“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Deuteronomy 29:29, ESV
This passage today says a lot about what we have been given in the fullness of Christ. I’ve recently spent time reviewing Colossians 2 where Paul also talks about our need to stay in Christ and that our faith has taken away the debt that was held against us! Amen.
The Israelites are instructed to destroy every living person in Jericho, and they do. Immediately, we are confronted with one of the hardest things in the Old Testament to understand: why would God destroy people? It seems so harsh and violent. It paints a picture of an angry and vengeful God, which is different than the New Testament presentation of the gospel of Christ. It also brings to the discussion the topic of ethnic cleansing. Was Israel, or was God, participating in this kind of behavior?
We tend to read modern conceptions into the biblical text. This is common because our reality is comprised of our own experiences. We try to understand things from where we are, what we know, and where we’ve been. After all, what else can we do? But part of studying the word of God is attempting to think God’s thoughts after him. We live a faith-seeking-understanding. That being the case, we must remain teachable. We are not looking to forge the Bible into a shape we like, but to rather be molded by it. Our end goal is to understand God’s message.
With that in mind, what answers does God provide regarding the destruction of Jericho? I find several pieces of information. 1.) Before the Israelites ever got to Jericho, there was fear of judgment looming in the city. 2.) God’s covenant is not with Israel alone, but with all those who will follow him. 3.) Secret things belong to God and only those things revealed belong to us.
First, Jericho was not without warning and allowed time to repent. Joshua sent spies to scope the land and people. His spies were protected by Rahab when the town guards came for them. Rahab wasn’t living holy. She was a prostitute. Yet, she was justified and spared because of her faith or hope in God. Rahab knew judgment was coming and acknowledged it (Jos 1:9). The rest of the city did not.
Rahab’s behavior shows recognition of sin and of God’s authority. This leads to the second point: God told Israel that it is not only with them that he is making his covenant (Deu 29:14). Entering into a covenant with God takes submission and honoring him as God: the king of the covenant. Part of that honoring is to observe the stipulations of the covenant. to love him above all other things. Rehab behaved with this perspective even though she was guilty and looked to God for grace. Well, thank God! Maybe there is hope for me! All of Jericho had this same opportunity, and refused it. Look at how this concept is present here in the first books of the Bible, not just later in the New Testament.
Finally, God has reserved some matters for himself. He has not disclosed everything to us. What we can know is what he has revealed to us (Deu 29:29). The rest of the way we have to walk out by faith. A child does not understand the parent’s command, but, when obeyed that parent saves the child from harm and sets them up for success. It isn’t until afterwards that the child sees the reason for the commands.
When we follow God and his commands we will reap the fullness of them. Understanding of all the elements is not a requirement. We are justified God’s love that has been poured on us in union with our love of God. It has never been about a certain ethnicity because ultimately we all come from the Father himself. It has always been about faith as a response to God’s love toward us.
Even though we may not understand right now, what is taking place in our lives is maturing us toward acting lovingly to our God. Continue in those things God has led you into. In due season, you will reap a harvest you did not foresee! And oh how good his harvest season is! Love in Christ, Saints.
Becoming the Faithful 