His ways seem unusual?
- What “Jericho” are you facing today?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness and for leading us into Your promises. Help us remember all that You have done in our lives.
Teach us to trust You even when Your ways seem different from our expectations. Give us faith to obey and patience to wait for Your timing.
Fight our battles and lead us into victory according to Your will. Strengthen our hearts and help us walk forward in faith.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
