Joshua 6: Proclaim the Gospel

Joshua 6 shows how proclaiming the gospel destroys strongholds, saves the lost, exalts God's power, and unites His people through Christ.

Jericho’s walls looked unbreakable. From the human point of view, Israel had no path in. Yet the Lord declared to Joshua that He had given Jericho into his hand (Joshua 6:2). The plan that followed was no conventional siege. God required trust and obedience to His word. This chapter not only records Israel’s victory; it points to Christ and instructs the church in how God advances His kingdom through the proclamation of the gospel.

Proposition

You should proclaim the gospel.

I. Because it destroys spiritual strongholds (6:1–5)

Jericho shut its gates so that no one went out or came in. Human defenses appeared decisive. God’s command, however, overturned that appearance: march around the city, blow the trumpets, and shout. The collapse of the walls came by God’s word attended by obedient faith, not by human force. In the church age, the strongholds are arguments, proud thoughts, and rebellious minds that raise themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). The gospel, announced in faith, tears down what no human strategy can touch. Proclamation exposes lies, humbles pride, and brings thoughts captive to obey Christ.

II. Because it saves the lost (6:6–14)

God’s chosen method looked foolish to human wisdom. The ark of the covenant—sign of God’s presence—went before the people. Priests sounded trumpets. The people marched in silence. No display of human strength. No engines of war. Yet this was God’s wisdom and power at work. So also today: the gospel’s public announcement looks weak to the world, but God uses it as His appointed means to save (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). Proclamation centers God’s presence and God’s word, not human ingenuity, and God grants life through it.

III. Because it exalts God’s power (6:15–21, 26–27)

On the seventh day, at God’s signal, the people shouted and the walls fell flat. The outcome removed all grounds for boasting in human achievement. Joshua’s curse against rebuilding Jericho fixed the point: the ruins stood as a monument to the Lord’s victory. In every age, proclamation of the gospel keeps the spotlight on God. Each conversion, each act of repentance, each step of growth displays divine power, so that the church boasts in the Lord rather than in methods or personalities (1 Corinthians 1:26–31).

IV. Because it promotes unity (6:20)

Israel moved as one. Day after day, the nation marched in step, waited together, and lifted one unified shout at the appointed time. The priests’ trumpets gathered the people around God’s word and God’s presence. In the same way, proclaiming the gospel forms one body under one Head. Christ gives shepherds and teachers to equip the saints, build up the body, and bring believers to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11–13). Gospel proclamation gathers, aligns, and strengthens the church in shared trust and obedience.

Invitation

Joshua 6 shows us that God brings victory not through human strength but through faith in His word. The walls of Jericho fell because God fought for His people. In the same way, Christ has already won the greater victory over sin and death through His cross and resurrection. The gospel may appear foolish to the world, but it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

Just as Rahab was saved when she trusted the Lord and aligned herself with His people, you too can be saved today. God calls you to change your mind about sin and turn to Him in faith. Believe that Christ died for your sins and rose again. Call on the name of the Lord, and He will save you. Do not remain behind the walls of unbelief that cannot stand against God’s judgment. Step out in faith and receive the salvation that Christ freely gives.

The greater Joshua leads the way. Will you follow Him? Trust Christ today, and you will share in His victory.

Conclusion

Joshua 6 teaches that God advances His kingdom through His word, not through human force. Proclaiming the gospel pulls down strongholds, rescues the lost, magnifies God’s power, and binds His people together. Christ, the greater Joshua, has secured the decisive victory. Proclaim the gospel, and watch God bring the walls down.