After many years, Moses died. And God said to Joshua, "Lead My
people across the Jordan River. Each place you set your foot will
be yours. Just be strong and do not fear. For I am with you
wherever you go."
So Joshua sent two men ahead to spy on a town called Jericho. When
they got there, they stayed with a woman named Rahab. But when
the king of Jericho heard they were spies, Rahab hid them on her
roof. And when it grew dark, she helped them to escape.
"I have heard great things about your God," explained Rahab.
"Please promise me that you will not hurt my family when your
people take Jericho."
God told Joshua exactly what to do in order to take the city of
Jericho. First, Joshua gathered men into an army to march around
the city. Then came seven priests, each one carrying a trumpet
made from a ram's horn. Behind the priests came the ark of the
covenant, and following the ark came more armed guards.
They paraded around the city of Jericho one time each day for six
days. During this time, the priests blew on the trumpets, but
everyone else marched quietly.
On the seventh day, the Israelites paraded around Jericho six
times. All the while, the priests blew their trumpets, but
everyone else remained quiet.
Then on the seventh time around the city, Joshua called out a
signal. Everyone yelled and screamed and shouted - with all their
might!
At the sound of that noise, the walls of Jericho began to crumble
and then they fell, tumbling to the ground. And all who were
inside the city ran in fear. All except for the woman Rahab - the
one who had helped the two spies. She knew she would be safe. And
she was.
The Walls Came Tumbling Down!
The Israelites may have felt foolish marching around the city of Jericho for a week instead of going into battle, but the LORD instructions were clear and the Israelites chose to obey.
We often think that God's instructions don't make sense, but let's follow the Israelites' exampleand take one day at a time as we follow God. Often, we will not see the logic of God's plan until we have completely obeyed his Word.
what to do in order to take the city of
Jericho. First, Joshua gathered men into an army to march around
the city. Then came seven priests, each one carrying a trumpet
made from a ram's horn. Behind the priests came the ark of the
covenant, and following the ark came more armed guards.
