Seek Not Great Things

The walls of Jericho did not fall by human craft, nor did Israel stand by its own strength. As the psalm teaches, “not by ourselves, but by the help of God, we must be saved” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III). Therefore the people were commanded to move in obedience around the city, bearing the ark, waiting on God’s appointed hour. Victory came from the Lord’s promise, not from noise, numbers, or valor.

But the next chapter shows how swiftly a people may be brought low by hidden greed. One man seized what God had forbidden, and the camp that had seen a wall collapse could not stand before a small city. This is a severe lesson: the sins men excuse in secret do not remain private. They stain the household, trouble the church, and turn strength into shame. The Lord who gives victory also searches out theft, presumption, and false worship.

So Baruch is told not to seek great things for himself while God is bringing judgment upon the land. This is fitting for every servant of God. Do not grasp at honor, gain, or safety when the Lord calls you to plain obedience. Fix the heart early to praise God, as the psalm says, and let mercy and truth govern your steps. Better to lose what may perish than to clutch forbidden spoil and perish with it.

Today, then, let each man examine his own tent. Cast out what is stolen, confess what is hidden, and ask not for greatness, but for a clean heart, a faithful tongue, and endurance under the mighty hand of God.