Joshua 6:1-20
Vs 20: When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.
This is the story of the city of Jericho, falling to the Israelites. The Lord spoke to Joshua through a messenger who identified himself as "commander of the army of the Lord". The army was given instructions to march around the city of Jericho once each day blowing trumpets and carrying the ark of the Lord. They were to do this for six days and on the seventh day they were to march seven times around the city, continuing to blow the horns. At the final long blast of the trumpet, they were to shout! At that time the walls of Jericho did fall, and the army was able to take over the city. Why the trumpets and the long, drawn out process? I am sure there are many opinions about this. Did the music calm the citizens of the city, leaving them more vulnerable? Or did the music intensify their fear and eventually leave them in a panic, unable to defend themselves? In any event, the music was a powerful part of this plan delivered to Joshua by God. Certainly we will never need to use music in this way. But, I can see that music holds a certain power over us, allowing us to shift our attention and our mood. I am certain that God intended music for good, and music is good for us in so many ways. But it also can be a powerful tool.
Holy Lord, you have created me with a love of music which has lasted a lifetime. Thank you for the opportunities to share music with others for a positive outcome. May your love for your creation be evident through me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Joshua 6:1-20. 20–when the people heard the sound of the rams’ horn, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.
Although an important part of this story is the sounding of the ram’s horn, I find it difficult to think of that sound as music. I imagine these sounds were jarring to those hiding behind the walls of Jericho. On the seventh day, between the blasts from the horns, and the loud shouting from the Israelites, the citizens must have been very frightened and, therefore, easily overcome.
On another note, today in the news, I read that UNESCO has designated the ruins of Jericho…
Monday, September 18th, 2023
Joshua 6:1-20
Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of…
Joshua 6:20
Cultural exchange programs invariably have a component of music. Music, with its mystical capacity to “sooth the savage beast” can serve to break down walls between people to this very day. God has given this gift to all people groups and the Holy Spirit guides us to share it with each other, demonstrating both our shared humanity and shared link to the divine.
Prayer - God of unity, help us to share with one another the elements of ourselves that promote and achieve unity of spirit despite the tangible differences in our lives. Amen
TAA