Joshua - Chapter 6

1. Who determined the strategy for the conquest of Jericho?

Joshua may be the leader and General in the field, but the strategy is clearly coming directly from God.

2. Is the conquest to be effected by way of "military strength" or through some other means?

Clearly, the breaching of the walls of the city had nothing to do with military might. The walls fell when the Arc marched around the city 7 times with the sounding of the shofar. But once the walls fell, the Israeli "army" still had to fight with the sword. But even given that it would be foolish to think the Jericho fell by human hands. God brought the walls down, and after seeing that the people of Jericho would have been too awe-stuck to fight. As it says in verse 2 God "has delivered into your hands Jericho and its King."


3. In verse 6 there is a reference to an Ark. How is it different from the earlier reference to same in terms of nomenclature -- or is it the same?

Actually verse 6 references the arc two times - in different terms. First it's referred to as the "Arc of the Covenant", as it has been referred many times before. Then it is called the "Arc of Hashem". Clearly there is only one arc. Perhaps the different names are used to refer to different uses of the arc - just as different names are used to refer to God's different attributes.


4. In verse 17 what is the definition of the word "herem" -- and what is the exception to same and for what reason? (Note that the reference here is not to spies but, rather, to "messengers.?) Does this have any significance in terms of the emphasis desired by the author of this phrase?

"Herem" means "all that is in it" - in other words everything, every person, animal and object. The only exceptions being some valuable objects (see question 5) and Rahab and all of her family and property.

Perhaps the "spies" are called "messengers" here because the verse is talking about what they actually did, not what they were sent to do. They may have been sent to spy on the city, but what they actually did was bring the message of the truth of God to Rahab.

5. The "herem" has a prohibitional element. What is it -- and why? Is anything to be saved and, if so, for what purpose?

The only things to be saved are the silver and gold vessels of copper and iron. These were to be "donated" to the treasury of Hashem - or in other words given to the Kohanim to use to maintain and administer the Sanctuary. Remember that the Kohanim and Levim have an important and expensive role to play, yet they don't get a portion of land in Israel - they live of the charity of the rest of the tribes. They clearly need to build a treasury to allow them to fulfill their role.

6. Why is it necessary to repeat what happened to Rahab in verse 23 and again in verse 25; is there any difference between the two versions? And, if so, does the difference have anything to do with the view towards the conversion of the non-Jew and acceptability into the Jewish community?

Verse 23 says Rahab was taken and placed outside of the camp of Israel. verse 25 says she "dwelled in the midst of Israel to this day". The question seems to be implying that perhaps Rahab converted but were left to "dwell outside of the camp" - or never fully integrated into the nation. I don't agree. I think these two accounts could be saying something different. Verse 23 is a physical description - they were taken and put outside of the camp for their safely - to ensure that they are not accidentally killed. But verse 25 is talking spiritually - they converted and continue to live in our midst - a key part of our nation - to this day.

Favourite Quote : "It happened when the people heard the sound of the shofar that the people cried out with a great shout" - Verse 20