"Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men." Joshua 6:2.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
The people of Israel crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land in the neighborhood of the biggest and most fortified city of the region- Jericho. Conquest would be costly if not impossible.
SEE
The invitation to see was to become aware of the important facts. It is not that their adversaries were safely shut up inside or that they were afraid of Joshua and his army, but The Lord wants Joshua to see that God has delivered it to him.
I HAVE DELIVERED
This is written in the past tense. It is remarkable since Jericho had yet to fall and Joshua still had to march his men around the city for seven days first, but God speaks as if it was already done. If God says it is done then it is done no matter if it is past, present, or future.
Delivering something suggests it is in your possession, it is in your control and you have authority to deliver it. God said I have delivered Jericho because as God He possessed it, had control over it, and had the authority to deliver it
INTO YOUR HANDS
It went from God's hand to his hands. He gives Joshua possession of it and authority over it.
When something is put into your hands it is easy, you just hold out your hand palm up and plop there it is. You don't work for it or buy it- you just receive it.
ALONG
God gave the city along with the king and the fighting men, God left nothing out. If the king or fighting men escaped it would mean protracted fighting and resistance. When God gives victory He does not overlook anything.
VICTORY
The city was Joshua's but he still had to lead a fight, he still had to march and obey God's commands. You may not be a Joshua but God has given victory in Christ, he puts victory in our hands but we still have to take it. We have to believe His promises and obey His commands and take possession of it.
To learn more about how you can have a relationship with God see my other post.
(c) Adron 5/13/15
