The Jews are marching again, straight toward their Promised Land. About to “conquer” it … “in the Name of the Lord.” And the first city of significance in their way is “Jericho.”

And somehow the gentiles of that place knew the Israelite army was coming!

Their reputation had preceded them!

According to one of the city’s women anyway, Rahab the harlot … “She had previously said unto the men (2 spies, Jewish infantrymen), I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For WE HAVE HEARD how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as WE HAD HEARD these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” Joshua 2:9-11, astounding!

Consequently Joshua 6:1 records this encouraging fact. “Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.”

The Jews had been so blessed of God, that a city known for its military prowess literally “cowered” in fear over their (the Israelite people’s) approach!

They placed their whole city in “lockdown” mode!

Godliness here has (as it will time and time again) “paralyzed” the dark world of wickedness which surrounds it!

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.”

The verb “straitly shut up” is “sagar sagar” in Hebrew, yes the same word doubled! Closed, no business, no access or egress! Intensely so!

Oh, that we Christians today still had that kind of impact on the world!

That our “light” could overcome their “darkness!”

That our convictions would influence their thoughts!

That the “fear of the Lord” (in a healthy, righteous sense) would fall upon mankind once more!

This kind of power: “Now when they (the wicked rulers of Jerusalem) saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they MARVELLED; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

To make the society in which we live “marvel” at the things of God!

The verb here (“thaumazo” in Greek) means “to admire.”

To be unable to take one’s “eyes” off a subject!

Wow!

Let us, with the Lord’s help, so live such godly lives!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Paul did. Even the devil knew Paul! “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” Acts 19:15

Impressive!