THE FIRST DEFEAT AND ITS CAUSE

AND ITS CAUSE


The first defeat and its cause. But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully and violated their obligation in regard to the things [off limits] under the ban [those things belonging to the LORD], for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban [for personal gain]. Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.

JERICHO TAKEN AND “DEVOTED”

” So the people shouted [the battle cry], and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they raised a great shout and the wall [of Jericho] fell down, so that the sons of Israel went up into the city, every man straight ahead [climbing over the rubble], and they overthrew the city.

TWELVE MEMORIAL STONES FROM THE JORDAN

“Take for yourselves the twelve men [chosen] from among the people, one man from each tribe,
and command them, ‘Pick up for yourselves twelve stones [one each] from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm; carry them over with you and lay them down at the place where you will spend the night tonight.'”

A HEATHEN WOMEN’S ACT OF FAITH

A heathen woman’s act of faith. And now, please swear [an oath] to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s household (family), and give me a pledge of truth and faithfulness,
and spare my father and my mother and my brothers and my sisters, along with everyone who belongs to them, and let us all live.”