There’s a great narrative in the Old Testament book of Joshua that resonates with Soldiers. It is found in Joshua 6. It teaches many fundamental theological doctrines but what I want to focus on here is simple: the value of quiet consistency.

Context, Context, Context: Reading things in their proper context is essential. The big picture overview of the book of Joshua is that it’s set in the 1400s B.C. It centers upon Israelite conquest of Canaan, the so-called promised land. The book as a whole is about God’s covenant faithfulness and the Lord himself is the ultimate Warrior-King.

Quiet Consistency: Joshua was the human typology of the warrior-king-leader of a covenant people, those who believed. It had nothing to do with race or tribalism. It had everything to do with those who believed God versus those who did not. God commands Joshua to “march around the city” of Jericho for six days (Josh 6:3). Then on the seventh day, Joshua and the others are to “march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets” (Josh 6:4). A battle strategy? Hmmm. Most of us, especially military types trained in tactics, techniques, and procedures might have balked: “Really, Lord? This is the plan?”

But that was God’s order. The people obeyed. They blew the ram’s horn, marched, marched, and marched some more. On the seventh day, they marched around Jericho seven times and shouted, and the wall of the city collapsed. Rahab and her family, those who believed God, were spared.

Encouragement: Regardless of how many times I read this history, I am struck at what God reveals about the importance of obedience and trust in him. This divine battle plan overturns any boasting in human military strategy. It’s a way of showing that what is required of the Christian is trusting the Lord rather than trusting human machinations. It’s about quiet obedience in a godly direction.