đ Joshua and the Battle of Jericho
God's power in giving victory.
âšī¸ Story Information
đ Key Verse
"Joshua 6:20 - When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed."
đ Story Background
The story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho takes place after the death of Moses, when Joshua had been appointed as the new leader of Israel. The Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and were now in the Promised Land, but the first major obstacle they faced was the fortified city of Jericho. Jericho was a well-fortified city with massive walls that seemed impregnable to human military strategy. However, God had a different plan - He would give the city to Israel through faith and obedience, not through conventional warfare. This story demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's promises, following His instructions exactly, and understanding that victory comes from God, not from human strength or strategy. It also shows how God can use unusual methods to accomplish His purposes and how faith and obedience are essential for receiving God's blessings.
đĨ Characters
Joshua
Leader of Israel, military commander, man of faith
The successor to Moses who led Israel into the Promised Land
Faithful, obedient, courageous, leader, trusting
To lead Israel into the Promised Land, obey God's commands
God (Yahweh)
Divine commander and strategist
The God who gave Joshua the battle plan and promised victory
Sovereign, powerful, strategic, promise-keeping
Gives battle plan, promises victory, fights for Israel
The Israelites
God's army, obedient followers
The people of Israel who followed Joshua's leadership
Obedient, faithful, trusting, courageous
To conquer the Promised Land, obey God's commands
The People of Jericho
Enemy, inhabitants of the city
The Canaanite people who lived in Jericho
Fearful, fortified, ultimately defeated
Rahab
Prostitute, believer, survivor
A Canaanite woman who helped the Israelite spies and was spared
Courageous, believing, hospitable, wise
đ Story Plot
Joshua's Leadership
After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of Israel and prepared to lead them into the Promised Land.
Shows the transition of leadership and God's promise to Joshua
The Spies in Jericho
Joshua sent two spies to Jericho, who were hidden by Rahab and learned about the people's fear.
Shows God's preparation and the people's fear of Israel
Crossing the Jordan
Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, showing God's power and presence.
Demonstrates God's power and Israel's faith
The Circumcision at Gilgal
Israel was circumcised at Gilgal, renewing their covenant with God.
Shows the importance of spiritual preparation for battle
The Passover Celebration
Israel celebrated Passover, eating the produce of the land for the first time.
Shows God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises
The Commander of the Lord's Army
Joshua met a man with a drawn sword who identified himself as commander of the Lord's army.
Shows that God Himself was leading the battle
God's Battle Plan
God gave Joshua the unusual battle plan: march around the city for six days, then seven times on the seventh day.
Shows that God's ways are not human ways
Joshua's Instructions
Joshua relayed God's plan to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience.
Shows Joshua's leadership and the people's trust
The First Six Days
For six days, Israel marched around Jericho once each day, with the ark of the covenant leading the way.
Shows the people's obedience and patience
The Seventh Day
On the seventh day, Israel marched around the city seven times, with the priests blowing trumpets.
Shows the climax of God's plan
The Shout and Collapse
At Joshua's command, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed.
Shows God's power and the people's obedience
The Conquest
Israel completely destroyed Jericho, taking only the silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron for the Lord's treasury.
Shows complete victory and obedience to God's commands
Rahab's Salvation
Rahab and her family were spared because of her faith and help to the spies.
Shows God's mercy to those who believe
The Curse on Jericho
Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho.
Shows the permanence of God's judgment
God's Presence with Joshua
The LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.
Shows God's approval and Joshua's success
đĄ Key Lessons
Victory comes from God, not from human strength or strategy
Faith and obedience are essential for receiving God's blessings
God's ways are often different from human ways
Patience and persistence are required in following God's plan
Spiritual preparation is necessary before physical battles
God keeps His promises to those who trust and obey Him
God can use unusual methods to accomplish His purposes
Complete obedience to God's commands brings complete victory
đ Symbolism & Meaning
The Walls of Jericho
The obstacles and strongholds that stand in the way of God's promises
The Seven Days
The complete and perfect work of God
The Trumpets
The proclamation of God's victory and the call to worship
The Ark of the Covenant
God's presence and leadership in the battle
The Shout
The faith and obedience that brings down strongholds
â° Historical Context
Cultural Setting
Around 1406 BC, during the conquest of Canaan
Tribal Israel, city-state Jericho
Religious Practices
Israelite monotheism, Canaanite paganism
Ancient Canaan, fortified city culture
âī¸ Theological Themes
Faith and Obedience
The story shows that victory comes through faith and complete obedience to God
God's Sovereignty
God is the true commander and victor in all battles
Divine Strategy
God's ways are often different from human ways and require trust
Promise Fulfillment
God keeps His promises to those who trust and obey Him
đ Modern Applications
Understanding that victory in life comes from God, not our own strength
Recognizing the importance of faith and obedience in our daily lives
Seeing that God's ways are often different from what we expect
Understanding the need for patience and persistence in following God
Recognizing the importance of spiritual preparation for life's challenges
Understanding that God keeps His promises to those who trust Him
Seeing how God can use unusual methods to accomplish His purposes
Understanding that complete obedience brings complete victory
â Discussion Questions
Personal Reflection
What 'Jerichos' do you face in your life?
When do you find it hardest to trust God's unusual plans?
How do you respond when God asks you to do something that seems strange?
What does this story teach you about patience and obedience?
Group Discussion
How does this story show that victory comes from God?
What can we learn about faith and obedience from this story?
How does this story demonstrate God's sovereignty?
What does this teach us about following God's plans?
Family Discussion
Why did God use such an unusual plan to conquer Jericho?
What does it mean to trust God when His plans seem strange?
How can we help each other be patient and obedient?
What does this story teach us about God's power?
đ A Prayer for Reflection
"Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the story of Cain and Abel, help us to examine our own hearts.
Teach us to bring our best offerings to You with a spirit of worship and gratitude.
Guard our hearts against jealousy and anger, and help us to rule over sin when it crouches at our door.
Remind us that we are indeed our brother's keeper, called to love and care for one another.
Thank You for Your warnings, Your mercy, and Your protection.
In Jesus' name, Amen."
Take a moment to reflect on this story and how it applies to your life today.