Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. (Joshua 6:2 ESV)
The Good Start
No subterfuge here.
Simply the people of God arriving in the Land.
Joshua did not try negotiation. Joshua did not strive to find common ground with the people of Jericho. No clever stratagems.
Such things are appropriate at times.
But here, as God plants His people in the Land that He had promised them, God starts with a moment of strength.
He has come.
And the enemies are afraid.
All through the wilderness wandering, God has been building the reputation of His people.
On the other side of the Jordan River, God has been building the reputation of His people.
As Israel crossed the Jordan River, God has been building the reputation of His people.
And the result is, that Jericho knows who has come.
And they cowered behind their walls.
From a practical perspective, this made Joshua’s job easier. The key city of Canaan, Jericho, was already boxed in.
From an emotional perspective, this made Joshua’s job easier. As unlikely as it might have seemed, the result of this battle was already determined.
From a spiritual perspective, this made Joshua’s job easier.
Because ultimately, the enemies of God are not afraid of Israel.
They are afraid of God. And they should be.
Still true today!