The Conquest of Jericho is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative of the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. This event marks the beginning of the Israelites' military campaign to claim the land of Canaan, which God had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Background and Preparation

Before the conquest, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, sent two spies from Shittim to scout the city of Jericho. The spies entered the house of Rahab, a prostitute, who hid them from the king of Jericho's men. In exchange for her protection, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family during the impending attack. Rahab's faith and actions are later commended in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25).

Upon their return, the spies reported to Joshua that the inhabitants of the land were terrified of the Israelites, affirming God's promise of victory. The Israelites then crossed the Jordan River, which miraculously parted to allow their passage, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing under Moses.

The Siege and Divine Strategy

The strategy for conquering Jericho was divinely ordained and unconventional. The LORD instructed Joshua to have the armed men march around the city once a day for six days, accompanied by seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and the priests were to blow the trumpets. Joshua 6:4-5 states, "Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead."

The Fall of Jericho

On the seventh day, following God's instructions, the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times. At Joshua's command, the priests blew the trumpets, and the people shouted loudly. The walls of Jericho collapsed, allowing the Israelites to charge straight into the city and capture it. Joshua 6:20 records, "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

The Israelites devoted the city to destruction, as commanded by God, sparing only Rahab and her family. All the silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron were consecrated to the LORD and placed in His treasury.

Significance and Theological Themes

The Conquest of Jericho is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel and His power to deliver His people through miraculous means. The event underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the victory was contingent upon following His specific instructions.

The destruction of Jericho also serves as a judgment against the Canaanite culture, which was characterized by idolatry and immorality. The sparing of Rahab and her family highlights God's mercy and the inclusion of Gentiles who demonstrate faith in Him.

The Conquest of Jericho is a testament to the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His ability to bring about His purposes through His chosen people.