silent soldiers

Joshua 6:8-14 (JDV)

Joshua 6:8 After Joshua had spoken to the troops, seven priests carrying seven trumpets in front of Yahveh moved forward and blew the trumpets; the ark of Yahveh’s covenant followed them.
Joshua 6:9 While the trumpets were blowing, the armed men went in front of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard went behind the ark.
Joshua 6:10 But Joshua had commanded the troops: “Do not yell or let your voice be heard. Don’t let one word come out of your mouth until the time I say, ‘Yell! ‘ Then you are to yell.”
Joshua 6:11 So the ark of Yahveh was carried around the city, circling it once. They returned to the camp and spent the night there.
Joshua 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning. The priests took the ark of Yahveh,
Joshua 6:13 and the seven priests carrying seven trumpets marched in front of the ark of Yahveh. While the trumpets were blowing, the armed men went in front of them, and the rear guard went behind the ark of Yahveh.
Joshua 6:14 On the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

silent soldiers

The Lord had commanded Joshua to have all his troops give a strong yell, but not until the seventh day of the march. So, Joshua told them to remain silent until then. It takes a tremendous amount of self-discipline to stay quiet in such a circumstance. As a soldier, you know the role of noise for intimidation. It took faith and courage for these soldiers to remain silent until the time was right.

As soldiers for Christ, we also need to know when to speak up, and when to remain silent. We must be wise, knowing what tactic best succeeds at accomplishing our commander’s will.

LORD, give us the wisdom to know when to speak up, and when to remain silent.