“Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates” (Josh 6:26).
What a strange petition! The destruction of Jericho, gateway to the conquest of Canaan, was at the same time a judgment, a testimony, and an offering. It was a judgment against the awful idolatry of those people, the Canaanites, who were the offspring of Noah’s grandson. It was a testimony to the delivering power of God when He brought down the walls, but also to His grace in rescuing Rahab and her family. And it was an offering, a sacrifice by fire to the Lord. Joshua believed it should stay that way.
Five hundred years rolled by. During the days of Ahab, when few cared for God’s ways, Hiel of Bethel defied this prayer. What happened? “He laid its foundation with Abiram his firstborn, and with his youngest son Segub he set up its gates” (1 Ki 16:34). Lord, help us to take You as seriously as You take us!