And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout (Joshua 6:10).
When God sent the children of Israel to bring down the walls of Jericho, He gave them the strategy. He said to them, “Go around Jericho once every day for seven days.” He also instructed them through Joshua to stay quiet. He didn’t want anyone doubting or asking, “Do you think these walls will fall down? They’re so thick!” No; He commanded absolute silence.
From the time they left their homes until they returned, they were to say nothing for the first six days as they marched round Jericho. On the seventh day, they were to go around the city seven times, and on the seventh lap, the priests were to blow the trumpet, and after that, everyone was to shout!
They did as God instructed, and though they hadn’t any equipment to bring down those walls, the walls fell down flat nevertheless. God instructed them to be quiet until the seventh day because He didn’t want them speaking unbelief that would nullify their faith. Sometimes, you need to be quiet. If you’re struggling to believe what God has said, don’t speak doubt. Instead, meditate on the Word, and build your faith.
This is one area where fasting is also very beneficial. Fasting will help you if you’re having difficulty believing something God has said to you. When you fast, pray, and study the Word, it’ll speed up the process of developing your faith for that situation. Hallelujah!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for the strategies you give us to walk in victory. I declare that my heart is open to your Word, and I walk according to your instructions with faith and confidence. I walk by faith, not by sight. I build my faith and grow in your Word, making progress in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
Joshua 6:1-5; Isaiah 30:15; 2 Corinthians 4:13
1-year bible reading plan
Luke 20:1-19; 1 Samuel 18-19
2-year bible reading plan
Mark 4:30-41; Leviticus 23
