“So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”
When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD’s covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!”” Joshua 6:6-10
Despite the trumpets blasting, Joshua instructed the army to remain silent as they walk. No commentary. No explanation. No expressions of frustration or excitement.
Silence removed the temptation to perform for each other or the people of Jericho. No psyching each other up for a coming battle, no yelling insults at the enemy for the satisfaction of a response and immediate gratification.
God works in seasons where obedience may feel frustratingly unsatisfying. Silence teaches restraint and dependence on God. It reveals whether we trust God enough to follow Him even if it feels like we’re not going anywhere or doing anything.
Can you imagine the frustration of the soldiers as they marched in silence? But… maybe not…maybe…
“Silence will illuminate you in God… and deliver you from phantoms of ignorance. Silence will unite you to God…. In the beginning we have to force ourselves to be silent. But then from our very silence is born something that draws us into deeper silence. May God give you an experience of this ‘something’ that is born of silence.” Isaac of Nenevah
Something to prayerfully ponder: How do you respond when obedience feels quiet, repetitive, or unnoticed?
