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The book of Joshua follows the Israelites after God rescued them from Egypt, brought them to Mt. Sinai where they received the law, and then during their 40 years in the wilderness.  It documents their entrance into the land God had promised to them and their conquest of many of the lands in Canaan.  The first city they encounter as they exit the wilderness is Jericho, and after they march around the city seven days, they blow the trumpets and the walls fall, and the Israelites conquer the city. 

One of the conditions, however, is that the Israelites destroy everything in the city – the Biblical word is “Herem,” from Leviticus 27:28 – certain things are devoted to destruction, set apart for destruction because they are hostile to worship of God.  If they are not destroyed, the curse will fall on Israel.  It’s like, if you have a drinking problem, you don’t leave alcohol around the house, but you destroy it all, or else it will eventually destroy you.  They were to destroy everything except for a woman named Rahab, who had helped them spy on the city, and her family, and the silver, gold, bronze, and iron, which was to be put in the treasury of the Lord.  Basically, they were not to take anything for themselves, but to destroy everyone and everything except for the silver, gold, bronze, and iron.  They have been promised success, but only if they are faithful to God’s stipulations.  The people themselves swear that whoever disobeys Joshua’s words will be put to death.  God said, “I want to bless you, but only if you are faithful to the stipulations of the covenant”