The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-18

! which, at different tines came from
the outside world (Ruth. i:22). Beside
1 this, Jericho had done nothing for God,
( save to gather up treasure. It is given
/ to some people to prepare material con-
| ditions which advance the Kingdom OF
/ Heaven, from which they are excluded.
I DESTROYED. Raha and her family and
her treasure being saved. all else was
/ doomed In advance to utter destruction.
Every living thing. men, women, cattle
must be put to death tverse II. This was
| in accordance with in Instructions deliv-
/ cred to Moses Oeut., xii:2). At this dis
lance OF time this wholesale slaughter
may appear to some as unbeconing the
character Of the Almighty, especially as
it constituted the beginning of a prede-
ternined war of extern1ina ton. It must
I be remembered. however. that the age
in which it occurred was one of blood:
when great results could not be achieved
by gentle measures. Moreover. the Ca
NANTES were idolaters; they had long
stood in the way of the worlds progress
Their removal made place for another
race which. though then in low moral
condition. inherited promises. and was to
be put under training for the worlds
benefit Gen. xxii:1Sl. And finally in
working out His vast designs. the God
| Oll Tue Ntioic scdIlu SeLS u anu CdSlS
down. turns and overturns GEEK
xxii:27o according to his pleasure Who
shall question the wisdom OF his doings?
In the end he will be vinatcated before
all inteIligences (Rev., v:1Sl.
SHOUTING. During the MA Ctl Of the six
days, and the six circuits OF the seventh
day, the people were enjoined to be ST
lent. No sound should be heard except
that of the truuapets. announcing the
city's overthrow. crying for divine as
sistance. God seemed to be praying.
BE still and know that I am God;
will be exalted among the heathen."1
psalm, xlvi:1o).
But on the seventh day while the sew
enth round was being made, and then
only when Joshua should give the word.
the people should lift up one long united
shout. At the ful1ness Of the time.
all the prelimfnaries having been adj
justed. all of the prescribed conditions
having been met. the voice OF the great
Commander would ring out full and
clear: .Shout for the Lord has given
you the city" It is said that Orientalists.
generally IN going into battle employed
this method Of frightening their enc
mics. and our American Indians had the
same practice. But this could not have
been the main motive OF the shout Of
Israel It was rather an expression OF
their faith and joy In the hour of as
sured victory
CAPTURE. It is interesting to note that
Israel obeyed these orders. There is no
evidence that in all that vast host there
was one who deviated from the prescribed
mode of conduct. What a magnificent
spectacle. What a marvel of discipline.
Around the city's walls, with trumpet
blasts of priests, they moved in mighty
column. in unbroken stiffness Day after
day pissed. each time returning to the
camp the people came with increasing
expectancy. On the final day. once. twice,
six times they marched. Then came the
seventh round and Joshua's voice was
heard. moment the host halted. Loud
err firn1er, clearer than ever blew the
trun1pets. Then rose from the hundreds
OF thousands of Israel the joyous long
strained and exultant cry. The power of
God came down. The massive walls
swayed and fell fiat to the ground. Each
man, drawing his sword. advanced straight
before him. There was no impeachment 70
the progress. Entering the streets, pass
ing hastily on. the work of death was
quick. reIiorseless, complete The bodies
of the inhabitants and of the beasts were
strewn confusedly about. Jericho was
slotted out of existance. Rahab only
and her family lived.
CONCLUSION. This section of sacred
history had a twofold value. It exhibits the
methods by which God executed His pur-
poses with and for the people in the an
Gent times Ite tested and trained therr
holding them back by an order requiring
obedience which extended through sew
eral days. that they might know 'tie,E
weakness and trust his power BY many
minute etlactment5 He brought them into
complete subsection to His wilt At the
same time He inundated their enemies
(Josfa. ix. s, 20, who thereafter felt that
they were powe-less IN the presence OF
a people who could thus summon unseen
forces. At the last God displayed His
power in removing obstacles. doing for
the army what they we're not able TO DO, |
hut leaving them to fsEt and ccnplste
the conquest The passage is instructive
for all ages In these later times when I
victories are won more by the truth. we |
nav see IN this narrative the principles
in every campaign against the forces OF |
eyiI. Men must believe in God. obey Hin |
and consecr,te results to Him. Faith. I
Incidence. conservation are the watch I
-.o-5= IN casting down the stronsholds
OF darkness.